Job 36

I find Elihu very interesting indeed. He started his long-winded speech by proclaiming that both Job and his older friends were wrong. In so doing, he presented the promise of a third and new argument to explain Job’s predicament. And, as he began, we saw that Elihu certainly was much more eloquent and forceful than his compatriots. However, after he had talked for some time, it seemed apparent that Elihu didn’t really have much new to add to the conversation. And in today’s chapter, he employs a new tack:

“Elihu continued: ‘Bear with me a little longer and I will show you that there is more to be said in God’s behalf. I get my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe justice to my Maker. Be assured that my words are not false; one who has perfect knowledge is with you.’” (vs 1-4) Wow. One who has perfect knowledge is with you? Gee, nobody could accuse Elihu of being humble, that’s for sure.

What really interested me, however, was how Elihu claims to be speaking in God’s behalf. He says he gets his knowledge “from afar,” implying that he has gotten his perspective directly from God. Therefore, of course, it could not (and should not) be questioned. After all, one who has perfect knowledge is with you!

Yet, Elihu proceeds on from this declaration to simply repeat the failed arguments of Job’s other friends. He lumps Job in with the wicked and claims that things could turn around for him—if only he would repent.

If we can infer that it is Satan who wants to attack Job’s integrity, than we can also assume that Elihu is inspired by that spirit—and isn’t it interesting to note how the method changes over the course of the story? First, Job’s older friends try to convince Job of his wickedness, but they do it by appealing to ancient wisdom, tradition, and common knowledge. But Job wasn’t convinced.

So, along comes Elihu, claiming that he is going to say something new. Instead of saying something new, however, he repackages the old arguments and ties it up with a bow of claimed authority. In other words, Elihu says, “You ought to listen to me because my message came straight from God.” That was the “new” part of his speech.

Hmmm… Does this remind you of any other stories in the Old Testament? Do you remember the story in 1 Kings 13 about the old prophet who lied to the young prophet? He told the young prophet he had a message from God… when he really didn’t. Listening to the old prophet cost the young prophet his life. Thus, the lesson we learned was, be careful who you trust.

Not everyone who says they come with a message from God is actually from God. It’s very easy to claim authority—and that’s why God doesn’t do it. He does not use His personal authority to validate claims. Ultimately, He doesn’t say, “Because I told you so.” Even when He must make a temporary claim, He always follows it up with evidence to verify that what He says is true. Even though He is the most trustworthy and authoritative person in the universe, He welcomes the opportunity to answer our questions with proof. He doesn’t claim authority.