Job 32:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This vice, characteristic of pride, causes them to lose the very sharpness they had developed against their foes because, in their deliberations about God, they often pursue their own glory rather than His. Thus, when Elioueus spoke many truths, it sometimes appeared as if he were conveying falsehoods.

If we were to exclude Elihu's speeches, the narrative of Job remains uninterrupted and cohesive. Job does not respond to him, and Elihu’s discourse is cut short by God’s appearance and words. The style of Elihu's speeches is notably different from that of Job and the other friends. The overall integrity of the book as a poetic work also suggests that Elihu's contributions are an addition. However, these interpretations stem from a misapprehension of the book of Job purely as a poem. Acknowledging the historical significance of the text allows for simpler and more logical explanations regarding Elihu's seemingly unusual role. Being the youngest of those who spoke to Job, Elihu explains that he refrained from speaking out of respect for the opinions of his elders. Due to his age, he might not have been among Job's closest friends, which would explain his absence before and after among them. It is possible that he was nearby, being one of the closest to Job's household, and might even have been involved in the composition of the book, which would account for his lack of mention in its introductory or concluding portions. The language attributed to Elihu should not be viewed as archaic; it maintains the same intensity and expression as found in the other speeches, alternating between vigorous and animated to somewhat vague and monotonous. Job's lack of response to Elihu's words, along with the interruption by the Lord, is telling; Job had already adequately defended and asserted his innocence. At the same time, Job must have recognized some truth in Elihu's accusation of his audacity in demanding divine judgment. The Lord later levels a similar charge against Job. Elihu's speeches only address Job's boldness without casting doubt on his innocence, unlike the accusations from his friends. Thus, Elihu serves as a mediator between Job and his friends. By chastising Job for his presumption in seeking judgment from God, he quiets Job, while at the same time rebuking the friends for their baseless insinuations, which serves to further affirm the innocence of the one who suffers. Therefore, Elihu's speech is neither redundant nor unsuitable; rather, it is integral to the overall structure and completeness of the book. Having previously remained silent due to his youth, Elihu believed that Job and his friends, being his elders, had greater insight into God's judgments and their meanings. Adhering to the social customs that discouraged younger individuals from speaking in the presence of their elders, he listened attentively. Yet, upon recognizing that Job’s friends could not support their allegations against Job, he grew frustrated with both parties and chose to speak against convention.