Omitting his speeches does not disrupt the flow of the narrative within the Book of Job, and Job does not respond to him. Elihu's speeches are cut short by the divine voice of the Lord. Moreover, the style of Elihu’s speeches differs from that of Job and his companions. The cohesion and internal consistency of the text lead to viewing Elihu's speeches as an addition. However, these interpretations stem from a misunderstanding of the Book of Job as merely poetic. Acknowledging the historical significance of the text provides clearer and more reasonable explanations for the seemingly unusual inclusion of Elihu’s dialogues. Elihu, being the youngest of the speakers, explains that he held his tongue out of respect for the elders. Being junior, he may not have been an intimate friend of Job, which accounts for his absence in previous and subsequent mentions among the friends. It is speculated that as someone close to Job’s household, he was present without interruption and may even have authored the text, hence his omission from introductions. The style of Elihu’s speech cannot be deemed anachronistic; it shares the same stylistic features, including vivid expressions and occasional monotony, present in the other speeches. Regarding Job’s silence during Elihu’s remarks and the divine intervention that follows: Job had already sufficiently declared and demonstrated his innocence. Nevertheless, Job must have partially recognized the validity of Elihu's candor in rebuking him for audaciously seeking judgment from the Most High, a reproach echoed by the Lord Himself. Elihu’s speeches address Job's arrogance while not casting doubt on his innocence as Job’s friends did. Consequently, Elihu steps in as a mediator between Job and his companions, chastising Job for his presumption and simultaneously condemning his friends for their unfounded suspicions, thereby reinforcing the truth of Job's innocence. Thus, Elihu's remarks are not only crucial but enrich the overall narrative and structure of the entire Book. Having remained silent up until then due to his youth, Elihu believed Job’s friends and Job were far more knowledgeable about understanding the workings of God’s judgment. Following the customs of his time, which discouraged younger individuals from speaking in the presence of elders, he listened intently. However, upon realizing that Job’s friends could not substantiate their accusations against Job, Elihu grew frustrated with them and Job, eventually deciding to speak out despite the breach of convention.
THEOSIS