In
the first seven verses Elihu who addressed Job by name gave reasons why he
should listen to him. He promised to speak candidly and sincerely and claimed
that he had insight from the Spirit of God. Elihu wanted to engage Job in a
dialogue and would not be condescending. Neither would he take advantage of his
weakened condition. Unlike his three friends, he wanted to speak to Job before
God as equal and not as more superior to him. Hence, there should be no reason
for Job to feel pressured.
In
the next four verses, Elihu summarised Job’s earlier insistence of his
innocence. And that in spite of his blamelessness God came against him and
reckoned him as an enemy to be impeded. Job felt that God had come against him.
Elihu felt that the greatness of God over man made Job’s contention absurd. In
his presentation, Elihu reminded Job that God has many ways of communicating
with men. He speaks through dreams and vision, and would also speak through
messengers who were sent to comfort the afflicted. His point was this: if Job
would listen and take to heart what God had already made known, he would be
restored
The
honesty and sincerity of Elihu is worth emulating. He tried to be measured and balanced
in his approach, keeping an ear opened to God and the other to Job. He sought
to be upright in whatever he was saying, seeking to be clear, concise and
comprehensive. Like Elihu, in helping others, we should seek to make our speech
honest, sincere, nothing self-exalting but always pleasing God and not
men.
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