32:1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he [was] righteous in his own eyes.
[1] {So these three} Despite minor differences, Eliphaz, bildad, and Zophar have one view of the problem of Job's afflictions. He is a hypocrite. Outwardly good, he is, they hold, really a bad man. Otherwise, according to their conception of God, Job's sufferings would be unjust. Job, though himself the sufferer, will not so accuse the justice of God, and his self-defence is complete. Before God he is guilty, helpless, and undone, and there is no daysman (9.). later, his faith is rewarded by a revelation of a coming redeemer, and of the resurrection (19.). But Eliphaz, bildad, and Zophar are sinners also as before God, and yet they are not afflicted. Job refutes the theory of the three that he is a secret sinner as against the common moralities, but the real problem, Why are the righteous afflicted? remains. It is solved in the last chapter.
32:2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
[2] {Elihu} Elihu has a far juster and more spiritual conception of the problem than Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar because he has an infinitely higher conception of God. The God of Eliphaz and the others, great though they perceive Him to be in His works, becomes in their thought petty and exacting in His relations with mankind. It is the fatal misconception of all religious externalists and moralizers. Their God is always a small God. Elihu's account of God is noble and true, and it is noteworthy that at the last Jehovah does not class him with Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar (cf) # Job 42:7 but he is still a dogmatist, and his eloquent discourse is marred by self-assertiveness (e.g) # Job 32:8,9 33:3 Jehovah's judgment of Elihu is that he darkened counsel by words # Job 38:2 the very charge that Elihu had brought against Job. # Job 34:35 35:16 furthermore, the discourse of Jehovah is wholly free from the accusations of Job with which even Elihu's lofty discourse abounds.
32:3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and [yet] had condemned Job.
32:4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they [were] elder than he.
32:5 When Elihu saw that [there was] no answer in the mouth of [these] three men, then his wrath was kindled.
32:6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I [am] young, and ye [are] very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
32:7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
32:8 But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
32:9 Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
32:10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
32:11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
32:12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, [there was] none of you that convinced Job, [or] that answered his words:
32:13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
32:14 Now he hath not directed [his] words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
32:15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
32:16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, [and] answered no more;)
32:17 [I said], I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
32:18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
32:19 Behold, my belly [is] as wine [which] hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
32:20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
32:21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
32:22 For I know not to give flattering titles; [in so doing] my maker would soon take me away.
