This week we will be introduced to yet another character in Job’s life. Elihu was a younger man – certainly not a contemporary of Job and his other friends. While the other three friends had good things to say initially, they eventually ran out of answers for Job’s many questions and muddied the waters by not “closing the deal” in pointing him back to the right path. Elihu does no such thing. With crystal clarity he firmly identifies the holes in Job’s view of God and challenges him to return to right thinking. Each of us needs a person (or people) in our lives who have permission and gifting to do this for us.
Job 32-37 gives us Elihu’s passionate plea.
Let’s answer some questions that will help us see just why each of us needs an Elihu:
1. What is right about Elihu’s anger that leads him to speak out (32:2-5)?
2. What of Elihu’s words to Job’s other friends reflect the wisdom beyond his years (32:6-22)?
3. What about Elihu’s opening words to Job shows that he was being fair minded (33:1-12)?
4. The rest of the chapter (33:12-33) is tough to hear… why?
5. Though the words of chapter 34 may seem too direct, what parts of them ring true?
6. In other words, re: #5… by continuing to claim innocence, in what way does this implicate Job as arrogant?
7. From 35:1-36:21 Elihu discusses his (theology) view of God’s justice. How does it differ from Job’s?
8. From 36:22-37:24 Elihu discusses his (theology) view of God’s power. How does it differ from Job’s?
9. So in the end, what is it about Elihu that makes him the kind of person we all need one of?
10. Anyone brave enough to give an example where a friend his been this kind of truth-teller to you?
For some extra insights follow the link to this commentary… Job 32-37.
re:THINK 