The Father Whose Name Proclaims God’s Blessing
The name Barakel appears only once in the entire Bible, identifying the father of Elihu, the youngest and wisest of the four men who debated with Job. Though Barakel himself never speaks, his name, which means “God has blessed” or “God blesses,” serves as a silent testimony to the divine providence and spiritual heritage of his son.
The Wise Intercessor
The Book of Job is a profound, poetic inquiry into the problem of suffering, featuring three friends who wrongly accuse Job, and then Elihu, who brings a fresh, Spirit-filled perspective that helps prepare Job for his encounter with God Himself.
Elihu is introduced with a meticulous four-part lineage, emphasizing his identity and heritage:
Job 32:2 (KJV): “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.”
(Note: The KJV spells his name Barachel here, a common variant of Barakel).
This detailed introduction of Barakel’s son, Elihu, serves to authenticate his authority. The lineage signifies:
- Son of Barakel: His father’s name proclaims a heritage of divine blessing.
- The Buzite: He was from Buz, a people descended from Nahor, Abraham’s brother (Genesis 22:20-21, KJV). This means Elihu was not an Israelite, but a faithful descendant of Abraham’s extended family, demonstrating that God’s truth was known beyond the strict confines of the covenant nation.
- Of the Kindred of Ram: This may tie him to a prominent clan or tribe, giving him tribal authority.
Barakel’s son Elihu is notable because he speaks not from tradition or self-righteous judgment (like the three friends), but from a direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Job 32:8 (KJV): “But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”
The Significance of a Blessed Lineage
Barakel’s one-time mention is a subtle but powerful Defence of the Truth concerning spiritual inheritance. Just as the name of his son, Elihu, means “My God is He,” Barakel’s name, “God has blessed,” underscores the truth that profound spiritual insight often flows from a lineage where the blessing of God is recognized and honored.
His legacy is not in his own words, but in the wisdom of his son. Barakel’s faithful acknowledgment of God’s blessing was evidently passed down to Elihu, making him a channel for genuine, correcting truth that paved the way for Job’s restoration.
The Defence of Heritage
The story of Barakel and Elihu reminds us that those committed to the “Defence of the Truth” are part of a spiritual heritage. Our lives are often measured not by our own fame, but by the blessing and truth we successfully pass on to the next generation.
We are called to live a life, like Barakel, that testifies through our conduct and our children’s faith that God has blessed. This spiritual legacy prepares those who follow to recognize the “inspiration of the Almighty,” a vital understanding for all who await the glorious appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ.