In the profound and agonizing narrative of the Book of Job, after the three elder “comforters” had spent their words and Job had made his final defense, a new voice broke the silence. This was Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite. Emerging from the shadows of the debate, he stands as a unique figure—one who did not join in the condemnation of Job’s character, but who burned with a holy zeal to vindicate the character of God.
The Young Man’s Restraint
Elihu’s introduction is marked by a notable display of biblical order and respect for authority. Despite his burning desire to speak, he waited until his elders—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—had finished. He recognized the principle that “days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom” (Job 32:7, KJV).
However, as the debate reached a stalemate, Elihu realized that age does not always guarantee spiritual discernment. He famously declared:
“But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.” (Job 32:8-9, KJV)
The Source of His Wrath
Elihu’s “wrath” was kindled on two fronts, providing a blueprint for the “Defense of the Truth” that we strive for today:
- Against Job: Because Job “justified himself rather than God” (Job 32:2). Elihu saw that in his suffering, Job had become so focused on his own innocence that he inadvertently questioned God’s justice.
- Against the Three Friends: Because “they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job” (Job 32:3). They lacked the wisdom to solve the mystery of suffering and resorted to false accusations against a righteous man.
A Prophet of God’s Greatness
Elihu’s message (found in Job 32–37) shifted the focus away from human merit and toward the transcendence of God. He was the first to suggest that suffering is not always a punishment for past sin, but can be a preventative discipline—a way for God to “keep back his soul from the pit” (Job 33:18) and to “seal their instruction” (Job 33:16).
He prepared the way for the Lord’s own appearance by describing the majesty of God in the natural world—the thunder, the snow, and the whirlwind. His final words served as a perfect prelude to the theophany:
“Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict. Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.” (Job 37:23-24, KJV)
The Divine Silence
Perhaps the most telling evidence of Elihu’s faithfulness is found in the epilogue of the book. When the Lord finally spoke, He rebuked Eliphaz and his two friends for not speaking of Him “the thing that is right” (Job 42:7). Significantly, Elihu is not rebuked. He is not grouped with the false accusers, nor is he required to offer a sacrifice for his words. He stands as a faithful messenger who spoke by the “spirit in man” to bridge the gap between human confusion and divine revelation.
Summary of the Man
| Attribute | Biblical Detail |
| Lineage | Son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. |
| Character | Patient yet zealous; respectful of age but prioritize truth. |
| Mission | To justify God’s ways and correct Job’s self-righteousness. |
| Key Verse | Job 32:8 |
| Spiritual Legacy | A forerunner and a “daysman” figure who pointed to God’s unsearchable wisdom. |