AN ANSWER TO PRAYER

          Seemingly out of nowhere, Elihu makes an appearance in the narrative of the book of Job.  Some commentators take the view that he is just another comforter friend, like Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar.  Could it be that Elihu is an answer to Job’s prayer?  In Job 9:32-33, we read of Job’s longing for an umpire - - one who could serve as a peacemaker (NCV); an arbitrator (NEB); or a go-between (TEV).  Job expresses his inadequacy, confessing (God) is not a man as I am that I may answer Him, that we may go to court together.  

This earnest desire is repeated in Job 31:35, Oh that I had one to hear me.  Subsequently (in chapters 32-37) Elihu enters the scene.  

         Our contention is not that Elihu was an angelic messenger.  He was fully man (rooted in humanity/Job 32:2), but Elihu was a man with a heavenly message - - that which Job most needed.  Although he is young he speaks with both compassion and authority.  He is a product of The Spirit, delivering truthful and wise words by means of the breath of the Almighty (Job 33:3-4).  With God-given words, Elihu boldly declares, Pay attention, O Job, listen to me; Keep silent and let me speak…Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom.  Had the God of heaven verbalized Himself immediately after the extended dialogue between Job and his friends, His spoken words may have been too much for Job to bear.  As a gift from God, Elihu bridges the gap between the false charges and empty solutions offered by Job’s three friends and the final discourse (the last word) delivered by God Himself (Job 38-41).  In response to the desire of Job’s good heart (his prayer), Elihu appears as a much-needed mediator.  In the New Testament, James writes, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him (Js.1:5).

          Job is not without sin.  His view of God is distorted and in need of clarification.  Elihu’s anger burns against Job’s three friends

(Job 32:3).  His anger also burns against Job (Job 32:2b).  Elihu delivers strong words to Job.  He pulls no punches.  He comes as one speaking the truth in love (Eph.4:15).  Unlike Job’s reaction to the words of Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, Job offers no argumentation, no retort.  Job’s silent response to Elihu’s words of wisdom blossoms fully after God speaks:  what can I reply to Thee?  I lay my hand on my mouth (Job 40:4).  With the godsend Elihu paving the way, Job will soon find himself on the road to renewal and restoration.  

                                                                                      Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ