0166. Elihu the Son of Barachel, the Buzite

Elihu the Son of Barachel, the Buzite

"Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu" (Job_32:2).

Elihu being younger, had stood by and listened to the words of Job’s comforters, until he was filled with anger. Finally he broke away from the restraint that his years had put upon him, and spoke.

Elihu gives some striking statements. He does not fathom the depths of the "why" of Job’s sorrows; but he goes far beyond the three false friends.

Just some of the striking sayings of Elihu we can note. These words seem to sum up his contention:

1. Elihu describes how God in the night time, speaks to one who has sinned.

"For God speaketh once,

Yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.

In a dream, in a vision of the night,

When deep sleep faileth upon men,

In slumbering upon the bed:

He openeth the ears of men,

And sealeth their instruction."

2. Elihu describes the purpose of God in these night visions:

"That He may withdraw man from his purpose,

And hide pride from man,

He keepeth back his soul from the pit,

And his life from perishing by the sword."

3. Elihu graphically describes the sickness that God sends:

1. "He is chastened with pain upon his bed."

2. "His life abhorreth bread,

And his soul dainty meat."

3. "His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen;

And his bones that were not seen stick out."

4. "His soul draweth near unto the grave,

And his life to the destroyers."

How striking are the steps above that show the progress of disease.

4. Elihu gives the results, when the sick man accepts the true interpretation of his sickness:

1. "His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s:"

2. "He shall return to the days of his youth:"

3. "He will pray unto God and He will be favorable unto him:"

4. "He shall see his face with joy"

5. "He will render unto man his righteousness."

6. "He will deliver his soul from going to the pit, And his life shall see light."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR