Some scholars believe that all of Elihu’s speech represents an insertion by a later editor of the Book of Job. On the other hand, many conservative scholars say there is both internal and external evidence, which supports the understanding that Elihu’s arguments fit very well into the context of the book’s theme. Some even conclude that at this point Elihu hints at being the author of the Book of Job. Not that he made it all up and was solely responsible for its content, but, rather, he is the historian, so to speak, who recorded the actual debate between Job and the friends. Accounting for Elihu’s speech by making it a confession of one of the friends, who suddenly changed his mind, simply wouldn’t fit well, nor would forcing it to fit into what the Lord says immediately afterward, because Elihu admits to fears about being wrong and fears of intruding into a discussion, wherein its participants would consider him unfit. Rather, Elihu’s words are his own and fit into the context of the discussion, if one simply permits his sudden arrival to take place as the text concludes.
Moreover, at this point the context suggests the presence of others with Job and the friends, perhaps disciples of Job and/or of the friends, or perhaps it became known that certain wise men had visited Job and curious local students of truth came to witness what would take place. Nevertheless, however one might account for Elihu’s sudden presence with Job and the friends and his later immediate and obscure departure is a matter of personal choice. In any case, I accept the text as it is written, and it claims that the friends “were amazed and answered no more. They left off their speaking” (Job 32:15). Not only so, but Elihu says he “waited,” because “they stood still and answered no more (Job 32:16). In other words, no one adjourned the meeting. Instead, the text offers a pause, implying an allowance given to witnesses who looked on: ‘Would anyone care to add to the what has been said, before we adjourn?’ Thus, Elihu is given permission to speak (Job 32:17).
We are told that Elihu was full of the matter and that his belly was as wine that had no vent, ready to burst, as though it were in new bottles (Job 32:18-19). The language is very picturesque indicating that Elihu feels he must speak. He simply cannot hold back any longer. He simply **must** interject his own opinion on these matters. Scripture also describes this feeling elsewhere: “My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned. Then, I spoke…” (Psalm 39:3), and “Sometimes I think, ‘I will make no mention of his message. I will not speak as his messenger anymore.’ But then his message becomes like a fire locked up inside of me, burning in my heart and soul. I grow weary of trying to hold it in; I cannot contain it” (Jeremiah 20:9). Once the discussion ended and the participants paused to allow others to speak, Elihu says he simply couldn’t contain himself. He had to make his voice heard (Job 32:20).
Elihu confesses that his youth makes him unsophisticated, and he had not yet learned how not to be offensive to men of high rank. Indeed, if he did show partiality or used flattering words, the Lord wouldn’t help him add anything meaningful to the discussion that had taken place (Job 32:21-22; cp. Psalm 12:3). It is incumbent upon the servant of the Lord that one doesn’t stand in awe of other men. God’s servant, if, indeed, he is to be his servant at all, must yield to the Spirit within, fearing only the Lord and giving place to him to correct other men who have erred in their speech or behavior (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10).
Indeed, it appears that Elihu is very wise and his intentions seem to be saying he is taking the high road, so to speak, as he introduces himself into the debate. However, one may also read his words from a perspective of youthful impatience. So, which is it? Is Elihu a wise participant, or is he a fool who offers some good points, meaning he is intelligent and knowledgeable, but, at the end of the day, he hasn’t the experience in life to correctly apply what he says he knows? How he uses his knowledge and understanding to correct Job in what immediately follows, suggests the latter!
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