Question 1

Who is Elihu in this passage, and why is he speaking here?

Accepted Answer

Elihu is a younger man who has listened quietly while Job and the three older friends argued about Job’s suffering. In this chapter he turns to the wider group of “wise men” and asks them to weigh his words carefully. He thinks both Job and the friends have missed something. Elihu believes Job is truly suffering, but he also believes Job has spoken wrongly about God’s justice. So he steps in to defend God’s fairness and to call Job to a more humble, teachable attitude toward God’s dealings with him.

Question 2

What does Elihu mean when he says, "Far be it from God that he should do wickedness"?

Accepted Answer

When Elihu says this, he is insisting that God never does wrong and never twists justice. People may not understand why suffering comes, or why the wicked sometimes seem to prosper for a time, but that does not mean God is acting unfairly. Elihu says God pays each person according to their ways, sees everything people do, and does not favor the rich over the poor. So any thought that God is cruel, careless, or unjust in his rule is, in Elihu’s view, completely out of place.

Question 3

Why does Elihu say Job has “spoken without knowledge” and added rebellion to his sin?

Accepted Answer

Elihu believes Job started from a right place, wanting to be honest before God, but then went too far in his complaints. Job kept insisting he was in the right and that God had taken away his justice. Elihu hears this as Job putting himself above God’s wisdom and speaking as if serving God brought no benefit. By holding so tightly to his own view and arguing as if God must answer to him, Job, in Elihu’s eyes, moves from confusion into stubbornness. That is why Elihu calls it adding rebellion to his sin.

Question 4

What does this passage teach about how God sees and judges people?

Accepted Answer

Elihu says God’s eyes are on the ways of every person and that there is no dark place where the wicked can hide. God does not need anyone to report to him or give him power. He can end life with a breath, remove rulers in a moment, and raise up others. He does not favor the rich over the poor because all are the work of his hands. He listens to the cry of the poor and afflicted, and he brings down those who oppress them. All this shows God’s judgment is careful, fair, and fully informed.

Question 5

Why does Elihu connect the cry of the poor with God’s judgment on the wicked?

Accepted Answer

Elihu explains that wicked leaders and powerful people often turn away from God’s ways and hurt others. Their harsh actions make the poor and afflicted cry out. God hears those cries. Because of that, he brings down proud rulers, sometimes suddenly and in public, to show that their behavior is evil. This link between the cry of the poor and God’s response is meant to show that God is not blind to suffering. Even if justice seems slow, God knows what is happening and will act in his time against those who oppress others.

Question 6

What does Elihu think Job should say to God instead of defending himself?

Accepted Answer

Elihu says it is proper to say to God, “I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more. That which I see not teach thou me. If I have done iniquity, I will do no more.” In other words, instead of arguing that God has treated him wrongly, Elihu thinks Job should take a humble posture. He should admit that he may not see all his own sin, ask God to show him what he does not understand, and be ready to turn from any wrong. This, to Elihu, is the right way to respond under God’s hand.

Question 7

How does Elihu argue that God is the right ruler of the world?

Accepted Answer

Elihu asks if someone who hates what is right could really govern. Even human kings expect respect, and people are careful how they speak to them. Elihu says if this is true of earthly rulers, how much more should it be true of God, who gave life and holds all things together. God does not take orders from anyone and does not need advice. He can withdraw his breath and all flesh returns to dust. This shows that God’s rule is based on absolute power joined with perfect justice.

Question 8

How can this passage guide my attitude during suffering or unfair treatment?

Accepted Answer

This passage invites you to be honest about your pain but careful about how you speak of God. Elihu does not deny suffering or pretend it is light, but he warns against speaking as if God were unjust or careless. Instead, he urges a humble response: accept that God may use hardship to correct, teach, or expose things you do not see, ask God to show you what you need to learn, and be willing to turn from any sin. Trust that God sees everything, hears the cry of the afflicted, and will judge rightly in the end.

Job 34:1

Furthermore Elihu answered and said,

Elihu Confirms God’s Justice

Elihu Confirms God’s Justice

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Job 34:1

Furthermore Elihu answered and said,

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Elihu Confirms God’s Justice

Elihu Confirms God’s Justice

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