Bible Commentaries
Job 32

Verse 1

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

Because — So they said: but they could not answer him.

Verse 2

Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

The Buzite — Of the posterity of Buz, Nahor’s son, Genesis 22:21.

Ram — Or, of Aram; for Ram and Aram are used promiscuously; compare2Kings8:28; 2 Chronicles 22:5. His pedigree is thus particularly described, partly for his honour, as being both a wise and good man, and principally to evidence the truth of this history.

He justified — Himself not without reflection upon God, as dealing severely with him, he took more care to maintain his own innocency, than God’s glory. The word Elihu signifies, my God is he. They had all tried in vain to convince Job: but my God is he who both can and will do it.

Verse 3

Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

No answer — To Job’s arguments as to the main cause.

Condemned — As a bad man.

Verse 4

Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

’Till Job — And his three friends.

Verse 6

And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.

Afraid — Of being thought forward and presumptuous.

Verse 8

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

Spirit — The spirit of God.

Giveth — To whom he pleaseth.

Verse 9

Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.

Judgment — What is just and right.

Verse 12

Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

Convinced — By solid and satisfactory answers.

Verse 13

Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

Left — God thus left you to your own weakness, lest you should ascribe the conquering or silencing of Job to your own wisdom.

God — This is alleged by Elihu, in the person of Job’s three friends; the sense is, the judgments which are upon Job, have not been brought upon him by man originally, but by the hand of God, for his gross, though secret sins: but, saith Elihu, this argument doth not satisfy me, and therefore bear with me if I seek for better.

Verse 19

Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

Bottles — Bottles of new wine.

Verse 22

For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

I know not — The more closely we eye the majesty of God as our maker, the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less danger shall we be in of a sinful fearing or flattering of men.