Study Desk

But Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became indignant. His indignation was kindled and burned and he became upset with Job because he justified himself rather than God [and even expressed doubts about God's character].

Elihu's anger burned against Job's three friends because they had found no answer [and were unable to determine Job's error], and yet they had condemned Job and declared him to be in the wrong [and responsible for his own afflictions].

Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were years older than he.

"And shall I wait, because they say nothing, But stand still and say no more?

Because they turned aside from following Him And would not consider or show regard for any of His ways,

"Shall God's retribution [for your sins] be on your terms, because you refuse to accept it? For you must do the choosing, and not I; Therefore say what you [truthfully] know.

'Job ought to be tried to the limit Because he answers like wicked men!

"Because of the multitudes of oppressions the people cry out; They cry for help because of the [violent] arm of the mighty.

"The people cry out, but He does not answer Because of the pride of evil men.

"And now, because He has not [quickly] punished in His anger, Nor has He acknowledged transgression and arrogance well [and seems unaware of the wrong of which a person is guilty],

"Tell us [Job] what words [of man] shall we say to such a Being; We cannot state our case because of darkness [that is, our ignorance in the presence of the unsearchable God].

"You [must] know, since you were born then, And because you are so extremely old!

When the dust hardens into a mass And the clods stick together [because of the heat]?

"Will you trust him because his strength is great And leave your labor to him?

"She treats her young cruelly, as if they were not hers; Though her labor is in vain because she is unconcerned [for the safety of her brood],

"When he raises himself up, the mighty are afraid; Because of the crashing they are bewildered.

"Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will pray for you. For I will accept him [and his prayer] so that I may not deal with you according to your folly, because you have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as My servant Job has."

O LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight (direct, right) before me.

Hold them guilty, O God; Let them fall by their own designs and councils! Cast them out because of the abundance of their transgressions, For they are mutinous and have rebelled against You.

But let all who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice, Let them ever sing for joy; Because You cover and shelter them, Let those who love Your name be joyful and exult in You.