Bible Question:
My question is, who was Elihu? I recently got into a discussion with someone who claimed Elihu was actually the Holy Spirit speaking to Job. When I expressed my disagreement with this take on Elihu (I believe he was as much in error in his rebuke of Job as Job's other "friends"), it was pointed out that God didn't rebuke Elihu in chapter 42 as he did the others. I did a little study on Elihu and was facinated to find commentaries that ranged from claiming Elihu to be the Holy Spirit, Satan, and just another of Job's so-called friends. So what do y'all think? Who was this guy Elihu? |
Bible Answer: Elihu claimed to be speaking for God. Job 36:2 God gave Elihu six chapters to speak, without a reply from anyone. Elihu spoke in the first person in chapter 32 giving rise by some to the claim that he was the writer of Job. Elihu was of the kindred of Ram. The only Ram mentioned in the Bible is from the tribe of Judah. When Job asked God for someone to plead his case with (Job 13:19), Job requested two things of God. 1. That his dread would not make him afraid. 2. That his hand or rod would be withdrawn. (Job 13:20-21) (Also Job 9:33-34) Now compare this with what Elihu says to Job in Job 33:7. I believe Elihu was the mediator that stood as God's spokesperson, and that what he said came from God. God spoke to Job through Elihu at the bequest of Job. Elihu was young and would not intimidate Job, just as Job requested. |