Topical Bible: Humility: Elihu

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Elihu, a character in the Book of Job, is a young man who appears in the latter part of the narrative. His role and speeches are found in Job 32-37. Elihu is introduced after Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—have ceased to answer Job, as they find him righteous in his own eyes (Job 32:1). Elihu's discourse is significant for its emphasis on humility, both in his own approach and in his admonitions to Job.

Background and Introduction

Elihu is identified as the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram (Job 32:2). His lineage suggests a connection to the broader patriarchal traditions, as Buz is a nephew of Abraham (Genesis 22:21). Elihu's youth is highlighted in contrast to the older friends of Job, and he initially refrains from speaking out of respect for their age and presumed wisdom (Job 32:4-7).

Elihu's Humility

Elihu's humility is evident in his initial reluctance to speak. He waits patiently for the older men to finish their discourse, demonstrating respect and deference. However, when he perceives that they have failed to provide a satisfactory answer to Job, he feels compelled to speak, driven by a sense of righteous indignation and a desire to defend God's justice (Job 32:8-10).

Elihu acknowledges his youth and inexperience, yet he asserts that true wisdom comes from the Spirit of God, not merely from age or experience: "But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding" (Job 32:8). This statement underscores a key biblical theme: humility before God and reliance on His wisdom rather than human understanding.

Elihu's Message to Job

Elihu's speeches to Job emphasize the importance of humility before God. He challenges Job's self-righteousness and his questioning of God's justice. Elihu argues that God is greater than man and that His ways are beyond human comprehension: "Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks? For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices" (Job 33:13-14).

Elihu also highlights the purpose of suffering as a means of divine instruction and correction. He suggests that God uses trials to humble individuals, turn them from wrongdoing, and bring them closer to Him: "He opens their ears to correction and commands that they turn from iniquity" (Job 36:10).

Elihu's Role in the Narrative

Elihu's role in the Book of Job is unique. Unlike Job's three friends, he is not rebuked by God at the end of the narrative. This has led some scholars to view Elihu as a precursor to God's own speeches, preparing Job to receive divine revelation. Elihu's emphasis on humility and submission to God's will aligns with the broader biblical teaching that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).

In summary, Elihu's contribution to the Book of Job serves as a reminder of the importance of humility before God. His speeches encourage believers to seek wisdom from the Almighty, to accept divine correction, and to trust in God's justice and sovereignty, even amidst suffering and uncertainty.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 32:4-7
Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Sermon xxvii.
... BY ELIHU W. BALDWIN, AM ... On this point, it becomes creatures of yesterday to speak
with profound humility, and especially to beware of contradicting what is ...
/.../leland/the national preacher vol 2 no 7 dec 1827/sermon xxvii.htm

Job --Groping
... know what neither Job, nor Eliphaz, nor Bildad, nor Zophar, nor Elihu knew ... spectacle
as it turned out, of patience, and endurance, and humility, and resignation ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/vii jobgroping.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... feeling, pride of opinion, or self-will; and, when coupled with humility, it will ...
Elihu, although a man of superior knowledge and abilities, did not presume to ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... Adonijah's, who "exalted himself, saying, I will be king" (1 Kings 1:5). Humility
was the ... It is a mark of Elihu's wisdom, in the book of Job, that "he waited ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

The Voice of Job.
... Father, that he should give us to compare ourselves with him, and be buried in humility
and shame ... I would gladly throw out the part of Elihu as an interpolation ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the voice of job.htm

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ...
... not, to be sure, so common now as it was in the days of Elihu, that God ... But then
I must observe, this is a joy attended with the deepest humility, and animates ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse vii of the necessity.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... rule, should not be ashamed to use such things; since Elihu, that had ... contrary to
our consciences: which certainly shows less meekness and humility upon their ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... And it is from this consideration that good Elihu cautioneth Job to take heed,
'Because there is wrath,' saith he, 'beware lest He take thee away with His ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm