It is in the book of Job that we learn of a man named Elihu.  We read in Job 32:1-4, “So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 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. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.”

From these few verses we learn that Elihu was a friend/acquaintance of Job.  He was younger than Job and his other three friends.  As these men tried to understand the harsh trials that had come upon Job, they all missed the mark.  Job sought to justify himself, “because he was righteous in his own eyes.”  Job’s friends had no idea of the cause of Job’s trials, “yet had condemned Job.”  Elihu waited until Job and his friends had ceased their talking and “his wrath kindled”.  Literally, he became angry at them.

In chapters 32-37, Elihu admonished Job and his three friends.  Rather than seek to justify Job, Elihu was intent on justifying God.  He proclaimed in Job 34:12, “Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.”  Whatever it is that the Lord does, it is the right thing to do.  God will not do anything evil, neither will he pervert justice. As Moses would later say in his day, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25)

Now, let us read Job 34:14-15 which says, “If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.” 

May we all understand (as Elihu exhorted Job) that we have no claim to life, but the Lord, who gave it, has a right to withdraw it.  Our very existence is absolutely dependent upon the Lord’s infinite love and sovereign grace.  GOD OWES US NOTHING!  Jeremiah proclaimed in Lamentations 3:22, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”  It is the steadfast love and mercy of the Lord that allows us to exist.  Every day is a precious gift from the Lord.

In Job 37:14, Elihu encouraged Job to, “Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.”  May we also listen to the words of Elihu and consider the love, mercy, power, and all the wondrous works of God.  What a wondrous God He is!  “For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.” (Psalm 86:10).  (375.2)