Tyndale Open Study NotesJob 33

hear: Elihu asked the others to hear him, just as Job had also requested (33:1; 34:2, 16; 13:6).

Elihu invited Job to present his case, acting as if he were God or the judge Job had been seeking (9:32–35).

• no fear of me should terrify you: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar had tried to use God's terrors to scare Job (15:21, 24; 22:10; 18:11, 14; 20:25; 6:4; 7:14; 9:34; 13:21; 23:15).

• Elihu promised not to be harsh with Job, but he later violated his promise (34:7–9, 33–37).

Job claimed to be pure and without sin, using various terms (9:21; 10:6–7; 11:4; 13:23–24; 15:14–16; 16:17; 31:1–40).

Job often complained about God's constant surveillance (7:20; 10:14; 13:27). He wanted relief from having every move examined (14:16; 29:2).

Job's main complaint was that God did not answer him (9:16; 19:7; 23:2–7).

In a dream: For examples, see Genesis 15:12; 20:3; 31:24; 40:1–41:36; Daniel 2:1–45; Joel 2:28; Acts 16:9–10.

from perishing by the sword: This phrase can also mean "from crossing over the river of death" (New Living Translation). Both translations make sense in the context (compare 36:12).

messengers of death: Compare: Exodus 12:23; 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Corinthians 10:10.

An angel or messenger from heaven would act as the mediator Job desired (see 5:1; 9:33–34; 16:18–21).

The ultimate ransom is Christ (Matthew 20:28; Romans 3:24–25; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Peter 1:18–19).

he sees God’s face and shouts for joy: Compare Numbers 6:24–26; Psalm 67:1; Acts 2:28; Jude 1:24.

It sounds ironic that Elihu says he would like to vindicate Job. He joined the discussion because Job would not admit he had sinned (32:1–5).