Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryJob 33

Wherefore, Job. The discourse in this chapter is directed to Job. The main purpose of the chapter is to convince Job that he has erred in his views regarding affliction. The friends of Job consider affliction as punishment. Job disagreed; he seemed to consider affliction as merely an expression of divine sovereignty. Elihu feels that neither Job nor his friends have the correct answer. He believes that the true object of affliction is to purify, strengthen, improve, prove, enlighten, develop faith, and save.

Spirit of God. Divine energy created him and animated him (see Gen. 2:7).

Answer. Elihu promises that the controversy between himself and Job will be conducted along fair lines. He promises not to attempt to overwhelm Job with reproaches. He acknowledges Job’s right to answer him and disagree with him.

In God’s stead. Elihu lays claim to no superiority or nobility. He effaces himself as he attempts to build the background of his message.

My terror. Elihu urges Job not to be afraid of him. My hand be heavy. Elihu does not intend to promote the argument by coercion.

Thou hast spoken. Elihu is reminding Job of statements he is alleged to have made. His plan seems to be to convict Job on the basis of his own statements.

I am clean. This is an overstatement. Job had not claimed absolute perfection (see chs. 7:20, 21; 9:28; 13:26; 14:4, 17). It is true that he maintained his innocence of the charges of gross iniquity that his friends brought against him, but he did not go to the extreme of claiming to be free from all sin.

His enemy. See chs. 16:9; 19:11.

In the stocks. See ch. 13:27.

God is greater. In vs. 8–11 Elihu summarizes Job’s argument. Now he challenges Job’s position. His first rebuttal statement is, “God is greater than man.” Might does not constitute right, and it is a poor way of justifying God to urge that He is all-powerful and hence may do what He pleases.

Why dost thou strive? Elihu emphasizes the uselessness of contending with God. God does as He thinks best, and He does not need to explain the reasons for His actions. God is like a father, who may see reasons for his actions that he does not consider wise to disclose to his child.

Once. God has more than one way of speaking to man, but man does not always recognize God’s voice. Job requested an answer from God (chs. 10:2; 13:22; 23:5). Elihu maintains that God is speaking to Job in various ways, which he explains in the verses to follow.

In a dream. See Gen. 20:3–7; 31:11, 24; 41:1–7, 25; Num. 12:6; 1 Kings 3:5; Dan. 2:1, 29; Dan. 4:5–18; Matt. 1:20; 2:13, 19).

Sealeth their instruction. An allowable translation. Some, probably on the basis of the LXX, which here reads, “He scares them with such fearful visions,” change the pointing of the Hebrew to give substantially this thought (see Vol. I, p. 34).

Withdraw man. This verse reveals the purpose of the instructions mentioned in the previous verse. God is endeavoring to turn man aside from wrongdoing and to cure his pride.

Keepeth back. This verse reveals yet further the purpose of divine warnings. By them, God may save a man from ruin.

With pain. Elihu is coming closer and closer to Job’s problem. He expresses his own comprehension of the ministry of pain. He conceives of God as being kind and loving in inflicting pain, not as a punishment but as a discipline. There seems to be a certain progression in Elihu’s discourse. First he mentions dreams, then warnings, then pain. The idea of pain as a mode of discipline was not altogether new. Eliphaz had alluded to it in ch. 5:17. Elihu, however, expanded and developed the idea as Eliphaz had not done. Regarding the discipline of affliction, see Ps. 119:67, 71, 75.

Abhorreth bread. The seriousness of the affliction is here alluded to. Job’s suffering had led him to the place where things that would ordinarily bring pleasure, like dainty food, had lost all their appeal.

Consumed away. This verse continues to describe affliction in terms understood by Job.

Grave. Heb. shachath, the word translated “pit” in v. 18. Job repeatedly expresses his feeling that death is near. Destroyers. Literally, “those who put to death.” Probably a figurative allusion to supernatural beings, commissioned to execute judgment (see 2 Sam. 24:16, 17). Or, the expression may refer to the pains and ailments that seemed to bring life to a close.

Messenger. Heb. mal’ak, “angel,” or “messenger.” This passage (vs. 23, 24) may be considered Messianic. The language is descriptive of His work and is so used (see Ed 115; cf. PP 366). His uprightness. That is, the way he ought to go (see John 16:8).

Ransom. Heb. kopher, from which is derived the verb kaphar, generally rendered “to make atonement.”

Shall be fresher. This text may be considered as a continuation of the words of the “messenger,” begun in v. 24, “Let his flesh become,” etc. (RSV). The chastisement having done its work, the restoration to health follows. The recovered flesh, fresher than a child’s stands in contrast with Job’s affliction (see 2 Kings 5:14).

He shall pray. Elihu is endeavoring to paint an encouraging picture of the results of the discipline of suffering. Communion with God, joy, righteousness, follow the bitter experience of pain and sorrow.

He looketh. Heb. yashor, which some regard as a poetic form of yashir, “he will sing.” but others as from shur, “to look,” “to behold.” The passage would then describe the joy of the restored and forgiven soul. If any say. Preferably, “he will say.”

His soul. Rather, “my soul.” The verse is a continuation of man’s song of praise.

Oftentimes. Literally, “twice and thrice.” Elihu claims that God frequently brings affliction that glorious deliverance may result. His inference is that Job’s afflictions are disciplinary, and that they likewise can work for Job’s benefit.

Hold thy peace. Perhaps Job at this point showed some inclination to break the silence and answer Elihu. Not wishing to be interrupted, Elihu checked Job’s utterance. Then, wishing to be courteous, as well as to present his argument, he made the concession of the next verse.

Justify thee. Elihu seems to have a sincere desire that Job be declared righteous.