Job 33
Job 33 is the part where Elihu speaks directly to Job. Here, Elihu emphasizes that he is young and states that his words are based on respectfulness and sincerity. First, he summarizes what Job said and asks questions about Job’s complaints that he has claimed righteousness before God and that he cannot understand his suffering. Then, Elihu emphasizes that God speaks to humans in various ways (through dreams, visions, afflictions, a lion, etc.) and gives them opportunities for repentance and salvation.
1verse“However, Job, please hear my speech, and listen to all my words.
2verseSee now, I have opened my mouth. My tongue has spoken in my mouth.
3verseMy words will utter the uprightness of my heart. That which my lips know they will speak sincerely.
4verseThe Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
5verseIf you can, answer me. Set your words in order before me, and stand up.
6verseBehold, I am toward God even as you are. I am also formed out of the clay.
7verseBehold, my terror will not make you afraid, neither will my pressure be heavy on you.
8verse“Surely you have spoken in my hearing, I have heard the voice of your words, saying,
9verse‘I am clean, without disobedience. I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me.
10verseBehold, he finds occasions against me. He counts me for his enemy.
11verseHe puts my feet in the stocks. He marks all my paths.’
12verse“Behold, I will answer you. In this you are not just, for God is greater than man.
13verseWhy do you strive against him, because he doesn’t give account of any of his matters?
14verseFor God speaks once, yes twice, though man pays no attention.
15verseIn a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumbering on the bed,
16versethen he opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction,
17versethat he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
18verseHe keeps back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.
19verse“He is chastened also with pain on his bed, with continual strife in his bones,
20verseso that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty food.
21verseHis flesh is so consumed away that it can’t be seen. His bones that were not seen stick out.
22verseYes, his soul draws near to the pit, and his life to the destroyers.
23verse“If there is beside him an angel, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man what is right for him,
24versethen God is gracious to him, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom.’
25verseHis flesh will be fresher than a child’s. He returns to the days of his youth.
26verseHe prays to God, and he is favorable to him, so that he sees his face with joy. He restores to man his righteousness.
27verseHe sings before men, and says, ‘I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it didn’t profit me.
28verseHe has redeemed my soul from going into the pit. My life will see the light.’
29verse“Behold, God does all these things, twice, yes three times, with a man,
30verseto bring back his soul from the pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of the living.
31verseMark well, Job, and listen to me. Hold your peace, and I will speak.
32verseIf you have anything to say, answer me. Speak, for I desire to justify you.
33verseIf not, listen to me. Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom.”
Overview of the Main Content
- Elihu’s self-introduction and proposal for discussion (Verses 1-7): Elihu asks Job to not be afraid and to listen well to what he has to say. He points out that everyone is equal in the presence of God and states that his own discussion is inspired by God.
- A summary of Job’s claims (Verses 8-13): Elihu reminds Job again of the part where Job complains that he considers himself righteous and that God remained silent without engaging in debate with him.
- The way God speaks to humans (Verses 14-22): God points out that although He gives instruction to people in various forms, humans often do not understand it well. He emphasizes that He warns humans through channels such as dreams and visions, or through affliction, and so on.
- The mediator and the hope of salvation (Verses 23-30): Elihu says that when one person meets an angel (a mediator), that person will intercede for him, and God may look upon him. Through this, there is a message that he can be freed from suffering and gain a new life.
- Final exhortation (Verses 31-33): Elihu asks Job once more to pay attention to what he is saying, and he expresses the hope that the lessons mentioned earlier will be helpful to Job.
Meditation Points
- Let’s think about what kinds of channels God’s voice amid suffering might reach me through.
- Like Elihu’s attitude, we need to learn how to give advice carefully, with a heart that understands the other person’s pain.
- Believing that God always wants to turn people around in various ways, do you have an attitude of listening attentively to God’s messages in your everyday life?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- In moments of problems and suffering, let’s consider whether I have been staying only with my own understanding, and whether I am listening well to the advice of people around me or to messages from faith.
- Write down how you experience God’s various guidance in your life today.
- Let’s also check whether, in the face of others’ suffering, I have a careful and humble attitude rather than making hasty judgments as an advisor.
