God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that all men He has made may know His work, He stops every man from his labor. (Job 37:5-7)
Elihu doesn’t always get it right but he certainly does in chapter 37. This is perhaps why Elihu is included in the book. Despite his shortcomings, particularly at the beginning of his speech, he ends up pointing everyone back to God. Elihu’s words in chapter 37 become the introduction to God’s appearance in chapter 38. That in itself teaches me something. I may not always get it right. My words may be mixed with elements of pride, anger, or ignorance. But in the end if I simply point people to God then He is glorified despite my weaknesses and shortcomings.
Elihu does two things in chapter 37 that, I think, put him on the right path.
1. He focuses on the glory of God and worships Him. Something changes in Elihu as he is talking. You see it in 37:1-2. At this my heart pounds and leaps from its place. Listen! Listen to the roar of His voice… It’s as if suddenly Elihu remembers who he is talking about. His words no longer become simply a speech to Job but rather an opportunity to worship God. Joy floods his heart, replacing his anger at Job and his friends with a wondrous awe at God. His focus seems to entirely change. I can’t totally remember but it seems like this is the first time in Job where everyone is encouraged to stop babbling and philosophizing and simply “listen” to God. It takes Elihu awhile to get there but in the end his heart is moved to simply stop, listen, and worship God.
This is where Elihu is different than Job’s friends. As the dialogue progresses Job’s friends seem to get harder and more belligerent in their responses. They’re not changing no matter what. Here is where Elihu’s youth really seems to make a difference. He is still open to change, still receptive to God’s voice, still sensitive to the Spirit’s promptings. God can still mold Elihu. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar are too old, crusty, and set in their ways to change. Lord, deliver me from such an attitude as I get older!
2. He switches from a focus on Job to a focus on all people. Elihu not only starts talking about God in chapter 37 but he also seems to make a subtle change in how he addresses the whole situation. In chapters 32-36, it seems like Elihu is primarily focused on Job and his response to God’s discipline. He seems to use the word “you” a lot. However, in chapter 37, it seems like Elihu’s perspective changes. Now he talks about God’s dealings with “all men” and even uses the 1st person plural in verse 19 (”we”). It may not be a major thing but I think Elihu suddenly realized that “hey, we are all in this together.” We all should stand in awe of God. We all should “stop our labor” and consider who He is. We all should tremble at the power of God and the fragility of human life. A huge change takes place when we stop analyzing and critiquing another person’s life and start recognizing that we all stand accountable and needy before a great and powerful God.
The Almighty is beyound our reach and exalted in power; in His justice and great righteousness, He does not oppress. Therefore, men revere Him, for He does not have regard for any who think they are wise. (Job 37:23-24)
Elihu’s change in heart and perspective has paved the way for God to speak. May my own heart be open to God’s transforming power so that God can speak to me and through me as well.