And the way that the KJV translates the first part of that verse, it sounds like Elihu is saying that Job wants to speak to a man like him rather than to God. And that’s really the gist of what he says for the first seven verses of this chapter. Job complained of his diseases, and judged by them that God was angry with him; his friends did so too: but Elihu shows that God often afflicts the body for good to the soul. That’s what Elihu claimed. 2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. And when it comes down to it, God doesn’t even explain why he does what he does. Learn how your comment data is processed. 4 The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life. and his bones that were not seen [stick out/are easily visible]. I [also/too] [am/have been] [formed out of/molded from] the clay. Amplified® Darby K.J.V. [hearken unto/listen to] me: [hold thy peace/keep silent/be silent], My words come from a virtuous heart; my lips speak knowledge clearly. I believe God is assuring me that he is merciful, that his arm is not too short to save. 11 He putteth my feet in [the stocks/shackles], All that truly repent of their sins, shall find mercy with God. And because of God’s unwillingness to explain his ways, mankind really can’t predict or even understand why he does what he does. And I’ll admit that what he’s saying is quite obscure and confusing. when deep sleep falleth upon men, It just said, (my sons name) , read Job 33 Vs 12-30 NIV. Perhaps Elihu pictures himself as just such a messenger. Job 33:10 Context. Jesus Christ is the Messenger and the Ransom, so Elihu calls him, as Job had called him his Redeemer, for he is both the Purchaser and the Price, the Priest and the sacrifice. And Job should listen, because Elihu promises that both the source and the content of his speech are pure and good. And I think I don’t have any objections to that at this point. “I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman? He says that God’s ways are beyond us. And therefore…, 13 Why dost thou [strive/complain/contend] against him? If we would rightly convince men, it must be by reason, not by terror; by fair argument, not by a heavy hand. In fact, God will be so gracious as to send people instructive dreams to turn them from pride. My son suffered with depression and addiction. That which turns men from sin, saves them from hell. and [the multitude of his bones with strong pain/with unceasing complaint in his bones/with continual strife of his bones]: And here’s the result of God sending such pain to people from time to time. 5 [If thou canst/If you can] [[Symbol] [Symbol]] [answer/refute/reply to] me, God is not accountable to us. Pain is the fruit of sin; yet, by the grace of God, the pain of the body is often made a means of good to the soul. Or if he can’t, then to just keep listening. God – as it were – finds a ransom for that man – one that would be in the place of that man. 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. This thought will be of great use for our getting good from sickness, in and by which God speaks to men. 2 Now, I open my mouth; My tongue speaks in my mouth. Or this is Elihu stating that God will be gracious and merciful – like he was with the sick man – to anyone who will confess his sin to God. What happens when you gather wealth by labor according to Proverbs 13 11? He claims that God gives messages to people in the night – maybe even when they’re sleeping – in and by means of their dreams. [’]. To begin, Elihu reminds Job of God’s greatness. Job demands his "rights," as though he somehow deserves them. [set thy words/Array yourselves/Set your arguments] in order before me, [stand up/take your stand]. I am [innocent/clean]; neither is there [iniquity/guilt] in me [i.e., and I have no guilt…]. 30 To [bring/turn] back his [soul/life] from the [pit/place of corruption], And what Elihu anticipates and describes in the next verse is a really a growing closeness and delight between that man and his God. Job 33:1-6 King James Version (KJV) 33 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. Amplified® Darby K.J.V. Recovery from sickness is a mercy indeed, when it proceeds from the remission of sin. Job 33:5 (King James Version) A.F.V A.S.V. N.A.S.B. Verses 1-7 Job had desired a judge to decide his appeal. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. Notice that I am opening my mouth; my tongue is speaking in my mouth. And the message of this angel or this messenger is regarding what’s right for this sick man – perhaps he’s saying that the messenger will show to the sick man God’s uprightness and justice in bringing this sickness to this person. And I think that Elihu is implying that since the God who gives wisdom made him, then Job ought also to listen to the wisdom that God has given him. And then Elihu continues to surmise what God either says about this man or what he does to him. [neither/nor] [shall/should] my [hand/pressure] [be/weigh] heavy upon thee. Job 33:7 (King James Version) A.F.V A.S.V. So, in a way – at least according to Elihu – Elihu’s presence and words should be welcomed by Job – because the alternative would be for God to come and bring the pressure to bear upon Job. 33 1 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, I am about ready to part my lips; even now, my tongue begins to stir within my mouth. And it’s not even confession of sin that causes God to turn and heal that man, as Elihu talked about it. Job 33:14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not. 22 [Yea,/Then] [his soul/he] draweth near [unto the grave/to the pit/to the place of corruption], The breath of the Almighty gives understanding. God is … Elihu Reproves Job. and his life to [the destroyers/those who bring death/to the messengers of death]. Take it a step further – God is not going to be mistaken in what he does – like a human might be. Well, in our problems it’s helpful to remember that God is greater than us. Study the bible online using commentary on Job 33 and more! When we hear any thing said to God's dishonour, we ought to bear our testimony against it. 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. So, let’s turn our attention to Job, chapter 33. And then God executes punishment based on those made-up accusations. And so, I think the alternative translation is preferable – because it’s possible grammatically – and makes a lot more sense in the context. 15 In a dream, So, Elihu desires to justify Job. I found him the next morning. Then, Elihu requests that Job take notice that he’s speaking to him. KJV Job 33:1 [Wherefore/However now/But now], Job, [I pray thee, hear/please hear/listen to] my [speeches/speech/words], Job 33 Commentary : People say things about God and other people that just aren’t right. Young's Compare all. But on the other hand, God does understand our ways. But Elihu is not necessarily tying sin to any of this. And ultimately, God is trying to spare Job’s life by doing this – even though that’s not at all how Job has been interpreting it. And he’s going to list them out in verses 8-12. and [I will/let me] speak. Job 33:15 "In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;" This he mentions as one usual way of God’s revealing his mind and will to men in those days, before God’s word was committed to writing (Gen. 20:6; 41:1; 41:28). Elihu has just mentioned two realities in Job’s life – the fact that Job has had dreams and the fact that Job is so sick that he thinks the sickness might result in his death. (29-33)1-7 Job had desired a judge to decide his appeal. Young's Compare all. And so, Elihu is saying here in this verse that God made – God, who alone gives wisdom – created Elihu. Job 33:16-17. Elihu urges that he had spoken wrong, and that he ought to humble himself before God, and by repentance to unsay it. Your email address will not be published. 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. Elihu urges that he had spoken wrong, and that he ought to humble himself before God, and by repentance to unsay it. 9 I am [clean/pure,] without transgression, 4 “The (C)Spirit of God has made me, So, Elihu is saying that both of these men – Job and Elihu – are in the same position – of being creatures before God. NASB E-Prime R.S.V. But then Elihu talks about the response of that man to his fellow man. Elihu was one according to his wish, a man like himself. 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. If you are able, answer me; lay out your case before me and take a stand. Elihu was one according to his wish, a man like himself. for I [desire/want] to justify thee. So, that’s how Elihu ends these first 7 verses of this chapter – in brief, he wants Job to listen to him. And because Elihu is on the same level as Job – Job shouldn’t be afraid of him. And even though this might be sounding like Elihu feels superior to Job, Elihu is now going to remind Job that they are on the same level. No – it’s just God choosing to be gracious. For the ear tests words As the palate tastes food. Job … 1 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. [NET]. Forerunner Commentary Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown John Wesley's Notes Matthew Henry People's Commentary (NT) Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) Scofield: Definitions: Interlinear: Library: Topical Studies: X-References: Commentaries: Forerunner Commentary What is the Forerunner Commentary? And what’s interesting is that Job in chapter 7, verse 14 says that God did this to him – that God “scares me with dreams and terrifies me through visions.” And of course, Job didn’t like that. Elihu blames Job for reflecting upon God. Job 33, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. And then Elihu challenges Job to respond to his words, if Job is able. (8-13) God calls men to repentance. ; 19:6ff. A ransom or propitiation is found. 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. … For what is the allotment of God from above, And the inheritance of the Almighty from on high? 20 So that his life [abhorreth/loathes] [bread/food], 27 He [looketh/will sing/sings/confesses] [upon/to] [men/others], [and if any say/and say/saying], Book Notes Barnes' Book Notes Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Book Notes Robertson's Book Notes (NT) Commentaries Adam Clarke Barnes' Notes Forerunner Commentary Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown John Wesley's Notes Matthew Henry People's Commentary (NT) … God warns them – and sometimes that warning is terrifying. [‘] [Deliver/Spare] him from going down to the [pit/place of corruption]: 8 [Surely/Indeed] thou hast [spoken/said] in mine hearing, Have you ever had pain that was so bad that you didn’t want to eat? 33 “However now, Job, please (A)hear my speech, And listen to all my words. If we would rightly convince men, it must be by reason, not by terror; by fair argument, not by a heavy hand. Amplified® Darby K.J.V. And the sickness could possibly have something to do with sin – since the man, once he’s healed, is going to confess to others that he sinned. God brings such a painful disease to this man that his skin wastes away and his bones can be seen and he’s about to die. And when we hear people saying those kinds of things, we’re often compelled to speak in defense of God or those other people. The Spirit of God hath made me, &c. — First of all, consider that I am thy fellow-creature, made by God’s Spirit, (Genesis 1:2,) and quickened by a soul of the same nature with that which God at first breathed into the body of man, and I am ready to discourse … Elihu offers to reason with Job. Elihu further answered and said: “Hear my words, you wise men; Give ear to me, you who have knowledge. Book Notes Barnes' Book Notes Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Book Notes Robertson's Book Notes (NT) Commentaries Adam Clarke Barnes' Notes Forerunner Commentary Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown John Wesley's Notes Matthew Henry People's Commentary (NT) … Instead, Elihu said that it’s the Spirit of God that gives wisdom. 2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. What a mercy it is to be under the restraints of an awakened conscience! [for/that] he [giveth not account of/does not answer] [any/all] of [his matters/his doings/a person’s words] [./?]. My words emerge from a heart of integrity; my lips express their knowledge with sincerity. So, Elihu correctly states that we can’t understand God’s ways. Well, then Elihu pictures the situation taking a turn for the better. OK, so the guy is about to die. 17 That he may [withdraw/turn] [man/a person] from his [purpose/conduct/sin], 14 [For/Indeed] God speaketh [once/the first time in one way], Job 33:28 Context. External Opposition to God’s Work and the Response of God’s People in Nehemiah 2. and the breath of the Almighty [hath given/gives] me life. I don’t know if, or how long he was conscious on the floor. This thought will be of great use for our getting good from sickness, in and by which God speaks to men. What approach to making money will increase it according to Proverbs 13 11. But the opposite is not the case – that is, our ways are not beyond God. he [counteth/regards] me [for/as] his enemy, And Job has said things similar to what we just read – in Job 10:13ff. [answer/reply to] me: speak, Gods word does not return void. he [marketh/watches/watches closely] all my paths. N.A.S.B. Job 33 King James Version (KJV) 33 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. Your email address will not be published. A few days ago, looking at my emails a screen popped up with one sent message addressed to my son, from me, on 9/10/16. 21 His flesh [is consumed away, that it cannot be seen/wastes away from sight]; Elihu: So now, Job, listen closely to my words; lend an ear to my speeches. Well, if this were to ever happen to a person, then Elihu says that this would be a real sign of God’s grace. and his soul [i.e., rejects…] [dainty meat/favorite food/appetizing fare]. 33:19-28 Job complained of his diseases, and judged by them that God was angry with him; his friends did so too: but Elihu shows that God often afflicts the body for good to the soul. 23 If there [be/is] [a messenger/an angel] [with/for/beside] him, 12 [Behold/Now], in this thou art not [just/right]: [I will answer thee/let me tell you/I answer you], And that sickness will look like it’s going to kill them. 26 [i.e., Then…] He [shall pray unto/will pray to/entreats] God, 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. Pain is the fruit of sin; yet, by the grace of God, the pain of the body is often made a means of good to the soul. The end and design of these admonitions are to keep men from sin, particularly the sin of pride. and [hide pride from man/keep man from pride/to cover a person’s pride]. And when we hear people saying those kinds of things, we’re often compelled to speak in defense of God or those other people. (19-28) Elihu entreats Job's attention. It’s good that God was sending him these frightening dreams. And that’s the position that the biblical character Elihu finds himself in in the 33rd chapter of the book of Job. 2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. The greater your age does not necessarily indicate that your wisdom will be greater than those younger than you. NASB E-Prime R.S.V. The three friends thought that the only explanation for these things is Job’s secret sin. This thy complaining language cannot be excused. 8 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, 9 I am … to [shew unto/remind/tell] [man/a man/a person] [his uprightness/what is right for him/what constitutes his uprightness]: So, Elihu is envisioning the possibility that an angelic messenger comes to this sick person. 19 [He is chastened also/Man is also chastened/Or a person is chastened] [with/by] pain [upon/on] his bed, When afflictions have done their work, they shall be removed. But of course, we’ll see later on that apparently both Elihu and God are needful for Job to hear from. First, in verse 9 Elihu says that Job has claimed total innocence. But God is inventing pretexts by which he can punish Job. and his [i.e., very…] life from [perishing by/passing over into/crossing over into] [the sword/Sheol/the river]. N.A.S.B. Read Job 33 commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). So, Elihu is not assuming to understand all the reasons for why Job is sick and suffering. And Job has indeed said things like that – in Job 9:21; 10:7; 23:7; 27:4; ch. God can send dreams to warn people – especially in the Old Testament he did that on numerous occasions. NASB E-Prime R.S.V. and [sealeth their instruction/terrifies them with warnings]. God’s Spirit has fashioned me and the breath of the Highest One imparts life to me. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Is there not good reason why we should make such a confession? Elihu shows that God's great and gracious design toward the children of men, is, to save them from being for ever miserable, and to bring them to be for ever happy. We must confess the fault of sin; I have perverted that which was right. And so, that’s Elihu’s point in verses 15-18 – that God can warn people in dreams and redirect them from ways that are harmful to them. Behold, in this — Hebrew, הן זאת, hen zoth, Behold this; that is, attend to this; mark what I say to thee; thou art not just — Or justified. If we would rightly convince men, it must be by reason, not by terror; by fair argument, not by a heavy hand. Job 33:3 Context. Elihu entreats Job's attention. 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. Well, Elihu says that God sometimes sends that kind of pain to people. God is making-up accusations against Job. [an interpreter/as a mediator/one mediator], one [among/out of] a thousand, 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. And this angel is a mediator – a mediator between this sick person and God. Because God is trying to keep Job from pride. God also sends pain. 33 “But please, Job, hear my speech, And listen to all my words. And that’s the position that the biblical character Elihu finds himself in … and my lips [shall utter/speak/will utter] knowledge [clearly/sincerely]. Neither is superior to the other. 33 If not, [hearken/listen/you listen] unto me: 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. my tongue [which…] [hath spoken/speaks/has spoken] in my mouth. Job 33:12. While sinners are pursuing evil purposes, and indulging their pride, their souls are hastening to destruction. (1-7) Elihu blames Job for reflecting upon God. … And then Elihu tells Job that the God who alone gives wisdom created him. His larger context was to … [in slumberings/while they slumber/as they sleep] [upon the bed/in their beds]; 16 Then he [openeth the ears of men/gives a revelation to people], (Christ is the ransom). He acts with perfect justice, wisdom, and goodness, where we cannot perceive it. And the formerly sick man continues to speak – or perhaps Elihu continues to speak of that man. But God on the other hand – according to Job – is making up false reasons to punish him. 28 He [will deliver/has redeemed/redeemed] [his soul/my soul/my life] from [going/going down] [into the pit/to the place of corruption], Job had represented God as severe in marking what he did amiss. 2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. For God speaketh once, yea twice] He loveth to foresignify; and although not bound to it, yet he usually gives warning; as "not willing that any should perish, … Job 33 King James Version (KJV) 33 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. 3 My words [shall be of/are from/come from] the uprightness of my heart: Job 33:19 Context. But what is the purpose of God sending these instructive dreams to people? © 2021 Christianity.com. And so, Job is innocent. So, Elihu summarizes what Job has said: Job is innocent of any sin. Forerunner Commentary Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown John Wesley's Notes Matthew Henry People's Commentary (NT) Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) Scofield: Definitions: Interlinear: Library: Topical Studies: X-References: Commentaries: Forerunner Commentary What is the Forerunner Commentary? So, Elihu is saying that God – whose ways men don’t understand – knows man’s ways and will sometimes send instructive dreams to men to turn them from their pride. Job 33:8 : Job 33:10 >> Job 33:8-14. [yea twice/or twice/the second time in another], [yet man/yet no one/though a person] [perceiveth it not/notices it]. 3 My words come from my upright heart; My lips utter pure knowledge. By whatever means we are kept back from the we shall bless the Lord for them at least, and should bless him for them though they be painful and distressing. God is not going to be needlessly cruel – like humans can be. He died of an overdose. But of course, that’s not what Job has been saying at all. Job demands his "rights," as though he somehow deserves them. [to/that he may] be enlightened with the light of [the living/life]. Book Notes Barnes' Book Notes Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Book Notes Robertson's Book Notes (NT) Commentaries Adam Clarke Barnes' Notes Forerunner Commentary Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown John Wesley's Notes Matthew Henry People's Commentary (NT) … 31 [Mark well/Pay attention], O Job, Elihu’s appeal to be heard - But now, listen to me, Job; pay attention to all my words. 2 [Behold/See], now I [have opened/open] my mouth, This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. And actually, as God sends these warnings to people, he does so in order to spare their life. Then he openeth the ears of men — When their minds are free from the business and cares of the day, he secretly whispers instruction upon their ears, and imprints it upon their minds, and that in such a manner that they do not let it slip, (as men usually do most things which they hear, either from God or men,) but retain and hold it fast, being fully assured of the truth and importance of it. 5 If you can answer me, Set your words in order before me; Take your stand. There was not then, that we know of, any Divine revelation in writing, though now it is our principal guide. Well, now that Elihu has established that Job should welcome him and listen to what he has to say, Elihu is going to take issue with a few things that Job has said throughout this book. It was not an enjoyable experience for him. and [perverted/falsified] that which was right, [NET]. 3 “My words are fromthe uprightness of my heart, And my lips speak (B)knowledge sincerely. We enter this chapter with Elihu requesting that Job listen to him. Chapter 33. But Elihu takes issue with what Job has said. The works of darkness are unfruitful works; all the gains of sin will come far short of the damage. God speaks to us by conscience, by providences, and by ministers; of all these Elihu discourses. So high was the value of souls, that nothing less would redeem them; and so great the hurt done by sin, that nothing less would atone for it, than the blood of the Son of God, who gave his life a ransom for many. I immediately looked the passage up. And he does this in an if-then format. and I have heard the [voice/sound] of thy words, saying. (14-18) God sends afflictions for good. 2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. [and/but] [it profited me not/it is not proper for me/I was not punished according to what I deserve]; And so, either Elihu is speaking of the sick man’s speaking to his friends and confessing that he sinned against God and that’s why he was sick. Job 33:4-5. And finally, Elihu challenges Job to answer if he can. And Elihu shows a commendable ability to be restrained in his explanation and not pretend to know more than he really knows. 6 [Behold/Look], I am [according to thy wish/just like you] in [God's stead/relation to God]: My son died on 9/21. Elihu declares that we don’t understand God’s ways, which is right. 32 [i.e., Then…] If thou hast any [thing to say/words], I do not recall sending it nor can I imagine why I would choose this particular passage to send him. But Elihu is trying to tell Job that that was a good thing for him. So, if God extends grace to a sick and dying man in the form of some sort of unique messenger who reminds him of what is right, then it’s not too much for God to then continue to be gracious to that man and deliver him from death. 18 He [keepeth back his soul/spares a person’s life] from [the pit/corruption], Let us choose justice for ourselves; Let us know among ourselves what is good.” “For Job has said, ‘I am righteous, But God has taken away my justice; Should I lie concerning my right? 24 [Then he is/Then let him be/and if God is] gracious unto him, and [saith/say/says], Elihu was one according to his wish, a man like himself. 14. So, let’s look at what Elihu is talking about. 31. A blessed change follows. And he also at the same time can call-out Job for justifying himself rather than God, which is also right. Job had desired a judge to decide his appeal. 8-13 Elihu charges Job with reflecting upon the justice and goodness of God. [hold thy peace/keep silent/be silent], and I shall teach thee wisdom. Elihu charges Job with reflecting upon the justice and goodness of God. When God designs men's good, by the convictions and dictates of their own consciences, he opens the heart, as Lydia's, and opens the ears, so that conviction finds or forces its way in. All Rights Reserved. Job 33:7 : Job 33:9 >> Job 33:8-14. And Job did say this kind of thing in Job 13:27. 25 [i.e., Let/Then…] His flesh [shall be fresher/become fresher/is restored] [than/like] [a child's/in youth/a youth’s]: And Elihu will continue to explain things the way he sees them next time. Wait for it! John Trapp Complete Commentary. So, that’s the interaction between the formerly sick man and God. It speaks of God communicating with a man “as he is asleep.” Of a “messenger”who intercedes with God on the helpless mans behalf and says he has found a ransom. God’s spirit made me; the Almighty’s breath enlivens me. That salvation is the work of God. But if they keep going down that road of pride, he will sometimes send them sickness. Ver. [NET]. (19-28) Elihu entreats Job's attention. I used to speak with him about God and send him bible verses and passages. Elihu offers to reason with Job. Easily hear Scripture read as you study the Bible! 7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts. He’s been demanding God to personally respond to his complaints. Let’s evaluate and consider what Elihu is saying. [for/and] [he/God] [will render/may restore/restores] [unto man/to him] [his/His] righteousness. I have sinned, Does He not see my ways, And count all my steps?” a. I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman: In this section, Job protested that he was a godly and blameless man, at least on a human scale. OK, so stop there. And I think this indicates that this man is sick and dying because of his sin and that’s why God needs a ransom in his place. So, Job has maintained his total innocence. We must confess the folly of sin; So foolish have I been and ignorant. But even in a person’s bleakest hour, it’s possible that God would be gracious to him and turn his sickness around and heal the man. And here’s what Elihu reports that Job has said. We must confess the fact of sin; and not try to justify or excuse ourselves. (29-33). And you can see how he’s trying to do that. God calls men to repentance. And Elihu is giving a different interpretation of those realities than the three friends did. And what Elihu might be implicitly acknowledging here is that if God were to come to Job and speak, Job would be terrified. So, let me just recap what Elihu has been asserting. and [his/my] life [shall see/sees] the light. 25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: 26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. Job had represented God as severe in marking what he did amiss. So, notice that back-and-forth between this man and his God that is warm and accepting and joyous and close. Job 33 Commentary: People say things about God and other people that just aren’t right. It seems that what Elihu is saying is at least possible. And whenever that may happen, God and that man will share a real closeness that the man will even be willing to tell others about. [in a vision of the night/a night vision]. Those that perish for ever are without excuse, for they would not be healed. 33 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. 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