Saturday, February 2, 2008

Job 32:3

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Job 32:3


3 Also against his three [shalowsh] friends [rea`] was his wrath ['aph] kindled [charah], because they had found [matsa'] no answer [ma`aneh], and yet had condemned [rasha`] Job ['Iyowb]. KJV-Interlinear


3 And his anger burned against his three friends because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. NASB


All that Elihu heard from Job, was his impression that Job was speaking reverently about himself. All Elihu heard from the three friends was their accusations against Job, their failure to prove their accusations, and then their inability to provide proof, as well as their refusal to withdraw their accusations, given that they could not prove or support their accusations against Job.

Job has spoken the truth throughout this book. Our proof as to Jobs character was provided in chapter one, by God Himself. Likewise we when we get to chapter 42, then we will see that God will further state that Job is the only one who has spoken truly.

Elihu is going to try the impartial party approach. And he, like the three friends, has a great deal of doctrinal knowledge, but he also like the three friends, lacks some specific understanding with which to reach the proper conclusions.

He is younger, but not wiser. He will presume that since the three friends have failed, then it is up to him, to solve the stalemate.

The three friends did not get their desired confession out of Job. But then they were not entitled to one anyway.

In all things, confession is between God (the Father) and the individual. It is no one else's concern or business. Only the Father can forgive and restore one into fellowship. No human being, certainly no priest, pastor, or whatever, can forgive and obtain restoration into fellowship for someone else other than himself or herself.

In the spiritual life, each individual must deal with God, through Christ. There is no other power, no other position, no other office in heaven or on this earth that can function as an intermediary between you and God.

Elihu will demonstrate a great deal of respect and politeness but once you get beyond his polite exterior, he will still impose his opinion on everyone else, just as a do-gooder would.

Out of courtesy, the others will allow him to rant on, and then promptly ignore his words.