Job 32:10

"But," continues Elihu, "it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand." That brings in something entirely new. The moment the Spirit of God enters the scene, it ceases to be a question of youth or old age, since He can speak by old or young. "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." This holds good always. It was true for the patriarchs; true for the prophets; true for apostles; true for us; true for all. It is not by human might or power, but by the eternal Spirit.

Eliphaz had appealed to his own observation (ch. 4:8). Bildad had appealed to tradition (ch. 8:8-9). Zophar was still more ignorant in appealing to his own intuition (ch. 11:5,6)… Elihu recognised this, that God Himself must reveal the truth by His Spirit if man is to know it; and as Elihu said, "it is the spirit in man." God has given man a spirit, and God's Spirit is able to communicate with man's spirit, if only man's spirit is subject to God.

Compared with Eliphaz and the rest, Elihu could enter much further into the mind of God. It seems clear that he did — further than Job himself, and certainly further than the three friends, those "very old" men he speaks of. But until they fell completely silent, until they had not one word more to say against Job or for themselves, Elihu stays in the shade. He introduces himself with a good deal of preface. He apologises for giving his opinion while still young. But when he does speak, wisdom from God is in it. Does not all this show us that even in those earliest days men were taught what was fitting? The power of the Spirit does not destroy proper respect. It shows that respect off with greater force than natural reverence, because it judges self in the presence of God.

Surely it is the spirit in mortal man, and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding. Not the great in years are wise, nor do the aged understand judgment. Therefore I say, Listen to me; I will declare my knowledge, even I.

Nor will he use flattering words. He has no respect of persons, and this qualifies him to be the spokesman for God. All is most excellent. There is a tone of authority — "and not as the scribes" — that tells of one who knows what he is speaking about.

He had listened closely to all they said. Not one of them had convinced Job or answered him properly. Just look back at their speeches. Eliphaz began in an elevated, dignified way and ended in the most brutal charges. Bildad's words were similar, though not so harsh. Zophar made fierce declarations. All of it shows how right Elihu was in what he said. Truly he could add, they had no right to claim they had found out wisdom. It was God, he declares, not man, who had thrust Job down, and made him realise his helplessness.

He now will speak — even he. For he is full, and must let out the spirit stirring inside him, like new wine looking for a way out. He is constrained; necessity is laid upon him. How different this is from the scholarly, deliberate arguments Job has had to listen to until now. How different, too, from heated words with little wisdom or justice in them. We are reminded of the apostle's word "necessity is laid upon me" (1 Cor. 9:16).