Job 36:2

In the last verse of the previous chapter, Elihu had told Job that he had opened his mouth in empty talk and piled up words without knowledge. That should have explained to Job the reason why God did not answer. There could be no reply from Job and so Elihu continues. He is not finished yet with speaking on God's behalf.

He still has much to say, and still the theme is the same — he will speak for God. His supreme aim is to clear God of Job's accusations. The friends had failed at this completely. That aim is the great mark of Elihu's address, and it gives us the key to what he says. He acts as a mediator, an interpreter for men, a revealer of God.

He asks Job to let him speak for God a little longer. He will bring near the knowledge of Him who dwells far away. His constant aim is to clear God's name, and in doing so he will speak with a knowledge that is "perfect." This is no proud boast about himself. It is the solemn awareness that he is speaking for God.

He tells Job, "one who is perfect in knowledge is with you." How could he say this? Because Elihu knew that in speaking for God, His Spirit would speak through him to Job.

"Elihu also continued, and said, Bear with me a little, and I will show you, for I have yet something to say on God's behalf. I will get my knowledge from afar and ascribe righteousness to my Maker." He always takes his stand on that — God cannot say or do anything beneath Himself. "For truly my words are not false; one who is perfect in knowledge is with you. Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any." There we have a beautiful hint of the grace of God.

Where did Elihu find his knowledge? He fetched it "from afar" (v.3). That reminds us that the Lord Jesus brought the knowledge of God from heaven itself, far above anything human wisdom can produce. He would ascribe righteousness to his Maker. Job had not done this. Elihu insists that his words are not false, and that One who is perfect in knowledge was with them (v.4). This can be said only of God, and Elihu implied that God was with Job rather than against him.

It looks again as if Elihu paused for a moment to see if Job had any reply to make. None came, so he resumed his speech, the finish of which occupies Job 36 and Job 37. He began by saying that he had yet words to say on God's behalf. As we read these two chapters we shall notice that he had little more to say to Job about his statements. Instead he dwelt on the greatness and power of God, and on His righteous dealings with the sons of men.