Study notes

Job 33

Introducing JobWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

32:1–37:24 Section

Elihu was younger than Job’s other friends. It’s thought that he was also from Edom. Elihu was angry at Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. They hadn’t fully answered Job or shown how Job was wrong.

Elihu thought that it was wrong for Job to question God. He thought that Job believed he was right and that God was wrong. This made Elihu angry. But the answer he gave about Job’s suffering was like the answers of the others. Elihu believed that God allowed Job to suffer in order to correct him. The suffering was seen as a warning to keep Job from sinning. Elihu thought that this would save Job from being put to death for his sins.

Elihu understood that God never does anything evil, wrong or unfair. So he thought it was wrong for Job to think that God treated him unfairly. He thought that this showed that Job was full of pride. Elihu understood that God has complete power over everything. God is the Creator who made the world and everything in it. God is the only one able to keep the life of the world going. For Elihu, this meant that people can’t understand God’s reasons for doing something. So he thought that people shouldn’t ask questions about God’s reasons.

33:1

hear: Elihu asked the others to hear him, just as Job had also requested (33:1; 34:2, 16; 13:6).

33:5

Elihu invited Job to present his case, acting as if he were God or the judge Job had been seeking (9:32–35).

33:7

no fear of me should terrify you: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar had tried to use God's terrors to scare Job (15:21, 24; 22:10; 18:11, 14; 20:25; 6:4; 7:14; 9:34; 13:21; 23:15).
Elihu promised not to be harsh with Job, but he later violated his promise (34:7–9, 33–37).

33:9

Job claimed to be pure and without sin, using various terms (9:21; 10:6–7; 11:4; 13:23–24; 15:14–16; 16:17; 31:1–40).

33:11

Job often complained about God's constant surveillance (7:20; 10:14; 13:27). He wanted relief from having every move examined (14:16; 29:2).

33:13

Job's main complaint was that God did not answer him (9:16; 19:7; 23:2–7).

33:15

In a dream: For examples, see Genesis 15:12; 20:3; 31:24; 40:1–41:36; Daniel 2:1–45; Joel 2:28; Acts 16:9–10.

33:18

from perishing by the sword: This phrase can also mean "from crossing over the river of death" (New Living Translation). Both translations make sense in the context (compare 36:12).

33:22

messengers of death: Compare: Exodus 12:23; 2 Samuel 24:16; 1 Corinthians 10:10.

33:23

An angel or messenger from heaven would act as the mediator Job desired (see 5:1; 9:33–34; 16:18–21).

33:24

The ultimate ransom is Christ (Matthew 20:28; Romans 3:24–25; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Peter 1:18–19).

33:26

he sees God’s face and shouts for joy: Compare Numbers 6:24–26; Psalm 67:1; Acts 2:28; Jude 1:24.

33:32

It sounds ironic that Elihu says he would like to vindicate Job. He joined the discussion because Job would not admit he had sinned (32:1–5).

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources