Sunday: Elihu: Job 32:1-9
A new counselor, Elihu, is introduced here into the narrative. His speech differs from the first three in its emphasis that suffering can be God’s merciful chastisement in order to enlighten the soul and to bring about a more intimate relationship with God. However, like the other counselors, Elihu assumed that Job had sinned and therefore deserved his suffering.
Monday: God’s Use of Suffering: Job 32:10-22
Elihu focuses upon God’s use of suffering to correct wayward believers. Job had complained that God would not answer his questions. Elihu claims that God has indeed spoken, but that Job has not heeded His messages. He speaks through dreams and visions and through the discipline of suffering.
Tuesday: Elihu’s False Claim: Job 33:1-33
Elihu falsely stated that Job was claiming moral perfection, that he was without sin all his life. Job had never insisted that he was sinless, but only that he had followed God’s ways with all his heart and could never recall having committed a serious sin that merited such severe punishment.
Wednesday: Elihu’s: Theology Job 34:1-37
Elihu’s theology is basically the same as that of the three friends. He could not conceive of the possibility that both God and Job might be just or that anyone could suffer without sin as the cause. Therefore, since God is not wicked, Job must be.
Thursday: Elihu Continues: Job 35:1-16
Job has argued that his righteous life had neither benefited him nor kept him from suffering. Elihu argues that the Lord Himself is not affected one way or the other by his righteousness or lack of it. Rather, Elihu maintains that Job is the one who is affected. Elihu is wrong. God does receive pleasure from Job’s good works of obedience and love, and He is grieved by unrighteousness. (2 Corinthians 9:7; Genesis 6:6; Psalm 78:40; Ephesians 4:30)
Friday: Elihu’s Fourth Speech: Job 36:1-33
Claiming to speak for God, Elihu repeats his instructions about God’s absolute justice and fairness. If the righteous should suffer, it is God’s compassionate call to them to repent. Job should rejoice in affliction.
Saturday: Elihu’s Final Words: Job 37:1-24
Elihu uses beautiful poetic language to describe the sovereignty of God. All things are done according to either God’s discipline or His kindness.