For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
Ver. 18. For I am full of matter] Heb. Of words; such as are weighty and stuffy, steeped in mine understanding (as Plutarch saith Phocion's words were), and very well digested. I am ειπειν δεινοτατος, in very good case to speak; as full of solid arguments as the moon is of light. Whether Elihu speaketh this arrogantly and from the flesh, or from the spirit, I determine not, saith Brentius here. But sure it is, that such words as these, howsoever they may seem arrogant and carnal, possunt tamen esse spiritualissima, yet they may be very spiritual, as Jer 4:1-31 Jeremiah 20:1,18. And as sure it is, that we should be in company like full clouds or paps, that pain themselves with fulness till eased of their milk.
The spirit within me constraineth me] Heb. The spirit of my belly; that is, God's Holy Spirit inhabiting mine heart, and exciting me to so good a work. "The love of Christ constraineth us," 2 Corinthians 5:14. It hath not only an impulsive, but a compulsive, faculty. Rumperer medius, si non erumperet sermo intra me conceptus, as Brentius here paraphraseth; I should even burst if I did not vent my conceptions, which, like a child in the womb at full time, or as wind in the bowels, want room, and press to come out, Psa 39:3 Jeremiah 20:9. Sicut flatus in ventre conclusus magno impetu exitum quaerit: sic zelus mentis quaerit exitum per sermonem (Pisc.).