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Job 33:1-33 open_in_new
The Speeches of Elihu (continued)
1-13. Elihu blames Job for regarding himself as sinless, and complaining that' God is his enemy and will not answer him.
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Job 33:4 open_in_new
Elihu feels that God is inspiring his mind to speak aright.
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Job 33:13 open_in_new
For] i.e. 'because.' Why does Job complain because God does not explain His treatment of him? God does answer man, as he proceeds to point out in two ways.
14-30. Elihu especially insists that the purposes of God's visitations are often to teach and to discipline; Job 15-18 represent one method of God's training, Job 33:19-24 another. 'In the first Elihu probably had Eliphaz in his eyes, in the second it is all but certain he had Job' (Cox).
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Job 33:15 open_in_new
Cp. the vision of Eliphaz in Job 4.
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Job 33:16 open_in_new
Sealeth] Impresses on the mind like a seal.
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Job 33:18 open_in_new
He keepeth back] RM 'That he may keep back.'
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Job 33:22 open_in_new
The destroyers] or, 'the slain.'
23, 24. An angel messenger, interpreting God's will, comes to the sufferer and shows him what right conduct is. Thereupon God declares that He has found a means of reconciliation (ransom), perhaps the man's repentance, and pardons him. Some regard the angel as a mediator who comes between man and God and pleads his cause. 'Jewish prayers show that the “interpreter” of this verse was always identified in their minds with the expected Redeemer of Israel': thus, 'Raise up for us the righteous Interpreter, say, I have found a ransom' (Cook).
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Job 33:26 open_in_new
He will render, etc.] God restores to the penitent his righteousness, i.e. a position of acceptance with Him.
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Job 33:27 open_in_new
Render, 'He (the penitent) singeth before men and saith, I have sinned and.. it was not requited to me.'
29, 30. Elihu has now shown Job the loving purposes of God in chastening man. Job himself had only advanced to the idea of his own vindication after death. Elihu teaches the use of evil in this present life.
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Job 33:32 open_in_new
I desire to justify thee] I am ready to admit you are right if you can prove it.