So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
Prose (poetry begins with "I am young," Job 32:6).
Verse 1. Because ... - and because they could not proves to him that he was unrighteous.
Verse 2. Elihu - meaning 'God is Yahweh.' In his name and character, as messenger between God and Job, he shadows forth Jesus Christ (Job 33:23-26).
Barachel - meaning 'God blesses.' Both names indicate the piety of the family, and their separation from idolaters.
Buzite - Buz was son of Nahor, brother of Abraham. Hence, was named a region in Arabia Deserta (Jeremiah 25:23). Ram-Aram, nephew of Buz. Job was probably of an older generation than Elihu. However, the identity of names does not necessarily prove the identity of persons. The particularity with which Elihu's descent is given, as contrasted with the others, led Lightfoot to infer Elihu was the author of the book. But the reason for particularity was, probably, that Elihu was less known than the three called "friends" of Job; and that it was right for the poet to mark especially him who was mainly to solve the problem of the book.
Rather than God - i:e., was more eager to vindicate himself than God. In Job 4:17, Job denies that man can be more just than God (Umbreit). Translate, 'Before (in the presence of) God' х mee-'Elohiym (H430)]: literally, regarded from God's point of view (note, Job 4:17).
Verse 3. Though silenced in argument, they held their opinion still.
Verse 4. Had spoken - the Hebrew, in words, referring rather to his own 'words' of reply, which he had long ago ready, but kept back in deference to the seniority of the friends who spoke-`had awaited Job with words.'
Verse 6. Was afraid - the root-meaning in Hebrew is to crawl х zaachal (H2119)] (Deuteronomy 32:24).