Listening Points (Before Reading):
Elihu continues speaking, charging Job with errors in his words. What is Elihu’s view of suffering? How does he explain God’s justice? What does Elihu say about how God communicates with us through suffering? Pay attention to Elihu’s description of God’s power and greatness.
Narration/Handwriting (K-2nd):
- Elihu tells Job he is wrong for thinking that religion doesn’t help and that God ignores the cries of the oppressed. He explains that Job’s suffering is a test, and he should trust God’s wisdom and power. He talks about how powerful God is, using nature’s storms to show that God’s ways are beyond our understanding.
Observations and Questions:
Job 35: Elihu addresses three specific mistakes Job made: 1. Job had suggested that religion was useless for himself or for God, but Elihu counters that religion benefits the person who practices it, not just God. 2. Job had complained that God ignores the oppressed, but Elihu asserts that God listens to the cry of the poor and afflicted. 3. Job had given up hope of God’s favor returning, but Elihu explains that God’s delay is part of His sovereign plan.
- Why does Elihu accuse Job of saying that religion is unimportant?
- How does Elihu defend God against Job’s complaints about the oppressed?
- What is Elihu’s response to Job’s belief that God has forgotten him?
Job 36: Elihu defends God’s sovereignty and wisdom. He tells Job that his suffering is a test, and it’s not punishment, but an opportunity for Job to humble himself before God. He explains that suffering can help a person become more refined, and that God’s power and justice should compel Job to submit.
- How does Elihu explain Job’s suffering as a test?
- What does Elihu say about God’s wisdom and why it should lead Job to humble himself?
- What is Elihu’s counsel to Job about submitting to God’s power?
Job 37: Elihu continues to praise God’s greatness by describing His power in controlling nature, like thunder, lightning, and storms. Elihu challenges Job to recognize his limited understanding of these natural phenomena and, by extension, to accept his ignorance regarding God’s providence. Elihu concludes that God is to be greatly feared because of His mighty power and wisdom.
- What does Elihu say about God’s power shown through weather?
- How does Elihu challenge Job’s understanding of God’s actions?
- Why does Elihu emphasize that God is to be greatly feared and trusted?