“What man is like Job…” Job 34:7a

Elihu had suggested the visitor and onlookers join him in forming a consensus of what is good, saying, “Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.” Then he presented Job’s argument of being innocent, denied justice by God, and enduring “an incurable wound.” (vv. 5 – 6)

Unlike the round-about way the visitors indicted Job, Elihu took a more direct approach, coming right out and accusing Job of drinking scorn like water, and keeping company with evildoers. Does this sound familiar? Have we ever heard about someone else associating with evildoers? (read Matthew 9:11 and Luke 15:2) Yes, Jesus was accused of the same thing! Elihu had slipped into the mire of accusation. He joined the ranks of the visitors who brought their distorted wisdom and accusations into Job’s presence. You see, he, too, was a prisoner of the predominant world view: good things happen to good people; bad things happen to bad people.

Instead of defending Job, as he had led everyone to believe, he defended God’s honor stating, “Far be it from God to do evil, from The Almighty to do wrong. He repays a man for what he has done; He brings upon him what his conduct deserves. It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that The Almighty would pervert justice.” (vv. 10b – 12) In other words, Elihu indicted Job, not for some hidden sin, but for accusing God of acting unjustly, reminding Job of saying it profited a man nothing by trying to please God (v.9).

While God had asked satan, “Have you considered my servant, Job? There is no one on earth like him…” (2:3), Elihu asked, “What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water?” (v.7) One may think Elihu was preparing his
audience for some accolade about Job. Instead, Elihu joined the pile-on and accused him of hanging out with sinners who thought it did no good to serve The Lord.

While recognizing God’s superlative nature, being wholly unique, unlike no other (vv. 13 – 15), Elihu asked his audience if they were going to join Job in condemning God’s right to raise up and depose whoever He wants (vv. 16 – 20). His debate is one which leads the observer into joining his arguments, challenging their assumptions by positioning his own argument as superior, stating, “If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.” (v.16) It’s a rather condescending remark to make, setting up the hearer to make conclusions before all the evidence had been heard.

What does this brief passage teach us? Are we apt to join a pile-on and bring more pain to one who had already endured unspeakable insult and injury? Have you ever been bullied into thinking something totally contrary to what you knew to be the truth? When Elihu asked, “What man is like Job”, he was speaking to the choir – Job’s neighbors, acquaintances, and business associates – they all knew his good reputation. Hopefully, we will consider such when presented with a similar issue.

Have a blessed day…