I recently had a conversation with a friend who is facing a trial at work. A co-worker spread a false rumor about her, and now my friend must defend herself and her character to her boss. We talked about how lonely and powerless the business of defending oneself can be.
At this point in Job’s trial, prosecutors Bildad and Eliphaz are winning. Although they have no evidence, they have made a strong case that Job has sinned and earned the punishment he is now suffering. Job has done his best to be his own defense attorney, defending his character to his prosecutors as well as to God. But his case is weak in the face of his dire circumstances, and the verdict seems to be leaning one way: Job has done something to deserve this punishment.
Enter Elihu. Young in years but wise in spirit, Elihu pauses the impending verdict and suggests another way: “If there is an angel on his side…to be gracious and say, ‘Spare him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom’” (Job 33:24–25).
After reading those words, I breathed a sigh of relief. Finally someone is suggesting that Job doesn’t have to do anything to get himself out of this situation. He doesn’t have to plead with God or somehow correct the unrighteous behavior we still have no proof of. There is a third way in the form of ransom.
Elihu speaks of a gracious and loving God in these chapters, one who is willing to forgive, keep us from death, and ultimately restore us to righteousness (v.26). This is the God I have come to know through Jesus Christ, who is more than an angel—He is my Savior.
Whereas both Job and my friend were innocent, the case brought against me is true. I have done wrong. I have sinned. There is no defense I could muster against that prosecution. Yet, by the blood of Christ, I have received the same ransom Elihu suggests here. Jesus is my defender so that I don’t have to defend myself.
Because of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, Elihu’s hypothetical scenario is our everyday reality. We have a defender. We have a good Judge who has restored us to righteousness. Because of this, we walk in grace, not judgment. And we step forward without fear, knowing that when we one day see His face, it will be “with a shout of joy” (v.26).
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23 thoughts on "Elihu Speaks to Job’s Condition"
How blessed we are when someone comes to our defense with God’s truth. Jesus we praise you for being our ransom, taking our place, giving us amazing grace. Please help me to listen to the Holy Spirit and to speak your truth in love. Please help me to love you God with all my heart, soul and strength and the neighbors you place in my path as myself. Please give us your peace Jesus. Amen.
Yes!! This passage and the devotion make me think of Rita Springer’s song, Great Defender. “Hallelujah, You have saved me
So much better Your way
Hallelujah, great Defender
So much better Your way”
So thankful for a gracious God who sent His Son to be the penalty for my sins so that I could be restored to Him.
Things I love about this passage:
Elihu is young.
Elihu is respectful, he waited for the men of age to speak wisdom.
Elihu pays close attention.
Elihu is bold.
“But it is the spirit in a person-the breath from the Almighty-that gives anyone understanding.”
(Young women of God, be blessed.)
We are “pinched off from a piece of clay,” nothing about us should terrify or weigh down.
Why would you take God to court for not answering?
He speaks; we may not notice.
God will go to drastic measures to get us to listen,
to uncover our ears,
to save us from the Pit.
(There is no love like the Love of God.)
He returns our health and youth,
righteousness is restored – not earned back,
darkness becomes Light/Life.
Multiple times God
In quiet we listen, learn, gain wisdom.
“The Lord our God, the Lord is One.
Love the Lord your God
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
… Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Selah (forever)
❤️
God is my redeemer and defender. That is why I can stay at peace though I am falsely accused. It is my relationship with Him that trumps all charges.
Amen! With you sister in the same season. God is who fights our battles and rights our wrongs. Prayers for you today friend
All I can say is thank You. Thank You, Jesus, for your life, death, and resurrection. Thank You that I now walk in grace, not judgment. Help me to walk gracefully today.
Amen! Such powerful, freeing truth!
Agreed. Thank you all!
Such a great word. Thanks for all the hours you writers put in for us.