Job 32:10
Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֣ן
H3651
לָכֵ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
שִׁמְעָה
Hearken
H8085
שִׁמְעָה
Hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֲחַוֶּ֖ה
to me I also will shew
H2331
אֲחַוֶּ֖ה
to me I also will shew
Strong's:
H2331
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to live; by implication (intensively) to declare or show
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom discourse followed conventions: appeals to age, observation, tradition, and divine revelation. Elihu employs all these but emphasizes Spirit-given insight over experiential learning. This anticipates Joel 2:28-29, where God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people regardless of age or status. The democratization of wisdom through the Spirit challenges hierarchical structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we discern between Spirit-illuminated insight and mere personal opinion?
- What warnings does Elihu's lengthy discourse offer about the relationship between eloquence and wisdom?
- How does the doctrine of the Spirit's illumination inform authority structures in the church?
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu makes his case: "Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion." The imperative shama (שָׁמַע, "hearken") demands serious attention—the same verb in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4). The noun de'ah (דֵּעָה, "opinion") means knowledge or understanding. Elihu claims not personal opinion but divinely-illuminated insight. His confidence stems not from age or status but from conviction that the Spirit grants understanding (verse 8). From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the priesthood of all believers—truth isn't mediated exclusively through ecclesiastical hierarchy but through Scripture illuminated by the Spirit. Yet Elihu's lengthy speeches (chapters 32-37) reveal a danger: verbosity sometimes masks wisdom's absence. While Elihu makes valid points, God will not commend him directly (unlike Job in 42:7). This warns against confusing eloquence with divine approval and theological correctness with spiritual maturity.