Job 33:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 33:6
6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
Chapter Context
Job 33 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, salvation, wisdom. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 33:6
6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
Analysis
Elihu establishes common ground with Job: "Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay." The phrase "in God's stead" (le'el, לְאֵל) means "toward God" or "in God's place"—Elihu offers to be Job's mediator, the very thing Job longed for (9:33, 16:19). The phrase "formed out of the clay" (qoratsti mechomer, קֹרַצְתִּי מֵחֹמֶר) emphasizes shared humanity. Elihu acknowledges he's not God but fellow creature. From a Reformed perspective, this highlights both the necessity and inadequacy of human mediation. Elihu correctly perceives Job's need for an advocate but cannot ultimately fulfill that role—only Christ can. The incarnation reveals God becoming human mediator: "There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). Elihu's offer points toward this need while demonstrating that shared creatureliness, though necessary for true mediation, isn't sufficient without divine nature.
Historical Context
Job repeatedly requested an arbiter or umpire between him and God (9:33, 16:19-21, 19:25). Ancient legal systems included mediators for disputes. Elihu positions himself as such—someone who understands both Job's humanity and God's ways. This mediatorial concept develops through Scripture, from Moses (Exodus 20:19) to prophets to the ultimate Mediator, Christ.
Reflection
- How does Elihu's attempted mediation highlight the unique nature of Christ's mediation?
- What does shared humanity add to effective pastoral care and counseling?
- How do Elihu's limitations as mediator help us appreciate Christ's divine-human nature?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 4:19