Elihu Explains His Youthful Silence and Claims Spirit-Given Insight

He waited because he was young, then denied that years are the organ of wisdom

Elihu says he is young and they are very old, so he was afraid and dared not show his opinion. He believed days should speak and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

Then he revises the rule: there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives understanding. Great men are not always wise. The aged do not always understand judgment. Therefore he said, Hearken to me; I also will show my opinion.

He claims the field they left empty

He has waited for their words, given ear to their reasons, while they searched out what to say. They have not convinced Job or answered his words. Job has not directed his speech against Elihu, so Elihu will not answer him with their speeches.

The claim is double: inspiration is not identical with seniority, and the three have failed. Both can be true without making Elihu's coming argument the breath of God. A younger person may see what elders missed. A claim to the Almighty's breath still has to be weighed by what is actually said to a man in ashes.