The book of Job, my favorite book.

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Jul 9, 2019
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You’re claiming Elihu is an agent of satan which is upside down and backwards from reality. In other words, your comprehension, your vision, your claim is of the opposite spirit, it is antichrist-much like the Pharisees in Matthew 12:24

Final warning from me bubba
I analyzed Elihu a lot and was open to seeing him either way, good or bad. I poured over his speeches and picked apart everything he said trying to figure out who he is and his motivation. Have you ever considered a different point of view of Elihu? Or are you only locked into the one you hold now? If you're open, I can provide more specifics, such as Job 34:36 where Elihu wishes nothing but punishment on Job, saying, "My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men."

Also, if you want to address the *substance* of what I wrote, that might be more constructive. I see you made a blanket statement and an accusation of me, but where is there any substantive response to the previous content?

Thanks again.
 
Jul 9, 2019
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If anyone here is looking for a great sermon series on the Book of Job, there is an excellent one by John A. Hartley. He preached 42 sermons on Job, one for each chapter of the book. They are highly insightful, scholarly, and downright revelatory.

Here are a few of the links to his sermons which deal specifically on the character of Elihu. Hope this is helpful!

ELIHU: MAN ON FIRE
https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/avcopc/sermons/8242101444766/

ELIHU: FALSE PROPHET, PRIEST & KING
https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/avcopc/sermons/92212013570/

ELIHU WANTS TO CRUCIFY CHRIST
https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/avcopc/sermons/96211224476933/

ELIHU SILENCES GOD
https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/avcopc/sermons/912212327283558/

EVEN ELIHU BELIEVES AND TREMBLES
https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/avcopc/sermons/926211541364613/
 

NOV25

Well-known member
Nov 23, 2019
1,035
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If anyone here is looking for a great sermon series on the Book of Job, there is an excellent one by John A. Hartley. He preached 42 sermons on Job, one for each chapter of the book. They are highly insightful, scholarly, and downright revelatory.

Here are a few of the links to his sermons which deal specifically on the character of Elihu. Hope this is helpful!

ELIHU: MAN ON FIRE
https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/avcopc/sermons/8242101444766/

ELIHU: FALSE PROPHET, PRIEST & KING
https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/avcopc/sermons/92212013570/

ELIHU WANTS TO CRUCIFY CHRIST
https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/avcopc/sermons/96211224476933/

ELIHU SILENCES GOD
https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/avcopc/sermons/912212327283558/

EVEN ELIHU BELIEVES AND TREMBLES
https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/avcopc/sermons/926211541364613/
An OPC preacher?!? This fella should know better🤦‍♂️
 
Jul 9, 2019
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An OPC preacher?!? This fella should know better🤦‍♂️
Are you able to state any specifics or details or any information at all as to why you disagree? I'm seeing various reactions but also wondering what is your actual argument. If you don't have one, that's fine. Just curious if you can share. Otherwise, those sermons should be a big help.
 

NOV25

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Nov 23, 2019
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Can you explain your position? Besides blanket criticisms do you have reasons that you can present, too?
Can I explain my position? Yes
Will I explain my position? Not anymore than I’ve already explained it to you.

As a reminder, if your claim that Elihu is a picture of antichrist is false-is in fact the opposite, then you are attributing that which is holy, to that which is satanic. Why would I engage with you, other than to warn you of blaspheming the Holy Spirit?
 

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
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I believe Elihu is the writer of this book as he speaks in the first person. Job asks for a mediator who was made of clay. Job had said God would laugh at the trial of the innocent. (Job 9:23)

Elihu and God
Compare these verses carefully.


Elihu said, “Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.” Job 34:35

Elihu said, “Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain: he multiplieth words without knowledge.” Job 35:16

The Lord said, “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?” Job 38:2
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Elihu said, “If thou canst answer me, set they words in order before me, stand up.” Job 33:5

The Lord said, “Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.” Job 38:3
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Elihu said, “Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine? Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? Job 37:14-16

The Lord said, “Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? Canst thou set the dominion therof in the earth? Canst thou lift up they voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee?” Job 38:33-34
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Elihu said, “Shall even he that hateth right govern? And wilt thou condemn him that is most just?” Job 34-17

The Lord said, “Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? He that reproveth God, let him answer it.” Job 40:2
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Elihu said, “Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.” Job 32:2

Elihu said, “Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, my righteousness is more than God’s?” Job 35:2

The Lord said, “Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?” Job 40:8
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In every case Elihu said it first and the Lord repeated.
I agree about Elihu being the author.

Job 32.
12 "Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches."


15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

17 I said,
"I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me."
 

NOV25

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Nov 23, 2019
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I agree about Elihu being the author.

Job 32.
12 "Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches."


15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

17 I said,
"I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me."
Job and the others speak in first person as well so I dunno 🤷‍♂️

But I agree with you and @tttallison, Elihu speaks in the same tone as the Lord does.

——

Often folks get hung up in the first chapter, try to make Job into some sort of saint, when in fact God is merely stating Job was pious (tam) and righteous (yashar)-similar tone as Paul describing himself pre conversion.

If memory serves, same language used to describe Lucifer pre-fall. 🤷‍♂️

In other words, there’s no real indication from God that we are to view Job as a Christlike figure in the first 2 chapters-and after Job speaks we should no better lol
 
Jul 9, 2019
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Can I explain my position? Yes
Will I explain my position? Not anymore than I’ve already explained it to you.

As a reminder, if your claim that Elihu is a picture of antichrist is false-is in fact the opposite, then you are attributing that which is holy, to that which is satanic. Why would I engage with you, other than to warn you of blaspheming the Holy Spirit?
I have noticed a pattern with the lovers of Elihu. When there are legitimate answers asked of them, they mostly go unanswered. Also, (perhaps because they cannot fully defend their position) end up with unwarranted attacks and accusations. Why is that?

Not trying to press you beyond what you are willing to share. Based on your reactions to previous posts, it seemed you had a lot more to offer in the conversation. That is ok if that is not the case, but I honestly did not find strong reasons behind your claims.

For example, you claim that Elihu is right because God does not rebuke him at the end. Don't you see this logic does not work, however? Someone else could come along and claim Elihu is wrong because God does not affirm him either. So, it is not a strong argument or position.

If you are not interested in having this conversation, that is fine. I thought that was part of why this forum exists. Elihu is a very mysterious character, and there are many people who agree with him and many people who do not agree with him. Some also only remember the 3 friends and not Elihu when you ask them. So I believe it is a conversation worthy of having and listening to differences of opinion. But that might not be for everyone.
 

PaulThomson

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Oct 29, 2023
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PaulThomson said:
I agree about Elihu being the author.

Job 32.
12 "Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches."


15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

17 I said,
"I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me."

Job and the others speak in first person as well so I dunno 🤷‍♂️
It's not that Elihu speaks of himself in the first person. It's that Elihu switches from addressing to the three friends in the second person (you) and starts referring to them as "in the third person (they)", In verses 15-17 Elihu is not citing his own words spoken at the time, but is providing commentary as the narrator. of the book.
 

NOV25

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Nov 23, 2019
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PaulThomson said:
I agree about Elihu being the author.

Job 32.
12 "Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches."


15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

17 I said,
"I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me."


It's not that Elihu speaks of himself in the first person. It's that Elihu switches from addressing to the three friends in the second person (you) and starts referring to them as "in the third person (they)", In verses 15-17 Elihu is not citing his own words spoken at the time, but is providing commentary as the narrator. of the book.
Oh, I see what your saying now. Thanks for pointing out something new to me, now I get to reread Job with this in mind 👏😁
 

NOV25

Well-known member
Nov 23, 2019
1,035
392
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PaulThomson said:
I agree about Elihu being the author.

Job 32.
12 "Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches."


15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

17 I said,
"I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me."


It's not that Elihu speaks of himself in the first person. It's that Elihu switches from addressing to the three friends in the second person (you) and starts referring to them as "in the third person (they)", In verses 15-17 Elihu is not citing his own words spoken at the time, but is providing commentary as the narrator. of the book.
I quickly read Job today looking at the writing style, it does seem Elihu is the author-puts to rest the view Elihu speaks for satan.
 

PaulThomson

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2023
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561
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I have noticed a pattern with the lovers of Elihu. When there are legitimate answers asked of them, they mostly go unanswered. Also, (perhaps because they cannot fully defend their position) end up with unwarranted attacks and accusations. Why is that?
Do you have any examples you can share of legitimate questions re Elihu that Elihu fans were not willing to answer?