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Bible Notes - Tabernacle Commentaries
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Job 33:2
Comments
‘My tongue hath spoken in my mouth’ or ‘in my palate’: what does Elihu mean by the self-evident statement? Gill suggests that because the palate is the organ of taste that he is saying that his words were considered and, as it were, tasted and not just ill-thought-out responses. If so, then Elihu is again helping Job to pay careful attention to what he says and not simply dismiss it. Since verse 1 and 3 certainly presents a similar argument then verse 2 cannot be too far away from this. Elihu is conscious of no deceitful or underhand motive in addressing Job but wants to do him good and to defend the goodness of God in how he has acted towards his servant. The words of the comforters were mixed up with histrionics. We may speak with feeling, with animation, yes, but not to assault with great oratory. The comforters wanted to hurt Job. Some have enjoyed preachers in a carnal way for their oratory.Elihu remembers the creation of Adam at the beginning of the world (Barnes) and says that as Adam was created so he has been formed by the Spirit of God. By saying this he probably means to comfort Job with the thought that it is a man speaking to him and not the Lord himself. He will therefore speak without causing Job to be terrified and Job can listen to truth from a fellow human being without being overwhelmed by the presence of the Lord. Elihu is mortal like him and subject to the same weaknesses, fears, and hopes, and is not going to speak in a way that looks down on Job from a dizzy height. He will only say what is in accordance with God’s truth.
Application
Is it always wrong for a man to speak of his own integrity? No, there are times when for the sake of others and not for our own sake we may insist that our words arise from a good motive and are intended to heal others; in this way we make them more readily received. Similarly Paul says, ‘I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost’ (Romans 9:1). It is dangerous for us to do this unless we have a very good reason for doing it. It can only be done safely by one who has long since forbidden himself this right and who recognises the special circumstances that allow it. Elihu urges Job to listen by telling him that he is only going to hear words of truth and integrity.
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