Job 32
Elihu takes the time to rebuke both Job and the other friends who had been speaking. His words are recorded in chapters 32-37. He is angry with Job, who justifies himself rather than God 2 and is angry with the other three friends who find fault with Job but have no basis for their conclusions and accusations 3. He speaks out of anger 5 which is mentioned 3 times in these verses. Note: Was this 'righteous indignation' that moved him to now speak ? Elihu said he had listen to all they had to say6-12  and now he was compelled to speak 18-20. He will be impartial in what he says as he relates what he knows 21-22. Wisdom is not just with those who are aged 7-11. Note: There are times to speak and times to remain silent. Wisdom is to know the difference and act accordingly. Also we see here the principle that 'it is good to speak a word at the appropriate time' (Proverbs 25:11-12). Also, a third person who listens to both sides in a matter may be able to see what the others are missing.

Job 33
Elihu challenges Job with his own words 1-11. He states that Job was wrong to question God since His ways are greater than what man can know 12-14. God uses dreams 15-18, pain and suffering 19-22 and the insights of others 23 to bring one back to God through repentance 24-28. God is gracious in doing this to spare a man's life and save his soul 28-30. Elihu begs Job to listen to what he has to say 31-33. Note: Elihu is correct that God uses various means to get our attention so that we might turn to Him. Are you listening to the 'voice' of God speaking to you in the midst of your circumstances ?

Job 34
Elihu reminds Job and these men of the fact that God does no evil 10 and is just in bringing judgment 12, because He is the Lord 13-15. Who is Job (who are we) to accuse God of any wrong doing 16-17. Elihu then sights examples of the wicked who are taken away in with God's judgment 18-30. The guilty are in no position to 'strike a deal' with God 31-34. He points out to Job that his 'demands'(to have vindication and answers from the Lord) are not according to knowledge 35 and suggests that this indicates sin and rebellion on his part 36-37
Note: Are we not guilty of the same, wanting answers when life gets rough ?

Job 35
Elihu points out that our sin or righteousness does not impact God 1-8. God gives to man great wisdom, knowledge, and insight but He does not answer the pleas of the arrogant 9-13 Job is told to wait upon the Lord and not be content with his own 'empty' words 14-15. Note: All of us must guard against pride that would cause us to view or even accuse God of wrong doing in relationship to us. Remember He is the potter, we are the clay. Are we to talk back ?

Job 36
Elihu focuses on the Lord and how He relates to both the wicked 5-8, calling them to repentance and restoration 9-11 or face His judgment 12-14. God is gracious to deliver those who suffer 15-17. Elihu warns of taking the path of the wicked 18-21. Note: Does he warn in this way because those who suffer may turn their backs on God, feeling what is the use of serving Him ? (34:9). Elihu points to the greatness of God 22-33, who even directs a 'lightning strike' and the exact place it will hit 32 ! Note: God is the One who controls all the storms (both in the physical world and the 'storms' of life that we face). Am I able to still trust Him ?

Job 37
Elihu continues with the picture of God who rules and speaks through the storms 1-5. God does many things beyond our ability to understand, including sending snow and rain that put a stop to our work 6-8. The 'elements' obey Him doing His will 9-13. He challenges Job to consider the wonders of God 14 as seen in the clouds in sky and the winds upon the earth 15-18. Since this is a wonder and amazement to us, how can Job dare question God about His ways being unjust 19-21. God is almighty and exalted beyond us and upholds justice, for He is just 23. We are to revere Him 24 ! Note: Elihu words ends and prepare Job to now hear from the Lord, Himself.

Job 38
The Lord now speaks to Job and poses numerous questions for him to answer. In essence the Lord's response to Job is a series of questions that point Job (and us) to the greatness of the Lord as seen in creation all around him (us). The Lord asks Job to answer Him concerning these basic questions about the physical world that HE has created. Does Job know the foundations of the earth 4-7, or understand how the sea has boundaries 8-11, or how the wicked are quickly overthrown at day break 12-15 ?  Where does light and darkness reside 19-20. He must 'know' since he was born and has lived 21 (says the Lord). Can Job direct the snow, rain, ice or frost on the earth 22-30 or set the courses for the stars in the sky 31-33. The Lord asks if the lightning obeys his word 34-35 ? Does Job know how to provide for the earth and the creatures in it 36-41 ? Note: As I read these questions, I realize that there is much I do not know nor understand about the physical world around me. I am in awe of God who created all this and perfectly directs and maintains all these things for His glory !

Job 39
The Lord points Job to the animal kingdom and continues to question him 1-30. As Job considers each of these that the Lord points out he will see that God is the One who created each with ability, certain character traits, and instinct to do what they do (the ostrich 13-18 and the horse 19-25 are two examples). The hawk and eagle display the wisdom of God 26-30. Note: Each of these animals, as with all of creation, is meant to teach and illustrate some truth of God for us, that we might see His wisdom and glory displayed, then bow and worship Him !

Job 40
The Lord asks who can content with Him or correct Him, the ALMIGHTY 1-2. Job puts his hand over his mouth (to shut up) when he finally realizes his is unworthy to make such claims and accusations before the Lord 3-5. The Lord again questions Job asking him if he can cloth himself with glory and judge the wicked 6-13. If he could, which he could not, the Lord would admit Job could save himself 14. The Lord points to behemoth (possibly a hippo) and talks of controlling him with His eyes 15-24. Can any mere man make a hippo do anything at any given time ? No, but God can !

Job 41
The Lord now points to leviathan (a crocodile ?) and asks Job if he could control him and make him a pet 1-5. Job can not subdue him 6-10a. So how can one possibly 'stand against the Lord' 10b ? The Lord continues the description of one of 'His' creatures 12-34. So awful and powerful is this creature, which man can not tame or take with ease. How much more the Lord who created him unable to understand the ways of God in dealing with man. Note: In Job's case, the Lord never did reveal to him the spiritual battle and challenge that was playing out in his life (recorded in chapters 1-2).

Job 42
Job replys to the Lord having realized his own limits and finiteness 1-6. Job declares there are things beyond me in the ways of God that I do not understand 3. Job also came to know something about God through this that went beyond 'head knowledge' (hearing vs seeing) 5. Job repents of his wrong attitudes and approach towards the Lord 6. Note: There are some truths concerning the Lord that can only be learned through difficulties and sufferings. Paul prayed 'that I might know Him and the fellowship of His sufferings...' (Philippians 3:10).
The Lord rebukes Job's friends because what they had said was not right 7,8b concerning the Lord. They were to repent and offer sacrifices and Job would pray for them 8-9. After Job's prayer he was restored by the Lord and prospered by Him (twice as much) 10. He had sons and daughters and lived a long full life to enjoy them 11-17. Thus, Job was vindicated by the Lord and also restored in the end. Note: All believers in Jesus Christ will one day receive full restoration and a glorified eternal life all to the praise of God's grace and glory. The same great God who worked in Job's life and also works in ours for His purpose and praise !