There Is No Darkness to Hide In

Elihu addresses the wise men: Hear my words, you wise men. For the ear tries words, as the palate tastes food. Let us choose for us that which is right. He quotes Job: I am righteous, God has taken away my right, and claims Job has said, It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with God. Elihu is stretching Job's words, since Job never stopped seeking God.

Elihu's strongest point is God's justice: Far be it from God, that he should do wickedness. Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice. Who put him in charge of the earth? For his eyes are on the ways of a man. He sees all his goings. There is no darkness, nor thick gloom, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. This is true and important.

But Elihu finishes harshly: Job speaks without knowledge. I wish that Job were tried to the end, because of his answering like wicked men. For he adds rebellion to his sin. Elihu is right that Job has spoken without full knowledge, as God says in 38:2. But he is wrong to call Job a rebel answering like wicked men. In 42:7-8 God calls Job My servant four times.