Difference between revisions of "Elihu"

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<p> ( אליהוּ , <i> ''''''ĕlı̄hū''''' </i> , אליהוּא , <i> ''''''ĕlı̄hū''''' </i> ), "He is (my) God"; Ἐλιοῦς , <i> '''''Elioús''''' </i> ): One of the disputants in the Book of Job; a young man who, having listened in silence to the arguments of Job and his friends, is moved to prolong the discussion and from his more just views of truth set both parties right. He is of the tribe of Buz (compare [[Genesis]] 22:21 ), a brother-tribe to that of Uz, and of the family of Ram, or Aram, that is, an Aramean. He is not mentioned as one of the characters of the story until chapter 32; and then, as the friends are silenced and Job's words are ended, [[Elihu]] has the whole field to himself, until theophany of the whirlwind proves too portentous for him to bear. His four speeches take up chapters 32 through 37. Some critics have considered that the Elihu portion of the Book of Job was added by a later hand, and urge obscurities and prolixities, as well as a different style, to prove that it was the work of an inferior writer. This estimate seems, however, to take into account only the part it plays in a didactic treatise, or a theological debate. It looks quite different when we read it as a real dramatic element in a story; in other words, when we realize that the prevailing interest of the Book of Job is not dialectic but narrative. Thus viewed, the Elihu episode is a skillfully managed agency in preparing the denouncement. [[Consider]] the situation at the end of Job's words ( Job 31:40 ). Job has vindicated his integrity and stands ready to present his cause to God ( Job 31:35-37 ). The friends, however, have exhausted their resources, and through three discourses have been silent, as it were, snuffed out of existence. It is at this point, then, that Elihu is introduced, to renew their contention with young constructive blood, and represent their cause (as he deems) better than they can themselves. He is essentially at one with them in condemning Job ( Job 34:34-37 ); his only quarrel with them is on the score of the inconclusiveness of their arguments ( Job 32:3 , Job 32:1 ). His self-portrayal is conceived in a decided spirit of satire on the part of the writer, not unmingled with a sardonic humor. He is very egotistic, very sure of the value of his ideas; much of his alleged prolixity is due to that voluble self-deprecation which betrays an inordinate opinion of oneself (compare 32:6-22). This, whether inferior composition or not, admirably adapts his words to his character. For substance of discourse he adds materially to what the friends have said, but in a more rationalistic vein; speaks edifyingly, as the friends have not done, of the disciplinary value of affliction, and of God's means of revelation by dreams and visions and the interpreting of an intercessory friend (33:13-28). Very evidently, however, his ego is the center of his system; it is he who sets up as Job's mediator ( Job 33:5-7; compare Job 9:32-35 ), and his sage remarks on God's power and wisdom in Nature are full of self-importance. All this seems designed to accentuate the almost ludicrous humiliation of his collapse when from a natural phenomenon the oncoming tempest shows unusual and supernatural signs. His words become disjointed and incoherent, and cease with a kind of attempt to recant his pretensions. And the verdict from the whirlwind is: "darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge." Elihu thus has a real function in the story, as honorable as overweening self-confidence is apt to be. </p>
== American Tract Society Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_16012" /> ==
<p> A native of Buz, [[Genesis]] 22:21 , which was probably a city of Edom, Jeremiah 25:23 , perhaps Bozrah, Jeremiah 49:7,8,13 . He came to condole with Job in his calamities. Young, ardent, sagacious, and devout, he listened attentively to the discourses of Job and his three friends; and at length broke in, with profuse apologies, to set them all right, Job 32:1-22 . His address to Job he blames for condemning him as a hypocrite, in their ignorance of the wonders of God's providence. In several sentences he beautifully expresses his faith in the pardoning and restoring grace of [[God]] towards sinners, Job 33:23,24,27-30 , passages in probably the oldest book of the [[Bible]] in the very spirit of the parable of the prodigal son. </p>
       
== Easton's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_31442" /> ==
<li> One of the family of Obed-edom, who were appointed porters of the temple under [[David]] (1 Chronicles 26:7 ). <div> <p> [[Copyright]] StatementThese dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., [[Illustrated]] [[Bible]] Dictionary, [[Third]] Edition, published by [[Thomas]] Nelson, 1897. Public Domain. </p> <p> Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. Entry for 'Elihu'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/e/elihu.html. 1897. </p> </div> </li>
       
== Fausset's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_35369" /> ==
<p> ("God is Jehovah".) </p> <p> 1. [[Son]] of [[Barachel]] ("God blesses"); the names indicating the piety of the family and their separation from idolatry) the [[Buzite]] (Buz being a region of [[Arabia]] Deserta, Jeremiah 25:23, called from [[Buz]] son of Nahor, Abraham's brother), of the kindred of [[Ram]] (probably Aram, nephew of Buz): Job 32:2. He is the main human solver of the problem of the book, which ultimately is resolved, by Jehovah's appearance, into a question of His absolute sovereignty that cannot err. Elihu's reasoning is not condemned, as is that of the three elder friends and previous speakers, for whom and not for [[Elihu]] Job is directed to sacrifice and intercede (See JOB). </p> <p> 2. Son of Tohu, ancestor of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1); ELIEL in 1 Chronicles 6:34; ELIAB 1 Chronicles 6:27. </p> <p> 3. A captain of the thousands of [[Manasseh]] (1 Chronicles 12:20). [[Followed]] [[David]] to [[Ziklag]] after he left the [[Philistines]] before the battle of Gilboa, and aided him against the plundering [[Amalekites]] (1 Samuel 30:1; 1 Samuel 30:9-10; 1 Chronicles 12:20-21). 1 Chronicles 12:4. A [[Korhite]] [[Levite]] in David's time, door-keeper of the house of Jehovah, son of Shemaiah, of Obed-Edom's family (1 Chronicles 26:6-8), men of strength for service. </p>
       
== Holman Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_39916" /> ==
Job 32:2Job 32-37Job 32-37 <p> 2. Samuel's great grandfather (1 Samuel 1:1 ). 3 . A member of tribe of [[Manasseh]] who defected to [[David]] (1 Chronicles 12:20 ). 4 . [[Mighty]] military hero under David (1 Chronicles 26:7 ). 5 . David's brother in charge of the tribe of [[Judah]] (1 Chronicles 27:18 ). </p>
       
== Hitchcock's Bible Names <ref name="term_45590" /> ==
 
       
== Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible <ref name="term_50806" /> ==
<p> <strong> ELIHU </strong> . <strong> 1. </strong> An ancestor of Samuel ( 1 Samuel 1:1 ); called in 1 Chronicles 6:34 <strong> [[Eliel]] </strong> , and in 1 Chronicles 6:27 <strong> Eliab. 2. </strong> A variation in 1 Chronicles 27:18 for <strong> [[Eliab]] </strong> , David’s eldest son ( 1 Samuel 16:6 ). <strong> 3. </strong> A [[Manassite]] who joined [[David]] at [[Ziklag]] ( 1 Chronicles 12:20 ). <strong> 4. </strong> A [[Korahite]] porter ( 1 Chronicles 26:7 ). <strong> 5. </strong> See Job [Book of]. <strong> 6. </strong> An ancestor of [[Judith]] ( Jdt 8:1 ). </p>
       
== Morrish Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_65863" /> ==
<p> 1. [[Son]] of [[Barachel]] the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram. He is introduced abruptly in the history of Job. He was young and had not spoken until Job and his three friends had ceased. His wrath was kindled against Job because he justified himself rather than God, and against his three friends because they had condemned Job though they had not understood his case. The purport of Elihu's address is that [[God]] acts in grace and blessing to deliver man from evil, and to chastise and break him down. Job was a righteous man, but needed God's discipline. Job 32 — Job 36 . </p> <p> 2. Son of Tohu, and ancestor of Samuel. 1 Samuel 1:1 . [[Apparently]] called both ELIAB and ELIEL in 1 Chronicles 6:27,34 . </p> <p> 3. One of the captains of the thousands of [[Manasseh]] who resorted to [[David]] Ziklag. 1 Chronicles 12:20 . </p> <p> 4. Son of Shemaiah, a [[Korhite]] of the family of Obed-edom, a valiant man and one of the door-keepers. 1 Chronicles 26:7 . </p> <p> 5. [[Brother]] of David, made ruler in Judah. 1 Chronicles 27:18 . [[Perhaps]] the same as ELIAB, No. 3. </p>
       
== People's Dictionary of the Bible <ref name="term_70028" /> ==
<p> [[Elihu]] (e-lî'hu or ĕl'i-hû), whose [[God]] is He, i.e., Jehovah. 1. The Buzite, a friend of Job, and, perhaps, the arbitrator between him and his three acquaintances who had come to sympathize with him in his calamities. The soothing, yet faithful and honest, discourse of Elihu is finely contrasted with the sharp and severe language of the other three; and especially are his wisdom, piety, and benevolence admirable, when we consider his youth, and the character and standing of those whom he addressed. Job 32:1-22; Job 33:1-33; Job 34:1-37; Job 35:1-16; Job 36:1-33; Job 37:1-24. [[Four]] other persons of the same name are mentioned in the old Testament. </p>
       
== Smith's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_72339" /> ==
<p> Eli'hu (whose [[God]] is he (Jehovah). </p> <p> 1. One of the interlocutors, in the book of Job. See The [[Book]] Of Job; Job. He is described as the "son of Baerachel, the Buzite." </p> <p> 2. A forefather of Samuel, the prophet. 1 Samuel 1:1. </p> <p> 3. In 1 Chronicles 27:18, Elihu, "of the brethren of David," is mentioned as the chief of the tribe of Judah. </p> <p> 4. One of the captains of the thousands of Manasseh, 1 Chronicles 12:20, who followed [[David]] to Ziklag, after he had left the [[Philistine]] army, on the eve of the battle of Gilboa. </p> <p> 5. A [[Korhite]] Levite, in the time of David. 1 Chronicles 26:7. </p>
       
== Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary <ref name="term_80642" /> ==
<p> one of Job's friends, a descendant of Nahor, Job 32:2 . See JOB . </p>
       
== Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblial Literature <ref name="term_15596" /> ==
<p> Eli´hu (Jehovah is God). One of Job's friends, described as 'the son of Barachel, a Buzite, of the kindred of Ram' . This is usually understood to imply that he was descended from Buz, the son of Abraham's brother Nahor, from whose family the city called [[Buz]] also took its name. Elihu's name does not appear among those of the friends who came in the first instance to condole with Job, nor is his presence indicated till the debate between the afflicted man and his three friends had been brought to a conclusion. Then, finding there was no answer to Job's last speech, he comes forward with considerable modesty, which he loses as he proceeds, to remark on the debate, and to deliver his own opinion on the points at issue. The character and scope of his orations are described elsewhere [JOB, BOOK OF]. It appears, from the manner in which [[Elihu]] introduces himself, that he was by much the youngest of the party; and it is evident that he had been present from the commencement of the discussion, to which he had paid very close attention. This would suggest that the debate between Job and his friends was carried on in the presence of a deeply-interested auditory, among which was this Elihu, who could not forbear from interfering when the controversy appeared to have reached an unsatisfactory conclusion. </p>
       
== Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature <ref name="term_38911" /> ==
<p> (Hebrew Elihu', םאֵַַליהוּא . [but abbreviated ץלֵיתּוּ in Job 32:4; Job 35:1; 1 Chronicles 26:7; 1 Chronicles 27:18], whose [[God]] is He, i.e., Jehovah), the name of five men. </p> <p> 1. (Sept. Ε᾿λιούς .) One of Job's friends, described as "the son of Barachel, a Buzite, of the kindred of Ram" (Job 32:2). This is usually understood to imply that he was descended from Buz, the son of Abraham's brother Nahor, from whose family the city called [[Buz]] (Jeremiah 25:23) also took its name. The [[Chaldee]] paraphrase asserts that [[Elihu]] was a relation of Abraham. Elihu's name does not appear among those of the friends who came in the first instance to condole with Job, nor is his presence indicated till the debate between the afflicted man and his three friends had been brought to a conclusion. Then, finding there was no answer to Job's last speech, he comes forward with considerable modesty, which he loses as he proceeds, to remark on the debate, and to deliver his own opinion on the points at issue (Job 32:1-22; Job 37:1-24). B.C. cir. 2200. It appears, from the manner in which Elihu introduces himself (Job 32:3-7), that he was much the youngest of the party; and it is evident that he had been present from the commencement of the discussion, to which he had paid very close attention.* This would suggest that the debate between Job and his friends was carried on in the presence of a deeply-interested auditory, among which was this Elihu, who could not forbear from interfering when the controversy appeared to have reached an unsatisfactory conclusion (see Kitto's [[Daily]] [[Bible]] Illust. in loc.). He expresses his desire to moderate between the disputants; and his words alone touch upon, although they do not thoroughly handle, that idea of the disciplinary nature of suffering, which is the key to Job's perplexity and doubt; but, as in the whole book, the greater stress is laid on God's unsearchable wisdom, and the implicit faith which he demands (see Velthuysen, [[De]] Elice carmine, Rotterdam, 1789-90). He does not enlarge on any supposable wickedness in Job as having brought his present distresses upon him, but controverts his replies, his inferences, and his arguments. He observes on the mysterious dispensations of Providence, which he insists, however they may appear to mortals, are full of wisdom and mercy; that the righteous have their share of prosperity in this life no less than the wicked;. that God is supreme, and that it becomes us to acknowledge and submit to that supremacy, since "the [[Creator]] wisely rules the world he made;" and he draws instances of benignity from the constant wonders of creation, of the seasons, etc. His language is copious, glowing, and sublime; and it deserves notice that Elihu does not appear to have offended God by his sentiments; nor is any sacrifice of atonement commanded for him as for the other speakers in the poem. It is almost pardonable that the character of Elihu has been thought figurative of a personage interposed between God and man — a mediator — one speaking "without terrors," and not disposed to overcharge mankind. This sentiment may have had its influence on the acceptability and preservation of the book of Job (see Hodges's Elihu, Oxford, 1750). (See Job (Book Of).) </p> <p> 2. (Sept. ᾿Ηλιού .) [[Son]] of Tohu, and grandfather of Elkanah, Samuel's father (1 Samuel 1:1). In the statements of the genealogy of Samuel in 1 Chronicles vi the name ELIEL (See [[Eliel]]) (q.v.) occurs in the same position — son of Toah, and father of [[Jeroham]] (6:34 [Hebrews 1 Samuel 6:19]); and also ELIAB (See [[Eliab]]) (6:27 [Hebrews 12:1-29]), father of Jeroham, and grandson of Zophai. The general opinion is that Elihu is the original name, and the two latter forms but copyists' variations of it. </p> <p> 3. (Sept. Ε᾿λιούδ v.r. Ε᾿λιμούθ .) One of the chiliarchs of [[Manasseh]] who joined [[David]] at [[Ziklag]] (1 Chronicles 12:20), after he had left the [[Philistine]] army on the eve of the battle of Gilboa, and who assisted him against the marauding band (גְּדוּד ) of the [[Amalekites]] (comp. 1 Samuel 30:1-31). B.C. 1053. </p> <p> 4. (Sept. Ε᾿λιού .) One of the eminently able-bodied members of the family of Obed-edom (apparently a grandson by Shemaiah), who were appointed porters of the [[Temple]] under David (1 Chronicles 26:7). B.C. 1043. Terms are applied to all these doorkeepers which appear to indicate that they were not only "strong men," as in A.V., but also fighting men. (See 1 Chronicles 26:6-8; 1 Chronicles 26:12, in which occur the words חִיַל = army, and גַּבּוֹרַים — warriors or heroes.) </p> <p> 5. (Sept. Ε᾿λιάβ .) A chief of the tribe of Judah, said to be "of the brethren of David" (1 Chronicles 27:18), and hence supposed by some to have been his oldest brother ELIAB (See [[Eliab]]) (1 Samuel 16:6). B.C. 1013 or ante. </p>
       
==References ==
<references>
 
<ref name="term_16012"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/american-tract-society-bible-dictionary/elihu Elihu from American Tract Society Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_31442"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/easton-s-bible-dictionary/elihu Elihu from Easton's Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_35369"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/fausset-s-bible-dictionary/elihu Elihu from Fausset's Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_39916"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/holman-bible-dictionary/elihu Elihu from Holman Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_45590"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/hitchcock-s-bible-names/elihu Elihu from Hitchcock's Bible Names]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_50806"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/hastings-dictionary-of-the-bible/elihu Elihu from Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_65863"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/morrish-bible-dictionary/elihu Elihu from Morrish Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_70028"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/people-s-dictionary-of-the-bible/elihu Elihu from People's Dictionary of the Bible]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_72339"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/smith-s-bible-dictionary/elihu Elihu from Smith's Bible Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_80642"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/watson-s-biblical-theological-dictionary/elihu Elihu from Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_15596"> [https://bibleportal.com/encyclopedia/kitto-s-popular-cyclopedia-of-biblial-literature/elihu Elihu from Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblial Literature]</ref>
       
<ref name="term_38911"> [https://bibleportal.com/encyclopedia/cyclopedia-of-biblical-theological-and-ecclesiastical-literature/elihu Elihu from Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature]</ref>
       
</references>

Revision as of 08:33, 12 October 2021

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary [1]

A native of Buz, Genesis 22:21 , which was probably a city of Edom, Jeremiah 25:23 , perhaps Bozrah, Jeremiah 49:7,8,13 . He came to condole with Job in his calamities. Young, ardent, sagacious, and devout, he listened attentively to the discourses of Job and his three friends; and at length broke in, with profuse apologies, to set them all right, Job 32:1-22 . His address to Job he blames for condemning him as a hypocrite, in their ignorance of the wonders of God's providence. In several sentences he beautifully expresses his faith in the pardoning and restoring grace of God towards sinners, Job 33:23,24,27-30 , passages in probably the oldest book of the Bible in the very spirit of the parable of the prodigal son.

Easton's Bible Dictionary [2]

  • One of the family of Obed-edom, who were appointed porters of the temple under David (1 Chronicles 26:7 ).

    Copyright StatementThese dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.

    Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. Entry for 'Elihu'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/e/elihu.html. 1897.

    • Fausset's Bible Dictionary [3]

    ("God is Jehovah".)

    1. Son of Barachel ("God blesses"); the names indicating the piety of the family and their separation from idolatry) the Buzite (Buz being a region of Arabia Deserta, Jeremiah 25:23, called from Buz son of Nahor, Abraham's brother), of the kindred of Ram (probably Aram, nephew of Buz): Job 32:2. He is the main human solver of the problem of the book, which ultimately is resolved, by Jehovah's appearance, into a question of His absolute sovereignty that cannot err. Elihu's reasoning is not condemned, as is that of the three elder friends and previous speakers, for whom and not for Elihu Job is directed to sacrifice and intercede (See JOB).

    2. Son of Tohu, ancestor of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1); ELIEL in 1 Chronicles 6:34; ELIAB 1 Chronicles 6:27.

    3. A captain of the thousands of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 12:20). Followed David to Ziklag after he left the Philistines before the battle of Gilboa, and aided him against the plundering Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:1; 1 Samuel 30:9-10; 1 Chronicles 12:20-21). 1 Chronicles 12:4. A Korhite Levite in David's time, door-keeper of the house of Jehovah, son of Shemaiah, of Obed-Edom's family (1 Chronicles 26:6-8), men of strength for service.

    Holman Bible Dictionary [4]

    Job 32:2Job 32-37Job 32-37

    2. Samuel's great grandfather (1 Samuel 1:1 ). 3 . A member of tribe of Manasseh who defected to David (1 Chronicles 12:20 ). 4 . Mighty military hero under David (1 Chronicles 26:7 ). 5 . David's brother in charge of the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 27:18 ).

    Hitchcock's Bible Names [5]

    Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible [6]

    ELIHU . 1. An ancestor of Samuel ( 1 Samuel 1:1 ); called in 1 Chronicles 6:34 Eliel , and in 1 Chronicles 6:27 Eliab. 2. A variation in 1 Chronicles 27:18 for Eliab , David’s eldest son ( 1 Samuel 16:6 ). 3. A Manassite who joined David at Ziklag ( 1 Chronicles 12:20 ). 4. A Korahite porter ( 1 Chronicles 26:7 ). 5. See Job [Book of]. 6. An ancestor of Judith ( Jdt 8:1 ).

    Morrish Bible Dictionary [7]

    1. Son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram. He is introduced abruptly in the history of Job. He was young and had not spoken until Job and his three friends had ceased. His wrath was kindled against Job because he justified himself rather than God, and against his three friends because they had condemned Job though they had not understood his case. The purport of Elihu's address is that God acts in grace and blessing to deliver man from evil, and to chastise and break him down. Job was a righteous man, but needed God's discipline. Job 32 — Job 36 .

    2. Son of Tohu, and ancestor of Samuel. 1 Samuel 1:1 . Apparently called both ELIAB and ELIEL in 1 Chronicles 6:27,34 .

    3. One of the captains of the thousands of Manasseh who resorted to David Ziklag. 1 Chronicles 12:20 .

    4. Son of Shemaiah, a Korhite of the family of Obed-edom, a valiant man and one of the door-keepers. 1 Chronicles 26:7 .

    5. Brother of David, made ruler in Judah. 1 Chronicles 27:18 . Perhaps the same as ELIAB, No. 3.

    People's Dictionary of the Bible [8]

    Elihu (e-lî'hu or ĕl'i-hû), whose God is He, i.e., Jehovah. 1. The Buzite, a friend of Job, and, perhaps, the arbitrator between him and his three acquaintances who had come to sympathize with him in his calamities. The soothing, yet faithful and honest, discourse of Elihu is finely contrasted with the sharp and severe language of the other three; and especially are his wisdom, piety, and benevolence admirable, when we consider his youth, and the character and standing of those whom he addressed. Job 32:1-22; Job 33:1-33; Job 34:1-37; Job 35:1-16; Job 36:1-33; Job 37:1-24. Four other persons of the same name are mentioned in the old Testament.

    Smith's Bible Dictionary [9]

    Eli'hu (whose God is he (Jehovah).

    1. One of the interlocutors, in the book of Job. See The Book Of Job; Job. He is described as the "son of Baerachel, the Buzite."

    2. A forefather of Samuel, the prophet. 1 Samuel 1:1.

    3. In 1 Chronicles 27:18, Elihu, "of the brethren of David," is mentioned as the chief of the tribe of Judah.

    4. One of the captains of the thousands of Manasseh, 1 Chronicles 12:20, who followed David to Ziklag, after he had left the Philistine army, on the eve of the battle of Gilboa.

    5. A Korhite Levite, in the time of David. 1 Chronicles 26:7.

    Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary [10]

    one of Job's friends, a descendant of Nahor, Job 32:2 . See JOB .

    Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblial Literature [11]

    Eli´hu (Jehovah is God). One of Job's friends, described as 'the son of Barachel, a Buzite, of the kindred of Ram' . This is usually understood to imply that he was descended from Buz, the son of Abraham's brother Nahor, from whose family the city called Buz also took its name. Elihu's name does not appear among those of the friends who came in the first instance to condole with Job, nor is his presence indicated till the debate between the afflicted man and his three friends had been brought to a conclusion. Then, finding there was no answer to Job's last speech, he comes forward with considerable modesty, which he loses as he proceeds, to remark on the debate, and to deliver his own opinion on the points at issue. The character and scope of his orations are described elsewhere [JOB, BOOK OF]. It appears, from the manner in which Elihu introduces himself, that he was by much the youngest of the party; and it is evident that he had been present from the commencement of the discussion, to which he had paid very close attention. This would suggest that the debate between Job and his friends was carried on in the presence of a deeply-interested auditory, among which was this Elihu, who could not forbear from interfering when the controversy appeared to have reached an unsatisfactory conclusion.

    Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [12]

    (Hebrew Elihu', םאֵַַליהוּא . [but abbreviated ץלֵיתּוּ in Job 32:4; Job 35:1; 1 Chronicles 26:7; 1 Chronicles 27:18], whose God is He, i.e., Jehovah), the name of five men.

    1. (Sept. Ε᾿λιούς .) One of Job's friends, described as "the son of Barachel, a Buzite, of the kindred of Ram" (Job 32:2). This is usually understood to imply that he was descended from Buz, the son of Abraham's brother Nahor, from whose family the city called Buz (Jeremiah 25:23) also took its name. The Chaldee paraphrase asserts that Elihu was a relation of Abraham. Elihu's name does not appear among those of the friends who came in the first instance to condole with Job, nor is his presence indicated till the debate between the afflicted man and his three friends had been brought to a conclusion. Then, finding there was no answer to Job's last speech, he comes forward with considerable modesty, which he loses as he proceeds, to remark on the debate, and to deliver his own opinion on the points at issue (Job 32:1-22; Job 37:1-24). B.C. cir. 2200. It appears, from the manner in which Elihu introduces himself (Job 32:3-7), that he was much the youngest of the party; and it is evident that he had been present from the commencement of the discussion, to which he had paid very close attention.* This would suggest that the debate between Job and his friends was carried on in the presence of a deeply-interested auditory, among which was this Elihu, who could not forbear from interfering when the controversy appeared to have reached an unsatisfactory conclusion (see Kitto's Daily Bible Illust. in loc.). He expresses his desire to moderate between the disputants; and his words alone touch upon, although they do not thoroughly handle, that idea of the disciplinary nature of suffering, which is the key to Job's perplexity and doubt; but, as in the whole book, the greater stress is laid on God's unsearchable wisdom, and the implicit faith which he demands (see Velthuysen, De Elice carmine, Rotterdam, 1789-90). He does not enlarge on any supposable wickedness in Job as having brought his present distresses upon him, but controverts his replies, his inferences, and his arguments. He observes on the mysterious dispensations of Providence, which he insists, however they may appear to mortals, are full of wisdom and mercy; that the righteous have their share of prosperity in this life no less than the wicked;. that God is supreme, and that it becomes us to acknowledge and submit to that supremacy, since "the Creator wisely rules the world he made;" and he draws instances of benignity from the constant wonders of creation, of the seasons, etc. His language is copious, glowing, and sublime; and it deserves notice that Elihu does not appear to have offended God by his sentiments; nor is any sacrifice of atonement commanded for him as for the other speakers in the poem. It is almost pardonable that the character of Elihu has been thought figurative of a personage interposed between God and man — a mediator — one speaking "without terrors," and not disposed to overcharge mankind. This sentiment may have had its influence on the acceptability and preservation of the book of Job (see Hodges's Elihu, Oxford, 1750). (See Job (Book Of).)

    2. (Sept. ᾿Ηλιού .) Son of Tohu, and grandfather of Elkanah, Samuel's father (1 Samuel 1:1). In the statements of the genealogy of Samuel in 1 Chronicles vi the name ELIEL (See Eliel) (q.v.) occurs in the same position — son of Toah, and father of Jeroham (6:34 [Hebrews 1 Samuel 6:19]); and also ELIAB (See Eliab) (6:27 [Hebrews 12:1-29]), father of Jeroham, and grandson of Zophai. The general opinion is that Elihu is the original name, and the two latter forms but copyists' variations of it.

    3. (Sept. Ε᾿λιούδ v.r. Ε᾿λιμούθ .) One of the chiliarchs of Manasseh who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:20), after he had left the Philistine army on the eve of the battle of Gilboa, and who assisted him against the marauding band (גְּדוּד ) of the Amalekites (comp. 1 Samuel 30:1-31). B.C. 1053.

    4. (Sept. Ε᾿λιού .) One of the eminently able-bodied members of the family of Obed-edom (apparently a grandson by Shemaiah), who were appointed porters of the Temple under David (1 Chronicles 26:7). B.C. 1043. Terms are applied to all these doorkeepers which appear to indicate that they were not only "strong men," as in A.V., but also fighting men. (See 1 Chronicles 26:6-8; 1 Chronicles 26:12, in which occur the words חִיַל = army, and גַּבּוֹרַים — warriors or heroes.)

    5. (Sept. Ε᾿λιάβ .) A chief of the tribe of Judah, said to be "of the brethren of David" (1 Chronicles 27:18), and hence supposed by some to have been his oldest brother ELIAB (See Eliab) (1 Samuel 16:6). B.C. 1013 or ante.

    References

    1. ↑ Elihu from American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
    2. ↑ Elihu from Easton's Bible Dictionary
    3. ↑ Elihu from Fausset's Bible Dictionary
    4. ↑ Elihu from Holman Bible Dictionary
    5. ↑ Elihu from Hitchcock's Bible Names
    6. ↑ Elihu from Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
    7. ↑ Elihu from Morrish Bible Dictionary
    8. ↑ Elihu from People's Dictionary of the Bible
    9. ↑ Elihu from Smith's Bible Dictionary
    10. ↑ Elihu from Watson's Biblical & Theological Dictionary
    11. ↑ Elihu from Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblial Literature
    12. ↑ Elihu from Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
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