Elihu’s passionate plea in this verse underscores his conviction that true wisdom requires careful discernment and a willingness to reconsider one’s own perspective in the light of God’s unfailing righteousness.
Elihu, the young man who speaks after Job’s three friends, makes a pointed appeal to those listening when he says, “Hear my words, you wise men, And listen to me, you who know.” (v.2) In the broader discourse of Job 34, Elihu is calling upon individuals who consider themselves discerning to pay special attention to his argument. Historically, Job is believed to have lived during the time of the Patriarchs (around 2100-1700 BC), likely in or near the land of Uz, which is an ancient region mentioned in the Old Testament. By speaking to the “wise men,” Elihu subtly indicates that the audience should weigh his statements with thoughtful discernment rather than simply accepting or rejecting them based on their own assumptions. This message resonates with Jesus’s teachings in the New Testament, in which He invites those who have ears to hear to understand the deeper truths behind the words of Scripture (Matthew 13:9).
In “Listen to me, you who know,” (v.2) Elihu challenges the hearers to examine their own claims of knowledge and insight, a theme that recurs throughout the book of Job, especially when grappling with the mystery of suffering. By directly addressing people who pride themselves on understanding, Elihu sets the stage for a more profound examination of God’s justice. The call to listen reflects a humble posture, reminding today’s readers that even those who consider themselves learned must submit to divine wisdom. This readiness to hear is echoed by Christ’s invitation to seek and knock in order to find truth (Matthew 7:7).
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Job 34:2 meaning
Elihu, the young man who speaks after Job’s three friends, makes a pointed appeal to those listening when he says, “Hear my words, you wise men, And listen to me, you who know.” (v.2) In the broader discourse of Job 34, Elihu is calling upon individuals who consider themselves discerning to pay special attention to his argument. Historically, Job is believed to have lived during the time of the Patriarchs (around 2100-1700 BC), likely in or near the land of Uz, which is an ancient region mentioned in the Old Testament. By speaking to the “wise men,” Elihu subtly indicates that the audience should weigh his statements with thoughtful discernment rather than simply accepting or rejecting them based on their own assumptions. This message resonates with Jesus’s teachings in the New Testament, in which He invites those who have ears to hear to understand the deeper truths behind the words of Scripture (Matthew 13:9).
In “Listen to me, you who know,” (v.2) Elihu challenges the hearers to examine their own claims of knowledge and insight, a theme that recurs throughout the book of Job, especially when grappling with the mystery of suffering. By directly addressing people who pride themselves on understanding, Elihu sets the stage for a more profound examination of God’s justice. The call to listen reflects a humble posture, reminding today’s readers that even those who consider themselves learned must submit to divine wisdom. This readiness to hear is echoed by Christ’s invitation to seek and knock in order to find truth (Matthew 7:7).