Journal: Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal
Volume: DBSJ 02:1 (Fall 1997)
Article: Elihu’s Contribution To The Thought Of The Book Of Job
Author: Robert V. McCabe

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DBSJ 2 (Fall 1997) p. 47

Elihu’s Contribution To The Thought Of The Book Of Job

Robert V. McCabe*

* Dr. McCabe is Professor of Old Testament at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary in Allen Park, MI.

A focal point in Joban studies has been the contribution of the Elihu speeches to the argument of the book of Job. Elihu’s contribution ranges anywhere from interpreting him as a theological bigot to a theological hero. Curtis, who advocates that Elihu was a theological “bigot,”1 argues that the Joban author fabricated Elihu as part of his original work to demonstrate the folly of the friends’ mechanical view of divine justice.

The ultimate coup de grace for a foolish theology is to have it presented by an unsympathetic spokesman, who is so muddle-headed and ridiculous that no character nor even the narrator will deign to acknowledge his presence, either before or after his appearance. Elihu is the reductio ad absurdum of traditional theology. Once he has spoken, traditional dogma can no longer be defended.2

While not necessarily portraying Elihu as a bigot, others have argued that the Elihu speeches are essentially a rehashing of the friends’ theology.3 Gray is in agreement with this position, but he has additionally

DBSJ 2 (Fall 1997) p. 48

asserted that the Elihu speeches are a latter interpolation.4 Some who view the Elihu speeches as a latter interpolation maintain that they improve the friends’ theology5 or refute their teachings.6 McKay views Elihu as a forerunner of a modern charismatic Christian who desires “to lift the sufferer into a healing confrontation with the Almighty.”7 Rather than presenting Elihu as a protagonist, Andersen suggests that Elihu is an adjudicator. In a manner similar to God’s approach in 38:2–41:34, Elihu, as an adjudicator, gives his estimation of the dialogue. According to Andersen, Elihu gives the human assessment, and God the divine evaluation.8 Robertson views Elihu as providing a comic relief from the dialogue.9 Gordis has indicated that the contribution of Elihu is to be found in his assertion that God uses suffering for disciplinary purposes. This was intended by the Joban author to supplemen...

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