Job 32:11

"Therefore I said, ‘Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.’"

Key Reflection

In Job 32:11, Elihu, who had been listening silently until this point, declares his intention to speak up. He states, "Therefore I said, ‘Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.’" This sentence reveals the cultural context where speaking out was significant and came after a period of silence or reflection. In ancient Near Eastern societies, maintaining composure and listening before contributing to a conversation was highly valued, making Elihu's willingness to share his thoughts all the more noteworthy.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

I gave ear to your reasons -Margin, “understandings.” The meaning is, that he had given the most respectful attention to the views which they had expressed, implying that he had been all along present, and had listened to the debate. Whilst ye searched out what to say -Margin, as in Hebrew, words. It is implied here that they had bestowed much attention on what they had said. They had carefully sought out all the arguments at their command to confute Job, and still had been unsuccessful.

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