Job 32:17

"Shall I wait, because they don’t speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?"

Key Reflection

In Job 32:17, Elihu expresses his impatience and determination to speak despite the silence of the other characters. This was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern disputes, where individuals might wait for their turn to speak, but here Elihu is frustrated because the three older friends have stopped speaking. His statement reflects the cultural expectation that one must respect the order of speech but also acknowledges his own strong desire and readiness to contribute to the conversation, despite the others' silence.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

I also will show mine opinion -In this language, as inJob 32:6, there is a delicate expression of modesty in the Hebrew which does not appear in our translation. It isאף־אני'aph'ănı̂y- even I. “Even one so young, and so humble as I, may be permitted to express my sentiments, when the aged and the great have nothing more to say. It will be no improper intrusion for even me to speak when no other one more aged and honorable desires to.” In all this we may discern a degree of courtesy, and a delicate sense of propriety, which may be commended to the imitation of all, and especially to the young.

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