“Elihu also proceeded, and said,”
Elihu begins his sixth discourse with a summary statement: 'Bear with me a little longer and I will show you,' suggesting that his argument is not yet complete and that further explanation will vindicate his position. This verse demonstrates Elihu's persistence and his conviction that comprehensive explanation will bring Job to understanding and acceptance. The appeal to patience ('bear with me') acknowledges that Job may be weary of hearing Elihu speak, yet asserts that the culmination of the argument justifies continued attention. The phrase 'I have more to say on God's behalf' (as rendered in some versions) establishes Elihu as defender and interpreter of God's interests, a role that borders on presumption. Elihu's confidence that more explanation will achieve what previous explanation has not reveals a fundamental limitation: no amount of propositional argument will resolve the existential problem that Job's suffering presents, and continued speech merely postpones the recognition that something other than argument is needed.
Church Fathers on Job 36:1
Eliu also added, and spake thus; Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee. He had already said much, and hopes that he will be borne with yet a little longer; because, namely, haughty men consider that they suffer a heavy loss, if they confine their skill by speaking within brief limits. For they believe, that they shew themselves to be more learned, the more they have been able to lay open their minds in multiplicity of much speaking. But, because they frequently perceive…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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