Upon hearing Job’s latest impassioned defense, the three friends fall silent. The dialogue has gone as far as it can go.  The story then takes an unexpected turn -- Elihu, a new speaker with no articulated connection to Job, steps in.  Despite the mystery, Elihu is provided a genealogy -- son of Barachel the Buzite of the kindred of Ram.  One theory proffered by various scholars is that Elihu is a descendant from a brother of Abraham, Nahoor, who is referenced in Genesis 22. Nahoor was the father of “Buz,” who is thought to be patriarch of the Buzites. 

There is controversy surrounding Elihu, whose name translates to “My God is He" or "God is Lord.”    Some scholars contend his lengthy speech is an addition to the Book of Job, as there is no mention of him in the beginning nor tail end - points the three comforters are referenced.  Estimates have this Book being created between the 4th and 6th centuries before Christ. Others consider Elihu a messianic figure whose outlook is most significant and serves as an avenue to reach God.  It is noteworthy that Job recently asked for someone to intercede on his behalf and in jumps Elihu, who provides the longest continuous speech in book. This chapter serves as Elihu’s introduction to his own speech. 

 Elihu announces that while listening to the discussion, his wrath was kindled.  He endured the back-and-forth, where the comforters failed to teach Job a lesson. He continues: “I am young and ye are aged,” explaining holding his tongue out of respect, which the three friends, were not deserving of.  He highlights that it is the spirit of Shaddai that grants wisdom and comforters failed to showed sufficient discernment confronting Job.  Now he can’t hold in his words in any longer and is ready to burst with his own perspective. 

He expresses Job has been busy justifying himself and has not perceived God as the fair arbitrator of all things.

Elihu expresses that the friends have effectively gave up – saying to themselves that God will confound Job since our words failed to reach him.  Elihu thinks he can do better and boasts he will not be redundant.  The friends are silenced and shocked by the young man's audacity. Elihu announces he will show no favor or flattery – as his maker, the Lord, would have it no other way.