Albert Barnes Commentary Job 34

Furthermore, Elihu answered and said - That is, evidently, after a pause to see if Job had anything to reply. The word answered in the Scriptures often means “to begin a discourse,” though nothing had been said by others; see Job 3:2; Isaiah 14:10; Zechariah 1:10; Zechariah 3:4; Zechariah 4:11–12. Sometimes it is used with reference to a subject, meaning that one replied to what could be suggested on the opposite side. Here it may be understood either in the general sense of beginning a discourse, or more probably as replying to the sentiments Job had advanced in the debate with his friends.

Hear my words, O ye wise men - This addresses particularly the three friends of Job. The previous chapter had been addressed to Job himself. He had stated to him his views on the design of affliction, and Job had nothing to reply. He now addresses himself to his friends, with a particular view of examining some of the sentiments Job had advanced and of showing where he was in error. He addresses them as “wise men,” or sages, and as endowed with “knowledge,” to conciliate their attention and because he regarded them as qualified to understand the difficult subject he proposed to explain.

For the ear tries words - Ascertains their meaning, and especially determines what words are worth regarding. The object of this is to fix the attention on what he was about to say; to get the ear so that every word should make its proper impression. The word “ear” in this place, however, seems not to be used to denote the external organ, but the whole faculty of hearing. It is by hearing that the meaning of what is said is determined, as it is by the taste that the quality of food is discerned.

As the mouth tastes meat - Margin, as in Hebrew, “palate.” The meaning is, as the organ of taste determines the nature of the various articles of food. The same figure is used by Job in (Job 12:11).

Let us choose to us judgment - That is, let us examine and explore what is true and right. Amidst the conflicting opinions, and the sentiments which have been advanced, let us find out what will abide the test of close investigation.

For Job has said, I am righteous — see (Job 13:18), I know that I shall be justified; compare (Job 23:10–11), where he says, if he was tried he would come forth as gold. Elihu may have also referred to the general course of remark which he had pursued as vindicating himself.

And God has taken away my judgment — This sentiment is found in (Job 27:2); see the notes at that place.