איוב, פרק ל״ב, פסוק י״ז

After Job's friends fail in their attempt to answer him during their debate, Elihu decides to intervene and present his own position [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. He justifies his intervention by explaining his rightful place in the discussion. Since every participant has a role in the debate, and the others have already spoken, the time has come for him to take his turn and voice his share of the response [מלבי״ם, מצודת דוד].

Another approach views this share of the response not just as a turn to speak, but as an expression of tradition and the knowledge Elihu received from previous generations. This received wisdom is paired with his own independent intellect and understanding. Elihu declares that he will build his argument upon both of these foundations, emphasizing that his personal, rational understanding aligns perfectly with the tradition handed down to him [אלשיך].

A further interpretation deepens the nature of this personal knowledge, suggesting that it refers to fundamental axioms and truths naturally ingrained in the human soul. According to this view, Elihu does not intend to present knowledge acquired through rational investigation or logical deduction. Instead, he plans to reveal an inner, intuitive truth that is given directly as a heritage to the human soul by God [מלבי״ם].