איוב, פרק ל״ד, פסוק ל״ו

Elihu reaches a peak of harshness in his speech to Job, expressing a striking desire for Job's suffering to continue without end. Elihu believes that Job's defensive arguments have crossed a dangerous line. To correct this grave error, he feels the only solution is a constant trial that will ultimately prove the absolute justice of the divine decree.

Elihu's opening words are understood in two distinct ways. The primary approach among commentators is that they express a deep personal wish or desire [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ, אלשיך]. Conversely, others read his opening as a direct, impassioned prayer to God, calling out to a Heavenly Father [רש״י, רמב״ן, אבן עזרא, רלב״ג].

Flowing from this thought, Elihu declares his wish that Job be tested endlessly. This unending trial is generally seen as continuous suffering, intended either to pressure Job into retracting his sinful claims [מצודת דוד] or to ensure that the justice of his punishment becomes completely clear to all observers [רמב״ן]. Another perspective interprets this unending test not as a measure of infinite time, but as a total victory in debate. In this view, the goal is to argue with Job until he is entirely defeated and silenced [מלבי״ם]. A unique angle suggests a psychological purpose to the prolonged pain. While sudden tragedy causes shock and panic, continuous and drawn-out suffering eventually conditions a person to accept their pain in quiet submission [אלשיך].

This harsh demand for ongoing suffering is justified by Job's association with the wicked, though commentators disagree on the exact nature of this connection. One view suggests that Job's arguments sound like the heresy of those who deny divine providence. Such claims are expected from wicked individuals, making it highly inappropriate for a righteous man like Job to voice them [מלבי״ם, רמב״ן, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Alternatively, Job's ongoing pain is not about his own words, but serves as a public warning. His unending trial acts as a clear message to the wicked that suffering will not simply fade away without true repentance [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Finally, a completely different approach views Job's pain as an act of love. Because the wicked of his generation refuse to repent on their own, Job endures continuous suffering to atone for their sins [אלשיך].