This verse from Job 32:4 explains why Elihu hadn't spoken up earlier in the debate. It states that he had been holding back his thoughts because the other three men (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) who had been arguing with Job were older than him.
Essentially, in ancient societies, age was often equated with wisdom and experience. Younger individuals were generally expected to show respect to their elders and defer to their opinions, especially in formal settings like a debate about important theological matters. Elihu, being younger, felt it was his place to listen and wait for the older men to finish before offering his own perspective. He observed the entire discussion and then, because he felt they had not adequately addressed Job's concerns, he felt compelled to speak out.
This verse from Job 32:4 explains why Elihu hadn't spoken up earlier in the debate. It states that he had been holding back his thoughts because the other three men (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) who had been arguing with Job were older than him.
Essentially, in ancient societies, age was often equated with wisdom and experience. Younger individuals were generally expected to show respect to their elders and defer to their opinions, especially in formal settings like a debate about important theological matters. Elihu, being younger, felt it was his place to listen and wait for the older men to finish before offering his own perspective. He observed the entire discussion and then, because he felt they had not adequately addressed Job's concerns, he felt compelled to speak out.