Job 32:16

When one had waited,.... To observe whether they would make any reply to what he had said, or any objection to his engaging in the controversy:

for they spake not; were as mute as fishes:

but…

When I had waited - I waited to hear if they had any thing to reply to Job; and when I found them in effect speechless, then I ventured to come forward.

Three things here apologize for Elihu's interposing as he does in this controversy which had already been canvassed by such acute and learned disputants: -

1. That the stage was clear, and he did not…

Job 32:32 is most naturally to be taken as a question,

16. And shall I wait because they speak not,

Because they stand still and answer no more?

17. I will answer also my part, &c.

The…