Read Job 15:1-16
Eliphaz gets a second turn and begins the next cycle of dialogue. He largely revisits his earlier comments but in a more serious tone. Eliphaz can’t begin to fathom that Job was truthful about being innocent. You don’t call someone a windbag if you don’t think they’re saying too much of the wrong thing.
Job’s friend seems a bit cynical when he is asking Job to let everyone know what sin has been committed. I’m sure Job would oblige if only he knew himself. Friends should challenge each other, but I think Eliphaz takes that a little too far in his attack on Job.
Eliphaz has such an accusatory tone to his speech. I wouldn’t be surprised if Job’s “hackles” were already going up. Job had to be wondering if this person was really his friend or not. Do friends point fingers or try to help each other work through tough situations?
What do you think Eliphaz meant by this question? He asked Job, “Is God’s comfort too little for you? Is his gentle word not enough?” Job had been waiting for comfort. Is Eliphaz thinking this comfort is coming from his counsel and that of Job’s other friends? If that’s the case, the words spewing out of the mouths of Job’s friends are anything but gentle. Gentleness at a time like this is exactly what I would expect from a good friend.
Comfort comes to us from God. In the words of the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” This is a beautiful remembrance and shout out to God for all that he does for us.
We may not be going through what Job went through, but we can still benefit from the comfort only God can give. When facing a mountain, it’s a lot less daunting when we imagine who is standing beside us and trust the one who has already gone before us. That’s how we tap into God’s true comfort in the midst of our storms.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for your word today and how I can trust you in the midst of my challenges. Your comfort is like a big cozy blanket that surrounds me and protects me from evil. Fear flees when I call on your name. Help me to stand strong against the attacks of the evil one. It’s an ongoing battle I cannot fight without you. My only hope is with you by my side. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
