Job 22:1-30 – Eliphaz’s Final Speech

Read Job 22:1-30

We begin the third round of discussion between friends, although it seems more like a debate. Didn’t Eliphaz pay attention to Job’s last observation about wickedness? Eliphaz doesn’t tread lightly but makes a brutal attack on Job’s character and condition making it clear he thinks Job is one of the wicked ones.

I have an answer to Eliphaz’s first question. “Can a person do anything to help God?” Eliphaz may have meant it as a slam against Job, but there is at least one thing we can do to help God and further his kingdom. We can be good witnesses to God’s love and compassion, to his power and might. We plant seeds of faith that can then be nurtured by God into a living relationship with God. Have you ever had the privilege of introducing anyone to God? Continue reading “Job 22:1-30 – Eliphaz’s Final Speech”

Job 15:17-35 – Who is Wicked?

Read Job 15:17-35

Eliphaz continues his response and seems very focused on what is wicked, or who is wicked. This speech is obsessed with those people who are far away from God. I wonder if Eliphaz thought that’s where Job had drifted. Job had to be far from God to explain everything. People still today blame God for their circumstances.

From the description, nobody in their right mind would want to be wicked, missing out on all the benefits of God. But as I read the “type,” I realized I know a lot of people that would fall into the “wicked” category according to Eliphaz. Did you picture a few in your mind, too? Continue reading “Job 15:17-35 – Who is Wicked?”

Job 15:1-16 – Round Two Begins

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. Continue reading “Job 15:1-16 – Round Two Begins”

Job 5:1-27 – Where’s Eliphaz Coming From?

Read Job 5:1-27

Job’s friend Eliphaz has a lot to say. But Job may or may not be ready for all that Eliphaz unleashes in this speech. I don’t think Eliphaz is properly equipped to be a grief counselor giving Job advice. Eliphaz all but calls Job a fool, guilting Job for all the success he once had.

Eliphaz makes a lot of assumptions here. First that there are only two human conditions, righteous and wicked. Based on what has happened to Job, he must now be wicked. Also, that getting right with God is the answer. Suggesting more introspection and self-discovery about his own sinfulness will only push Job further into despair. Continue reading “Job 5:1-27 – Where’s Eliphaz Coming From?”

Job 4:1-21 – Was it Helpful?

Read Job 4:1-21

Eliphaz has heard Job’s cry and wants now to bring his own perspective into play. After seven days of silence, Job’s friend has much to say to Job, whether he has permission to speak or not. He gets Job’s attention saying, “Will you be patient and let me say a word? For who could keep from speaking out?”

I suppose Eliphaz was trying to bring Job out of his “funk,” when he first reminded Job about his past and how helpful and respected Job had been. Apparently, Job had always been the rock everyone else relied on when they had their own problems. Eliphaz seemed surprised that Job had failed to take some of his own “medicine” when it came to dealing with his tragedy. It’s not always that easy. Continue reading “Job 4:1-21 – Was it Helpful?”

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