Book of Job pt. 5

From chapters 4-31 there is this back and forth among Job and his friends Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad concerning why Job is suffering and Job’s reaction/response to his suffering.

Read Job chapters 18, 20, 22

1. What was Bildad, Zophar, & Eliphaz’s response to Job’s questions?

Bildad – chapter 18 vs. 3 – We three are not stupid so don’t talk to us as if we are. vs. 4 – Are you so special/good/righteous that the world has to experience upheaval for your argument to be addressed? vs. 5-21 - Bad things happen to bad people. Insinuation being made by Bildad - Bad things have happened to you Job; therefore, you are a bad person.

Zophar – chapter 20 vs. 2-3 – Job, I am so angry. I find your words insulting. Vs. 4-9 – Don’t you know that since the beginning of time the good times the evil man enjoys is short lived? The evil man is quickly forgotten. Vs. 10-29 - Bad things happen to bad people. Insinuation being made by Zophar - Bad things have happened to you Job; therefore, you are a bad person.

Eliphaz – chapter 22 vs. 1-4 – Let’s cut to the chase Job. Do you think it is because of your righteousness/integrity/respect for God that God is punishing you? vs. 5 – Eliphaz does not imply that Job is a bad person. He comes out and tells Job to his face “You are very bad/evil man.” vs. 6-11 – Eliphaz lists Job’s sins. vs. 12-20 – God sees and judges wickedness to the joy of the godly/righteous. vs. 21-30 – Eliphaz makes an altar call to Job. He offers Job an invitation to return to God. It’s not too late Job. If you just repent/confess your sins/turn from your unrighteousness, God will hear you, forgive you, and restore you.

Job committed wickedness.
God is punishing Job for his acts of sin.
God is instructing/teaching Job that he is wicked.
Job should confess his sins and repent.
God will restore Job

Summary –

We know why you are suffering. You sinned. God is punishing. God is instructing/teaching you. That’s the way it works with God. That’s how it’s been since Creation. That’s what tradition has taught us. That’s the wisdom of old men (greybeards)/tradition passed down to us from the beginning of time.

2. How would you characterize how they said what they said to Job (their demeanor)? What was their original purpose for coming to see Job?

Astounded that Job did not understand why he was suffering. Amazed that Job dared questioned God/tradition. They condemned/rebuked Job for being arrogant/prideful in defending his righteousness. Lectured Job on why he was suffering. Regarded themselves to be the defenders of God’s honor against Job. Suppose to be offering Job comfort/consolation. They offered none

3. How did Job react/respond to their counsel?

Job 16:1-5 – You guys are great talkers but are poor comforters. It’s easy for you to say what you say because you are not suffering like me. Put yourselves in my shoes and you would sing a different tune.

Job 19:1-6, 22 – You are not helping me! In fact, you’re making things worse for me. That’s saying something!

Job 21:1-15, 34 – Read my lips. Listen closely to my words. Your theory about bad things always happen to bad people is flawed. In fact, it’s a lie. Good things happen to bad people. Job proceeds to give examples.

Job 27:1-6 – No matter how bad God treats me. I will not give credence to your words. I will proclaim my innocence until the day I die!

4. After learning how Job’s three friends related to Job during his time of suffering, what is your opinion of Job’s three friends? Did they take the right tactic or wrong tactic? If you think they took the wrong tactic, what should they have done differently? Rather than act as Job’s judges, they could have acted as Job’s intercessor. Prayed to God on his behalf. What is more important: the need to prove a point – to say “I’m right and you’re wrong. Admit you are wrong! or Job’s physical/emotional/mental/spiritual health. Confrontation or consolation;
Pray not for an answer to Job’s questions, but for relief for their friend’s suffering.