Job Responds to Eliphaz
In the book of Job, we see how Job’s countenance falls and his shoulders drop; he watches Eliphaz sit. Job lets out a slow, painful breath. He clamps his jaw and blinks to hold back the flood of tears that threatens to gush forth.
He glances at the three other men, hopeful that they will come to his defense. Instead of speaking up for him, each one, in turn, averts his gaze.
Job redirects his attention to Eliphaz. “The burden of my misery is more than I can bear. There is no scale large enough to weigh it. The Lord has attacked me, zapping me of what little strength I have left.
“If only God would crush me for good and put an end to my pain. I have no reason to hope. My prospects are nil. There is no point in pursuing this patience you speak of. Things will never get better. I have no chance to turn my life around.
“Why do you withhold kindness from me, my so-called friend? You could have been God’s instrument to encourage me, but you fail to do his bidding. You’re undependable and no help. Your words mean nothing.
“Yes, I’m listening and am ready to learn. If only you would say something worthwhile. If only you could prove to me what I’ve done wrong. But as it is, you’re full of hot air. You can’t even look at me with kindness.
“I beg you to treat me fairly. To reconsider your attacks on my integrity. What have I done wrong for you to treat me so badly?
“Life is meaningless. I can’t sleep at night and don’t want to get up in the morning. My festering frame is all I have left. Sores spread across every inch of my skin. Worms scuttle over my body. I have every right to complain.
“My spirit is in anguish. My soul oozes bitterness.
“Tell me, how have I sinned? What do you have against me? Why do you attack me without reason? I’ve given up and will soon die. Then it will be too late for you to help.”
Job’s response to Eliphaz reveals his deep despair. In viewing Job’s situation, we can understand his depressed attitude. He hoped for compassion from Eliphaz, but he received only criticism.
Job truly needs a friend, but his friend let him down.
Questions:
- Have we ever felt like Job?
- Have we ever had a friend who talked like him? What did we do?
[Discover more about despair and discouragement in Psalm 4:1, Psalm 6:2–3, Psalm 13:1–2, Psalm 22:1–2, and many other Psalms.]
[Read through the Bible with us this year. Today’s reading is Job 5-8, and today’s post is on Job 6:24.]
Discover more about Job in Peter DeHaan’s book Job Bible Study: Unlock the Drama of Faith, Friends, and Frustration.
Spark your imagination by reading Job like a screenplay.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.