Job 15 - Eliphaz, Round 2

LINK: Job 15

BACKGROUND
Just a little note -- I'm finding that as I read this book, I understand it better when I read it out loud.

Eliphaz is even harsher than before in this speech, but he's saying the same things again. (His first speech was chapters 4-5.) He said that the wisdom of ancestors is better than what Job things, and that Job's suffering could only be brought on by his own sin.

He calls Job a windbag and says he will condemn himself with his own words. "Do you think you are wise?" "What do you know that we don't know?" "Who do you think you are, saying that you haven't sinned?" (vs. 1-16).

Eliphaz says, "Listen to me, and I will share wisdom with you" (my paraphrase of vs. 17-18).

Then Eliphaz presents arguments against Job's claims. Job said that the wicked prosper (12:6), and Eliphaz says the wicked suffer pain, calamity, anguish, premature death, and loss of descendants (15:20-35). Eliphaz isn't speaking in generalities here; he is saying that these things are happening to Job because Job is wicked.

REFLECTION
Let's look at some New Testament passages that refute what Eliphaz is saying:

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-8).

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison (2 Corinthians 4:17).

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you (1 Peter 5:10).

APPLICATION
Whether we are currently suffering or receiving blessing, the purpose of this life doesn't change -- All things are to bring about the glory of God. Satan is trying to dishonor God by proving that Job is righteous only because God blesses him. Job and his friends don't know about that "behind the scenes" encounter between God and Satan, but Eliphaz is playing right along with Satan.

PRAYER
Let us remember that the sufferings of this life can't even compare with the glory that is to be revealed to us in the next life, for you will glorify us (Romans 8:18, 30). Let us look to you, always, Lord, and seek your glory. Amen