The First Speech of Zophar
November 30, 2021
Commentary
Job has heard two points of the sermon from his friends: Man is sinful (Eliphaz), and God is just (Bildad). Zophar, the youngest of Job’s three friends, now finishes the sermon with the third point. God punishes sin, but He gives us less punishment than we deserve. Zophar is very direct and cutting in his accusations, perhaps because he has already heard his two friends speak, and he has also heard Job’s bitter comments directed to them and to God. Things are either black or white to Zophar. He assumes that Job is suffering because of his sin, and he doesn’t like Job’s attitude and thinks he is a disrespectful, complaining old man.
Zophar could be characterized as a man full of worldly wisdom and common sense. He accuses Job of lying and hypocrisy, and can hardly wait for God to give him what he deserves (vv. 1-6). Job has been insisting that God has been too harsh with him, but Zophar feels that God has been too easy on him. This is a profound statement that Zophar makes (vv. 7-10). No man can discover God; God is revealed. The only way you can know about God is what He is pleased to reveal of Himself to us.
Zophar called Job a man who is empty in the head. He says that his chances of becoming wise were no greater than the possibility of a wild donkey giving birth to a man (vv. 11-12). Zophar responded to Job’s words, not his feelings, and that was a mistake. He advises Job to repent and turn away from his wickedness. He says that if he does, God will forgive him, restore him, and banish all fear and suffering (vv. 13-20). He warned Job that if he did not repent he would die (v. 20).
Application
Zophar explained quite accurately that God knows and sees everything. When I’m tempted to think “No one will ever know,” I need to remember that I can do nothing without God knowing about it.
Job 11:1– 20 (NET)
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite spoke up and said:
2 “Should not this abundance of words be answered, or should this talkative man be vindicated?
3 Should people remain silent at your idle talk, and should no one rebuke you when you mock?
4 For you have said, ‘My teaching is flawless, and I am pure in your sight.’
5 But if only God would speak, if only he would open his lips against you,
6 and reveal to you the secrets of wisdom— for true wisdom has two sides — so that you would know that God has forgiven some of your sins.
7 “Can you discover the essence of God? Can you find out the perfection of the Almighty?
8 It is higher than the heavens—what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol —what can you know?
9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
10 If he comes by and confines you and convenes a court, then who can prevent him?
11 For he knows deceitful men; when he sees evil, will he not consider it?
12 But an empty man will become wise, when a wild donkey’s colt is born a human being.
13 “As for you, if you prove faithful, and if you stretch out your hands toward him,
14 if iniquity is in your hand—put it far away, and do not let evil reside in your tents.
15 For then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be securely established and will not fear.
16 For you will forget your trouble; you will remember it like water that has flowed away.
17 And life will be brighter than the noonday; though there be darkness, it will be like the morning.
18 And you will be secure, because there is hope; you will be protected and will take your rest in safety.
19 You will lie down with no one to make you afraid, and many will seek your favor.
20 But the eyes of the wicked fail, and escape eludes them; their one hope is to breathe their last.”