Job’s Answer to Eliphaz
October 1, 2020
Commentary
In this chapter, we read Job’s first reply to Eliphaz. Job responds by emphasizing three main concerns (vv. 1–7). First, he tells his friend that he has offered much advice but very little sympathy for Job’s suffering. Second, Job explains that Eliphaz’s criticisms are based on personal experience rather than clear facts. Third, Job points out that none of Eliphaz’s words have answered his most important question—why is he suffering at all? He feels unheard and deeply wounded. Pain makes careful listening more important than advice right now. Job longs to be understood, not corrected, and he feels wounded by words spoken without compassion. Such moments call for empathy first.
Job then repeats his wish to die, a desire he expressed earlier (Job 3:20–23; 7:15; 10:18–19; 14:13). He believes his misery would finally end if God would “let loose his hand and cut him off” (vv. 8–11). The word “loose” suggests releasing a prisoner, while “cut off” pictures a weaver cutting a thread. Job feels completely worn down, lacking the strength to endure any longer. In all his pain, Job finds one small comfort: he knows he has not rejected or denied God, even as he questions God’s actions. Faith flickers even while questions remain unanswered today.
Expressing disappointment in his friends’ lack of help (vv. 12–23), Job pleads with them to show him where he has gone wrong (vv. 24–27). He asks for evidence of his sin and urges them to stop making unfair accusations. Job seems to respond more to their harsh tone than to their arguments. He wants honesty, fairness, and careful listening. Job does not claim to be without sin, but he questions why he would be singled out as if he were a notorious offender, deserving such severe and unusual suffering without any clear explanation (vv. 28–30).
Application
When someone is hurting, do I rush to give advice, or do I truly hear their pain? Am I more focused on being right than being kind? Job reminds me that honest questions matter. Will I choose patience, empathy, and careful listening before offering words to others right now? God invites me to listen before speaking today.
Job 6:1–30 (NET)
1 Then Job responded:
2 “Oh, if only my grief could be weighed, and my misfortune laid on the scales too!
3 But because it is heavier than the sand of the sea, that is why my words have been wild.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; my spirit drinks their poison; God’s sudden terrors are arrayed against me.
5 “Does the wild donkey bray when it is near grass? Or does the ox bellow over its fodder?
6 Can food that is tasteless be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7 I have refused to touch such things; they are like loathsome food to me.
8 “Oh that my request would be realized, and that God would grant me what I long for!
9 And that God would be willing to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and kill me.
10 Then I would yet have my comfort, then I would rejoice, in spite of pitiless pain, for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
11 What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?
12 Is my strength like that of stones? Or is my flesh made of bronze?
13 Is not my power to help myself nothing, and has not every resource been driven from me?
14 “To the one in despair, kindness should come from his friend even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15 My brothers have been as treacherous as a seasonal stream, and as the riverbeds of the intermittent streams that flow away.
16 They are dark because of ice; snow is piled up over them.
17 When they are scorched, they dry up, when it is hot, they vanish from their place.
18 Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.
19 The caravans of Tema looked intently for these streams; the traveling merchants of Sheba hoped for them.
20 They were distressed, because each one had been so confident; they arrived there, but were disappointed.
21 For now you have become like these streams that are no help; you see a terror, and are afraid.
22 “Have I ever said, ‘Give me something, and from your fortune make gifts in my favor’?
23 Or, ‘Deliver me from the enemy’s power, and from the hand of tyrants ransom me’?
24 “Teach me and I, for my part, will be silent; explain to me how I have been mistaken.
25 How painful are honest words! But what does your reproof prove?
26 Do you intend to criticize mere words, and treat the words of a despairing man as wind?
27 Yes, you would gamble for the fatherless, and auction off your friend.
28 “Now then, be good enough to look at me; and I will not lie to your face!
29 Relent, let there be no falsehood; reconsider, for my righteousness is intact!
30 Is there any falsehood on my lips? Can my mouth not discern evil things?
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