Job’s Second Reply to Eliphaz
March 25, 2022
Commentary
The exchange between Job and his friends continues, and Job openly expresses deep disappointment. He calls them miserable comforters because they have offered nothing new or helpful (vv. 1–2). Instead of easing his pain, their words only increase it. He asks, “I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all” (v. 2). Job does not want empty sympathy; he wants under-standing and fairness (vv. 3–5). He says that if their places were exchanged, he could also speak as they do (v. 4). Yet he implies he would try to strengthen them instead of wounding them. As readers, we know Job is innocent because of what happened in heaven. Without that knowledge, we might judge him quickly. This reminds us to guard our words when others suffer.
Job then describes the depth of his suffering (vv. 6–17). Whether he speaks or remains silent, his pain is not relieved (v. 6). He feels that God has worn him out and shattered his life (vv. 7–8). In his anguish, he says God tears at him in anger (v. 9). These words show confusion more than rebellion. Job cannot understand why such intense suffering has come when he has not lived wickedly. His grief feels public and humiliating. People open their mouths against him and strike him with reproach (v. 10). Still, Job declares that his prayer is pure (v. 17).
After defending his integrity, Job turns his hope toward heaven. He cries, “O earth, cover not thou my blood” (v. 18). He believes he has a witness in heaven and an advocate on high (v. 19). While his friends scorn him, he looks to God to plead his cause (vv. 20–21). He senses that his years are few and the path to death is near (v. 22). Yet even in despair, his faith rests not in his wisdom but in God’s justice. He longs for One who truly sees, understands, and speaks on his behalf.
Application
When others are hurting, do I listen carefully or rush to correct them? Do my words bring comfort or more pain? When I feel misunderstood, do I still turn my hope toward heaven? Like Job, I want to trust that God sees my heart. Even in confusion, I will rest in His justice and faithful loving care, trusting Him completely each day.
Job 16:1–22 (NET)
1 Then Job replied:
2 “I have heard many things like these before. What miserable comforters are you all!
3 Will there be an end to your windy words? Or what provokes you that you answer?
4 I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could pile up words against you and I could shake my head at you.
5 But I would strengthen you with my words; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
6 “But if I speak, my pain is not relieved, and if I refrain from speaking, how much of it goes away?
7 Surely now he has worn me out, you have devastated my entire household.
8 You have seized me, and it has become a witness; my leanness has risen up against me and testifies against me.
9 His anger has torn me and persecuted me; he has gnashed at me with his teeth; my adversary locks his eyes on me.
10 People have opened their mouths against me, they have struck my cheek in scorn; they unite together against me.
11 God abandons me to evil men, and throws me into the hands of wicked men.
12 I was in peace, and he has shattered me. He has seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has made me his target;
13 his archers surround me. Without pity he pierces my kidneys and pours out my gall on the ground.
14 He breaks through against me, time and time again; he rushes against me like a warrior.
15 I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and buried my horn in the dust;
16 my face is reddened because of weeping, and on my eyelids there is a deep darkness,
17 although there is no violence in my hands and my prayer is pure.
18 “O earth, do not cover my blood, nor let there be a secret place for my cry.
19 Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high.
20 My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God;
21 and he contends with God on behalf of man as a man pleads for his friend.
22 For the years that lie ahead are few, and then I will go on the way of no return.
Bruce Waltke – A Christian’s Response to Pain
I heard Professor Bruce Waltke describe a Christian’s response to pain this way: We once rescued a wren from the claws of our cat. Though its wing was broken, the frightened bird struggled to escape my loving hands. Contrast this with my dau … Continue