Job replied to Eliphaz. He recognizes that God is against him and longs for God to cut him off despite never denying God in his troubles. Job recognizes that he has been acting in accord with God, which is the opposite of what Eliphaz was implying. Job then responds to the accusation of acting foolishly and responds that the comfort Eliphaz
was offering was not wise. He says that his friends can see the calamity that Job is in but are afraid of God over it. Job has not asked for a gift, bribe, or redemption from his friends. Yet they are reproving him, without specifying what sin Job had committed to warrant God’s punishment. Job pleads his innocence to his friends. Job laments the futility of his life. When he lies down at night he is tossing and turning. And while his days are quick, they end without hope. He laments the weight of his desperation which he compares to the weight of the sea. He now hates his life and asks God to grant him death. He also questions what he has done to God that warrants the calamities that befell him. He then asks God to forgive any transgression he has made, even though he feels he would be dead before God pardons him.
Bildad then speaks to Job. He then states that Job’s children are dead for their transgressions, so if Job will seek forgiveness from God and act righteously God will spare him the same and he will live to an old age. He tells Job to remember the traditions of the fathers. Apart from the hope and promises of God the godless perish. He reminds Job that God takes the hand of the blameless man and does not take the hand of evil doers. He then presents hope to Job that his days will be filled with laughter, and those who hate Job will be put to shame.
Job then replies to Bildad. He recognizes what Bildad said is true, but asks who can be righteous before God? We are unable to contend with God. Job recognizes God’s wisdom and power. So, when God takes away, who are we to question that? While job is blameless, he feels unable to ask why he is suffering. Even if appealing to God for mercy, Job would not believe He was listening as his suffering continues. Job again recognizes that he is blameless, but in comparison to God would still be seen as perverse.
Job then states that God destroys both the wicked and the blameless. Both suffer calamities. And both suffer from the perversion of justice (which causes pause for me to think of recent events, and how justice seems to be fleeting for both the righteous and the wicked). He believes that even if he put aside his suffering and put on a smile. his friends would still accuse him, and the threat of further suffering is still upon him. He is not comforted thus far by his friends.
My Bible Journey In A Year (Chronological) 