Job continues to speak of the shortness of the days of man. He also recognizes that God has numbered the days of man, and no one can go beyond the limits that God has placed. He asks again that God shorten the days of his life so he can enjoy his day. He refers to a tree, which when cut down can still sprout new branches. But man when he dies, he simply ceases to exist. Job asks to be allowed to die until God’s wrath has passed and God calls him back to life (Job 14:13). Job looks forward to being brought back to life in renewal with God (Job 14:14). That renewal Job seeks is also for the forgiveness of his sins (Job 14:16-17). Job feels that life is hopeless. In his complaint to God he states, “the waters wear away the stones; the torrents wash away the soil of the earth; so, you destroy the hope of man” (Job 14:19). It should be noted in this is the hope of man that God erodes through pain and suffering, but not the hope found in God. Job has held strong in this.
Eliphaz then again addresses Job. Eliphaz states that the words Job is stating indicate that Job does not fear God and demonstrates the iniquity of Job (Job 15:4-6). Note that this is the opposite of what scripture says in Job 2:10 when it states, “in all this Job did not sin with his lips”. Eliphaz argues that Job has rejected the wisdom of men (Job 15:7-9), the wisdom of elders (Job 15:10), and the kindness shown by God (Job 15:11). Eliphaz correctly tells Job that all men are sinners compared to God’s righteousness but is wrong in offering this advice because the suffering Job was under was not due to any sin (Job 15: 14-16). Eliphaz then goes on at length to compare the suffering of Job to the suffering of the wicked (Job 15:17-35). Again, this is an inappropriate comparison as the suffering of Job was not related to any sin he had committed.
Job now declares that his friends are miserable comforters (Job 16:2). While they have spoken against Job, if the situation were switched his words to them would comfort and strengthen them (Job 16: 3-4). Job states that God has worn him out with the pain and suffering he has been going through. Job states that God has become his adversary (Job 16:9). Men have also turned on Job (Job 16:10-11). God has broken Job. But in all this, Job has not turned in violence and kept his prayers pure (Job 16: 17)
Job then notes that his witness is in heaven and he who testifies for Job is on high (Job 16: 19). This parallels for us as Christians. 1 John 5:5-8 states, “Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ—not by water alone, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies to this, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. ” Job had faith that God in the end would testify on his behalf, just like Christ testifies on our behalf. Job cries to God due to the scornful comments of his friends and longs for God to vindicate him before them.
Job continues to declare that his days are short (Job 17:1), and that he is mocked by those around him (Job 17:2). Job again appeals to God that Job would be heard and vindicate him (Job 17:3-5). Job is looked at with disdain due to his suffering (Job 17: 6-8). But in this Job recognizes that the righteous are strengthened through suffering (Job 17:9). He then again pleads for hastening of death as his situation seems hopeless (Job 17:10-16).
My Bible Journey In A Year (Chronological) 