In our study of Job chapter five, we will see how experience can bring knowledge but wisdom can only come from God. In chapter 4, we saw that Eliphaz spoke to Job as the voice of experience concerning his current problems. Now, we will see that experience and knowledge have their limits when it comes to the things of God while true understanding of the things of God (wisdom) is only available through the power of God.
** Note ** In this study, we will be using the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) translation which was translated directly from Hebrew into English. You can get your own hardback or paperback copy on Amazon where we will earn a small commission.
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"Call if you like, but will anyone answer? To which of the holy ones will you turn?
Eliphaz continues to speak as he asks Job which saint or angel he will appeal to for help. This speaks about the pagan practice of praying to a long list of gods concerning a particular problem in hopes of finding the one that had the ability to help. As we see here, this pagan practice was even brought into the family of God and is even among people that call themselves Christians today. With the questions, Eliphaz implies that there is not an angel that can help Job and he was right about that point.
For anger kills the fool, and envy slays the silly. I watch as a fool establishes roots, but I curse his home with sudden [destruction] - his children are far from help, publicly humiliated, with no one to rescue; the hungry eat up his harvest, taking it even from among thorns, while the thirsty are panting, eager to swallow his wealth.
The Hebrew word that is translated as "resentment" here, is ka' ac which means anger and the word translated as envy is qin' ah which basically means passion. The term fool is used to describe someone that ignores the things of God and Eliphaz is basically telling him that he has let his emotions get between him and God. He goes on to explain that fools (those who ignore the things of God) are eventually judged (cursed). We are reminded of the fact that Eliphaz believed that Job was hiding a "secret sin" and, in his experience, that was the basis of God's current curse upon Job. Eliphaz had some understanding but he failed to realize that experience and knowledge have their limits when it comes to the things of God.
For misery does not come from the dust or trouble spring from the ground. No, people are born for trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.
Eliphaz continues by explaining that the troubles of this life are not a normal part of creation and, therefore, he is reminding Job that it is not the way that God planned things. The Hebrew word that is translated as "born" is "yalad" and it speaks of a midwife (a person that helps to bring about the birth of a child). He goes on to say that, like a midwife, man brings about trouble as surely as sparks from a fire rise into the air. Once again, Eliphaz is basically saying that Job has brought all of his trouble on himself through his "hidden sin".
"If I were you, I would seek God; I would make my plea to him.
Once again, Eliphaz gives Job good advice as he tells him to cry out to the Lord but we can imagine how Job felt as he was continually accused of hiding his sin.
For God does great deeds beyond investigation, wonders beyond all reckoning. He gives rain to the earth, pours water down on the fields. He raises the lowly on high and lifts mourners to safety. He frustrates the schemes of the cunning, so that they achieve no success; trapping the crafty in their own tricks and foiling quickly the plans of the false. They meet with darkness during the day, groping at noon like at night. But he saves the poor from the sword, their mouth, and from the clutches of the strong; so the poor can hope again; and injustice shuts its mouth.
Eliphaz continues with what appears to be a hymn of praise to God but it also contains the accusation and a hint about the identity of Job's "hidden sin". Basically he is saying that Job's sin is pride and that, if he would simply humble himself and repent, then, God would show him mercy. Have you ever had someone try to use prayer and praise as a weapon to attack you? Their words may seem like they are full of wisdom and the Spirit when, in fact, they are designed to beat you down. That is usually what the "religious" people will do to someone that they think is not living up to their standard of holiness.
"How happy the person whom God corrects! So don't despise Shaddai's discipline.
Eliphaz continues to lecture Job by pointing out some truths about the fact that God disciplines His people. While this is true, it does not mean that every time something bad happens to someone it is because of God disciplining someone for their sin. As in the case of Job, God allows some things to happen because He knows that it will grow us in our faith and draw us closer to Him.
For he wounds, but he bandages the sore; his hands may strike, but they also heal. He will rescue you from six disasters; yes, in seven no harm will touch you. In famine, he will save you from death, and in war, from the power of the sword. You will be shielded from the lash of the tongue, and you won't have to fear destruction when it comes - you'll be able to laugh at destruction and famine. Also you won't have to fear wild animals, for you will be in league with the stones in the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you. You will know that your tent is safe; you will look round your home and miss nothing. You will know that your descendants are many, your offspring like grass [growing thick] in the fields. You will come to your grave at a ripe old age, like a pile of grain that arrives in season.
Eliphaz describes the fact that you are blessed when you place your hope in God and trust in Him. We notice that everything that Eliphaz says is true but it still does not apply to Job's situation. This reminds me of the fact that we can choose to quote Bible passages to people that are hurting or we can listen to them and show them compassion. You can almost feel the friendship between Eliphaz and Job dying as he continues lecturing Job.
"We've looked into this, and that's how it is; listen, and know that it's for your own good."
Eliphaz completes his speech by stating that the things he has said are all true based on his experience. He wraps it up with his conclusion that Job has hidden sin and must repent.
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