Job 5

CHAPTER 5

Eliphaz Continues (5:1–27)

1–7 Eliphaz now speaks to Job more personally. Let Job not think about calling on the holy ones (angels) to be his mediators with God; they will not answer (verse 1). Why? Because Job is acting like a fool. Resentment and envy fill him (verse 2); and because of that, even greater calamity will befall him—even if, at present, he appears to be taking root (verse 3), that is, prospering.²²

Then Eliphaz points out that trouble doesn't just sprout up like a weed (verse 6); it is sown by sinful man, who in his nature is born to trouble (verse 7). Sin and trouble are universal among men; no one is righteous (Romans 3:10).

8–16 Since no one is righteous—Job included—Job is just reaping what he has sown: God is punishing him for some sin. Let Job stop being resentful and appeal to God (verse 8); let him confess his sin and appeal for mercy. Then, in verses 9–16, Eliphaz describes how God in His goodness reverses the fortunes of the poor and afflicted and defends the cause of all who call upon Him.

17–22 Here Eliphaz assures Job that he will be blessed if he will simply accept the discipline of God (verse 17). DISCIPLINE is only temporary; whenever God wounds, He also binds up²³ (see Hosea 6:1–2). The man who accepts God's discipline will always be rescued.

In the thinking of Eliphaz (and his two colleagues) there were no exceptions; everything was “always.” Things were “black and white,” with no gray. Real life, however, is more complicated.

23–26 In these verses, Eliphaz continues to cite the blessings that come to the man who allows God to correct him (verse 17). He will have a COVENANT not only with God but also with stones and wild animals (verse 23). The “stones” and “animals” will be at peace with such a man and not interfere with his crops. Such a man will experience the blessings of prosperity, a large family, and a full life (verses 24–26).

27 Then, in a proud and insensitive manner, Eliphaz tells Job to apply these truths to himself—to confess his sins and appeal to God for mercy. Job would have been happy to do so; but there was one problem: he didn't believe that the calamities that had befallen him were the result of sin. And we, the readers, know that Job was right!