Job 2 Study Notes

2:9 Job’s wife avoided blasphemy by using a Hebrew euphemism, “bless,” for her real intent: curse.

2:10 Job recognized that ultimately God is in control of every life, whether for good or times of adversity.

2:11 Eliphaz came from Teman, a principal city in Edom (Ezk 25:13; Am 1:12-13). Bildad (“Son of Hadad” the storm god) probably came from the tribe of Shuah, descended from Abraham through his second wife Keturah (Gn 25:1-2; 1Ch 1:32). Zophar may have been from northern Arabia.

2:12-13 Job’s three friends responded to his gruesome appearance with actions symbolic of deep mourning: weeping (2Sm 18:33), tearing their robes (Jb 1:20), sitting on the ground (Lm 2:10; Nah 1:4), and throwing dust on their heads (Jos 7:6; 2Sm 13:19). A seven-day period was observed in times of mourning for the dead (Gn 50:10; 1Sm 31:13). With due propriety Job’s friends remained silent, waiting for Job to speak first. It is often best in sympathizing with those who are hurting by being present and ready to listen.