A word of warning. We must be very cautious in quoting the book of Job. On several occasions, Job’s “friends” tell just enough truth to make their words believable and just enough lie to make it wrong. Satan does the same thing to us.
Eliphaz appeals to mysticism. He speaks
of a spirit and a form and a hushed voice. Could these be evil spirits, which
we should never be listening to? Or are they heavenly spirits sent to calm us
amid disquieting dreams in the night? It depends on what the hushed voices are
saying. If we can't tell the difference between evil spirits and heavenly
spirits, it just may not be from God.
Job 5 speaks of God’s blessings which
come after the discipline. The words of Eliphaz here let us know that he
doesn’t understand at all why Job is suffering. He thinks Job is being
disciplined. This is of course a battle between God and Satan. Satan
thinks he's going to win. God knows Satan's going to lose.
Eliphaz also equates doing good with
blessings and doing evil with punishment. As Believers in Jesus, we know that
isn’t always the case at least in worldly standards. Yet Eliphaz has some
good advice in Chapter 5.
A question that Job asks in chapter 6 is
this one. "How painful are honest words."
Indeed honesty can be painful, but when quoting God's Word, and exhorting
others with the honest words, pain can be a good thing if it initiates a change
from going the wrong way.
In chapter 6 Job speaks from the depths
of his being of his anguish and misery. He can't sleep because of nightmares
and night terrors, his skin is broken and festering from the sores, worms and
scabs cover his body, he was suffering from depression. But, Job had more
problems that just the physical. It was mental and spiritual as well. And yet
he says he will go to his death still maintaining his integrity. Then he admits
that he isn’t sure his strength will hold up and is asking God to take him now.
He's afraid the pressure is going to be beyond his control. He wants to
die, not because of the physical suffering, but because of the spiritual.
He is afraid the pressure will become so great that he will curse God. At
this point this fear is becoming a paralyzing fear. Just as the writer of
Psalm 55 (probably David) felt the same thing.
Psalm 55:5 Fear and
trembling have come on me, and horror has covered me.
But, Praise God, we have these words of
wisdom from the book of Psalms.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on
Jehovah, and He will keep you; He will never allow the righteous to waver.
Job speaks some words also spoken later
by David.
Job 7:17-19
"What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much
attention, that you examine him every morning and test him every moment? Will
you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant?
Psalm 8:3-4
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the
stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
Psalm 139:7-10
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your
presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in
the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on
the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand
will hold me fast.
How comforting as Believers to know that
we are never away from His presence!
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