Beth-El Baptist Church

11/02/2008

Greg Tomlinson


How can we understand Job 5?


Job 5 is the Eliphaz's continuation of his accusations against Job. While Job 4 made pointed accusations against Job himself, Job 5 is Eliphaz's justification for his accusations against Job. Remember when seeking to understand the messages of Eliphaz and his friends that God made His assessment as “And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.” (Job 42:7). This means that while Eliphaz's remarks may carry some truth, on the whole, they are in error.


  1. What is Eliphaz's first supporting statement? The foolish receive God's judgment.

Job 5:1-7 Deuteronomy 33:1-4

Psalm 49:7 cmp Hebrews 7:25-27 Psalm 73:3-6, 11-12, 17-19; 58:3

Jeremiah 17:9 Psalm 14:1-4 cmp Romans 3:10-16

Acts 2:23 cmp Isaiah 53:10-11 Matthew 27:41-43


Job is told that he cannot turn to angelic beings (saints), remember that this book predates the Sinai covenant so Eliphaz cannot be referring to God's chosen people. Regardless, there is no man that is able to stand and plead with God on his behalf. Eliphaz claims that the foolish man who neglects or sins against God will ultimately get what is coming to him. His particular statements about the destruction of his children will be a scathing reminder of Job and the loss of his children. Everything that the fool has will be taken from him and given to another. His statement fits the truth of sowing and reaping. Man by nature is bent for self destruction, and Job is no different. What he neglects though is the issue of faith. He neglects to recognize that there are many who are wicked and prosperous. Eliphaz's assessment is that Job must have deserved what he received.


  1. What is Eliphaz's second supporting statement? God cares care of the humble.

Job 5:8-11 Acts 14:15-17; 17:24-26

Ecclesiastes 9:1-3 1 Peter 5:6

2 Peter 2:9; 3:3-7


Eliphaz next turns his attention to what he would do if he were in Job's position. Eliphaz would seek God who is the great provider and protector to those who seek him. Eliphaz properly notes the greatness and the power of God. It is God who provides the rain and provides what is needed so that the necessary provisions of man are provided for. The need of man is to humble himself and to recognize the sovereignty of God in ruling over all of the affairs of man. Eliphaz while acknowledging that it is God that provides for the people, he neglects to consider that God provides even for the wicked to reject God.



CONTINUED in Job5_B