Job Chapter 6
Please read: Job 6 –
To say that Eliphaz’s speech was cruel to the ears of a hurting man would be an understatement. Job says as much in this chapter as he responds to his friend who did not offer encouragement but instead condemnation. His speech only added to Job’s misery. He had been a good friend when sitting with Job for the first seven days in silence to mourn with him, but his words had a horrible sting to them that Job certainly didn’t need. The famous preacher Charles Spurgeon commented on this unwanted speech of Eliphaz.
“The speech, also, to which Job had listened from Eliphaz the Temanite did not put much sweetness into his mouth; for it was devoid of sympathy and consolation. If you read it at home you will see that it was worthy to be the first of a singular selection of galling utterances… He had spoken as harshly and severely as if he were a judge addressing a criminal who was suffering no more than he deserved.” [Spurgeon]
And so, Job began to comment on his friend’s speech and the effect it had on him. He also explained why it was that he spoke so harshly regarding his pain and agony. It would seem that he wouldn’t need to explain it, but the truth of the matter was that his friends had no idea what it was like to be sitting in his shoes.
Let's Reflect
1. Job does not agree with Eliphaz that all this calamity has come upon him because he had committed some great sin, because he knew he hadn’t. But he did believe that for some unknown reason, a reason known only to God, He had sent these terrible things his way. How does he describe the attacks that came upon him?
2. Eliphaz’s words were like tasteless food to him, and he should not expect Job to just sit there and be quiet about it. Even animals make sounds when they do not have something good given to them to eat. What animals did he mention?
3. Job admitted in the first verse that his words had been rash, but Eliphaz only added to his grief. His words were neither sweet nor encouraging. In fact, he let his friend know that his words were what to him? See verse 7.
4. Job then continued with the way he spoke in chapter 3. He wished that he was dead. This is certainly a complaint of those who suffer from disease and pain. He does not talk about suicide, but he does seem to want God to end his life. When a person is sure they are dying the waiting is the difficult part. Job remarks that the waiting requires what? See verse 12.
5. It is really sad that Job is suffering so badly and yet his friends seem to stab him in the back, they offer no kindness. This to him is evidence that his friend really does not fear whom?
6. Job states that people (his friends) see his calamity and are afraid. What do you think they are afraid of?
7. Job tells his friend that upright words do not reprove him when there is nothing to reprove. Job’s words of complaint about his condition does not prove that he sinned in some way. He is just complaining. Which is something one does when experiencing great grief and pain. Job describes his own words in verse 26 as what?
8. In the last verses of this chapter, Job asks his friends to do what, as he speaks to them? This is an expression that one uses when one is telling the truth, and they want others to see that they are not lying. Job had nothing to hide.
