Mark A. Copeland
I. ELIPHAZ SPEAKS AND JOB RESPONDS (4:1-7:21)

A. THE COUNSEL OF ELIPHAZ (4:1-5:27)
1. Introductory remarks (4:1-6)
a. Though he does not wish to weary Job, he cannot refrain from speaking
b. Job has strengthened others in the past, now he needs strengthening
c. Is Job not trusting in his own confidence and integrity?
2. Eliphaz's view: The innocent don't suffer, the wicked do (4:7-11)
a. When have the innocent ever perished?
b. But I have seen the wicked perish by the blast of God, just like the lions
3. In support of his view: Eliphaz appeals to a vision (4:12-21)
a. A terrifying vision, in which he heard a voice
b. A revelation that man cannot be more righteous than God
c. If angels can be charged with error, how much more so men of clay?
d. Note: Eliphaz is appealing to "subjective revelation"
1) His example shows the error of appealing to such to determine truth
2) "Nothing is more essential than testing experience by an objective standard of
reality. When God has spoken concerning a matter, that is decisive for all the issues
involved. His word must be the court of appeal for all thoughts, impressions, and
views." (Newton Wray)
4. Eliphaz warns Job (5:1-7)
a. There is danger in the anger of a foolish man
b. Such a one will see his sons crushed and his harvest depleted
c. Affliction comes because man is born to trouble
5. Eliphaz directs Job (5:8-16)
a. Seek God and commit your cause to Him
b. For God does great things, catching the wise in their own craftiness, saving the needy
and giving hope to the poor
6. Job reminded of God's blessings on those who accept His chastening (5:17-26)
a. Happy is the man God corrects; don't despise His chastening
b. God will make him whole, and protect him in times of trouble
c. God will give him peace, many descendants, and long life
-- Eliphaz's conclusion: "This we have searched out; it is true. Hear it and know for
yourself." (5:27)

B. JOB'S REPLY (6:1-7:21)
1. He justifies his rash words (6:1-7)
a. They are prompted by his heavy grief
b. He is experiencing the poisonous arrows and terrors of the Almighty
c. Animals don't complain when well fed; but food has become loathsome to him
2. He longs for death, while his integrity is still intact (6:8-13)
a. He wishes that God would go ahead and crush him
b. Then he would have some comfort in knowing that he had not concealed (or denied) the
words of God
c. How long can he hope to endure?
3. Job reproaches his friends (6:14-23)
a. They should have shown proper kindness
b. They have been like a deceitful brook, that disappoints those who come to it

The Book Of Job 16
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45