Could’a, Would’a, Should’a
“Oh if only my grief were actually weighed and laid in the balances together with my disaster! For then it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; for that reason my words have been rash.” Job 6:2-3 NASB If only – The “do-over” Hebrew word. lû “marks three degrees of personal desire or agreement:…
The Guaranteed Good Life
“Behold this; we have investigated it, and so it is. Hear it, and know for yourself.” Job 5:27 NASB Know for yourself – Eliphaz outlines the good life. Between verses 19 and 27 he tells Job that God won’t let the righteous experience troubles, won’t let famine overtake them, will protect them from the sword, won’t…
Eliphaz and Isaiah
For He inflicts pain, and [f]gives relief; He wounds, but His hands also heal. Job 5:18 NASB Wounds – Is Eliphaz anticipating Isaiah? Why would I ask that? Well, you remember this verse from the prophet: “The One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating disaster; I am the Lord who does all these things” (Isaiah 45:7). Of course, the NASB translation…
Measure for Measure
So that He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He frustrates the schemes of the shrewd, so that their hands cannot attain success. Job 5:11-12 NASB Safety/ Success – Eliphaz articulates the Hebraic idea of divine justice. It’s “measure for measure.” You get what you give. Centuries later…
A Law of Nature
For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward. Job 5:7 NASB Born for trouble – Surprise, surprise! We often imagine that it is Job who utters these familiar words, but it isn’t. It’s Eliphaz. That makes a difference. Even if we resonate with his aphorism about the human condition, his comment is couched within…
The Lead Ceiling
Call now, is there anyone who will answer you? And to which of the holy ones will you turn? Job 5:1 NASB The holy ones – “Silent Night.” A great Christmas carol . . . but what if it’s not just a song about tranquility in December? What if “silent night” is the kind of response…
A Partial Truth
Between morning and evening they are broken in pieces; unregarded, they perish forever. Is their tent-cord not pulled out within them? They die, yet without wisdom. Job 4:20-21 NASB Without wisdom – Eliphaz is right about one thing. We die without wisdom. Not all the questions are answered. Perhaps not even a few. If ḥokmâ is the measure…
Are You Sure?
He puts no trust even in His servants; and He accuses His angels of error. How much more those who live in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before the moth! Job 4:18-19 NASB No trust – Eliphaz is pretty stark. According to him, God doesn’t “trust” men and He accuses…
