Job 4:1

“Job's three companions-Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar had come to him to sympathize with him and comfort him (Job 2:11). No doubt their motives were pure, their intentions honest. Their weeklong silence expressed their sympathy as well as their bewilderment and grief. Then when Job broke the silence with his outcry of anguish, the three felt compelled to speak. Shocked by his death-desire, they took upon themselves the responsibility of correcting Job for his brash remarks. Each friend spoke and was in turn answered by Job. The cycle occurs three times, with one variation in the third round: the third friend did not speak. third time” (Zuck p. 29).

· Throughout their speeches these friends remain convinced that all suffering is due to sin. Job is suffering; therefore he must be guilty of some hidden sin. As time goes on the speeches become more pointed and specific. At first there is the hint that Job has sinned (Job 5:8; Job 8:6; Job 11:14). In the second round we move from suggestion to insinuation (15,18,20). In the third open there is outright accusation (Job 22:5-9). In every one of his speeches Job will affirm his innocence (Job 6:10; Job 9:21; Job 16:17; Job 27:6). He will also state that God has afflicted him (Job 6:4; Job 9:17; Job 13:27; Job 16:12; Job 19:11). In each speech in the first round, Job will ask the question “why?” (Job 7:20; Job 10:2; Job 13:24). He longed to present his case to God) Job 9:3; Job 13:3; Job 16:21; Job 19:23; Job 23:4; Job 31:35).

Eliphaz's First Speech: Chapter s 4-5

In this section Eliphaz will rebuke Job (Job 4:1-6), give his reasoning about suffering (Job 4:7-11), report. vision he has had (Job 4:12-21), give his recommendation (Job 5:1-17), and remind Job of God's blessings (Job 5:18-27).