Job 6 - 7

Job's First Response To Eliphaz

Eliphaz attempted to convince Job that Job's suffering was the result of sin and that Job's initial outburst was an example of how Job was hiding his sin with words.  Yet Job knows the integrity of his own heart. He knows he has not denied the word of God (6:10). Thus Eliphaz's indictment is baseless and his attempt to counsel Job is nothing more that a poorly veiled accusation (6:21).

Job begins his retort with a passionate defense of his initial hyperbole.  Simply put, Job is in great physical pain, emotional stress, and spiritual turmoil.  His condition is horrid and repulsive (7:5). He has been in this condition for months (7:3) with no one to whom he can express himself. In Job's estimation, his reaction is natural and primal.  Animals cry out when in distress (6:5), people complain about even the most petty things, unsalted food and tasteless egg whites (6:6).  Does not Job have a right to complain to his friends about his deplorable state (6:3)?  He reiterates his desire to die and still questions his purpose for living (6:9, 11).

Job wonders why, after seeing his pathetic state, does his so-called friend, Eliphaz, not empathize with him? Why does he automatically assume that Job has sinned? "You, too, have given no help. You have seen my calamity, and you are afraid." (6:21).  Job reminds Eliphaz that he has never asked him for anything, yet all Eliphaz offers in criticism and no comfort.

Then Job returns to his lamentation to God in chapter 7.  He is overwhelmed by the seeming futility of his existence.  The condition of his flesh sickens him.  His nights are endless misery, his days are fleeting arrows.  He cannot see any happiness in his future, nor experience any pleasure in the present.  He knows he has not sinned, yet he implores God to forgive him if he has. "Why make me your target?" (7:20).

While this questioning of God is uncomfortable to read, it is indicative of something in Job's heart that perhaps of which even Job was not aware: To question the purpose of his condition is to admit there must be some purpose! Yet, the Lord does not answer Job for know. He leaves that task to another of Job's friends, Bildad.