Job
Chapter 23
Job’s Response to Eliphaz
Job answered and said:
Again today, my complaint is rebellious; I groan under his heavy hand.
If only I knew where to find him, if only I could go to his dwelling,
I would bring my case before him and lay out in full my arguments.
I would find out his answer and understand what he would say.
Would he need great power to debate with me? No! He only needs to listen!
He would recognize the complainant as an upright man, and I would be free of my judge.
But if I go eastward, he is not there; if I go westward, I still cannot find him.
Seeking him in the north, I do not discover him; searching for him in the south, he is not there.
But he knows my every step, and I will emerge as gold in his test.
I have always followed his path; I have kept his ways and not turned aside.
I have not departed from his commands; instead, I have treasured his words.
But who can oppose him once he has decided? He does what he desires.
He will carry out his decree and other plans laid out for me.
That is why I am terrified when I think of all this.
God has made me lose courage; the Almighty has made me afraid,
but I am not silenced by darkness, by the thick gloom that covers my face.
Commentaries
Third Round of Speeches.
This round of speeches comes across as disorganized and confusing. Eliphaz speaks, and Job responds. Bildad’s speech, which is only five verses long, is clearly cut short; Zophar remains silent. Additionally, some of what Job says seems more fitting coming from his friends. Experts continue to work towards a coherent conclusion. Still, it seems as if Job and his friends are all shouting at once, which might be the fitting end to a “dialogue” of the deaf about the cosmic and moral order.
Job’s Response to Eliphaz.
Verses 23:3-7 are filled with legal language. Interestingly, Job does not seem to need a mediator—such as an arbitrator, witness, or defender—but is willing to handle his case himself, confident he can prove his innocence. However, things are more complicated. God appears to be absent (23:8f). The irony in 23:10b is evident: we, the readers, know Job is being tested and that justice will ultimately be served, but in the meantime, Job is enduring a dark night of the soul. He has remained completely faithful, yet God works in mysterious ways (23:11-14). Job questions why God has not set a date to sit in judgment and render decisions (24:1). Returning to the theme of social injustice, Job describes the wicked oppressing the weak and helpless (24:2-4); he then provides a detailed account of the struggling poor. He concludes with a reflection on two paths—light and darkness—and highlights those who love darkness.