Job
Chapter 5
Call then, but who will answer you? Which of the Saints will you turn to?
Resentment destroys the fool, and anger kills the simple.
I have seen a fool take root, only for his household to suddenly collapse.
His children go about without protection, crushed in court without a defender.
The hungry devours his harvest and hides it away; his surplus is taken, and the thirsty long for his wealth.
Because trouble does not come from the earth, nor does sorrow grow from the ground;
humans are the ones who care about trouble, like an eagle flying high bringing down lightning.
If I were you, I would turn to God and present my case to him,
for his wonders are countless, and his miracles are beyond measure.
He makes rain fall on the earth and sends water to the fields.
He lifts the lowly and turns grief into joy.
He wrecks the plans of the crafty so that their hands achieve no success.
He traps the clever in their devices and puts an end to the schemes of the wily.
Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; they grope at noon as they do at night.
He rescues the despoiled from the despoiler, the weak from the hands of the violent.
Thus hope comes to the lowly, and injustice shuts its mouth.
Blessed is the one whom God corrects; reject not, therefore, the lessons of the Almighty,
He cures the wounds he has inflicted; he strikes but he also heals.
From six troubles he will rescue you; at the seventh, no harm will touch you.
In famine he saves you from death; in war, from the threat of the sword.
You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and have no dread of marauding bands.
You will laugh at destruction and want; and have no fear of the wild animals.
No more stones in your fields, the soil will serve you, and wild animals be at peace with you.
You will find your tent secure, your household untouched when you come home.
You will have children in plenty and descendants like the grass of the hills.
You will come to the grave at a ripe age, like a sheaf of grain gathered in season.
This we have examined and found true. This we have heard, and you should know.
Commentaries
First Speech Session.
Appalled by Job’s laments and his repeated “whys,” the three friends break their wise silence and feel urged to reply. The speeches are divided into three sessions: 4:1-14:22, 15:1-21:34, and 22:1-27:23. In the first two, each friend speaks, and Job responds extensively. The third session seems somewhat disorganized, likely due to confusion in the text.
Eliphaz’s First Speech.
Eliphaz starts in a polite tone. In typical wise style, he appeals to his experience and reflects on it (4:7-8; 5:27), but, oddly, he also references a special revelation he received at night (4:13-21). Throughout his speech, he emphasizes four main points: 1. Who is the innocent one that dies? It is the wicked who suffer (4:7). 2. What human can stand before the Creator without fault? (4:17-21; cf. 11:11; 15:14-16; 25:4). 3. Human beings cause their own misfortune (5:7). 4. Suffering can be a correction from God, like a good father’s discipline (5:17); faithfulness to God leads to an abundant life (5:23-26). Eliphaz concludes his speech with a strong call to experience (5:27). Sadly, Job does not heed this call.