May 3, 2024 - Job 5-7

Eliphaz has spoken, and he is convinced of the legitimacy of his argument, i.e., that Job has sinned greatly and, therefore, Job is suffering terribly as a consequence of his sin.  In what seems to me to be a condescending tone, Eliphaz says to Job, “Call now; is there anyone who will answer you?  To which of the holy ones will you turn?” (5:1)  That is, “Job, my position is air tight.  To whom will you appeal in an attempt to overrule me?”  What arrogance!  What foolish self-assurance!  Later in the dialogue with his friends, Job mocks them and their arrogance:  “No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you” (12:2).  And so, per Eliphaz’s question, Job will not find his answers among mens; he will certainly not turn to Eliphaz for answers!

We might, here, recall, as they were preparing to enter the Promised Land, Moses spoke to the Israelites about their enemies and their idolatry:  “For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone and there is none remaining, bond or free.  Then he will say, ‘Where are their gods, the rock in which they took refuge?’” (Deuteronomy 32:36-37).  Job has suffered so greatly!  It appears, perhaps, that there is no hope of redemption.  But, oh!  His Rock is not their rock!  He will struggle with his faith, and he will struggle to do so, but Job will eventually rest in the only One who can vindicate him.  Before that day, however, he must go through what has been called “the dark night of the soul.”  Here’s the thing, though:  “Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

Tho’ the night be dark and dreary,

Tho’ the way be long and weary,

Morn shall bring thee light and cheer;

Child, look up, the dawn is near.

There’ll be joy by and by,

There’ll be joy by and by;

In the dawning of the morning,

There’ll be joy by and by.   –E. C. Ellsworth (1877)