The arguments defending individual positions continue. We begin with Job’s reply to Eliphaz. Then Bildad’s short response, followed again by Job’s long retort.
One argument of Job’s which is somewhat representative of all his arguments is that God cannot be found or approached so he can defend himself. He can see where God has been and what He has done, but cannot hear His voice which must be softer than a whisper!
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The escalating disagreement between Job and his friends takes another turn here in chapters 20-22. Job begins to express his frustration at God, Who – in Job’s opinion – not only fails to judge the wicked, but in many instances actually blesses them in their sin.
His friends Eliphaz and Zophar agrue to the contrary and continue to insist that if Job were not in sin, or if he would humble himself and repent this obvious judgment of God over him would end.
Job and his friends are BOTH right AND wrong as we discover from other scriptures which place these arguments into a context which reveals God’s actions and intentions.
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These are some interesting chapters from which we get some common phrases such as “gnashing teeth”, “Skin of teeth” & “I know my Redeemer lives”.
In regard to this last phrase, this original context bares little in common with its typical usage, but reveals a deeper side to Job’s thoughts on God.
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It is revealed in these chapters that Job has moved from hurt, to confused, to frustrated only to arive now at anger. Even his words to and about God are spoken with the flash of anger in his eyes according to Eliphaz.
One can hardly blame Job OR his friends for that matter. They simply have no context for what is happening. So for now, an ongoing blame game is the basis and content of all their arguments.
A good take away from these chapters is that silence is golden and words spoken without understanding nearly always lead to sin.
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We finally hear from Job’s thrid friend Zophar. While a little more cutting and derisive than his other two friends the pattern of advice remains the same.
All three friends LARGELY offer theologically sound counsel to Job IF, as Job and they all believe, these afflictions were due to judgment. However, Job’s trials are due to a satanic attack against Job’s devotion, reverence and trust in God.
Job at this point has lowered all forms of decorum and is freely speaking his mind against God and man. He believe’s he is righteous and that God is judging him unjustly. Job also is responding to his friend with greater pride and defensiveness.
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