Jewels From Job
Job – Chapter #5
Eliphaz continues to speak to Job. If you recall in the last chapter (Chapter #4) Eliphaz does not consider Job to be without fault. The theology of the day was the thought that people suffer because of the sin in their lives. They do not suffer if they are not innocent. That theology was present in Jesus day as it is in our day. The reason it hangs on is because in some cases it is true. Some people do suffer because of what they have done. “You reap what you sow.” – is scriptural. However, there are cases when innocent people suffer also. The crucifixion of Jesus is such a case and the story of Job is too.
1 "Call out now; Is there anyone who will answer you? And to which of the holy ones will you turn? 2 For wrath kills a foolish man, And envy slays a simple one. 3 I have seen the foolish taking root, But suddenly I cursed his dwelling place. 4 His sons are far from safety, They are crushed in the gate, And there is no deliverer. 5 Because the hungry eat up his harvest, Taking it even from the thorns, And a snare snatches their substance. Job 5:1-5 (NKJV)
JOB WHO WILL ANSWER YOU?
Eliphaz encourages Job to seek help. Remember that he does not consider Job innocent. But he may consider Job simple in his thinking. The argument is that fools sometimes don’t realize where they have gone wrong. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12 (HCSB) Many people believe that all you have to do is live a moral upright life and somehow that is what will get you to heaven. This is not the gospel. If it was possible for salvation to come to people without the sacrifice of Christ – He died in vain.
To answer the question, “Who will answer you (Job)?” God does answer – but only in His time – and when He does answer – Job is unable to speak. "I’m speechless, in awe—words fail me. I should never have opened my mouth! I’ve talked too much, way too much. I’m ready to shut up and listen." Job 40:4-5 (MSG)
6 For affliction does not come from the dust, Nor does trouble spring from the ground; Job 5:6 (NKJV)
DOES PUNISMENT COME FROM THE GROUND?
Eliphaz seems to know that – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. “ Romans 3:23 (HCSB) He says it this way though - 6 For distress does not grow out of the soil, and trouble does not sprout from the ground. 7 But mankind is born for trouble as surely as sparks fly upward. Job 5:6-7 (HCSB) Distress doesn’t come from nowhere. It does not spring up from the ground yet – 17 And He said to Adam, “Because you listened to your wife’s voice and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’: The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. Genesis 3:17-18 (HCSB) The ground has been cursed. But it is not the ground that curses – it was the Father because of the sin of man.
7 Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward. Job 5:7 (NKJV)
CAN YOU STOP SPARKS FROM FLYING UPWARD?
Mankind is born for trouble – in this fallen world we can not escape it. All do sin and fall short of the glory of God whether intentional or not. There are times when we sin even though our hearts and actions were on the path for good. As surely as sparks fly upward so man is on the path for trouble.
8 "But as for me, I would seek God, And to God I would commit my cause— Job 5:8 (NKJV)
JOB – SEEK GOD!
Eliphaz gives Job some advice. “Seek God!” Good advice! “However, if I were you, I would appeal to God and would present my case to Him.” Job 5:8 (HCSB) We all need to seek God whether it is the day of trouble or the day of pleasure. How often though do we only seek Him – when there is trouble in the air? The intensity of our seeking Him increases when trouble comes upon us.
9 Who does great things, and unsearchable, Marvelous things without number. 10 He gives rain on the earth, And sends waters on the fields. 11 He sets on high those who are lowly, And those who mourn are lifted to safety. 12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot carry out their plans. 13 He catches the wise in their own craftiness, And the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them. 14 They meet with darkness in the daytime, And grope at noontime as in the night. 15 But He saves the needy from the sword, From the mouth of the mighty, And from their hand. 16 So the poor have hope, And injustice shuts her mouth. 17 "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. 18 For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole. 19 He shall deliver you in six troubles, Yes, in seven no evil shall touch you. 20 In famine He shall redeem you from death, And in war from the power of the sword. Job 5:9-20 (NKJV)
A TIME OF PRAISE
Eliphaz speaks of the awesome power of God. Who can not? As we reflect on God we all should go into a song of praise. He speaks of the redemption that we have in God. How God will heal the wounded – and deliver a man from destruction. Praise be to God! God is still in the salvation business. He gives us what we do not deserve. Instead of judgment He shows mercy – but only because of the fact that my judgment was placed on Jesus at the cross.
Eliphaz praises God because:
1. He does great things.
2. He is unsearchable.
3. You can not number the things God does.
4. He gives rain to the earth.
5. He waters the fields.
6. He lifts up the lowly.
7. Those who morn He lifts up also.
8. He frustrates the wise.
9. He catches the wise in their craftiness.
10. He saves the needy.
11. He bruises.
12. He binds.
13. He wounds.
14. He makes whole.
15. He delivers.
16. He redeems.
When ever you consider the awesome character of God – it becomes a song of praise.
Praise God for who He is. Let us love Him – not just out of gratitude – for He has done great things for us – but let us love Him just because of who He is. Is it any wonder that when Mosses asked God who He is God responded – “I am who I am.”
Here is an example of Hebrew poetry. Notice how one verse is a reflection of the other. Hebrew poetry is saying one thing and then saying the same thing again in another way.
Example:
He gives rain on the earth,
And sends waters on the fields.
21 You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, And you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes. 22 You shall laugh at destruction and famine, And you shall not be afraid of the beasts of the earth. 23 For you shall have a covenant with the stones of the field, And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. 24 You shall know that your tent is in peace; You shall visit your dwelling and find nothing amiss. 25 You shall also know that your descendants shall be many, And your offspring like the grass of the earth. 26 You shall come to the grave at a full age, As a sheaf of grain ripens in its season. 27 Behold, this we have searched out; It is true. Hear it, and know for yourself." Job 5:21-27 (NKJV)
BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING GOD
Here is a list of benefits that Eliphaz lists in following God:
1. You will be safe from slander.
2. You will not be afraid when destruction comes.
3. You will laugh at famine.
4. You will not be afraid of wild animals.
5. You will be established like the rocks.
6. Animals will be at peace with you.
7. Your home will be in order and secure.
8. You will have many children.
9. You will live to a ripe old age.
Truly to follow God is a blessing. Even if we do not receive all the things that Eliphaz speaks of. God has already given me salvation – anything more is a true blessing. Job said it himself: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, naked I’ll return to the womb of the earth. God gives, God takes. God’s name be ever blessed. Job 1:21 (MSG) Everything in life is a bless. Who are we that God should be mindful of us?
