JOB’S FRIENDS grow increasingly accusatory as we go through the book. This week, we hear the final speeches of Zophar and Eliphaz, who have gone from gently reminding Job that God punishes the wicked to accusing their miserable, suffering friend of mistreating the poor, widowed, and homeless!
JOB FINALLY vents, declaring that he must speak freely since his effort to forget his complaint has failed. In chapter 10, Job addresses God in forceful language, accusing Him of being unjust and demanding answers for his suffering.
WE REACH the conclusion of what reads like the trial of Job by his friends as Bildad delivers a very short speech, his third, followed by Job’s eloquent and impassioned closing statement.Continue Reading
THE FRIENDS of Job continue to accuse him of speaking rashly and insist that he must have committed some sin to provoke Yahweh’s punishment. For his part, Job rebukes his friends and longs for death. This week, we see references to the Divine Council, an understanding of the afterlife, and possibly even a glimpse of the Messiah.