Job 16-17
< Back to Job Index
TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS
Job’s Second Response to Eliphaz
BACKGROUND NOTES
DOCTRINAL POINT(S)
In his second response to Eliphaz, Job shows his disgust.
In his second response to Eliphaz, Job shares his distress.
In his second response to Eliphaz, Job states his desire.
In his second response to Eliphaz, Job stresses his dilemma.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Praise God, Job’s desire for a mediator has been answered!
QUESTIONS
In verses 4 and 5 of chapter 16, Job explains to Eliphaz how he would respond if their positions were reversed. Describe Job’s hypothetical response.
In verses 6-17, Job identifies the major source of his distress. If it was not the counsel of his three friends, what was it?
In Job’s continuing response to Eliphaz (16:18 – 17:5), what is his chief desire? Does Job appear to be willing to die in order to fulfill this desire?
What kind of a man is it that Job longs for in verses 1-5 of chapter 17?
ANSWERS
In verses 4 and 5 of chapter 16, Job states that if Eliphaz were in his position of suffering, Job would respond to him with words of comfort and strengthening, words to bring comfort and relieve grief.
Job’s major source of distress was not the counsel of his three friends. His main concern was why God had allowed him to suffer. Job believed that God was angry with him and was hunting him down (v 9) and attacking him as a warrior without mercy (vs 12-14). Even though Job continued to believe he was innocent, he was worn out and willing to admit defeat (vs 15-17).
Job’s chief desire was not to be relieved of his sufferings, but that he be vindicated before God. Job did not mind dying as long as he was finally vindicated and his case was not forgotten when he had gone the way of no return (vs 18-22).
In verses 1-5 of chapter 17, Job longs for an intercessor who would provide a pledge for him in court. Job knows his only hope is God, even though it seemed that God was against him.
DISCUSS/CONSIDER
Consider the ramifications in a local church when a few of the Christians in the Body assume or believe that sickness and suffering are always caused by hidden sin. Discuss biblical means for correcting the erroneous interpretation of Scripture and healing divisiveness within the fellowship.
CHALLENGE
Have you learned to trust Jesus not only as your Mediator but also as your Intercessor? He now sits at the right hand of the Father, speaking to Him on your behalf, interceding for you. Pray when you are confused, pray when you are doubful, pray when you are troubled, pray when you are angry, and pray when you are seeking forgiveness. Jesus will always hear your prayers and intercede for you.
KEY VERSES
“I also could speak as you do, if your soul were in my soul’s place. I could heap up words against you, and shake my head at you. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief.” Job 16:4, 5