Job 15 - Praying God's Word

 

Please read Job 15.  Eliphaz is speaking.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/job/15/1/s_451001

Meditate on verses 24-25.

 

Distress and anguish terrify him;

they overpower him

like a king ready for the attack because

he has stretched out his hand

against God and conducts himself

arrogantly against the Almighty.

 

For a second time, Eliphaz criticizes Job, accusing him of not reverencing or meditating on the LORD.  What an interesting accusation since we have yet to see Job’s friends talking to God, yet every time Job speaks, it is not only to the friends but also to God. 

 

Eliphaz describes his exhortations as “consolations from God” and “words spoken gently” (v. 11).  All the while, calling Job “detestable and corrupt” and accusing him of drinking “iniquity like water” (v. 16).  Gentle consolations indeed!  And just in case he doesn’t get another opportunity to speak, sadly he will, Eliphaz declares the reason God stretched out His hand against Job is because Job first arrogantly stretched out his hand against God (vs. 24-25).  And, this time Eliphaz makes no prosperity prophecies (Job 5:17-27), only doom and gloom for poor Job (vs. 29-35).  He should have taken his own advice, not answering Job with windy knowledge and useless talk (vs. 2-3).

 

It is easy to draw self-righteous conclusions when one is an observer of suffering rather than the receiver of it.  Purpose not to be a disheartening Eliphaz.  Ask God to make you a comforting friend, praying Job 15:2-3 and 11 as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

 

“LORD, make me a wise friend who does

not answer with windy knowledge. 

Do not let me fill myself with the east wind;

 fill me with Your wisdom.  Do not let me argue

with useless talk or words that are not profitable.

LORD, let me truly offer Your consolations to others. 

Let my words be spoken gently.

In Your name, Jesus~”

 

The WATCHMAN on the WALL, 4 – Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell