Job's remarks have been heard by Eliphaz the Temanite, but
it is apparent that he does not accept them. He thinks he's got it figured out
when it comes to God's methods, and no matter what evidence Job presents, he's
not about to let it get in the way of a good hypothesis.
He intensifies and even cruelly repeats the arguments he and
Job's other pals have already made. If Job does not recognize his sin and
repent, he will face dreadful punishment, which Eliphaz goes into great detail
to depict. Eliphaz adds on further agony to Job by mercilessly picking wording
that focuses on the loss of Job's children as an indicator of God's judgment
(verses 33–35).
The irony of Eliphaz's query, 'Have you heard in the council
of God?' is not lost on us after reading the first two chapters of the book
(verse 8). Eliphaz, not Job, is the one who is presumptuous.
'Are God's comforts insufficient for you?' Eliphaz makes a
demand (verse 11). Job is comforted when God responds, as we see at the end of
the book, and it is Eliphaz to whom God will declare, "My anger burns
against you... because you have not spoken of me what is right" (Job
42.7). He also has to urge Job to pray for him so that God does not punish him
as harshly as he deserves.
There may be times when we feel life is unfair, but the book
of Job prompts us to consider whether we really want God's fairness. The
unearned grace and forgiveness we receive from God, as Eliphaz realizes, is far
superior! That is the comfort we receive through Christ, and it did not come cheaply;
it is not insignificant.
Thank you, God, for not treating us as we
deserve but instead lavishing unearned kindness and favor on us because of your
unfathomable love.