Podcast 25, Stories of the Bible, “The Book of Job, Ch 11”

Of the three, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, Zophar appears to be the harshest in his attack against Job. He asks a series of questions, but he assumes the answers.

Job 11:1-3

“Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified? Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?

Zophar is responding to Job’s answer to Bildad in the previous chapter. To understand how bold Job was in his answers to Eliphaz and Bildad, one must review Chapter 10. Job destroys the arguments of Eliphaz and Bildad, declares his innocence, and claims to have seen God. 

Zophar challenges Job, calling him a liar—‘should thy lies make men hold their peace?’ He continues.

Job 11: 4

“For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.”

What Job, speaking to the Lord, said was, “Thou knowest that I am not wicked.” That apparently offended Zophar. He curses Job.

Job 11:5-6

“But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;  And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.”

Job has lost his sons. He has lost his servants. He has lost his wealth. Skin worms are destroying his flesh, and he is filled with open sores, and Zophar said, “Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.” We think of Job’a patience in suffering. His patience is expressed just as much in putting up with his false friends.

Zophar asks a series of rhetorical questions, for one cannot know the greatness of God.

Job 11: 7-10

“Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?”

But the question is a trap. Zophar continues.

Job 11:11-12

“For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider it? For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s colt.”

Zophar is calling Job a vain man. He claims that God sees Job’s wickedness. He asserts that God will consider his sins. Then he adds insult by comparing Job to a ‘wild ass’s colt.’ Then he calls Job to repentance.

Job 11:13-15

“If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him; If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not fear:”

Zophar has the audacity to tell Job to put away his iniquity and not to let wickedness dwell in his body. He even. promises Job that if he will repent then He may lift up his face to God spotless. Then he shall be steadfast and without fear. Of course, Zophar hasn’t believed a word that Job has said. 

Zophar then itemizes his reasons that Job will have such a clear conscience if he acknowledges his sins.

Job 11:16-19

“Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away: And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.”