Job 11
Job 11 features Zophar, one of Job’s three friends, making his first speech in response to Job’s lament about his suffering. Zophar is more blunt and less sympathetic than the previous speakers, Eliphaz and Bildad. He criticizes Job for his complaints and insists that Job's suffering must be a result of sin, suggesting that Job should repent to restore his fortunes. Zophar emphasizes God's inscrutable wisdom and justice, suggesting that Job's understanding is limited and his best course of action is to seek God and repent for his sins.
Job 11:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said:
2 “Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be vindicated?
3 Should your empty talk make men hold their peace? And when you mock, shall no one make you ashamed?
4 For you have said, ‘My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in your eyes.’
5 But oh, that God would speak, And open His lips against you,
Zophar questions Job's verbose defense and mocks his claim of innocence. He suggests that Job's extensive speeches do not warrant absolution and challenges the validity of Job’s self-proclaimed purity. Zophar expresses a wish for God to directly respond to Job, implying that such a divine response would clearly expose Job's hidden faults and validate Zophar’s accusations.
Job 11:6 (NKJV)
6 That He would show you the secrets of wisdom! For they are double to that which is. Know then that God exacts from you Less than your iniquity deserves.
Zophar claims that if God were to reveal the depths of His wisdom, Job would understand that his sufferings are less severe than his sins deserve. This reflects Zophar's belief in a strict retributive justice system where all suffering is a direct result of personal sin, suggesting that Job is actually receiving mercy rather than unjust punishment.
Job 11:7-9 (NKJV)
7 “Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?
8 They are higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
9 Their measure is longer than the earth And broader than the sea.
Zophar emphasizes the vastness and incomprehensibility of God’s wisdom and justice, suggesting that it is futile for Job or any human to try to understand the ways of God. This argument is intended to humble Job and persuade him to cease his questioning of God's actions, reinforcing the idea that human beings cannot possibly grasp God's plans or challenge His decisions.
Job 11:10-12 (NKJV)
10 If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment, Then who can hinder Him?
11 For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it?
12 For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.
Zophar speaks of God’s absolute power to judge and act unimpeded by human concerns. He implies that God is fully aware of human wickedness and deceit, directly countering Job’s claims of innocence. Zophar sarcastically remarks that a foolish person can become wise only when a wild donkey’s colt is born human—essentially stating that it’s impossible, thereby reinforcing his view that Job's wisdom is faulty and his arguments futile.
Job 11:13-15 (NKJV)
13 “If you would prepare your heart, And stretch out your hands toward Him;
14 If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, And would not let wickedness dwell in your tents;
15 Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you could be steadfast, and not fear;
Zophar advises Job to repent and seek God with a pure heart. He suggests that if Job were to sincerely dispose of any sin and cleanse his life of evil, he would then be able to face God without guilt or fear, implying that Job’s current fear and misery are directly linked to his unconfessed sins.
Job 11:16-19 (NKJV)
16 Because you would forget your misery, And remember it as waters that have passed away,
17 And your life would be brighter than noonday. Though you were dark, you would be like the morning.
18 And you would be secure because there is hope; Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety.
19 Also you would lie down, and no one would make you afraid; Yes, many would court your favor.
Zophar paints a picture of the blessings and peace that would come to Job if he were to repent. He describes a life where past troubles are forgotten like waters that have flowed away, and a future that is bright and secure with hope. This reflects Zophar’s belief that righteousness is rewarded with prosperity and peace.
Job 11:20 (NKJV)
20 “But the eyes of the wicked will fail, And they shall not escape, And their hope—loss of life!”
Contrasting the prosperity of the repentant, Zophar concludes with a grim outlook for the wicked, stating that they will find no escape from their misery, and their only hope will end in death. This serves as a final warning to Job, implying that his refusal to confess and repent could lead to a hopeless end.