Job 5
Job 5 is part of Eliphaz’s speech, where he advises Job to turn to God for help and suggests that suffering is a form of divine correction. Eliphaz believes that if Job repents, God will restore him. His words emphasize the justice and mercy of God, urging Job to seek God’s favor through humility.
Job 5:1-5 (NKJV)
1 “Call out now; Is there anyone who will answer you? And to which of the holy ones will you turn?
2 For wrath kills a foolish man, And envy slays a simple one.
3 I have seen the foolish taking root, But suddenly I cursed his dwelling place.
4 His sons are far from safety, They are crushed in the gate, And there is no deliverer.
5 Because the hungry eat up his harvest, Taking it even from the thorns, And a snare snatches their substance."
Eliphaz challenges Job to seek wisdom from the holy ones, but suggests that no one will respond because Job’s suffering is due to his own folly. He observes that anger and envy destroy foolish people, and although they may prosper for a time, their downfall is swift and severe. Their families also suffer as a result, becoming vulnerable and defenseless against calamities. Eliphaz emphasizes that the foolish cannot retain their blessings, which are easily consumed or lost.
Job 5:6-7 (NKJV)
6 For affliction does not come from the dust, Nor does trouble spring from the ground;
7 Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward.
Here, Eliphaz argues that suffering is not random or from natural causes, but part of human existence. He believes that hardships are inevitable, comparing them to sparks that naturally rise from fire. This highlights the view that affliction is inherent to life, but he also implies that it comes with purpose, suggesting that Job’s trials have a deeper meaning or reason.
Job 5:8-9 (NKJV)
8 “But as for me, I would seek God, And to God I would commit my cause—
9 Who does great things, and unsearchable, Marvelous things without number.
Eliphaz urges Job to seek God and trust Him with his troubles. He emphasizes God’s power and wisdom, reminding Job that God performs countless, unsearchable wonders. By turning to God, Job can find relief and restoration, as Eliphaz is confident that God rewards the righteous and brings justice.
Job 5:10-11 (NKJV)
10 He gives rain on the earth, And sends waters on the fields.
11 He sets on high those who are lowly, And those who mourn are lifted to safety.
Eliphaz continues to speak of God’s goodness, pointing out that He nourishes the earth with rain and cares for the downtrodden. He assures Job that God lifts the humble and rescues those in distress, implying that Job, too, can find deliverance if he seeks God and repents.
Job 5:12-16 (NKJV)
12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot carry out their plans.
13 He catches the wise in their own craftiness, And the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them.
14 They meet with darkness in the daytime, And grope at noontime as in the night.
15 But He saves the needy from the sword, From the mouth of the mighty, And from their hand.
16 So the poor have hope, And injustice shuts her mouth.
Eliphaz praises God’s ability to thwart the plans of the cunning and bring justice. He describes how the wise and crafty are brought to confusion, unable to carry out their schemes. In contrast, God protects the helpless, delivering them from danger and oppression. He brings hope to the poor and silences injustice, affirming God’s role as the ultimate protector and judge.
Job 5:17-18 (NKJV)
17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
18 For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole.
Eliphaz encourages Job to view his suffering as divine correction, suggesting that those whom God disciplines are blessed. He assures Job that God’s chastisement is not meant to destroy, but to heal and restore. Eliphaz believes that while God may cause pain, He also brings healing, using suffering to shape and refine His people.
Job 5:19-22 (NKJV)
19 He shall deliver you in six troubles, Yes, in seven no evil shall touch you.
20 In famine He shall redeem you from death, And in war from the power of the sword.
21 You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, And you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes.
22 You shall laugh at destruction and famine, And you shall not be afraid of the beasts of the earth.
Eliphaz promises Job that if he repents, God will protect him from numerous dangers. He lists various threats—famine, war, slander, and destruction—and assures Job that God will deliver him from them all. Eliphaz paints a picture of divine protection, where Job can face calamity with confidence, knowing that God will guard him from harm.
Job 5:23-26(NKJV)
23 For you shall have a covenant with the stones of the field, And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you.
24 You shall know that your tent is in peace; You shall visit your dwelling and find nothing amiss.
25 You shall also know that your descendants shall be many, And your offspring like the grass of the earth.
26 You shall come to the grave at a full age, As a sheaf of grain ripens in its season.
Eliphaz continues with promises of peace and prosperity for Job if he turns to God. He envisions a harmonious relationship with nature, safety in Job’s home, and the blessing of a large family. He even foresees Job living to a ripe old age, suggesting that Job’s suffering could end with a full, blessed life if he repents and seeks God’s favor.
Job 5:27 (NKJV)
27 Behold, this we have searched out; It is true. Hear it, and know for yourself.”
Eliphaz concludes by asserting that his counsel is based on wisdom and experience. He encourages Job to accept these words as truth and act upon them. Eliphaz believes that Job’s suffering can be alleviated if he heeds the advice to repent and trust in God’s mercy and justice.