Now when Job's three friends--Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite--heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, each of them came from his home, and they met together to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him. Now when Job’s three friendsThe mention of "three friends" introduces us to key figures in the narrative. In Hebrew culture, friendship was a sacred bond, often involving loyalty and mutual support. The number three may symbolize completeness or stability, suggesting that these friends represent a full spectrum of human counsel and companionship. Their role is pivotal in the unfolding drama, as they attempt to provide wisdom and comfort, albeit imperfectly. Eliphaz the Temanite
Eliphaz is identified as a Temanite, linking him to the region of Teman, known for its wise men (Jeremiah 49:7). This association suggests that Eliphaz is a man of wisdom and experience. The name Eliphaz means "God is fine gold," indicating a person of noble character or divine insight. His perspective in the dialogues often reflects traditional wisdom and the retributive justice of God. Bildad the Shuhite
Bildad's designation as a Shuhite connects him to Shuah, a region or tribe possibly linked to the descendants of Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:2). His name means "son of contention," which may foreshadow his argumentative nature in the dialogues. Bildad represents a more rigid, perhaps legalistic, approach to understanding suffering and divine justice. Zophar the Naamathite
Zophar is called a Naamathite, though the exact location of Naamah is uncertain. His name means "chirper" or "one who talks," which is fitting given his often blunt and outspoken contributions to the discussions. Zophar's approach is characterized by a more dogmatic and impatient stance, emphasizing the need for repentance and the inscrutability of God's ways. heard about all this adversity
The phrase "heard about all this adversity" indicates that Job's suffering was widely known, suggesting a close-knit community where news traveled quickly. The Hebrew word for adversity, "ra'ah," encompasses calamity, evil, or distress, highlighting the severity of Job's trials. This sets the stage for the friends' journey, motivated by concern and the cultural expectation to support those in distress. that had come upon him
This phrase underscores the passive nature of Job's suffering, emphasizing that the adversity was not due to his actions but had "come upon him." This aligns with the overarching theme of the book, which challenges the simplistic equation of suffering with personal sin. It invites readers to explore the complexities of divine sovereignty and human suffering. they each came from his own place
The friends' journey from their respective places signifies their commitment and the importance of their mission. It reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of visiting and mourning with those who suffer. This act of coming together also symbolizes unity and shared purpose, despite the diverse backgrounds and perspectives they bring. and they met together
The decision to meet together before approaching Job suggests a deliberate and collective effort to provide support. It implies a level of coordination and mutual agreement on how to address Job's situation. This unity, however, will be tested as their differing views on suffering and divine justice emerge in the dialogues. to go and sympathize with Job
The intention "to go and sympathize" reveals the friends' initial compassion and empathy. The Hebrew root "nud" conveys the idea of shaking the head in sympathy or mourning, indicating a deep emotional response to Job's plight. This sets a hopeful tone, as true friendship is marked by the willingness to share in another's suffering. and comfort him
The goal "to comfort him" reflects the friends' desire to alleviate Job's distress. The Hebrew word "nacham" can mean to console or to change one's mind, suggesting that comfort involves both emotional support and offering new perspectives. This intention, though genuine, will be challenged by the complexities of Job's situation and the limitations of human understanding. Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man of great faith and integrity, who is undergoing severe trials and suffering. 2. Eliphaz the TemaniteOne of Job's friends, likely from Teman, a region known for its wisdom. 3. Bildad the ShuhiteAnother friend of Job, possibly from a nomadic tribe in the Arabian desert. 4. Zophar the NaamathiteThe third friend, whose origins are less clear, but he is also a part of the group that comes to comfort Job. 5. The MeetingThe three friends come together with the intention to sympathize and comfort Job in his time of distress. Teaching Points The Importance of PresenceThe friends' initial decision to visit Job shows the value of being present for those who are suffering. Sometimes, our presence is more comforting than words. Intentions vs. ActionsWhile the friends intended to comfort Job, their actions later reveal a lack of understanding and empathy. It's crucial to align our actions with our intentions. Wisdom in SilenceInitially, the friends sit in silence with Job, which can be a powerful form of support. Knowing when to speak and when to listen is vital in comforting others. The Role of CommunityThis passage highlights the importance of community and support systems in times of personal crisis. We are called to be part of a supportive community. Empathy and UnderstandingTrue empathy involves understanding the sufferer's perspective and offering support without judgment or assumptions. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the initial actions of Job's friends about the importance of community support during times of suffering? 2. How do the intentions of Job's friends compare to their later actions, and what does this teach us about aligning our intentions with our actions? 3. In what ways can we practice the wisdom of silence when comforting someone who is suffering, and how does this align with biblical teachings? 4. How can we ensure that our presence is a source of comfort rather than additional distress to those who are suffering? 5. Reflect on a time when you were either the comforter or the one in need of comfort. How did the presence or absence of empathy and understanding impact the situation? How can this experience guide your future interactions? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 17:17This verse speaks about a friend loving at all times and a brother being born for adversity, highlighting the role of true friendship in times of trouble. Romans 12:15Encourages believers to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, emphasizing empathy and shared experiences. Galatians 6:2Calls believers to bear one another's burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ, which aligns with the friends' initial intention to support Job. People Bildad, Eliphaz, Job, ZopharPlaces UzTopics Agreement, Appointment, Bildad, Comfort, Eliphaz, Evil, Friends, Homes, Job's, Met, Naamathite, Shuhite, Sympathize, Temanite, Troubles, ZopharDictionary of Bible Themes Job 2:11 1652 numbers, 3-5
5398 loss
5783 agreement
5805 comfort
5963 sympathy
5976 visiting
8298 love, for one another Job 2:11-13 5499 reward, divine
5691 friends, good
5809 compassion, human
5946 sensitivity Library February 24 Evening
Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?--JOB 2:10. I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.--O Lord, thou art our father, we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.--It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good. Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments. He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.--Whom the Lord loveth …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily PathResignation.
"What! shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?"--Job 2:10. "Ich hab' in guten Stunden." [50]Christian Furchtegott Gellert. transl., Sarah Findlater, 1855 I have had my days of blessing, All the joys of life possessing, Unnumber'd they appear! Then let faith and patience cheer me, Now that trials gather near me: Where is life without a tear? Yes, O Lord, a sinner looking O'er the sins Thou art rebuking, Must own Thy judgments light. Surely I, so oft offending, Must …
Jane Borthwick—Hymns from the Land of Luther It is Indeed a Greater Fight of Patience...
9. It is indeed a greater fight of patience, when it is not a visible enemy that by persecution and rage would urge us into crime which enemy may openly and in broad day be by not consenting overcome; but the devil himself, (he who doth likewise by means of the children of infidelity, as by his vessels, persecute the children of light) doth by himself hiddenly attack us, by his rage putting us on to do or say something against God. As such had holy Job experience of him, by both temptations vexed, …
St. Augustine—On Patience Whether Death is Essential to Martyrdom?
Objection 1: It seems that death is not essential to martyrdom. For Jerome says in a sermon on the Assumption (Epist. ad Paul. et Eustoch.): "I should say rightly that the Mother of God was both virgin and martyr, although she ended her days in peace": and Gregory says (Hom. iii in Evang.): "Although persecution has ceased to offer the opportunity, yet the peace we enjoy is not without its martyrdom, since even if we no longer yield the life of the body to the sword, yet do we slay fleshly desires …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Jesus, My Rock.
When the storm and the tempest are raging around me, Oh! where shall I flee to be safe from their shock? There are walls which no mortal hands built to surround me, A Refuge Eternal,--'Tis JESUS MY ROCK! When my heart is all sorrow, and trials aggrieve me, To whom can I safely my secrets unlock? No bosom (save one) has the power to relieve me, The bosom which bled for me, JESUS MY ROCK! When Life's gloomy curtain, at last, shall close o'er me, And the chill hand of death unexpectedly knock, I will …
John Ross Macduff—The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus Illness and Patience of the Saint. The Story of a Priest whom She Rescued from a Life of Sin.
1. I forgot to say how, in the year of my novitiate, I suffered much uneasiness about things in themselves of no importance; but I was found fault with very often when I was blameless. I bore it painfully and with imperfection; however, I went through it all, because of the joy I had in being a nun. When they saw me seeking to be alone, and even weeping over my sins at times, they thought I was discontented, and said so. 2. All religious observances had an attraction for me, but I could not endure …
Teresa of Avila—The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus The Christian Described
HAPPINESS OF THE CHRISTIAN O HOW happy is he who is not only a visible, but also an invisible saint! He shall not be blotted out the book of God's eternal grace and mercy. DIGNITY OF THE CHRISTIAN There are a generation of men in the world, that count themselves men of the largest capacities, when yet the greatest of their desires lift themselves no higher than to things below. If they can with their net of craft and policy encompass a bulky lump of earth, Oh, what a treasure have they engrossed …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Of his Cross what Shall I Speak, what Say? this Extremest Kind of Death...
9. Of His cross what shall I speak, what say? This extremest kind of death He chose, that not any kind of death might make His Martyrs afraid. The doctrine He shewed in His life as Man, the example of patience He demonstrated in His Cross. There, you have the work, that He was crucified; example of the work, the Cross; reward of the work, Resurrection. He shewed us in the Cross what we ought to endure, He shewed in the Resurrection what we have to hope. Just like a consummate task-master in the matches …
St. Augustine—On the Creeds Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath.
(Probably While on the Way from Jerusalem to Galilee.) ^A Matt. XII. 1-8; ^B Mark II. 23-28; ^C Luke VI. 1-5. ^b 23 And ^c 1 Now it came to pass ^a 1 At that season ^b that he ^a Jesus went { ^b was going} on the { ^c a} ^b sabbath day through the grainfields; ^a and his disciples were hungry and began ^b as they went, to pluck the ears. ^a and to eat, ^c and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. [This lesson fits in chronological order with the last, if the Bethesda …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Elucidations.
I. (The Shepherd of Hermas, p. 85.) Here, and in chap. xx. below, Tertullian's rabid utterances against the Shepherd may be balanced by what he had said, less unreasonably, in his better mood. [999] Now he refers to the Shepherd's (ii. 1) [1000] view of pardon, even to adulterers. But surely it might be objected even more plausibly against "the Shepherd," whom he prefers, in common with all Christians, as see John viii. 1-11, which I take to be canonical Scripture. A curious question is suggested …
Tertullian—On Modesty Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Adam's Sin
Q-15: WHAT WAS THE SIN WHEREBY OUR FIRST PARENTS FELL FROM THE ESTATE WHEREIN THEY WERE CREATED? A: That sin was eating the forbidden fruit. 'She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also to her husband.' Gen 3:3. Here is implied, 1. That our first parents fell from their estate of innocence. 2. The sin by which they fell, was eating the forbidden fruit. I. Our first parents fell from their glorious state of innocence. God made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions.' Eccl …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Consolations against Impatience in Sickness.
If in thy sickness by extremity of pain thou be driven to impatience, meditate-- 1. That thy sins have deserved the pains of hell; therefore thou mayest with greater patience endure these fatherly corrections. 2. That these are the scourges of thy heavenly Father, and the rod is in his hand. If thou didst suffer with reverence, being a child, the corrections of thy earthly parents, how much rather shouldst thou now subject thyself, being the child of God, to the chastisement of thy heavenly Father, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Job 2:11 NIVJob 2:11 NLTJob 2:11 ESVJob 2:11 NASBJob 2:11 KJV
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