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Job 4

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1Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered, 2“If someone ventures to talk with you, will you be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking? 3Behold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands. 4Your words have supported him who was falling, You have made firm the feeble knees. 5But now it has come to you, and you faint. It touches you, and you are troubled. 6Isn’t your piety your confidence? Isn’t the integrity of your ways your hope? 7“Remember, now, whoever perished, being innocent? Or where were the upright cut off? 8According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity, and sow trouble, reap the same. 9By the breath of God they perish. By the blast of his anger are they consumed. 10The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, the teeth of the young lions, are broken. 11The old lion perishes for lack of prey. The cubs of the lioness are scattered abroad. 12“Now a thing was secretly brought to me. My ear received a whisper of it. 13In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, 14fear came on me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake. 15Then a spirit passed before my face. The hair of my flesh stood up. 16It stood still, but I couldn’t discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying, 17‘Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his Maker? 18Behold, he puts no trust in his servants. He charges his angels with error. 19How much more, those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before the moth! 20Between morning and evening they are destroyed. They perish forever without any regarding it. 21Isn’t their tent cord plucked up within them? They die, and that without wisdom.’

World English Bible (public domain)

"Remember: who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off?"

Job 4:7

Summary

In Job chapter 4, Eliphaz the Temanite begins his discourse to Job, responding to Job's lamentations. Eliphaz suggests that Job's suffering may be a result of some hidden sin, implying a direct correlation between one's righteousness and the prosperity they experience. He encourages Job to consider how the innocent rarely suffer, urging him to remember the many he has supported with comforting words and actions. Eliphaz implies that Job's fear and integrity should give him confidence in his blamelessness before God. Furthermore, he shares a personal spiritual experience—a vision—that warns of human frailty and divine justice, suggesting that God does not trust even His heavenly servants totally, let alone mortals. This chapter introduces the theme of the human struggle to understand God's justice.

Key Themes

Suffering and InnocenceHuman FrailtyDivine JusticeFaith and Doubt

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Job 4: frequently asked questions

What is Job 4 about?+
In Job chapter 4, Eliphaz the Temanite begins his discourse to Job, responding to Job's lamentations. Eliphaz suggests that Job's suffering may be a result of some hidden sin, implying a direct correlation between one's righteousness and the prosperity they experience. He encourages Job to consider how the innocent rarely suffer, urging him to remember the many he has supported with comforting words and actions. Eliphaz implies that Job's fear and integrity should give him confidence in his blamelessness before God. Furthermore, he shares a personal spiritual experience—a vision—that warns of human frailty and divine justice, suggesting that God does not trust even His heavenly servants totally, let alone mortals. This chapter introduces the theme of the human struggle to understand God's justice.
What is the key verse in Job 4?+
Job 4:7: ""Remember: who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off?""
What are the main themes of Job 4?+
The main themes of Job 4 are Suffering and Innocence, Human Frailty, Divine Justice, Faith and Doubt.

Study Notes