Job 5
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1“Call now; is there any who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn? 2For resentment kills the foolish man, and jealousy kills the simple. 3I have seen the foolish taking root, but suddenly I cursed his habitation. 4His children are far from safety. They are crushed in the gate. Neither is there any to deliver them, 5whose harvest the hungry eats up, and take it even out of the thorns. The snare gapes for their substance. 6For affliction doesn’t come out of the dust, neither does trouble spring out of the ground; 7but man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward. 8“But as for me, I would seek God. I would commit my cause to God, 9who does great things that can’t be fathomed, marvelous things without number; 10who gives rain on the earth, and sends waters on the fields; 11so that he sets up on high those who are low, those who mourn are exalted to safety. 12He frustrates the plans of the crafty, So that their hands can’t perform their enterprise. 13He takes the wise in their own craftiness; the counsel of the cunning is carried headlong. 14They meet with darkness in the day time, and grope at noonday as in the night. 15But he saves from the sword of their mouth, even the needy from the hand of the mighty. 16So the poor has hope, and injustice shuts her mouth. 17“Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects. Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. 18For he wounds, and binds up. He injures, and his hands make whole. 19He will deliver you in six troubles; yes, in seven no evil shall touch you. 20In famine he will redeem you from death; in war, from the power of the sword. 21You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, neither shall you be afraid of destruction when it comes. 22At destruction and famine you shall laugh, neither shall you be afraid of the animals of the earth. 23For you shall be allied with the stones of the field. The animals of the field shall be at peace with you. 24You shall know that your tent is in peace. You shall visit your fold, and shall miss nothing. 25You shall know also that your offspring shall be great, Your offspring as the grass of the earth. 26You shall come to your grave in a full age, like a shock of grain comes in its season. 27Look this, we have searched it, so it is. Hear it, and know it for your good.”
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty."”
Job 5:17
Summary
In Job chapter 5, Eliphaz continues his discourse, advising Job to seek God and submit to His discipline, emphasizing that suffering can be a result of divine correction. He urges Job to recognize the wisdom and power of God, who brings both blessing and calamity but ultimately seeks to restore those who return to Him. Eliphaz outlines the benefits of accepting God's correction, including eventual protection, peace, and prosperity. He assures Job that those whom God disciplines will find healing and restoration, highlighting the belief in divine justice and the correction of human wrongs.
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Chapter outline
How Job 5 unfolds
Job 5:1–2 Call to Seek Divine Help
Eliphaz challenges Job to call upon God and the holy ones for answers, emphasizing the futility of human wisdom.
Job 5:3–6 Consequences of Foolishness
Eliphaz observes that the fate of the foolish includes sudden destruction and loss, illustrating the danger of living without divine guidance.
Job 5:7–10 Human Nature and Divine Power
He asserts that trouble is inherent to humanity, yet encourages Job to seek God, who performs unfathomable deeds and sustains the earth.
Job 5:11–16 God's Protection and Justice
Eliphaz describes how God exalts the lowly and defeats the crafty, assuring that the needy are saved and injustice silenced.
Job 5:17–21 The Blessing of Discipline
He presents the idea that God's correction is a sign of love and should not be despised, as it leads to healing and protection.
Job 5:22–26 Promises of Safety and Prosperity
Eliphaz outlines the benefits of accepting God's discipline, including peace and prosperity, contrasting it with previous suffering.
Job 5:27 Conclusion and Assurance
He concludes with a call to accept his words as truth for Job's benefit, reinforcing the theme of seeking divine wisdom.
Key verses
Job 5:17Job 5:17 carries the chapter's weight by stressing the importance of viewing divine correction as a blessing rather than a curse.
Main themes in Job 5
Suffering and Correction
Suffering and correction are central to Eliphaz's message in verse 17, where he directly addresses the necessity of God's discipline. He presents suffering as a form of divine guidance intended for growth and healing, suggesting that it serves a higher purpose beyond mere hardship. This notion complicates the perception of suffering, indicating that through adversity, individuals may attain a deeper understanding of God's ways and ultimately experience restoration.
Divine Justice
Divine justice permeates the chapter, particularly in verses 12-15, where Eliphaz discusses how God protects the needy and frustrates the plans of the wicked. The assurance of God's justice provides a framework for understanding human suffering, suggesting that while injustice exists, it will ultimately be addressed. This theme reinforces the belief that God governs the world with righteousness.
Wisdom of God
The wisdom of God is highlighted in verses 9-10, where Eliphaz emphasizes God's intricate works and His unrivaled ability to sustain creation. He encourages Job to recognize that divine wisdom transcends human understanding, which adds complexity to Job's predicament by suggesting that his suffering may have a purpose he cannot comprehend. This theme underscores the importance of seeking divine insight, especially in moments of despair, as it frames suffering within the context of a greater divine plan.
Hope in Restoration
Hope in restoration is a significant theme in verses 19-26, where Eliphaz describes the blessings that are promised to those who endure God's correction. He reassures Job that through suffering, he will ultimately find safety and prosperity, which serves to strengthen faith even during difficult times. This theme highlights the assurance of eventual healing and reconciliation with God, providing a glimmer of hope amid Job's current trials.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Job 5
- Psalm 33Both passages emphasize God's sovereignty in creation and His ability to bring justice to the oppressed.
- Psalm 91This psalm connects by highlighting God's protection over those who seek refuge in Him during times of trouble.
- Proverbs 16Both texts reflect on the consequences of human wisdom versus God's wisdom, illustrating divine guidance.
- Psalm 37This passage parallels the idea of the righteous being cared for by God, reinforcing themes of divine justice.
- Isaiah 8Isaiah's warning against fear resonates with Eliphaz's assertion that the faithful need not fear calamity.
- Psalm 147This psalm echoes God's care for the downtrodden, aligning with Eliphaz's portrayal of God's concern for the needy.
Study questions
Questions for studying Job 5
- What does Eliphaz suggest Job should do in verse 8?
- How does Eliphaz describe the fate of the foolish in verses 3-4?
- What does Eliphaz mean by 'man is born to trouble' in verse 7?
- How does the chapter portray God's relationship with the lowly in verse 11?
- What assurances does Eliphaz give about divine correction in verses 17-18?
- In what ways are safety and prosperity presented as outcomes in this chapter?
- What is the significance of Eliphaz stating 'we have searched it' in verse 27?
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