Job Chapter 5 – Explanation and Analysis
Introduction to Job Chapter 5
Job 5 is part of a speech given by Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's three friends who visit him after he experiences devastating losses. In this chapter, Eliphaz continues his argument from the previous chapter, where he suggests that Job's suffering must be the result of sin and that God chastises those He loves. Eliphaz encourages Job to seek God's favor rather than complain about his suffering.
This chapter presents a blend of wisdom and misapplication. While Eliphaz speaks truths about God's justice and discipline, he wrongly assumes that Job’s suffering is due to personal wrongdoing.
Verse-by-Verse Explanation
Verses 1-7: The Hopelessness of the Foolish
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“Call now; is there anyone who will answer you? And to which of the holy ones will you turn?”
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Eliphaz challenges Job to call upon heaven, implying that no angel or divine being will justify his complaints. He suggests that Job is alone in his suffering because he has done something wrong.
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“Surely vexation kills the fool, and jealousy slays the simple.”
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Here, Eliphaz generalizes that suffering befalls the foolish and envious. He indirectly implies that Job's suffering is due to his own folly or envy.
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“I have seen the fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed.”
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Eliphaz shares a personal observation that fools may appear to prosper, but their success is short-lived. He insinuates that Job's past prosperity was merely temporary because he had unknowingly walked in folly.
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“His children are far from safety; they are crushed in the gate, and there is no one to deliver them.”
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This is a painful statement, considering Job lost all his children in a disaster (Job 1:18-19). Eliphaz indirectly suggests that Job’s children suffered due to their own or Job’s wrongdoing.
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“The hungry eat his harvest, and he takes it even out of thorns; and the thirsty pant after his wealth.”
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Eliphaz describes how the wealth of the foolish is taken away, leaving them in ruin.
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“For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble sprout from the ground.”
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He argues that suffering is not random but has a cause—suggesting Job’s troubles stem from his own actions.
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“But man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.”
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This profound statement acknowledges that suffering is part of human existence. However, Eliphaz misuses it to justify his claim that Job's suffering must have a specific reason tied to sin.
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Verses 8-16: The Blessings of Seeking God
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“As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause.”
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Eliphaz advises Job to seek God rather than question his suffering. This is good advice in general, but Eliphaz wrongly assumes that Job’s suffering is due to sin.
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“Who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number.”
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He acknowledges God's greatness, wisdom, and power, which is true. However, he fails to see that suffering can have purposes beyond punishment.
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“He gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields.”
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This reflects God’s provision and blessing upon creation.
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“He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.”
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A general truth that God uplifts the humble. However, this does not mean suffering always results from personal sin.
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“He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.”
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A truth about God's justice—He disrupts the plans of the wicked.
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“He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.”
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This verse is quoted in 1 Corinthians 3:19, showing its truthfulness. However, Eliphaz assumes Job fits into this category of "crafty" people.
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“They meet with darkness in the daytime and grope at noonday as in the night.”
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The fate of the wicked is described as confusion and despair.
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“But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth and from the hand of the mighty.”
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God protects the humble and oppressed.
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“So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth.”
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A hopeful statement that God's justice will ultimately prevail.
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Verses 17-27: God’s Discipline and Deliverance
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“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.”
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Eliphaz correctly states that God disciplines those He loves (see Hebrews 12:5-6). However, he wrongly applies this to Job, assuming his suffering is divine punishment.
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“For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal.”
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A beautiful truth about God's restorative nature. However, Job’s suffering was not simply discipline—it was a test.
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“He will deliver you from six troubles; in seven no evil shall touch you.”
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Symbolic of complete deliverance from hardship.
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“In famine he will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword.”
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A promise of divine protection, which is generally true but does not mean the righteous never suffer.
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“You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes.”
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Assurance of God's protection.
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“At destruction and famine you shall laugh, and shall not fear the beasts of the earth.”
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This reflects confidence in God’s care, but Eliphaz misuses it by implying Job could have avoided suffering through obedience.
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“For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you.”
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Poetic imagery of harmony with creation.
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“You shall know that your tent is at peace, and you shall inspect your fold and miss nothing.”
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A picture of security and prosperity.
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“You shall know also that your offspring shall be many, and your descendants as the grass of the earth.”
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A general principle of God blessing the righteous with posterity.
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“You shall come to your grave in ripe old age, like a sheaf gathered up in its season.”
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A promise of longevity, which is later fulfilled in Job's life (Job 42:16-17).
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“Behold, this we have searched out; it is true. Hear, and know it for your good.”
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Eliphaz presents his argument as absolute truth, failing to see the complexity of Job’s situation.
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Summary and Lessons from Job 5
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God is sovereign and just, but not all suffering is due to personal sin. Eliphaz wrongly assumes Job's trials are a result of divine punishment.
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God disciplines those He loves, but discipline is not the only reason for suffering. Sometimes, suffering is a test, a refinement, or for a greater purpose.
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Not all wisdom is rightly applied—Eliphaz speaks many truths about God's justice, but he misapplies them, causing more harm than comfort.
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Seek God in times of trouble, but understand that His ways are beyond human comprehension.
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