Job 6
In Job 6, Job speaks of the tremendous suffering that he is experiencing. He stated that Eliphaz does not understand nor show compassion for his situation. Job is again asking God to grant his request from Job 3 to die. Job sees this as his only hope for rest. Apparently, Job has been abandoned by his brethren. Eliphaz who is labeled as a friend is anything but a friend. Eliphaz offers very little that helps explain why all this is happening. What Eliphaz does offer Job is condemnation and severe judgment. Yet, through all that is happening, Job maintains his integrity.
Job responds to Eliphaz’s conjecture starting with Job 6:1-3.
1But Job answered and said, 2Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! 3For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.
Job does not immediately answer Eliphaz’s accusations. Job speaks of the tremendous weight of his suffering. His suffering is so extreme that his words cannot explain the depth of it. Job is crying out to be heard by others. However, Job is not looking just to be heard by his fellow humans, Job is crying out to God.
Job continues to describe his condition, Job 6:4.
4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.
Job believes that God is at odds with him. Because of Job’s former hedge of protection, Job does not attribute his suffering coming from any being other than God. Job believed that as long as he faithfully walked with God, the hedge would keep him safe. Therefore, only God could touch him or allow such things to happen to him.
As Job continues in his dialog, the hedge becomes his greatest confusion. If the hedge is related to his walk, he is confused as to what he has done to cause his hedge to be lowered. Just like all those around him, he was not privileged to the conversation in heaven. Job is unaware that God has allowed Satan to inflict him. Job is confused, because the possibility of Satan touching him is non-existent in his mind. He does not understand what he has done wrong. Remember God’s words at the end of Job 2:3B.
3Band still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
God stated that there was no cause to afflict Job. In God’s eyes, Job had done nothing to merit his suffering. Job is aligned with this, he knew of nothing that would cause this calamity. As such, this leaves Job in confusion.
Further Job stated that his spirit is being weakened. The suffering that he is going through is taking a toll on his life physically, mentally and spiritually.
He describes his confusion in Job 6:5-7.
5Doth the wild ass bray when he hath grass? or loweth the ox over his fodder? 6Can that which is unsavoury be eaten without salt? or is there any taste in the white of an egg? 7The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat.
Job is suffering, but he does not know why. This lack of knowledge is the missing element that would help him understand his current situation. Because of this, Job is at a loss for what to do to change his situation. If any sin was revealed to him, he would immediately repent.
Later in the book, Job will be mocked because of his refusal to repent. However, one cannot repent unless they know what they are to change. Repentance is a change in lifestyle. True repentance is turning away from the sin to turn towards God, never to commit the sin again. If one does not know what they are to turning from, how can they repent. Our so‑called repentance would be vain words with no substance of change.
Because of the lack of understanding of his situation, Job is back to an earlier solution. This should help us to understand the extent of Job’s misery and suffering, Job 6:8-9.
8Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! 9Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
Job’s request is for God to get it over with and kill him. Moses made a similar request in Number 11:15.
15And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.
Moses explains why he made such a strange request in Numbers 11:13-14.
13Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. 14I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.
The people wanted meat to eat, but it was not just this request that sent Moses to the edge. It was that the Children of Israel were a great burden to him. Moses had made it his problem rather than making it God’s problem. Moses thought he had to bear the burden of the people, when God never stated nor intended for Moses to bear the burden. However, that is a common ailment among believers. We forget that God stated to give the burden to Him.
So Moses’ solution was for God to kill him. Fortunately for Moses and us who observe his writings, God did not kill him. As a matter of fact, God has not killed anyone who has made such a foolish request. And, God had no intentions of killing Job, God had better for Job.
Job 6:10a
10aThen should I yet have comfort;
Job thinks that in death he would have comfort. Job thought that he only had more misery before him. Job did not know what God had for him.
Job reminds us that there is comfort in death for the weary. Job’s soul would go to Sheol (7585) and would be in an unconscious rest. His soul would be asleep, all his sorrow will have ended, he would feel no pain and would await the appointed time in the future. He would close his eyes and the next time he opens them, all would have changed.
Job 6:10b-13
10byea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One. 11What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life? 12Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass? 13Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?
Although Job has spoken the words of God at this point in his life; Job sees little reason to continue living. In his condition, Job sees little hope beyond his present condition. It seems that Job has lost his inner strength and drive that he had before. In a word, Job is exhausted with misery and suffering. At this moment in time, Job’s strength has been depleted.
Few of us have experienced what Job has experienced. Job had lost the vast majority of his wealth, he may have pennies left, if anything. Further, the death of his ten children occurred in a single disaster. Job is suffering excruciating physical pain. On top of all this, Job is facing character assassination from his so-called friends. And it will not end here either, the criticism will mount up. Job will become the proverbial scapegoat by those around him. All Job has stood for will mean nothing if something does not change.
Job 6:14
14To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
Job is telling us that one who is afflicted should have pity from others. He has received little of that from Eliphaz or anyone else around him. This will be true of the others that will speak in the chapters to follow. Job will allude to the lack of comfort by others who do not have speaking parts. They have avoided him and shown little compassion. When one shows little compassion for another, Job infers that this is akin to forsaking the ways of the Almighty. We are told in Hosea 12:6.
6Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment, and wait on thy God continually.
We are to have mercy for each other. As others go through trials, we should not be judging them. We ought to have compassion for them. However, from Job’s point of view, he has seen little compassion.
Job 6:15.
15My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;
It is interesting that Job stated my brethren. We have to remember that of the three friends that have shown up, only Eliphaz has spoken at this point. So either we have to consider that there were prior conversations by others. Or possibly, there were others who have treated Job in a less than favorable way. Which would indicate that Job’s condition has been going on for more than a few weeks. Job’s suffering more than likely has been occurring for an extended period of time. Additionally, it is likely that others have been present for the discussions between Job and his friends.
Job continues to describe his uncompassionate friends, Job 6:16-21.
16Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid: 17What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. 18The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish. 19The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them. 20They were confounded because they had hoped; they came thither, and were ashamed. 21For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid.
It appears that Job’s former friends and companions vanished, none are to be found. In Job 6:22, Job asked a rhetorical question that we would all be wise to consider.
22Did I say, Bring unto me? or, Give a reward for me of your substance?
All his former friends and family have avoided him. He asks why, he has not asked anything special of them. He has only asked for compassion. Something we should willingly give to all that are suffering.
Job 6:23
23Or, Deliver me from the enemy’s hand? or, Redeem me from the hand of the mighty?
Job did not ask them how to deliver him from his deepest troubles. Job is not looking for anyone to dig him out of the ditch he is in. He is not looking for advice on how to resolve his situation with the Almighty. Job has done all that practically can be done, Job 1:20-22.
20Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
Job did just as Mordecai; when Mordecai learned of Haman’s plot against the Jews. There was not much one could do, except pray and wait patiently. Waiting for God to move or His voice to direct them. We see this with Mordechai in Esther 4:1.
1When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;
Sometimes things get so overwhelming, all we can really do is pray, and wait on the Lord.
Job 6:24
24Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
I doubt at this point if Job is seriously seeking the counsel of Eliphaz or his friends. It is clear from Eliphaz’s discourse that his opinions are not based on fact. Job’s friends are not the counselors he needs. We may find out that many have ulterior motives.
What follows brings up an interesting concept, not about Job and his friends, but in the way many read the Bible. Job would listen to reasonable words; however he tells us in Job 6:25.
25How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?
Words that are of the truth carry a power of their own. However, if we have to force our words on another, it is our strength and not God’s truth.
Job is telling Eliphaz to stop forcing his opinion on him. Job does not believe that Eliphaz is right. It is not because Job is arrogant. It is because Job was present for the events; Job knew what had and had not occurred. Job knew his manner of living, Job was not deceived as many of us are today.
Job 6:26-27
26Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind? 27Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
Job is telling Eliphaz that his words are meaningless. Job knows that his situation will not change as the result of declaring some meaningless prayer to satisfy others. Once again, Job accuses those around him of being less than compassionate; his words are more stern. Job compares Eliphaz to one who would oppress the fatherless. This is something God has warned us not to do time and time again. In Job’s mind, it is as if Eliphaz’s only concern is to get the best of Job and to bury him in his present situation.
Job 6:28
28Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie.
It is interesting, that when emotion is put to Job’s words, quite a different meaning will result. Job’s statement above if taken at face value would lead you to think that Job is submitting to the better judgment of Eliphaz. When in fact, it is tongue in cheek. Job is actually being sarcastic towards Eliphaz.
In the next few verses, Job will challenge Eliphaz, Job 6:29-30
29Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it. 30Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?
Job’s sarcasm is an indication that he does not consider Eliphaz worthy of any serious consideration. He is pleading with Eliphaz in a mocking way. Job finds no humor in any of this situation. Job who has maintained his righteousness, as he will state and God stated earlier, has little time for Eliphaz’s idle words.
In Job 6:30, Job questions Eliphaz if his words spill forth iniquity. As if bitter words would leave a residue in his mouth. This is a challenge to Eliphaz to be more specific in his accusation of Job. For the most part, Eliphaz is very general in his accusations. We will have to see if Eliphaz will answer this challenge or will he hide behind vague presumptions and accusations that are unfounded. Possibly Eliphaz will evoke emotion and therefore others will believe him based on his convictions and not the facts.
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