The House You're Building

This week begins the third and final discourse between Job and his friends.   Hard to even give them this title at this point!   This week we will read about the last discussion between Job and Eliphaz. Wealth and how to produce that which lasts (refining) seems to be the main theme in this section, so as you read make sure you notice their opposing views.     Key Verse: But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me I shall come out as gold.   Job 3:10   Job 22 ·          What does Eliphaz claim Job is valuing instead of God?   List the specific sins he says Job has committed.   ·          Read through these New Testament references about the influence of riches.   Some of the references describe earthy treasures while some describe heavenly ones.   Take notes on how these verses parallel Eliphaz’s argument: Matthew 6:19-21; Ma...

This section begins the second cycle of argument between Job and his friends as they debate suffering.   Eliphaz, the same person who spoke to him begins the response.   Remember he was the one who claimed he knew of suffering because of a vision he received in the night and what he’d obserbed about life.   The second time around, he no longer wants to appeal for him to repent; he’s seen Job’s other responses and that argument seems pointless now.   His words intensify and his argument too, that Job is wicked and is being punished.   He goes so far as to say that his response to his suffering is rebellion against God (Job 15:13).   Remember as you study that this book is poetic and should be interpreted as such.   When Eliphaz hammers his points, they tend to repeat as in poetry this adds emphasis and intensity to his argument.   Job’s response in chapters 16 and 17 can be summed up by our key verse this week:   My friends sco...