Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
Eliphaz the Temanite has heard Job’s words, but it’s clear he hasn’t accepted them. When it comes to understanding God’s ways, he thinks he’s got it nailed and no matter what evidence Job puts forward, he’s not about to let it get in the way of a good theory.
He repeats the arguments he and Job’s other friends have already made with deeper intensity and even cruelty. If Job doesn’t admit his guilt and repent, terrible punishment – which Eliphaz ventures to describe in vivid detail – is all he can expect. Mercilessly choosing vocabulary that focuses on the loss of Job’s children as an indication of God’s judgement (verses 33–35), Eliphaz piles yet more suffering onto Job.
Eliphaz attacks Job’s claim of superior understanding but – having read the first two chapters of the book – the irony of his question, ‘Have you listened in the council of God?’ is not lost on us (verse 8). It’s not Job who is guilty of presumption but Eliphaz.
‘Are the comforts of God too small for you?’ Eliphaz demands (verse 11). As we see at the end of the book, Job does receive comfort when God answers and it’s Eliphaz to whom God will say, ‘My anger burns against you … for you have not spoken of me what is right’ (Job 42.7). Moreover, he has to ask Job to pray for him so that God will not treat him as he really deserves.
There may be times when we feel that life is unfair. But ultimately, the book of Job makes us question whether fairness from God is what we really want. As Eliphaz discovers, the undeserved grace and mercy we receive from God is much better! That is the comfort we receive through Christ and it cost him everything; it is not too small.
Thank you God that you do not treat us as we deserve but, because of your unfathomable love, you lavish undeserved grace and favour on us instead.
This reflection was written by Esther King, Digital Communications Officer at Bible Society
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