SCRIPTURE: JOB 11
ZOPHAR (vs. 1-20)
ZOPHAR ASKED JOB THESE QUESTIONS:
- Will your idle talk reduce men to silence? Will not one rebuke you when you mock? (v. 3)
- Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? (v. 7)
- What can you do to God who is higher than the heavens? (v. 8a)
- What can you know God when He is deeper than the depths of the grave? (v. 8b)
- Can you oppose God if he confines you in prison? (v. 10a)
- Who can oppose God when he convenes a court? (v. 10b)
- Doesn’t God recognize deceitful men? (v. 11a)
- When God sees evil does he not take note? (v. 11b)
ZOPHAR’S ADVICES TO JOB:
- Devote your heart to Him and stretch out your hands to Him. (v. 13)
- Put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent. (v. 14)
BENEFITS CITED BY ZOPHAR IF JOB FOLLOWED HIS ADVICES:
- You will lift up your face without shame. (v. 15a)
- You will stand firm and without fear. (v. 15b)
- You will forget your trouble. (v. 16)
- Life will be brighter than noonday and darkness will become like morning. (v. 17)
- You will be secure, because there is hope; You will take your rest in safety. (v. 18)
- You will lie down without fear and many will court your favor. (v. 19)
THOUGHTS:
Eliphaz stressed that man is sinful while Bildad confirmed that God is just. Now Zophar said that God punished sin. So he told Job to repent and seek God so that God would hear him. And if he didn’t, his hope will become a dying gasp. (v. 20). All the three friends failed to enter into Job’s sorrow and sympathize with him. They had a rigid concept of God and belief but were too proud and dogmatic to listen to Job.
Human suffering is too deep and complex for man to understand. Jesus never sinned yet He suffered tremendously. So, do not make the mistake of concluding things that is unknown and mysterious.
Zophar was totally insensitive to Job’s situation. His speech was arrogant saying that Job deserved more punishment. By calling Job “false”, he was accusing him of hidden faults and sins. Avoid committing the same mistake of Zophar. To be a good and loyal friend, learn to empathize him. Give encouragement and say words to help him grow spiritually.