Job chapter 5

After reading chapter 5:

*Eliphaz is still talking, blathering in my opinion. He goes on about how man is born to trouble, while subtlely implying that Job is resentful and foolish. He asks Job which one of the "holy ones" will he turn to? Who will answer if he calls. (We already know nobody will.)

*Eliphaz goes on to say if he were Job, he would appeal to God. This makes sense if we look at it as Eliphaz giving Job advice as to which "Holy one" he should call on. The literal translation of verse 8 is "For I would seek unto God (el) and unto God (elohim) would I commit my cause." Isn't this interesting? There are two words that are both translated God in this sentence, but they are not the same word! The first, el, is the name of the Canaanite high God. The second, elohim, could mean "the gods", it is a collective singular noun. We could read Eliphaz's statement as a suggestion that Job appeal to El and the council of all the gods. Job is not told to call on the lord (yahweh).

*Next, in the English NIV, from verses 9-15, we  read about boundless number of wonderful things that "he" does. Who or what is he? El or the collective group of the gods? He makes things right by correcting injustices. He brings down the wicked and lifts up the poor and needy. Since when? Seems to me there has never been a time that supernatural justice could be counted upon.

*In verse 17 Eliphaz tells job, "blessed is the man that God (elowah ) corrects. So do not despise the discipline of the almighty." He seems to imply that Job probably deserves what he is getting in some way. Then Eliphaz says this almighty wounds and injures but also binds up and heals. (Sounds abusive)Then he goes on to talk about the wonderful ways this almighty saves people from calamities and protects them and their belongings. Eliphaz knows it is true because he has examined it. (Sigh) So, Job needs to hear these words and apply them to himself. Just how is he supposed to do that?

*I sighed because someone in my life right now sounds like this. That person just "knows" the truth because of their personal experience. Forget the outside evidence that it is not true. Forget the reality of life for the rest of the world.