Job4

Eliphaz the Temanite begins his address to Job, questioning Job's reaction to suffering despite his past role as a comforter. He asserts that the innocent do not perish, implying Job's suffering is a consequence of sin, as those who sow wickedness reap destruction. Eliphaz then recounts a terrifying night vision where a spirit declared that no mortal man can be more just or pure than God, emphasizing humanity's frailty and God's absolute sovereignty.

Eliphaz Begins His Counsel

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And Eliphaz the Temanite answereth and saith: --
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Hath one tried a word with thee? --Thou art weary! And to keep in words who is able?
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Lo, thou hast instructed many, And feeble hands thou makest strong.
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The stumbling one do thy words raise up, And bowing knees thou dost strengthen.
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But now, it cometh in unto thee, And thou art weary; It striketh unto thee, and thou art troubled.
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Is not thy reverence thy confidence? Thy hope--the perfection of thy ways?

The Doctrine of Retribution

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Remember, I pray thee, Who, being innocent, hath perished? And where have the upright been cut off?
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As I have seen--ploughers of iniquity, And sowers of misery, reap it!
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From the breath of God they perish, And from the spirit of His anger consumed.
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The roaring of a lion, And the voice of a fierce lion, And teeth of young lions have been broken.
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An old lion is perishing without prey, And the whelps of the lioness do separate.

Eliphaz’s Mystical Revelation

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And unto me a thing is secretly brought, And receive doth mine ear a little of it.
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In thoughts from visions of the night, In the falling of deep sleep on men,
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Fear hath met me, and trembling, And the multitude of my bones caused to fear.
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And a spirit before my face doth pass, Stand up doth the hair of my flesh;
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It standeth, and I discern not its aspect, A similitude is over-against mine eyes, Silence! and a voice I hear:
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`Is mortal man than God more righteous? Than his Maker is a man cleaner?
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Lo, in His servants He putteth no credence, Nor in His messengers setteth praise.'
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Also--the inhabitants of houses of clay, (Whose foundation is in the dust, They bruise them before a moth.)
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From morning to evening are beaten down, Without any regarding, for ever they perish.
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Hath not their excellency been removed with them? They die, and not in wisdom!
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