Job 42:9

KJV

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite [and] Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Eliphaz {H464} the Temanite {H8489} and Bildad {H1085} the Shuhite {H7747} and Zophar {H6691} the Naamathite {H5284} went {H3212}, and did {H6213} according as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H1696} them: the LORD {H3068} also accepted {H5375} Job {H6440}{H347}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Elifaz the Teimani, Bildad the Shuchi and Tzofar the Na'amati went and did what ADONAI had ordered them to do, and ADONAI accepted Iyov['s prayer].

Berean Standard Bible

So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD had told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s request.

American Standard Version

So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as Jehovah commanded them: and Jehovah accepted Job.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 42:9 marks the pivotal moment of reconciliation and divine acceptance following the intense dialogue and divine rebuke in the Book of Job. This verse chronicles the immediate and obedient response of Job's three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—to the LORD's explicit command. Their compliance, coupled with Job's intercession on their behalf, culminates in God's favorable reception, signifying the restoration of relationship and setting the stage for Job's ultimate vindication and blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the climactic divine speeches from the whirlwind, found in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech") through [Job 41](/job/41 "Job 41 - God's Second Speech"), and Job's humble repentance in [Job 42:1-6](/job/42-1-6 "Job 42:1-6 - Job's Repentance"). Specifically, [Job 42:7-8](/job/42-7-8 "Job 42:7-8 - God Rebukes Job's Friends and Commands Sacrifice") details the LORD's direct confrontation with Eliphaz the Temanite and his companions. God declares His wrath against them for not having "spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath." As a means of atonement and reconciliation, God commands them to offer a burnt offering and for Job to pray for them, stating, "for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly." Thus, [Job 42:9](/job/42-9 "Job 42:9 - Friends' Obedience and Job's Acceptance") serves as the immediate fulfillment of this divine mandate, demonstrating the friends' submission and initiating the process of Job's restoration, which is fully detailed in [Job 42:10-17](/job/42-10-17 "Job 42:10-17 - Job's Full Restoration").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of the Book of Job are set in the patriarchal period, a time characterized by direct divine revelation, personal altars, and the practice of animal sacrifice as a means of atonement and worship. The burnt offering (Hebrew: *'olah*), specified in [Job 42:8](/job/42-8 "Job 42:8 - The Command for Sacrifice"), was a common form of sacrifice in the ancient Near East, signifying complete dedication and atonement, with the entire animal consumed by fire. The requirement for Job, the righteous sufferer, to intercede for his friends highlights the cultural understanding of a mediator's role in appeasing divine wrath and restoring broken relationships. The friends' journey to Job with the required animals and their immediate compliance underscore the gravity of a direct divine command and the societal expectation of swift obedience to such pronouncements, particularly from a sovereign deity.
* **Key Themes:** [Job 42:9](/job/42-9 "Obedience and Acceptance") encapsulates several profound themes central to the Book of Job. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine authority and human obedience**. Despite their prolonged and misguided arguments, the friends immediately obey God's specific instructions, demonstrating a recognition of His ultimate sovereignty and the necessity of submitting to His revealed will. Secondly, the verse highlights the **power and necessity of intercessory prayer**. God's explicit condition that He would accept the friends' offering only through Job's prayer elevates Job's standing and emphasizes the efficacy of prayer offered by a righteous person, even for those who have erred. This foreshadows the broader biblical theme of mediation, as seen in passages like [Genesis 18:22-33](/genesis/18-22-33 "Genesis 18:22-33 - Abraham's Intercession for Sodom"). Lastly, the phrase "the LORD also accepted Job" powerfully conveys the theme of **divine acceptance and reconciliation**. It signifies God's favorable reception of both the offering and Job's intercession, leading to the forgiveness of the friends and the restoration of Job's relationship with God, paving the way for the full reversal of his fortunes as described in [Job 42:10-17](/job/42-10-17 "Job 42:10-17 - Job's Full Restoration").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** H3212. A primitive root meaning "to walk" (literally or figuratively); causatively, "to carry" (in various senses). In this context, "went" signifies the friends' immediate and physical movement in response to the divine command. It denotes their active compliance and the initiation of the prescribed ritual, demonstrating a turning point from their previous argumentative stance to humble submission and obedience.
* **commanded (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** H1696. A primitive root, perhaps properly, "to arrange"; but used figuratively (of words), "to speak." It encompasses meanings like "to appoint," "to bid," or "to command." Here, it refers to the direct, authoritative instruction given by the LORD to Job's friends in [Job 42:7-8](/job/42-7-8 "Job 42:7-8 - God's Command to the Friends"). This word emphasizes the divine origin and binding nature of the instructions they were to follow for their atonement.
* **accepted (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** H5375. A primitive root meaning "to lift," "to bear," or "to carry." In this context, it signifies "to lift up," "to receive favorably," "to show favor to," or "to forgive." When applied to God's acceptance of an offering or a person, it implies that God has favorably received the act or the individual, indicating divine approval and the removal of any impediment or offense. Here, it denotes God's favorable reception of Job's intercession on behalf of his friends, which in turn leads to the acceptance of their offering and the forgiveness of their misguided words.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite [and] Zophar the Naamathite went,"**: This clause emphasizes the immediate and collective obedience of Job's three friends. Despite their prolonged and misguided arguments, they do not hesitate or argue further. Their "going" signifies their active compliance with God's direct command, demonstrating a crucial turning point from their self-assured pronouncements to humble submission. This physical act represents their repentance and willingness to follow divine instruction.
* **"and did according as the LORD commanded them:"**: This phrase explicitly confirms their faithful execution of God's instructions given in [Job 42:7-8](/job/42-7-8 "Job 42:7-8 - God's Command to the Friends"). This included taking seven bullocks and seven rams for a burnt offering and presenting them to Job for intercession. Their actions were not merely ceremonial but an act of profound humility and obedience, acknowledging their error and God's sovereign authority. This obedience was a prerequisite for their reconciliation with God.
* **"the LORD also accepted Job."**: This climactic statement signifies God's favorable reception and approval. The "acceptance" here refers primarily to God's reception of Job's prayer and, by extension, the offering made through his mediation. It underscores Job's vindicated standing before God, confirming that despite his suffering and questioning, he remained God's "servant" who had spoken rightly of Him. This divine acceptance of Job's intercession is the crucial element that allows for the forgiveness of the friends and the subsequent restoration of Job's fortunes.

#### Literary Devices
[Job 42:9](/job/42-9 "Job 42:9 - Narrative Resolution") functions as a critical moment of **Narrative Resolution** and **Climax** in the Book of Job. It provides the immediate fulfillment of a **Divine Command**, transitioning the narrative from the intense theological debate and divine judgment to a phase of reconciliation and restoration. The swift action of the friends ("went, and did") highlights their **Obedience** and submission to God's authority, contrasting sharply with their earlier protracted arguments. The verse also employs **Juxtaposition** by placing the friends' obedience and the divine acceptance of Job in direct sequence, underscoring the cause-and-effect relationship between their actions and God's response through Job. Furthermore, Job's role as an intercessor for his friends introduces the device of **Typology**, subtly foreshadowing a greater mediator to come. This verse also exhibits **Poetic Justice**, as Job, who was wrongly condemned by his friends, is now elevated as the one through whom their forgiveness is secured.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Job 42:9](/job/42-9 "Job 42:9 - Theological Significance") profoundly illustrates God's character as both just and merciful, and the indispensable role of intercession in reconciliation. It teaches that true repentance involves not only acknowledging error but also acting in humble obedience to God's prescribed path for forgiveness. The friends' submission to God's command, despite their earlier pride and theological missteps, demonstrates that divine grace is extended to those who humble themselves and seek atonement through the divinely appointed means. Job's role as the accepted intercessor highlights the principle that God often works through chosen vessels to bring about His purposes of grace and forgiveness, emphasizing the power of prayer offered by a righteous person for others. This divine acceptance paves the way for healing and restoration, confirming that God's ultimate desire is for relationship and peace, even after profound conflict and error.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Prayer of a Righteous Person")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Job 42:9](/job/42-9 "Job 42:9 - Practical Application") offers timeless lessons for our walk with God, particularly concerning humility, obedience, and the power of intercessory prayer. It powerfully reminds us that genuine repentance is demonstrated through humble obedience to God's word, even when it requires us to set aside our pride, admit our mistakes, and submit to a path we might not have chosen or fully understand. The friends' immediate compliance, despite their prior theological errors and the indignity of seeking help from the one they had condemned, underscores the transformative power of divine command and the necessity of acting upon it without delay. Furthermore, Job's intercession for those who had wronged him highlights the profound spiritual discipline of praying for others, especially those with whom we have conflict or who are in spiritual need. It calls us to embody a spirit of forgiveness and to participate in God's work of reconciliation, recognizing that our prayers can be instrumental in bringing others into right relationship with God and with one another. Ultimately, this verse reassures us of God's readiness to accept and forgive when we approach Him in humility and obedience, through the means He provides, leading to personal and relational restoration and the flourishing of His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to humble obedience, even if it means admitting you were wrong or changing your deeply held perspectives?**
* **How does the example of Job's intercession for his friends challenge or encourage your own practice of praying for others, especially those who have hurt you or hold differing views?**
* **What does God's "acceptance" in this verse teach you about His character and His willingness to restore relationships after conflict, error, or even severe suffering?**

### FAQ
**Why did God require Job's intercession for his friends?**

Answer: God required Job's intercession for his friends, as stated in [Job 42:8](/job/42-8 "Job 42:8 - God's Command for Intercession"), for several profound reasons. Primarily, it served as a public vindication of Job's righteousness and integrity, confirming that despite his suffering and questioning, he had "not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath." By mandating that the friends offer their sacrifice through Job's prayer, God elevated Job's standing and demonstrated His favor towards him. Secondly, it was a test of the friends' humility and obedience. They had to humble themselves before Job, the one they had wrongly accused and condemned, acknowledging their theological errors and submitting to God's prescribed path for their atonement. This act of intercession also highlighted the principle of mediation, where a righteous individual stands in the gap for others, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Job 42:9](/job/42-9 "Job 42:9 - Christ-Centered Fulfillment") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job, as the righteous sufferer who intercedes for his misguided friends and whose prayer is accepted by God, serves as a powerful type, or foreshadowing, of Christ. Just as God accepted the friends' offering through Job's intercession, God accepts humanity through the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and intercession of Jesus Christ. The burnt offering of seven bullocks and seven rams, a costly and prescribed sacrifice, points forward to the infinitely more precious sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus is not merely a righteous servant like Job, but the perfectly righteous Son of God, who continually intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession"); [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers")). Through His shed blood on the cross, He bore the wrath of God against sin, making true atonement and reconciliation possible ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, God's acceptance of Job's prayer for his friends is a beautiful, albeit incomplete, picture of the comprehensive and eternal acceptance God grants to all who come to Him through faith in the perfect intercession and sacrifice of Jesus, our [one mediator between God and mankind](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - Christ, Our Only Mediator").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Acts 9:6

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 10:33

Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

Matthew 7:24

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

John 2:5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

Job 22:27

Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.

Job 42:8

Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you [after your] folly, in that ye have not spoken of me [the thing which is] right, like my servant Job.