References (6)
When three of Job's acquaintances (neighbors – Hebr. rea) heard about all the misfortunes that had befallen him, they agreed to go and show compassion and comfort him. The three were:
Eliphaz – the Temanite [Teman was a city in Edom southeast of the Dead Sea, known for wisdom, see ] and
Bildad – the Shuhite [Shuh probably means "wealth"] and
Zophar – the Naamathite [Naamah means "beautiful"].
[These were three of Job's acquaintances or neighbors. The eldest and most prominent is always mentioned first in lists, which in this case is Eliphaz. The other two names are unusual and the places are unknown, but Shoa and Naama were probably located somewhere in present-day Jordan. Bildad has a good knowledge of the papyrus plant () and may have had contact with Egypt. The name Eliphaz means "my God is gold." The etymology of the name Bildad is not entirely clear, but the name consists of two parts: Bel or Baal (lord) followed by the verb jadad (to love). The meaning could be "the Lord is loved" or "Bel has loved." Some see a connection to the god Baal here. The third acquaintance's name is Tsofar, which means trumpet, alarm, or siren.]
[After a week of silence, Job's acquaintances now speak up. Eliphaz's theology is that God punishes evil immediately. If someone suffers, it is because there is sin in that person's life. God makes no mistakes. Since Job has now been punished, he must have deserved it. Eliphaz urges Job to humble himself and confess his secret sin. Similar ways of thinking exist even today. Expressions such as "there is no smoke without fire" or "sin punishes itself" are based on the same theology. The theology of Job's three acquaintances also contains elements of monism. This means that they believe that there is only one power, and that all good and evil comes from God, see . Tendencies toward this view can also be seen in Job himself, see . Job, his family, and the men who have come to visit him are unaware of the dialogue between God and Satan in the first two chapters. Jesus is also clear that there is an enemy, see .]
Then Eliphaz the Temanite [] spoke up and said [answered Job]:
Then Eliphaz the Temanite [] spoke up and said [answered Job]:
Then Eliphaz the Temanite [] spoke up and said [answered Job]:
After the Lord (Yahweh) had spoken this to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite [the eldest of Job's three friends, who initiated the dialogue and spoke first, see ]:
"My wrath is kindled against you and your two friends [Bildad and Zophar]. You have not spoken what is right (true) about me, as my servant Job has done.
Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite did as the Lord (Yahweh) had told them, and the Lord (Yahweh) accepted Job's prayer (lifted his face toward Job in favor).
