Bible Question:
Why was God's anger kindled against Job's friends. What exactly was wrong on what they were telling Job. It appeared tome they were trying to help by trying to figure out why he was experience so much turmoil in his life. And even I question myself as to where did I go wrong, when my life doesn't seem to be going the right way, or if I go through turmoil. |
Bible Answer: Read Job 42:7-9. Where God condemns Job's friends. God spoke to Eliphaz and said He was angry with him and his two companions for they had "not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has". They thought they knew God's ways, but they didn't. By insisting that suffering is always retributive, the three rthetoricians were limiting God's sovereign ablilty to use suffering for other purposes. As a result, they cruelly indicted an innocent Job. How then did Job speak "what is right"? Had he not repeately and proudly challenged God, accusing Him of injustice and unwarranted silence? Yes, but he had now repented of his proud accusations (42:6) and therefore he was accepted(forgiven) by God. Though Job continued to content with God, he never renounced Him. Also his view of God's power and wisdom exceeded that of the three friends. In 42:8-9 God told them to offer a burnt offering of seven bulls and seven rams (a pretty large sacrifice). And they were to have Job pray for them as their mediator. Never once had they prayed for Job. But now Job, whom they had condemned and badgered, was to intecede for them! They had defended God's justice in striking down Job. but now they saw that God was concerned with more than justice; He is also known for love and grace. Elihu was excluded from this act of repentance because he, though not having all the truth on Job's situation, was nearer the truth than the other three. |