Job 11

¹ Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

² Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?

³ Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?

⁴ For thou hast said, My doctrine [is] pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.

⁵ But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

⁶ And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that [they are] double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee [less] than thine iniquity [deserveth].

⁷ Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?

⁸ [It is] as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know?

⁹ The measure thereof [is] longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

¹⁰ If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him?

¹¹ For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider [it]?

¹² For vain man would be wise, though man be born [like] a wild ass’s colt.

¹³ If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;

¹⁴ If iniquity [be] in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.

¹⁵ For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:

¹⁶ Because thou shalt forget [thy] misery, [and] remember [it] as waters [that] pass away:

¹⁷ And [thine] age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.

¹⁸ And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig [about thee, and] thou shalt take thy rest in safety.

¹⁹ Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make [thee] afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.

²⁰ But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope [shall be as] the giving up of the ghost.

Overview of Job Chapter 11

Job Chapter 11 features a speech by Zophar, one of Job’s friends, who responds to Job’s lamentations about his suffering. Zophar’s discourse is characterized by a strong emphasis on God’s wisdom and the limitations of human understanding. He challenges Job’s assertions regarding his innocence and urges him to repent and seek God.

Main Themes

• The Nature of God: Zophar emphasizes God’s omniscience and the vastness of His wisdom compared to human understanding.
• Human Limitations: The chapter highlights the limitations of human beings in comprehending divine matters, suggesting that humans cannot fully grasp God’s ways.
• Call to Repentance: Zophar urges Job to turn away from his perceived sins and seek God’s forgiveness to restore his fortunes.
• Reassurance of Justice: There is an underlying belief in divine justice, suggesting that the wicked will ultimately face consequences for their actions.

Structure of the Chapter

1. Zophar’s Rebuke (Verses 1-6):

   Zophar begins his speech with a rebuke, questioning Job’s understanding of God’s ways. He implies that Job’s claims of innocence are unfounded and that he is speaking out of ignorance.

2. The Majesty of God (Verses 7-9):

   In these verses, Zophar poses rhetorical questions about the ability of humans to comprehend God’s infinite wisdom. He asserts that God’s understanding is beyond measure, and no one can fully know His ways.

3. Call to Repentance (Verses 10-14):

   Zophar encourages Job to submit to God and repent. He suggests that if Job cleanses his heart and turns to God, he will be restored and his life will improve.

4. Promise of Restoration (Verses 15-20):

   Finally, Zophar concludes with a promise that if Job repents, he will be able to face God without fear. He reassures Job that the future holds hope and that the wicked will ultimately be unable to escape their fate.

Character Analysis

• Zophar:

  Zophar is portrayed as blunt and uncompromising. His confidence in his understanding of God’s justice leads him to be harsh with Job. He believes he is speaking for God, yet his approach lacks compassion.

• Job:

  Job remains silent during Zophar’s speech, which reflects his ongoing struggle with understanding his suffering and the accusations of his friends. His character is marked by deep anguish and a desire for vindication.

Theological Implications

Job Chapter 11 raises significant theological questions about the nature of suffering, divine justice, and human understanding of God. Zophar’s insistence on repentance as a solution to suffering reflects a common belief in retributive justice, where suffering is seen as a direct consequence of sin. This chapter challenges readers to consider the complexities of faith, the reasons behind suffering, and the nature of God’s justice.

Conclusion

In summary, Job Chapter 11 serves as a pivotal moment in the dialogue between Job and his friends, illustrating the tension between human understanding and divine wisdom. Zophar’s speech encapsulates the struggle to reconcile suffering with faith in a just and omniscient God, setting the stage for the ongoing exploration of these themes in the subsequent chapters.