I continue my reflections on Job.
In response to Eliphaz's comments, Job lamented.
Synopsis
Job continued, stating how great his grief felt (Job 6:2-3).
“If only my anguish could be weighed
and all my misery be placed on the scales!
It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas—
no wonder my words have been impetuous."
He also wished for death (Job 6:8-9).
“Oh, that I might have my request,
that God would grant what I hope for,
that God would be willing to crush me,
to let loose his hand and cut off my life!"
Job lost much hope too (Job 6:11-13).
“What strength do I have, that I should still hope?
What prospects, that I should be patient?
Do I have the strength of stone?
Is my flesh bronze?
Do I have any power to help myself,
now that success has been driven from me?"
Job also rejected Eliphaz's reasons (Job 6:21; 6:24)
Now you too have proved to be of no help;
you see something dreadful and are afraid.
Teach me, and I will be quiet;
show me where I have been wrong
Job then directed his arguments towards God, complaining about his short and harsh life (Job 7:7)
Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath;
my eyes will never see happiness again.
Job chose to continue to complain, using the shortness of human life as a reason (Job 7:11)
Therefore I will not keep silent;
I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit,
I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
Finally Job concludes his complaint (Job 7:20)
If I have sinned, what have I done to you,
you who see everything we do?
Why have you made me your target?
Have I become a burden to you?
My reflections
Job obviously was in much emotional pain, and in his honest haste he pours out his heart. In fact, this passage is hard to read for me as I cannot even imagine losing so much.
Yet in his anguish, Job maintained his honesty. He could not see where he had gone wrong and clung to his innocence. He would rather die an honest man, than to ritually confess guilt. While lesser men like myself would give in conveniently to the advice of his friends, Job here would not play lip service.
Although I do not wish to experience the suffering of Job, I pray I may have a closeness to God that I may be frank with Him.
What is mankind that you make so much of them,
that you give them so much attention,
that you examine them every morning
and test them every moment? -- (Job 7: 17-18)
