What is the meaning of Job 4:5? But now trouble has come upon you Eliphaz starts by pointing out the obvious: Job, once prosperous and secure, is suddenly engulfed in calamity. Scripture never hides the fact that believers can face severe, unexpected hardship. - Psalm 34:19 reminds us, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” - James 1:2-3 urges, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Eliphaz sees Job’s suffering as evidence that trouble has finally knocked on his door. While Eliphaz’s tone is lacking in compassion, the sentence still underscores a universal reality: trials do come, even to the godly (John 16:33). and you are weary Suffering drains energy. Job has lost children, health, and wealth; no wonder he is exhausted. - Isaiah 40:30-31 notes that “Even youths grow weary and faint… but those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength.” - Jesus calls the worn-out to Himself: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Eliphaz interprets Job’s weariness as weakness. Yet Scripture treats weariness as an expected human response in need of divine renewal (Galatians 6:9). It strikes you Calamity feels like a blow, a sudden strike that leaves bruises. - Job 1:13-19 records how disaster “struck” Job in rapid succession. - Ecclesiastes 9:12 observes, “Man does not know his time… like fish caught in a cruel net.” Eliphaz uses the language of impact: suffering hits; it does not politely ask permission. God’s Word prepares us for this reality so that we are not surprised (1 Peter 4:12). and you are dismayed Dismay is deeper than weariness; it is a shaken heart, a mind flooded with confusion. - Joshua 1:9 commands, “Do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” - Paul admits, “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8). Eliphaz criticizes Job for being rattled, forgetting that even strong believers can be momentarily overwhelmed (Psalm 143:4). The remedy is not rebuke alone but renewed trust in God’s presence (Hebrews 13:5-6). summary Job 4:5 captures a snapshot of suffering: trouble arrives, strength wanes, the blow lands, and dismay follows. Eliphaz’s words are blunt and short on tenderness, yet the verse accurately describes the sequence many believers experience. Scripture neither denies the weight of trials nor excuses despair; instead, it points us to the Lord who delivers, renews, shields, and steadies every heart that turns to Him. |
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