Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, Eliphaz the Temanite is one of Job's three friends who visit him during his time of suffering. Eliphaz is notable for his claim of receiving a vision, which he uses to support his arguments in the dialogues with Job. This vision is recorded in the Book of Job and serves as a significant element in the discourse on divine justice and human suffering.The Vision of Eliphaz Eliphaz recounts his vision in Job 4:12-21. He describes it as a mysterious and awe-inspiring experience, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the revelation. The passage begins with Eliphaz stating, "Now a word was brought to me secretly, and my ear caught a whisper of it" (Job 4:12). This introduction sets the stage for a divine communication that is both intimate and profound. Eliphaz continues by describing the setting of the vision: "Amid disquieting dreams in the night, when deep sleep falls on men, fear and trembling came over me and made all my bones shake" (Job 4:13-14). The imagery here conveys a sense of dread and reverence, common reactions to divine encounters in biblical literature. The Content of the Vision In the vision, Eliphaz perceives a spirit passing by his face, causing the hair on his body to stand on end (Job 4:15). This spirit, though not explicitly identified, is often interpreted as a messenger of God, delivering a divine message. Eliphaz hears a voice questioning the purity and righteousness of humans before God: "Can a mortal be more righteous than God, or a man more pure than his Maker?" (Job 4:17). This rhetorical question underscores the theme of human fallibility and the impossibility of achieving divine perfection. The vision further elaborates on the frailty of human beings, comparing them to houses of clay and foundations in the dust, easily crushed before the moth (Job 4:19). This metaphor highlights the transient and fragile nature of human life, reinforcing the idea that humans cannot claim righteousness before an omnipotent and eternal God. Theological Implications Eliphaz's vision serves as a theological assertion of God's supremacy and the inherent limitations of human understanding. It reflects the belief that divine wisdom and justice are beyond human comprehension, a recurring theme in the Book of Job. Eliphaz uses this vision to argue that Job's suffering may be a result of divine correction, suggesting that no one is without fault before God. While Eliphaz's interpretation of the vision is intended to counsel Job, it also reveals the limitations of human reasoning when grappling with the mysteries of divine providence. The vision emphasizes the need for humility and reverence before God, acknowledging that human perspectives are limited and often flawed. Contextual Considerations Eliphaz's vision must be understood within the broader context of the dialogues in the Book of Job. While Eliphaz presents his vision as authoritative, the narrative ultimately challenges the adequacy of his and his friends' explanations for Job's suffering. The book concludes with God addressing Job directly, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom and the need for trust in divine sovereignty. In summary, the vision to Eliphaz is a pivotal moment in the Book of Job, offering insight into the nature of divine-human interaction and the complexities of understanding God's ways. It serves as a reminder of the need for humility and faith in the face of life's inexplicable challenges. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 4:13-16In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sozomen as Author. The Bible Christ a Complete Saviour: An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Does God still give visions to people today? | GotQuestions.orgHow did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is God giving people in closed countries dreams and visions to bring them to faith in Christ? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Visions: False Prophets Pretended to Have Seen Visions: Frequently Difficult and Perplexing to Those Who Received Visions: God Especially Made Himself Known to Prophets By Visions: God often Made Known his Will By Visions: Often Accompanied: A Representative of the Divine Person and Glory Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Angels Visions: Often Accompanied: An Appearance of Human Beings Visions: Often Accompanied: An Audible Voice from Heaven Visions: Often Communicated in a Trance Visions: Often Communicated in the Night Season Visions: Often Multiplied for the Benefit of the People Visions: Often Recorded for the Benefit of the People Visions: Sometimes Withheld for a Long Season Visions: The Prophets of God Skilled in Interpreting Visions: The Withholding of a Great Calamity Visions: To Daniel (See Chapters 7, 8, and 10 of Daniel) Visions: To Ezekiel (See Chapters 10, 40-48 of Ezekiel) Visions: To John (See Also Rev Chapters 4 - 22) Related Terms |
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