1. Eliphaz's first speech chs. 4-5

Eliphaz's first speech has a symmetrical introverted (chiastic) structure that emphasizes the central section.

"AOpening remark (4:2)

BExhortation (4:3-6)

CGod's dealings with men (4:7-11)

DThe revelation of truth (4:12-21)

C'God's dealings with men (5:1-16)

B'Exhortation (5:17-26)

A'Closing remark (5:27)"³⁶

 Eliphaz's rebuke of Job 4:1-6

Eliphaz began courteously but moved quickly to criticism. He commended Job for having encouraged others in the past but rebuked him for not encouraging himself in the present. He did not offer encouragement to his distressed friend. It is unclear whether verse 6 is an ironic rebuke or a subtle reminder.

 Eliphaz's view of suffering 4:7-11

This is one of the clearest expressions of Eliphaz's view of why people suffer and his view of the basis for the divine human relationship (v. 7). He believed good people always win and the bad always lose. He was asserting that Job's sins were finding him out. Bildad and Zophar shared this conclusion, but experience does not support it as Job pointed out later. Eliphaz also explained the basis for his arguments: personal experience (v. 8). Unfortunately any one person's individual experience is too limited to provide enough data with which to answer the great questions Job and his friends discussed.

 Eliphaz's vision 4:12-21

Eliphaz's authority was a vision (v. 12). It seems that his vision was not a revelation from God for the following reasons. He did not say that it was from the Lord. God normally identified revelations from Himself as such to those who received them when He used this method of revelation. Furthermore the content of what Eliphaz received in the vision (vv. 17-21) does not represent God as He has revealed Himself elsewhere in Scripture. God appears here as unconcerned with people. Evidently Eliphaz's "spirit"(v. 15) was not the Holy Spirit, and this Hebrew word never describes a disembodied spirit. Perhaps the spirit was an angel. What he heard from this spirit contained elements of truth: man cannot make himself pure before God, and man is mortal. Still Eliphaz was wrong in applying these words to Job as though Job was a willful sinner (cf. 1:1, 8; 2:3).³⁷

 Eliphaz's counsel to Job 5:1-16

Job's friend did not deny that the wicked fool (cf. Ps. 14:1) prospers temporarily (v. 3), but he believed that before a person dies God will punish him for his sins. Jesus disagreed (Luke 13:4). The well-known comparison in verse 7 is true to an extent, but Eliphaz was again wrong in connecting this truth with the reason for Job's suffering. People certainly do experience trouble in life as surely as sparks ascend from an open fire.³⁸

Eliphaz's counsel to seek God and be restored was partially good. Job would do well to appeal to God, but not for the reason Eliphaz assumed. Eliphaz also believed God was disciplining Job for his sin (v. 17). Job's suffering did have a refining effect and caused him to grow personally, but that was not God's primary purpose in allowing Satan to afflict him as is clear from 1:6-2:10. Job was not the first or the last person to find it difficult to rejoice that he was experiencing the Lord's reproofs. Eliphaz's oblique advice to do so was ineffective.

"Eliphaz as a counselor is a supreme negative example. Great truths misapplied only hurt more those who are already hurting."³⁹

 Eliphaz's reminder of God's blessings 5:17-27

Eliphaz concluded his speech by urging Job to repent of his sin. Since God was good He would then bless Job who could die prosperous and happy. Eliphaz's final statement reveals smug self-satisfaction (v. 27).

In this speech Eliphaz said that Job's suffering was a result of his sin. He asserted that sin is part of the human condition and that it brings retribution and discipline from God. He also called Job to repent with the promise that God would then bless him. However, he falsely assumed that Job had deliberately rebelled against God.

We should learn from this speech not to judge another person's relationship with God by what they may be experiencing be it adversity or tranquillity.