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Epiphany Season · Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year B

Job 7:1-4, 6-7

Job’s Reply to Eliphaz

Job, Léon Bonnat
Job, Léon Bonnat, 1880Musée d'Orsay, Paris
Bonnat painted an old model from life, emaciated and seated on the ground with his arms spread, and called it Job.My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and come to their end without hope. How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?Musée d'Orsay, ParisA railway station of 1900 converted into the museum of French art from 1848 to 1914, which is why its Impressionists stand under a train shed.Musée d'Orsay, Paris

Overview & Insights

“My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle and come to their end without hope.” (Job 7:6)

After Eliphaz’s first speech in Job 4–5, Job responds in chapters 6 and 7. In chapter 6, Job indirectly refers in a few places to what Eliphaz has said, but he does not actually refute him point by point. Job’s speech, rather, is an emotional outburst in which he defends himself and attacks his friends. Job is clearly frustrated with his painful situation (6:1–13) and with what he sees as the disloyalty of his friends (6:14–23). He demands that they speak honestly and kindly to him (6:24–30).

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Take it further: Job 7:1-4, 6-7

Commentary

Background & Word Study

The Church Fathers

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What is Job saying here?

From the depth of his suffering Job laments the brevity and misery of his days, pouring out his complaint honestly before God even as he feels forsaken.

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