Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ELIPHAZ

(Heb. ʾĕlîpaz)

“The Temanite,” one of Job’s three friends (Job 2:11). The name Eliphaz is well-attested as an Edomite name (Gen. 36:10, 11; cf. 1 Chr. 1:35, 36, where an Eliphaz is listed as the son of Esau and the father of Teman) and means, possibly, “God is fine gold.” Teman was located in Edom and was renowned for its wisdom (Jer. 49:7).

Eliphaz is the first to speak after Job’s self-curse and expresses the common view of ancient Near Eastern literature that no mortal can be righteous before God (Job 4:17); thus Job’s best hope is to appeal to God for help (5:8). He seeks to comfort Job by reminding him that he is still alive (4:6-7), and that while God may discipline, he also heals and binds up (5:17-18).

In his later speeches Eliphaz turns to accusation and warning, first accusing Job of speaking “worthless words” and “subverting religion” (Job 15:3-4) and then recounting in great detail the ruin in store for the wicked (15:20-35). Accusation becomes even stronger with a list of Job’s transgressions (22:5-9). Eliphaz’s last word is a return to his original advice: that Job submit to God and be healed (22:21-30).

It is said of Eliphaz and the other two friends that “they ceased to answer Job” (Job 32:1). The last we hear of them they are reprimanded for not speaking “what is right” and are commanded to offer sacrifices, with Job, now vindicated, as intermediary (42:7).

Marilyn J. Lundberg

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ELIPHAZ

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)