Job 11:18 Commentary and Bible Study

Zophar promises Job security in contrast to his present distress, sitting on the ashes of the local dump. He assured him that he would be able to put up a wall and create a safe enclave for himself where he could have rest again and not be disturbed. Nor would this be a merely earthly security which Job had erected for himself; it would be a security provided by God and backed up by his infinite power and loving kindness. There is indeed no peace like the peace which Christ gives, the peace of knowing that the arms of our heavenly Father are underneath us, and that he who has all events in his control, is directing them for our eternal good. These were all the things that Job lacked and obviously wanted. How easy it was for Zophar to say all this and to make promises on God’s behalf, but he did not know what he was saying. Like the flocks of sheep that feel secure and so are prepared to lie down, confident in the care of their shepherd, so Job would relax and turn his mind away from all his turmoil. He has been shocked by one piece of bad news after another, but all this would be explained and forgotten, according to Zophar. God allowed this because of his secret departure from the paths of righteousness; this was the explanation, so that he could be confident in returning to God that nothing like this would happen again; he would never again be taken by surprise. Many would come to him for advice and he would again be elevated to the position of honour and dignity that had previously caused him to be sought out by those seeking help in life. How predictable was the world that Zophar imagined, how easy to live in. The truth was so different from this simplistic explanation of things. His advice was terribly inappropriate because he was out of his depth and had not begun to grapple with the real difficulties that Job faced.