Zophar explodes into his argument on Job, Job 11:1. As Eliphaz and Bildad did, Zophar also comes forth to defend the justice of God. In a nutshell, he is saying, ‘Shame on you, Job, what talk is this?’
Zophar falls into the trap when many are challenged, and that is, instead of getting down and giving a rational, subjective answer, he attacks them; it is a sinful reaction.
He begins name-calling; he calls Job a babbler, Job 11:2. Not only that, but he also mocks Job’s words, calling him a joker and empty talker and a hypocrite, Job 11:3.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following concerning Job 11:3.
‘This is a very severe reproof, and not justified by the occasion.’
He seems to be one excited with emotion; if steam were logic, he would be an Aristotle. He laughs in Job’s face and denies that Job is seen pure in the eyes of God, Job 11:4 / Job 42:7.
New Layman’s Bible Commentary says the following, concerning Job 11:4.
‘Job had not promulgated any new doctrine, but Zophar’s point in this seems to be that, in rejecting the theology of his friends, Job was implicitly claiming to have a superior understanding.’
He wishes God would come, Job 11:5, as Job himself wants him to, but he says Job would be exposed then and his wisdom would be seen to be folly, Job 11:6. He says if God were to do that, he would stop moaning because what he says is that Job is getting less than he really deserves, Job 11:6. He had no proof of any sin in Job’s life but still asserted his accusations against him.
Zophar now goes on to present a marvellous picture of God’s wisdom and perfection. He asks Job if he can fathom the mysteries of God. Can he probe the limits of the Almighty? Job 11:7.
They are higher than the heavens above, what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below. What can you know? Job 11:8. Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea, Job 11:9.
He is accurate in what he says here; unfortunately, his application of what he says is based on another theological premise that is wrong, that is, if you sin, you suffer, if you don’t sin, you prosper. He says Job, in comparison to God, cannot do anything or know anything because mere mortals never reach the perfect level of God, Isaiah 55:8-9.
Coffman, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The things Zophar said in this passage were just as applicable to himself as they were to Job, but men with a plank in their own eye love to gouge for the mote in their brother’s eye. In the last analysis, God Himself finally opened his lips, as Zophar suggested in Job 11:5, flatly declaring that Zophar and Job’s other friends had not spoken ‘that which was right’ about God, Job 42:7. How wrong he was!’
If God came along and arrested people and put them on trial, nobody could stop Him anyway, Job 11:10, nor could anyone argue with what is wrong and make it right, Job 11:11. God knows everything; He knows the sins they commit, he says to Job, Job 11:11.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘He sees as well what is in man, as what man does; and of his actions and propensities he cannot be an indifferent spectator.’
Zophar proverbially calls Job a stupid or vain man who can no more become wise than a donkey be born human, Job 11:12. From Zophar’s point of view, he says before someone like you, that is Job, will have understanding, a man will give birth to a colt, Job 11:12.
Here, he appears to be the least considerate of Job’s three friends, with his insults to Job put aside. His theme is good, but the application is bad. He stresses, like the rest, that Job brings all out in the open and repents, Job 11:13-14 / Job 7:20 / Proverbs 16:1. He even gives a stirring review of what repentance involves.
1. Change of mind, set the heart right, Job 11:13 / Job 5:17-27.
2. Ask God for forgiveness, stretch out your hand towards Him, Job 11:13 / 1 Timothy 2:8.
3. And finally, reform conduct, Job 11:14 / Luke 19:8.
Morgan, in his commentary, says the following.
‘If Zophar was rough of manner, his desire and hope for Job may be observed, for his description of the prosperity which will come if he but set his heart right is longer and more beautiful than that of either Eliphaz or Bildad.’
For the rest of the chapter, he predicts the great prosperity that will be Job’s again if he listens to his advice, Job 11:15-19. Also by implication, he gives a warning, Job 11:20.
If you don’t repent, there will be no hope, no way of escape, Job 11:20. He says Job will be destroyed because he is guilty and doesn’t want to do anything about it.