Spirit of Job

We know the trials and tribulation of Job. I think the background of his three "comforters" is of interest. Their names as given were Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar. The root meaning of the names may give a picture of all supposed comforters in our hour of great trial; whether the trial or testing be from God or a frontal assault from an enemy.


The root meaning of Eliphaz is "god of gold". This implies this person worshipped the god of success, wealth and material things. These three told Job nothing bad would have happened unless there was some sin in his past. Eliphaz was also a descendant of Esau, whom God hated.


Bildad means to bow down; to sink into a pit or ditch. This fellow must have had a very negative outlook on life. The last of Job's comforters mentioned was Zophar. This name means to skip about, to depart early. It infers this type person stays until the going gets rough. They skip about to whatever new is happening.


What did God think of these three comforters? Job 38:1,2 God says "WHO IS THIS that darkens counsel by words without knowledge"? All three men, whose name means ones who worship the god of wealth, those who depress or have a negative outlook and those who stick around until the going gets difficult were guilty of speaking about God in an improper manner.


These three are blessed that they had a friend in Job. A man of integrity, mercy and forgiveness. Job willingly admitted his failure to God in understanding his trial. If not for Job, his three friends may not have survived their encounter with the Almighty. God told the three in Job 42: 7-9 that His wrath was kindled against them~ they spoke things and give opinions that were incorrect.


God demanded of the three to take bullocks and rams, go to Job and offer up for themselves a burnt offering. If Job prayed for them, He would forgive them. If Job would not in infers that God would deal with the three according to their folly.
Job's friends did as they were told. The grace of Job saved them. Verse 10 says " the LORD turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends." The LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before the calamities struck.


Do we have the spirit of Job? When friends bring comfort, advice, or opinion to our table that may not be correct do we intercede on their behalf, no matter what they say? Do we have the fruit of the Spirit, " The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance...? (Galatians 5:22)


If these gifts are absent do I still claim to have the Spirit of God operating freely in my life? How can this be? Am I quick to judge and condemn? If Job were of such a spirit his friends would have probably been removed from the earth for their error. His intercession on their behalf resulted in their being saved and it brought Job great blessing.


King David said the LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (Psalm 103:8) Am I? If not I need to examine what spirit controls my actions. Perhaps, If God does not bring many to me it is because He knows what spirit I am of? God trusted Job. He had confidence of the end result of Job's great trial. Does He have confidence in me?


I could possibly excuse myself from these requirements of grace by saying I live in the last of days - the spirit of darkness is growing - I am surrounded by wickedness on every side - so I am excused. No, never excused!


No one was more beaten, persecuted, tormented or under more stress than the Apostle Paul. In his writings to the church at Corinth he says, "I, Paul, myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ...." (2 Corinthians 10).


Paul living in meekness and gentleness. Job going through trials the likes of which none of us will ever see, yet, interceding for his friends who were in error. Christ being perfect and without sin, yet, dying for the sins of the world. What Spirit am I of? I must examine myself daily.


Time is short. Multitudes are in the valley of decision. Their decision may be a direct result of how I live, witness, intercede and pray. Walk humbly before God. May the fruit of the Spirit of Christ, and no other spirit, rule and reign in our hearts and minds, daily.