Bildad once again expresses the consensus of the friends that Job's suffering is the result of an unnamed sin, but Job responds with a remarkable statement of faith and hope in declaring "I know that my Redeemer lives!"

Eliphaz has a second opportunity to speak, reiterating his argument that Job must be suffering due to sin. Job's response indicates a sense of hopelessness, and we look to the example of King David to see an example of hope in suffering.

Job's third friend, Zophar, speaks, arguing that Job's stubborn refusal to repent of his sin is the source of his present difficulty. Although we know that this advice is misapplied in Job's case, we will take the opportunity examine what repentance truly is and how we can find peace in being reconciled with God.

Job's second friend, Bildad, bluntly carries on Eliphaz's line of thinking that Job's suffering is proof of hidden sin in his life.

Job's friend Eliphaz begins the discussion as the friends wrestle with the causes and justifications for Job's suffering by reasoning that Job must have sinned; otherwise, God would not allow him to suffer as he has. We examine Eliphaz's argument and Job's response.

After being joined by his friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, Job speaks to the tremendous pain, grief, and despair that he feels in light of all that has happened to him.

As we begin the narrative story of the book of Job and examine the nature of the calamities that befell Job, we examine the role of suffering in our lives and consider how we should respond when faced with difficulties.

We begin our study of the book of Job by examining the first 5 verses, which give us an idea as to the character of Job and his spiritual practices. We also discuss the world in which Job lived, with special attention to the patriarchal structure of Job's culture which will help us to better understand the narrative in the coming weeks.