Big Idea: Job feels exhausted under God’s attack, but he still dares to hope for God’s justice.

Understanding the Text

In his rebuttal to Eliphaz in Job 16–17, Job begins by countering many of the charges made previously by his friends. He vigorously rejects their claims to possess knowledge that is superior to his, and he dismisses their arguments as irrelevant to his specific case. Job’s strong language indicates that he is indignant and disgusted with them (16:1–6). Job then addresses God directly, expressing his feelings that God is oppressing his life as an attacking warrior (16:7–17). In 16:18–22, Job expresses his longing for a witness to advocate for his innocence before God.

Historical and Cultural Background

In ancient pagan cultures, it was not unusual for the gods to act ou…