Job 5:8
I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:
Original Language Analysis
אֶדְרֹ֣שׁ
H1875
אֶדְרֹ֣שׁ
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
אֵ֑ל
unto God
H410
אֵ֑ל
unto God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
5 of 9
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
and unto God
H430
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
and unto God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Psalms 50:15And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.Job 22:21Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.Psalms 37:5Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.1 Peter 4:19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.Job 22:27Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.1 Peter 2:23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.Job 8:5If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom emphasized seeking divine help, but Eliphaz wrongly assumes distance from God causes suffering. The book challenges this assumption while affirming the importance of prayer.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you avoid making assumptions about others' relationship with God?
- When has good advice been unhelpful because it misunderstood your situation?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz's advice 'I would seek unto God' assumes Job hasn't already done so, adding insult to injury. The counsel itself is sound - seeking God in trouble aligns with Scripture - but the implication that Job's suffering stems from prayerlessness reveals the friends' fundamental misunderstanding.