Job 2: The Support of a Friend

Job has had all of his earthly possessions wiped away. And now Satan intervenes yet again, saying that Job would turn away from God if his body would begin to suffer as well. And so, like in the first chapter, great suffering is brought to Job. His body is covered in sores from head to toe. And yet his response does not lead him to turn away from God. But he does not deny his pain. 

Three of Job’s friends were heading to support Job when they heard of his afflictions. They traveled to meet him together. But when they finally reached Job, they could not recognize him because of his body’s physical change. There were so many boils and sores that they did not know their friend’s face. They immediately began to mourn with Job. They sat silently for a whole week, sharing Job’s afflicted state, trying to be there for their friend. This is the mark of true friendship. They provided space for Job to mourn and suffer. They weren’t trying to talk to Job yet, but they were giving him the space he needed to work through it while also being there should He need them. 

Sister, sometimes the only thing that can comfort us is the presence of someone we love. That’s what Job’s friends are providing here. They’re not gossiping or avoiding him. They head straight to him, not knowing a solution to the problem but choosing to go and weep with him. How might you respond if you heard of a friend in great suffering like this? What do you do with the feelings of helplessness that arise?

As Job’s story continues, we’ll explore the conversations that come after this time of mourning, what perspectives each of his friends offers, and most importantly, how Job is keeping his faith through so much suffering.