Zophar
/ZOH-far/
Summary
One of Job's three friends who came to comfort him in his affliction but ended up accusing him of hidden sin.
☩Job's Friend
Zophar the Naamathite was one of the three friends who came to comfort Job when they heard of his calamities. After sitting in silence with Job for seven days, Zophar was the third to speak, delivering two discourses in the dialogue.
Key verses:Job 2:11Job 11:1Job 20:1
☩His Arguments
Zophar was the most dogmatic and harsh of Job's three friends. He accused Job of empty talk and mocking God, insisting that if Job would only repent, his fortunes would be restored. His speeches emphasize the certainty of punishment for the wicked, implying that Job's suffering proved his guilt. In the end, God rebuked Zophar along with the other two friends for not speaking rightly of Him.
Key verses:Job 11:2-6Job 20:4-29Job 42:7-9
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Zophar," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Zophar," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).