Job as a Book of Scripture is largely composed of “speeches.”

Orations, both in the form of dialogues and soliloquies.

And I’ve noticed a general trend in them, too.

Job’s 3 “friends” (who in reality become his “enemies,” his “critics”) each participate in the speeches. And Job responds passionately to each set of “their charges.”

They appear in the Book in the following frequency, the speeches:

Job

Eliphaz

Job

Bildad

Job

Zophar

Job

Eliphaz again

Job

Bildad again

Job

Zophar again

Job

Eliphaz for a third and final time

Job

Bildad for a third and final time

Job

No Zophar this time, silence!

Job

Then ultimately, God Himself!

(I do not include Elihu’s long rant, his “venting” is not specifically mentioned by God later in the Book. As far as I am concerned Elihu is a young little “smart-aleck.”)

Now here’s the pattern, seems to me.

The three so-called friends’ speeches get shorter and shorter (overall).

In fact their three “cycles” of speeches break down at the end. Remember there is no Bildad when his third turn comes! As if those three “know-it-alls” have become frustrated.

And Job’s “speeches” get longer and longer!

The point?

The lesson?

JOB WINS!

His “logic” at its very heart, prevails!

God rebukes Eliphaz and Bildad and Zophar!

And God commends Job!

Here’s what I mean. “And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.” Job 42:7-8

Wow!

“My servant Job!”

What glorious words to hear!

Comparable to: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Matthew 25:21

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

By the way, Job’s first lament (speech) back in chapter 3 is much shorter than his final speech (nearly autobiography) in chapters 26-31. He definitely says more and more as the Book develops!