NOTES for Job 20:1-29

In Job’s words, Zophar heard only a reproach, took offense at it, and hurried to pour the next torrent of accusations over him. Before us is yet another speech that could have been entirely appropriate had it been delivered at the right time and addressed to the right person. Unfortunately, like many accusers from different times and nations who habitually proclaim their views in monologue, Zophar hears neither Job nor even himself and is incapable of looking at himself from the outside. The name Zophar itself, incidentally, means “chatterer.”

As for the content of Zophar’s speeches, they are filled with an optimistic confidence not only in the inevitable triumph of justice, but also in the idea that the defeat of evil must come quickly: “the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment.” Yet such optimism must be recognized as superficial and frivolous.

And yet even amid errors something reasonable can be found. If we take into account that before God a thousand years are as one day, then with that qualification Zophar’s reasoning can be accepted. For the forces of evil really are destined to suffer defeat.