Christ Questions are raised, great sobs of agony are heard, which Jesus alone can answer The book takes its place in the testimony of the ages that there is a blank in the human heart which Jesus alone can fill.15 Were it not for the atoning work of Christ neither the faith of Job nor that of any other Old Testamerit saint would have availed to bring them into the heavenly city, written about in Hebrews These men of faith I have mentioned died without ever receiving all that God had promised them; but they saw it all awaiting them on ahead and were glad, for they agreed that this earth was not their real home but that they were just strangers visiting down here And quite obviously when they talked like that, they were looking forward to their real home in heaven… And now God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has made a heavenly city for them (Heb 11:13-16, TLB, italics added) C THE MAIN CHARACTERS OF JOB The book’s ve main characters are Elihu, Job, and Job’s three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar Read 2:11-13 and 32:1-5 for a brief introduction to these men Since they are key characters in most of the book’s drama, it would be helpful now to learn more about them and their views on life before surveying the book Study the following descriptions and refer back to them during the course of your studies.16 Enlarge or revise the descriptions along the way Eliphaz a) Two possible meanings of the name: “God is fine gold”; or “God is dispenser.” b) Native of Teman (2:11), a city of Edom, southeast of Palestine, which was traditionally famous for its wise men (Jer 49:7) c) The leading spokesman of the three friends d) The “scientist” of the group; his speeches show clearer reasoning and more considerate criticism than those of the other two friends e) Noble, sincere, wise, courtly f) Two of his main contentions: God is perfectly pure and righteous; and, man brings trouble on himself (see 5:7) Bildad a) Name means “Son of contention.” b) Native of Shuah (Sukhu of the Euphrates region?) (2:11) c) A traditionalist (cf 8:8-10); more argumentative than Eliphaz d) Charged Job with godlessness (8:13) e) One of his main contentions: God never twists justice (see 8:3) Zophar ... introduction to these men Since they are key characters in most of the book’s drama, it would be helpful now to learn more about them and their views on life before surveying the book Study the following... them during the course of your studies.16 Enlarge or revise the descriptions along the way Eliphaz a) Two possible meanings of the name: “God is fine gold”; or “God is dispenser.” b) Native of. .. (2:11), a city of Edom, southeast of Palestine, which was traditionally famous for its wise men (Jer 49:7) c) The leading spokesman of the three friends d) The “scientist” of the group; his