1. Zophar. Eliphaz has spoken ( 4 and 5), Bildad has spoken ( 8). Both have uttered profound sentiments, but both have clung with vigor to the philosophy that Job’s sufferings are measured by his sins. Now Zophar speaks. His speech adds little that is new to the ideas expressed by his friends. He reveals a lack of sympathy, gentleness, and refinement perhaps surpassing that of either of the other speakers. Zophar’s violent outburst is provoked by Job’s denial of his guilt and his accusations against God. Zophar’s speech may be divided into three parts: (1) the expression of a desire for such a declaration from God as would convince Job of his guilt ( 2-6); (2) a description intended to warn Job of God’s exalted knowledge, by virtue of which he charges against every man his sins ( 7-12); and (3) a stress on the necessity of repentance as the only condition of recovering his former prosperity ( 13-20).