Zofar

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Zofar ( Hebrew צוֹפַר ṣôfar , ancient Greek Σωφάρ ) is a friend of Job in the Old Testament .

etymology

The meaning of the name Zofar is still unclear. There may be a connection to Hebrew צִפּוֹר ṣippôr "bird", which also occurs as a name. Then Zofar could mean "little / young bird".

biography

Zofar is the third of Job's friends after Elifas , Bildad and before Elihu . He is therefore younger than Eliphaz and Bildad. His speeches to Job include Hi 11  EU and Hi 20  EU . Zofar is known as Na'amatiter (inhabitant of Na'ama). The localization of this place name is uncertain. The Naama mentioned in Jos 15.41  EU is certainly not meant .

The speeches of Zofar

In contrast to Job's two other friends, Elifas and Bildad, only two speeches have come down to us from Zofar. This is possibly due to the omission of an originally existing third speech by Zofar. Otherwise there could be a text interchange, through which the text of the third speech would have gotten into a speech of Job. The most likely, however, is considered that there were only two speeches, that the third speech of Eliphaz served as the conclusion of the speeches of the friends and the third short speech of the Bildad is a later addendum.

The first speech (chap. 11)

It is a three-part warning and consolation speech. It is divided into the following parts:

  • Salutation jobs.
  • Refutation of Job: Rejection of Job's accusation that God acts arbitrarily and unjustly.
  • Promise to Job: Justice before God is possible.

The second speech (chap. 20)

It is a reminder and warning speech. At its center is a description of the fate of the wicked and thus an accusation against Job.

Impact history

In the Septuagint , Zofar, like the other friends, is called a king. He is called "King of the Mineans". The designation of the friends as kings resulted from equating Job with the Edomite king Jobab mentioned in Gen 36.33  EU .

In the will of Job, Zofar is also referred to as king. Zofar offers Job to be treated by the doctors who have come along. Job rejects this, however, in view of the fact that God would heal him.

literature