The answer is: Seven days

Job 2:13 - Seven days was the usual time of mourning. Perhaps they joined him in this period, not that they stayed in one posture for the entire seven days.

The story of Job takes a gripping turn when his friends arrive after hearing about his tragic misfortune. They sit with him in total silence for seven days—quite a notable period in ancient times. This echoes the deep wisdom of allowing space for grief without rushing to offer advice or judgment. In many cultures today, there’s a similar understanding that simply being present for someone in sorrow can be more healing than any actual words.

The number seven isn't random either; it holds significant meaning throughout the Scriptures. From the creation story in Genesis, where God rests on the seventh day, to the seven seals in Revelation, the number symbolizes completeness or fullness. This emphasis on the number highlights that their bereavement was not just a brief moment but something profound.

Additionally, Job’s friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—represent various human reactions to suffering, which makes Job’s friends more than just companions—they are archetypes that allow us to explore the deeper themes of understanding and empathy in the face of pain. Often, it's argued that they transition from respecting Job’s silence to explaining his suffering, eventually complicating the deep truths conveyed in their initial presence.

As one revisits Job’s narrative, each aspect delivers rich layers of intention—fostering contemplation on friendship, grief, and the search for understanding in life's most trying times.