Bible Trivia Question
What's the Answer?
When Job's friends arrived, for how long did they sit in silence?
Six hours
Seven days
One hour
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Click to reveal the answerThe 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.
In Job 2:13, when Job's friends arrived, their silent companionship during a week of mourning speaks volumes about friendship and grief. Sitting with Job in silence for seven days wasn't just a traditional gesture; it was their way of honoring him and acknowledging his suffering. The number seven in scripture often symbolizes completion and wholeness. Think about it—creation was completed in seven days, and rituals were performed over the same span of time when someone was grieving. It provided a complete cycle for mourning.
Here’s an interesting note: In various ancient cultures, including Jewish traditions, the practice of silent mourning was prevalent. It demonstrated humility and compassion, emphasizing that sometimes words aren’t necessary. Reading aloud in the context of Job, it highlights that empathy isn't always expressed through speech.
Moreover, this section sets up a stark contrast to what follows. When those seven days pass, the conversations take a turn, and rather than remaining supportive, Job’s friends launch into a string of arguments aimed at theorizing the cause of his misfortunes. It's a reminder that while intentions may be good, sometimes trying to interpret someone else's pain can backfire dramatically.
Through this study, one may reflect not only on the nature of friendship but also on the nuances of understanding grief. In essence, the silence is powerful and absorbs volumes of unspoken words. It’s a crucial takeaway—being present in suffering can be the strongest expression of love and solidarity.
Similar Bible Trivia Questions
Job: Who was the fourth 'friend' of Job who was angry with Job and the other three friends?
Elihu
Bildad
Zophar
What happened when they arrived in the land?
A famine
Abram was attacked
Abram went lame
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Josiah
Who was the first to break the silence?
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Bildad
Job
Bildad
Ahaziah
Eliphaz
Why was Elihu angry with Job's three friends?
They had found no answer for Job
They had been rude to Job
They had not listened to Job
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Mary gave birth on the night that she arrived in Bethlehem?
True