Eliphaz (who speaks in Job 4; 5; 15; 23) rests his philosophy
on general observation and special revelation (Job 4:8; 5:3,27; 15:17; 4:12-16;
15:18,19). He is committed to a fixed theory, with a much too narrow view of
providence (Job 5:3-16; 15:20-35): that is, that no innocent man suffers or
perishes (Job 4:7). Therefore, according to Eliphaz, Job suffers because he
sinned.
Job 4:2
Poss Job had previously preached this very doctrine.
Job 4:3
Vv 3,4: Many years later these ideas are taken up by Isa (Isa
35:3,4) and then by the writer to the Hebrews (Heb 12:12).
Job 4:7
WHO, BEING INNOCENT, HAS EVER PERISHED?: But ct Isa
57:1: "The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are
taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be
spared from evil."