Do we join the mockers who slander and blame the suffering, or do we seek to comfort the afflicted? Let’s begin in Job 30.
Do the most base and untrustworthy of society now mock Job? Do we mock others?
But now they mock me, men younger than I, whose fathers I would have disdained to put with my sheep dogs. Of what use was the strength of their hands to me, since their vigor had gone from them? Haggard from want and hunger, they roamed the parched land in desolate wastelands at night. In the brush they gathered salt herbs, and their food was the root of the broom bush. They were banished from human society, shouted at as if they were thieves. They were forced to live in the dry stream beds, among the rocks and in holes in the ground. They brayed among the bushes and huddled in the undergrowth. A base and nameless brood, they were driven out of the land. (Job 30:1-8 NIV)
Is Job a mocking song, spat upon, avoided by even the lowest? Who do we mock?
And now I am their taunting song; Yes, I am their byword. They abhor me, they keep far from me; They do not hesitate to spit in my face. Because He has loosed my bowstring and afflicted me, They have cast off restraint before me. At my right hand the rabble arises; They push away my feet, And they raise against me their ways of destruction. They break up my path, They promote my calamity; They have no helper. They come as broad breakers; Under the ruinous storm they roll along. Terrors are turned upon me; They pursue my honor as the wind, And my prosperity has passed like a cloud. (Job 30:9-15 NKJV)
Does Job claim that even God throws him in the mud, ignores him, and is cruel to him? Can we be completely honest in prayer as Job was?
And now my life seeps away. Depression haunts my days. At night my bones are filled with pain, which gnaws at me relentlessly. With a strong hand, God grabs my shirt. He grips me by the collar of my coat. He has thrown me into the mud. I’m nothing more than dust and ashes. I cry to you, O God, but you don’t answer. I stand before you, but you don’t even look. You have become cruel toward me. You use your power to persecute me. You throw me into the whirlwind and destroy me in the storm. And I know you are sending me to my death—the destination of all who live. (Job 30:16-23 NLT)
Though he screeched like a jackal or chirped like an ostrich, why did God not stretch out His hand to answer Job’s cry for help? Why did God not help him as Job had helped others?
However doesn’t one stretch out a hand in his fall? Or in his calamity therefore cry for help? Didn’t I weep for him who was in trouble? Wasn’t my soul grieved for the needy? When I looked for good, then evil came. When I waited for light, darkness came. My heart is troubled, and doesn’t rest. Days of affliction have come on me. I go mourning without the sun. I stand up in the assembly, and cry for help. I am a brother to jackals, and a companion to ostriches. My skin grows black and peels from me. My bones are burned with heat. Therefore my harp has turned to mourning, and my pipe into the voice of those who weep. (Job 30:24-31 WEB)
Should we join Job’s friends and other slanderers or comfort those in trouble? Is our church a torture chamber of gossip or a true healing place?
May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! He is the compassionate Father and God of all comfort. He’s the one who comforts us in all our trouble so that we can comfort other people who are in every kind of trouble. We offer the same comfort that we ourselves received from God. (2 Cor 1:3-4 CEB)
Do we join the mockers who slander and blame the suffering, or do we seek to comfort the afflicted? You decide!
A Defense (Job 29)
Did Job prove his faithfulness to God by his good works, a light in his community? Do we? Let’s look at Job 29.
Did Job wish for the months of old when God watched over him and blessed him?
And Job again took up his discourse, and said: “Oh, that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me, when his lamp shone upon my head, and by his light I walked through darkness, as I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was upon my tent, when the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were all around me, when my steps were washed with butter, and the rock poured out for me streams of oil! (Job 29:1-6 ESV)
Did Job have honor and respect all around in his former life?
When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the town square, the young men saw me and withdrew, while older men stood to their feet. City officials stopped talking and covered their mouths with their hands. The noblemen’s voices were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths. (Job 29:7-10 HCSB)
Was Job known in the community for many good deeds?
When people heard me speak, they blessed me; when people saw me, they approved me, because I delivered the poor who were crying for help, along with orphans who had no one to help them. Those who were about to die blessed me, and I made widows sing for joy. I put on righteousness like clothing; my just decisions were like a robe and a turban. I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. I was a father to the needy; I diligently inquired into the case of those I didn’t know. I broke the fangs of the wicked, and made him drop the prey. (Job 29:11-17 ISV)
Did Job at one time have confidence that he would lead a good life?
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand. My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. (Job 29:18-20 KJV)
Did people once listen and wait for Job’s advice and comfort?
To me they listened and waited, And kept silent for my counsel. After my words they did not speak again, And my speech dropped on them. They waited for me as for the rain, And opened their mouth as for the late rain. I laughed with them as they could not believe it, And the light of my face they did not cast down. I chose a way for them and sat as chief, And dwelt as their head among the troops, As one who comforted the mourners. (Job 29:21-25 LSB)
Though we are not saved BY good works, are we saved FOR good works?
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10 NASB)
Did Job prove his faithfulness to God by his good works, a light in his community? Do we? You decide!
Did Job wish for the months of old when God watched over him and blessed him?
And Job again took up his discourse, and said: “Oh, that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me, when his lamp shone upon my head, and by his light I walked through darkness, as I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was upon my tent, when the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were all around me, when my steps were washed with butter, and the rock poured out for me streams of oil! (Job 29:1-6 ESV)
Did Job have honor and respect all around in his former life?
When I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the town square, the young men saw me and withdrew, while older men stood to their feet. City officials stopped talking and covered their mouths with their hands. The noblemen’s voices were hushed, and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths. (Job 29:7-10 HCSB)
Was Job known in the community for many good deeds?
When people heard me speak, they blessed me; when people saw me, they approved me, because I delivered the poor who were crying for help, along with orphans who had no one to help them. Those who were about to die blessed me, and I made widows sing for joy. I put on righteousness like clothing; my just decisions were like a robe and a turban. I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. I was a father to the needy; I diligently inquired into the case of those I didn’t know. I broke the fangs of the wicked, and made him drop the prey. (Job 29:11-17 ISV)
Did Job at one time have confidence that he would lead a good life?
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand. My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. (Job 29:18-20 KJV)
Did people once listen and wait for Job’s advice and comfort?
To me they listened and waited, And kept silent for my counsel. After my words they did not speak again, And my speech dropped on them. They waited for me as for the rain, And opened their mouth as for the late rain. I laughed with them as they could not believe it, And the light of my face they did not cast down. I chose a way for them and sat as chief, And dwelt as their head among the troops, As one who comforted the mourners. (Job 29:21-25 LSB)
Though we are not saved BY good works, are we saved FOR good works?
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10 NASB)
Did Job prove his faithfulness to God by his good works, a light in his community? Do we? You decide!
Wisdom (Job 28)
Does Job allude to the criticism from his friends as not wise? Do we seek true wisdom? Let’s look at Job 28.
As valuable minerals are hidden, is true wisdom even harder to find?
Certainly there is a mine for silver And a place for refining gold. Iron is taken from the dust, And copper is smelted from rock. Man puts an end to darkness, And to the farthest limit he searches out The rock in gloom and deep shadow. He sinks a shaft away from inhabited areas, Forgotten by the foot; They hang and swing, away from people. From the earth comes food, And underneath, it is turned over like fire. Its rocks are the source of sapphires, And its dust contains gold. (Job 28:1-6 NASB)
As animals that roam earth’s surface know nothing of a mine, is wisdom also hidden from men?
No bird of prey knows that hidden path, no falcon’s eye has seen it. Proud beasts do not set foot on it, and no lion prowls there. People assault the flinty rock with their hands and lay bare the roots of the mountains. They tunnel through the rock; their eyes see all its treasures. They search the sources of the rivers and bring hidden things to light. (Job 28:7-11 NIV)
Where can wisdom be found? Is it as easy to find as valuable minerals?
But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value, Nor is it found in the land of the living. The deep says, ‘It is not in me’; And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ It cannot be purchased for gold, Nor can silver be weighed for its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, In precious onyx or sapphire. Neither gold nor crystal can equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or quartz, For the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold. (Job 28:12-19 NKJV)
Where is wisdom hidden, that humanity in general does not find it?
But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity. Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it. Destruction and Death say, ‘We’ve heard only rumors of where wisdom can be found.’ (Job 28:20-22 NLT)
To whom can we go to find wisdom? What is a key ingredient in finding it?
God understands its way, and he knows its place. For he looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole sky. He establishes the force of the wind. Yes, he measures out the waters by measure. When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder, then he saw it, and declared it. He established it, yes, and searched it out. To man he said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding.’ (Job 28:23-28 WEB)
Do the Proverbs say something similar to what Job declared?
Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7 CEB)
What does wisdom result in or produce as a fruit in our lives?
But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. (James 3:17 CEV)
Does Job allude to the criticism from his friends as not wise? Do we seek true wisdom? You decide!
As valuable minerals are hidden, is true wisdom even harder to find?
Certainly there is a mine for silver And a place for refining gold. Iron is taken from the dust, And copper is smelted from rock. Man puts an end to darkness, And to the farthest limit he searches out The rock in gloom and deep shadow. He sinks a shaft away from inhabited areas, Forgotten by the foot; They hang and swing, away from people. From the earth comes food, And underneath, it is turned over like fire. Its rocks are the source of sapphires, And its dust contains gold. (Job 28:1-6 NASB)
As animals that roam earth’s surface know nothing of a mine, is wisdom also hidden from men?
No bird of prey knows that hidden path, no falcon’s eye has seen it. Proud beasts do not set foot on it, and no lion prowls there. People assault the flinty rock with their hands and lay bare the roots of the mountains. They tunnel through the rock; their eyes see all its treasures. They search the sources of the rivers and bring hidden things to light. (Job 28:7-11 NIV)
Where can wisdom be found? Is it as easy to find as valuable minerals?
But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value, Nor is it found in the land of the living. The deep says, ‘It is not in me’; And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ It cannot be purchased for gold, Nor can silver be weighed for its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, In precious onyx or sapphire. Neither gold nor crystal can equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or quartz, For the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold. (Job 28:12-19 NKJV)
Where is wisdom hidden, that humanity in general does not find it?
But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity. Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it. Destruction and Death say, ‘We’ve heard only rumors of where wisdom can be found.’ (Job 28:20-22 NLT)
To whom can we go to find wisdom? What is a key ingredient in finding it?
God understands its way, and he knows its place. For he looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole sky. He establishes the force of the wind. Yes, he measures out the waters by measure. When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder, then he saw it, and declared it. He established it, yes, and searched it out. To man he said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding.’ (Job 28:23-28 WEB)
Do the Proverbs say something similar to what Job declared?
Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7 CEB)
What does wisdom result in or produce as a fruit in our lives?
But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. (James 3:17 CEV)
Does Job allude to the criticism from his friends as not wise? Do we seek true wisdom? You decide!
Justice (Job 27)
Though it may not always occur in this life, is justice part of God’s eternal plan? Let’s begin in Job 27.
Does Job now accuse God? Does he maintain that his conscience is clear?
Job said: I am desperate because God All-Powerful refuses to do what is right. As surely as God lives, and while he gives me breath, I will tell only the truth. Until the day I die, I will refuse to do wrong by saying you are right, because each day my conscience agrees that I am innocent. (Job 27:1-6 CEV)
Did Job call his accusers enemies, godless hypocrites, who should suffer the fate they predicted for him?
Let my enemy be as the wicked, and let him who rises up against me be as the unrighteous. For what is the hope of the godless [hypocrite] when God cuts him off, when God takes away his life? Will God hear his cry when distress comes upon him? Will he take delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times? (Job 27:7-10 ESV)
Is Job frustrated with his friends’ vain talk about God?
I will teach you about God’s power. I will not conceal what the Almighty has planned. All of you have seen this for yourselves, why do you keep up this empty talk? (Job 27:11-12 HCSB)
Did Job generally agree that judgment from God would eventually come to the wicked?
This is what a wicked person inherits from God, and what the ruthless will receive from the Almighty: If he has many children, their destiny is to die by the sword, and his descendants won’t have enough food. Those who do survive him disease will bury, and his widow won’t even weep. Though he hoards silver like dust, and stores away garments like clay, whatever he stores up, the righteous will wear, and the innocent will inherit that silver! (Job 27:13-17 ISV)
Though he declares his own innocence, does Job agree with the general idea that the wicked will eventually be punished?
He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth that the keeper maketh. The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he is not. Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him away in the night. The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth: and as a storm hurleth him out of his place. For God shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand. Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place. (Job 27:18-23 KJV)
Does God plan the eventual punishment of the self-indulgent rich who have effectively condemned and murdered the righteous man by a greedy lifestyle?
Come now, you rich, cry, howling over your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. You have stored up such treasure in the last days! Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields—that which has been withheld by you—cries out against you; and the outcries of those who did the harvesting have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and lived in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous man; he does not resist you. (James 5:1-6 LSB)
Though it may not always occur in this life, is justice part of God’s eternal plan? You decide!
Does Job now accuse God? Does he maintain that his conscience is clear?
Job said: I am desperate because God All-Powerful refuses to do what is right. As surely as God lives, and while he gives me breath, I will tell only the truth. Until the day I die, I will refuse to do wrong by saying you are right, because each day my conscience agrees that I am innocent. (Job 27:1-6 CEV)
Did Job call his accusers enemies, godless hypocrites, who should suffer the fate they predicted for him?
Let my enemy be as the wicked, and let him who rises up against me be as the unrighteous. For what is the hope of the godless [hypocrite] when God cuts him off, when God takes away his life? Will God hear his cry when distress comes upon him? Will he take delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times? (Job 27:7-10 ESV)
Is Job frustrated with his friends’ vain talk about God?
I will teach you about God’s power. I will not conceal what the Almighty has planned. All of you have seen this for yourselves, why do you keep up this empty talk? (Job 27:11-12 HCSB)
Did Job generally agree that judgment from God would eventually come to the wicked?
This is what a wicked person inherits from God, and what the ruthless will receive from the Almighty: If he has many children, their destiny is to die by the sword, and his descendants won’t have enough food. Those who do survive him disease will bury, and his widow won’t even weep. Though he hoards silver like dust, and stores away garments like clay, whatever he stores up, the righteous will wear, and the innocent will inherit that silver! (Job 27:13-17 ISV)
Though he declares his own innocence, does Job agree with the general idea that the wicked will eventually be punished?
He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth that the keeper maketh. The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he is not. Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him away in the night. The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth: and as a storm hurleth him out of his place. For God shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand. Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place. (Job 27:18-23 KJV)
Does God plan the eventual punishment of the self-indulgent rich who have effectively condemned and murdered the righteous man by a greedy lifestyle?
Come now, you rich, cry, howling over your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. You have stored up such treasure in the last days! Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields—that which has been withheld by you—cries out against you; and the outcries of those who did the harvesting have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and lived in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous man; he does not resist you. (James 5:1-6 LSB)
Though it may not always occur in this life, is justice part of God’s eternal plan? You decide!
Bildad's Final Word (Job 25-26)
Should we rely upon worldly wisdom claiming to be from God or study God’s Word directly ourselves? Let’s look at Job 25-26.
Does Bildad ask if there is any place where God does not have dominion?
Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places. Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise? (Job 25:1-3 KJV)
Did Bildad ask a question that could only be answered by a new covenant?
How then can mortal man be right with God? Or how can he be pure who is born of woman? Behold even the moon has no brightness, And the stars are not pure in His sight; How much less mortal man, that maggot, And the son of man, that worm!” (Job 25:4-6 LSB)
Does the new covenant explain how a mortal man can be made right with God? Did Job have that faith? Do we?
Therefore, having been justified [declared righteous, acquitted] by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. (Rom 5:1-2 NASB)
What does the rest of Romans 5 say? How would we answer each of Job’s probing, sarcastic questions to Bildad?
Then Job replied: “How you have helped the powerless! How you have saved the arm that is feeble! What advice you have offered to one without wisdom! And what great insight you have displayed! Who has helped you utter these words? And whose spirit spoke from your mouth? (Job 26:1-4 NIV)
Does God know the state of the dead, and do those in the grave tremble before God?
The dead tremble, Those under the waters and those inhabiting them. Sheol is naked before Him, And Destruction has no covering. (Job 26:5-6 NKJV)
Did the ancients understand simple astronomy, that the earth was suspended in space upon nothing?
God stretches the northern sky over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing. He wraps the rain in his thick clouds, and the clouds don’t burst with the weight. He covers the face of the moon, shrouding it with his clouds. He created the horizon when he separated the waters; he set the boundary between day and night. (Job 26:7-10 NLT)
Does God have power over the things that we see as chaotic and powerful?
The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his rebuke. He stirs up the sea with his power, and by his understanding he strikes through Rahab. By his Spirit the heavens are garnished. His hand has pierced the swift serpent. Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways. How small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand? (Job 26:11-14 WEB)
Should we blindly follow ancient traditions, the words of Protestant Reformers, or even beloved preachers and friends, and not investigate God’s word for ourselves?
The Beroean Jews were more honorable than those in Thessalonica. This was evident in the great eagerness with which they accepted the word and examined the scriptures each day to see whether Paul and Silas’ teaching was true. (Acts 17:11 CEB)
Should we rely upon worldly wisdom claiming to be from God or study God’s Word directly ourselves? You decide!
Does Bildad ask if there is any place where God does not have dominion?
Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places. Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise? (Job 25:1-3 KJV)
Did Bildad ask a question that could only be answered by a new covenant?
How then can mortal man be right with God? Or how can he be pure who is born of woman? Behold even the moon has no brightness, And the stars are not pure in His sight; How much less mortal man, that maggot, And the son of man, that worm!” (Job 25:4-6 LSB)
Does the new covenant explain how a mortal man can be made right with God? Did Job have that faith? Do we?
Therefore, having been justified [declared righteous, acquitted] by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God. (Rom 5:1-2 NASB)
What does the rest of Romans 5 say? How would we answer each of Job’s probing, sarcastic questions to Bildad?
Then Job replied: “How you have helped the powerless! How you have saved the arm that is feeble! What advice you have offered to one without wisdom! And what great insight you have displayed! Who has helped you utter these words? And whose spirit spoke from your mouth? (Job 26:1-4 NIV)
Does God know the state of the dead, and do those in the grave tremble before God?
The dead tremble, Those under the waters and those inhabiting them. Sheol is naked before Him, And Destruction has no covering. (Job 26:5-6 NKJV)
Did the ancients understand simple astronomy, that the earth was suspended in space upon nothing?
God stretches the northern sky over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing. He wraps the rain in his thick clouds, and the clouds don’t burst with the weight. He covers the face of the moon, shrouding it with his clouds. He created the horizon when he separated the waters; he set the boundary between day and night. (Job 26:7-10 NLT)
Does God have power over the things that we see as chaotic and powerful?
The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his rebuke. He stirs up the sea with his power, and by his understanding he strikes through Rahab. By his Spirit the heavens are garnished. His hand has pierced the swift serpent. Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways. How small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand? (Job 26:11-14 WEB)
Should we blindly follow ancient traditions, the words of Protestant Reformers, or even beloved preachers and friends, and not investigate God’s word for ourselves?
The Beroean Jews were more honorable than those in Thessalonica. This was evident in the great eagerness with which they accepted the word and examined the scriptures each day to see whether Paul and Silas’ teaching was true. (Acts 17:11 CEB)
Should we rely upon worldly wisdom claiming to be from God or study God’s Word directly ourselves? You decide!
Justice When? (Job 24)
Does God deny or just delay justice for sin and reward for good? Is there a reason? Let’s look at Job 24.
Does Job ask why justice for real estate fraud like removing property markers, livestock theft, oppression of the poor, and bullying is absent?
Since times are not hidden from the Almighty, Why do those who know Him see not His days? Some remove landmarks; They seize flocks violently and feed on them; They drive away the donkey of the fatherless; They take the widow’s ox as a pledge. They push the needy off the road; All the poor of the land are forced to hide. (Job 24:1-4 NKJV)
Are the poor oppressed, hungry, naked, cold and homeless?
Like wild donkeys in the wilderness, the poor must spend all their time looking for food, searching even in the desert for food for their children. They harvest a field they do not own, and they glean in the vineyards of the wicked. All night they lie naked in the cold, without clothing or covering. They are soaked by mountain showers, and they huddle against the rocks for want of a home. (Job 24:5-8 NLT)
Have we ever asked why God allows so much suffering in the world?
There are those who pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor, so that they go around naked without clothing. Being hungry, they carry the sheaves. They make oil within the walls of these men. They tread wine presses, and suffer thirst. From out of the populous city, men groan. The soul of the wounded cries out, yet God doesn’t regard the folly. (Job 24:9-12 WEB)
Is letting the poor suffer without help akin to murder and theft? Is adultery like darkness?
They rebel against light, don’t acknowledge its direction, don’t dwell in its paths. The murderer rises at twilight, kills the poor and needy; at night, they are like a thief. The adulterer’s eye watches for twilight, thinking, No eye can see me, and puts a mask over his face. In the dark they break into houses; they shut themselves in by day; they don’t know the light. Deep darkness is morning to them because they recognize the horror of darkness. (Job 24:13-17 CEB)
Is the wealth of the wicked quickly gone like snow in summer?
Those sinners are filthy foam on the surface of the water. And so, their fields and vineyards will fall under a curse and won't produce. Just as the heat of summer swallows the snow, the world of the dead swallows those who sin. Forgotten here on earth, and with their power broken, they taste sweet to worms. (Job 24:18-20 CEV)
Are the wicked exalted a little while and then quickly gone?
They wrong the barren, childless woman, and do no good to the widow. Yet God prolongs the life of the mighty by his power; they rise up when they despair of life. He gives them security, and they are supported, and his eyes are upon their ways. They are exalted a little while, and then are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like the heads of grain. If it is not so, who will prove me a liar and show that there is nothing in what I say? (Job 24:21-25 ESV)
Will judgment eventually come in God’s time not ours?
But because of your hardness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed. He will repay each one according to his works (Rom 2:5-6 HCSB)
Could it be that God delays because He is giving people space to repent?
The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some people understand slowness, but is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to find room for repentance. (2 Pet 3:9 ISV)
Does God deny or just delay justice for sin and reward for good? Is there a reason? You decide!
Does Job ask why justice for real estate fraud like removing property markers, livestock theft, oppression of the poor, and bullying is absent?
Since times are not hidden from the Almighty, Why do those who know Him see not His days? Some remove landmarks; They seize flocks violently and feed on them; They drive away the donkey of the fatherless; They take the widow’s ox as a pledge. They push the needy off the road; All the poor of the land are forced to hide. (Job 24:1-4 NKJV)
Are the poor oppressed, hungry, naked, cold and homeless?
Like wild donkeys in the wilderness, the poor must spend all their time looking for food, searching even in the desert for food for their children. They harvest a field they do not own, and they glean in the vineyards of the wicked. All night they lie naked in the cold, without clothing or covering. They are soaked by mountain showers, and they huddle against the rocks for want of a home. (Job 24:5-8 NLT)
Have we ever asked why God allows so much suffering in the world?
There are those who pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor, so that they go around naked without clothing. Being hungry, they carry the sheaves. They make oil within the walls of these men. They tread wine presses, and suffer thirst. From out of the populous city, men groan. The soul of the wounded cries out, yet God doesn’t regard the folly. (Job 24:9-12 WEB)
Is letting the poor suffer without help akin to murder and theft? Is adultery like darkness?
They rebel against light, don’t acknowledge its direction, don’t dwell in its paths. The murderer rises at twilight, kills the poor and needy; at night, they are like a thief. The adulterer’s eye watches for twilight, thinking, No eye can see me, and puts a mask over his face. In the dark they break into houses; they shut themselves in by day; they don’t know the light. Deep darkness is morning to them because they recognize the horror of darkness. (Job 24:13-17 CEB)
Is the wealth of the wicked quickly gone like snow in summer?
Those sinners are filthy foam on the surface of the water. And so, their fields and vineyards will fall under a curse and won't produce. Just as the heat of summer swallows the snow, the world of the dead swallows those who sin. Forgotten here on earth, and with their power broken, they taste sweet to worms. (Job 24:18-20 CEV)
Are the wicked exalted a little while and then quickly gone?
They wrong the barren, childless woman, and do no good to the widow. Yet God prolongs the life of the mighty by his power; they rise up when they despair of life. He gives them security, and they are supported, and his eyes are upon their ways. They are exalted a little while, and then are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like the heads of grain. If it is not so, who will prove me a liar and show that there is nothing in what I say? (Job 24:21-25 ESV)
Will judgment eventually come in God’s time not ours?
But because of your hardness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed. He will repay each one according to his works (Rom 2:5-6 HCSB)
Could it be that God delays because He is giving people space to repent?
The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some people understand slowness, but is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to find room for repentance. (2 Pet 3:9 ISV)
Does God deny or just delay justice for sin and reward for good? Is there a reason? You decide!
Seeking God (Job 23)
Do we seek God even when He seems unavailable to us? Do we trust His majestic power? Let’s look at Job 23.
Did Job desire to present his case before God in heaven directly?
Then Job answered and said, Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me. There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge. (Job 23:1-7 KJV)
Does Job say that he is looking for God, but can’t find Him?
Behold, I go forward but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot discern Him; When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His path; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food. (Job 23:8-12 LSB)
Does Job realize that it is not God that needs to change?
But He is unique, and who can make Him turn? Whatever His soul desires, He does it. For He carries out what is destined for me, And many such destinies are with Him. Therefore, I would be terrified at His presence; When I consider this, I am frightened of Him. It is God who has made my heart faint, And the Almighty who has terrified me, But I am not destroyed by darkness, Nor by deep gloom which covers me. (Job 23:13-17 NASB)
Like Job, can we be bold and approach God’s throne of grace with confidence?
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Heb 4:15-16 NIV)
Do we seek God even when He seems unavailable to us? Do we trust His majestic power? You decide!
Did Job desire to present his case before God in heaven directly?
Then Job answered and said, Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me. There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge. (Job 23:1-7 KJV)
Does Job say that he is looking for God, but can’t find Him?
Behold, I go forward but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot discern Him; When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His path; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food. (Job 23:8-12 LSB)
Does Job realize that it is not God that needs to change?
But He is unique, and who can make Him turn? Whatever His soul desires, He does it. For He carries out what is destined for me, And many such destinies are with Him. Therefore, I would be terrified at His presence; When I consider this, I am frightened of Him. It is God who has made my heart faint, And the Almighty who has terrified me, But I am not destroyed by darkness, Nor by deep gloom which covers me. (Job 23:13-17 NASB)
Like Job, can we be bold and approach God’s throne of grace with confidence?
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Heb 4:15-16 NIV)
Do we seek God even when He seems unavailable to us? Do we trust His majestic power? You decide!
Eliphaz's Accusation (Job 22)
Do we accuse others falsely without evidence, just assuming they have done wrong? Let’s look at Job 22.
Has Eliphaz escalated to accusing Job directly of massive wickedness?
Then Eliphaz from Teman answered: Can a human being be useful to God? Can an intelligent person bring profit? Does the Almighty delight in your innocence? Does he gain when you perfect your ways? Does he rebuke you for your piety, bring you in for judgment? Isn’t your wickedness massive, your iniquity endless? (Job 22:1-5 CEB)
Does Eliphaz begin to get rather specific with his accusations completely without evidence?
To guarantee payment of a debt, you have taken clothes from innocent people. And you refused bread and water to the hungry and thirsty, although you were rich, respected, and powerful. You have turned away widows and have broken the arms of orphans. That's why you were suddenly trapped by terror, blinded by darkness, and drowned in a flood. (Job 22:6-11 CEV)
As under the old way people were snatched away by a great flood, does Eliphaz accuse Job of receiving just punishment for sins?
Is not God high in the heavens? See the highest stars, how lofty they are! But you say, ‘What does God know? Can he judge through the deep darkness? Thick clouds veil him, so that he does not see, and he walks on the vault of heaven.’ Will you keep to the old way that wicked men have trod? They were snatched away before their time; their foundation was washed away. They said to God, ‘Depart from us,’ and ‘What can the Almighty do to us?’ Yet he filled their houses with good things—but the counsel of the wicked is far from me. The righteous see it and are glad; the innocent one mocks at them, saying, ‘Surely our adversaries are cut off, and what they left the fire has consumed.’ (Job 22:12-20 ESV)
Does Eliphaz urge Job to come to terms with God, to return to the Almighty, to banish injustice and his prayers will be heard?
Come to terms with God and be at peace; in this way good will come to you. Receive instruction from His mouth, and place His sayings in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be renewed. If you banish injustice from your tent and consign your gold to the dust, the gold of Ophir to the stones in the wadis, the Almighty will be your gold and your finest silver. Then you will delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. When you make a decision, it will be carried out, and light will shine on your ways. When others are humiliated and you say, “Lift them up,” God will save the humble. He will even rescue the guilty one, who will be rescued by the purity of your hands. (Job 22:21-30 HCSB)
Is there another accuser, who will one day be thrown out?
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, “Now the salvation, the power, the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah have come. For the one who accuses our brothers, who accuses them day and night in the presence of our God, has been thrown out. (Rev 12:10 ISV)
Do we accuse others falsely without evidence, just assuming they have done wrong? You decide!
Has Eliphaz escalated to accusing Job directly of massive wickedness?
Then Eliphaz from Teman answered: Can a human being be useful to God? Can an intelligent person bring profit? Does the Almighty delight in your innocence? Does he gain when you perfect your ways? Does he rebuke you for your piety, bring you in for judgment? Isn’t your wickedness massive, your iniquity endless? (Job 22:1-5 CEB)
Does Eliphaz begin to get rather specific with his accusations completely without evidence?
To guarantee payment of a debt, you have taken clothes from innocent people. And you refused bread and water to the hungry and thirsty, although you were rich, respected, and powerful. You have turned away widows and have broken the arms of orphans. That's why you were suddenly trapped by terror, blinded by darkness, and drowned in a flood. (Job 22:6-11 CEV)
As under the old way people were snatched away by a great flood, does Eliphaz accuse Job of receiving just punishment for sins?
Is not God high in the heavens? See the highest stars, how lofty they are! But you say, ‘What does God know? Can he judge through the deep darkness? Thick clouds veil him, so that he does not see, and he walks on the vault of heaven.’ Will you keep to the old way that wicked men have trod? They were snatched away before their time; their foundation was washed away. They said to God, ‘Depart from us,’ and ‘What can the Almighty do to us?’ Yet he filled their houses with good things—but the counsel of the wicked is far from me. The righteous see it and are glad; the innocent one mocks at them, saying, ‘Surely our adversaries are cut off, and what they left the fire has consumed.’ (Job 22:12-20 ESV)
Does Eliphaz urge Job to come to terms with God, to return to the Almighty, to banish injustice and his prayers will be heard?
Come to terms with God and be at peace; in this way good will come to you. Receive instruction from His mouth, and place His sayings in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be renewed. If you banish injustice from your tent and consign your gold to the dust, the gold of Ophir to the stones in the wadis, the Almighty will be your gold and your finest silver. Then you will delight in the Almighty and lift up your face to God. You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. When you make a decision, it will be carried out, and light will shine on your ways. When others are humiliated and you say, “Lift them up,” God will save the humble. He will even rescue the guilty one, who will be rescued by the purity of your hands. (Job 22:21-30 HCSB)
Is there another accuser, who will one day be thrown out?
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say, “Now the salvation, the power, the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah have come. For the one who accuses our brothers, who accuses them day and night in the presence of our God, has been thrown out. (Rev 12:10 ISV)
Do we accuse others falsely without evidence, just assuming they have done wrong? You decide!
Prosperity (Job 21)
Do we presume that the prosperity of the wicked means they are righteous? Does that sound like a false gospel? Let’s begin in Job 21.
Are we among those who mock the poor, the homeless, the suffering of the world?
But Job answered and said, Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations. Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on. As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled? Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth. Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh. (Job 21:1-6 ISV)
Is it a fact of life that the wicked are often very powerful, secure, and enjoy grand parties, then suddenly die?
Why do the wicked still live, Continue on, also become very powerful? Their seed is established with them in their presence, And their offspring before their eyes, Their houses are safe from dread, And the rod of God is not on them. His ox mates and does not fail; His cow calves and does not miscarry. They send forth their little ones like the flock, And their children skip about. They lift up the tambourine and harp And are glad at the sound of the pipe. They spend their days in prosperity, And suddenly they go down to Sheol. (Job 21:7-13 LSB)
Do the wicked often avoid knowing God and His way?
Yet they say to God, ‘Go away from us! We do not even desire the knowledge of Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, And what would we gain if we plead with Him?’ Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand; The advice of the wicked is far from me. (Job 21:14-16 NASB)
Do we expect the lamp of the wicked to be snuffed out quickly, or does God have a longer term view?
Yet how often is the lamp of the wicked snuffed out? How often does calamity come upon them, the fate God allots in his anger? How often are they like straw before the wind, like chaff swept away by a gale? It is said, ‘God stores up the punishment of the wicked for their children.’ Let him repay the wicked, so that they themselves will experience it! Let their own eyes see their destruction; let them drink the cup of the wrath of the Almighty. For what do they care about the families they leave behind when their allotted months come to an end? (Job 21:17-21 NIV)
Whether rich or poor, do we all end up in the same condition, alike in the dust?
Can anyone teach God knowledge, Since He judges those on high? One dies in his full strength, Being wholly at ease and secure; His pails are full of milk, And the marrow of his bones is moist. Another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, Never having eaten with pleasure. They lie down alike in the dust, And worms cover them. (Job 21:22-26 NKJV)
Does Job critique their efforts as lies to prove that his suffering is a result of wickedness?
Look, I know what you’re thinking. I know the schemes you plot against me. You will tell me of rich and wicked people whose houses have vanished because of their sins. But ask those who have been around, and they will tell you the truth. Evil people are spared in times of calamity and are allowed to escape disaster. No one criticizes them openly or pays them back for what they have done. When they are carried to the grave, an honor guard keeps watch at their tomb. A great funeral procession goes to the cemetery. Many pay their respects as the body is laid to rest, and the earth gives sweet repose. How can your empty clichés comfort me? All your explanations are lies!” (Job 21:27-34 NLT)
What did Jesus say to those who presume that present suffering is always punishment for sins?
Now there were some present at the same time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the men who dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.” (Luke 13:1-5 WEB)
Do we presume that the prosperity of the wicked means they are righteous? Does that sound like a false gospel? You decide!
Are we among those who mock the poor, the homeless, the suffering of the world?
But Job answered and said, Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations. Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on. As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled? Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth. Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh. (Job 21:1-6 ISV)
Is it a fact of life that the wicked are often very powerful, secure, and enjoy grand parties, then suddenly die?
Why do the wicked still live, Continue on, also become very powerful? Their seed is established with them in their presence, And their offspring before their eyes, Their houses are safe from dread, And the rod of God is not on them. His ox mates and does not fail; His cow calves and does not miscarry. They send forth their little ones like the flock, And their children skip about. They lift up the tambourine and harp And are glad at the sound of the pipe. They spend their days in prosperity, And suddenly they go down to Sheol. (Job 21:7-13 LSB)
Do the wicked often avoid knowing God and His way?
Yet they say to God, ‘Go away from us! We do not even desire the knowledge of Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, And what would we gain if we plead with Him?’ Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand; The advice of the wicked is far from me. (Job 21:14-16 NASB)
Do we expect the lamp of the wicked to be snuffed out quickly, or does God have a longer term view?
Yet how often is the lamp of the wicked snuffed out? How often does calamity come upon them, the fate God allots in his anger? How often are they like straw before the wind, like chaff swept away by a gale? It is said, ‘God stores up the punishment of the wicked for their children.’ Let him repay the wicked, so that they themselves will experience it! Let their own eyes see their destruction; let them drink the cup of the wrath of the Almighty. For what do they care about the families they leave behind when their allotted months come to an end? (Job 21:17-21 NIV)
Whether rich or poor, do we all end up in the same condition, alike in the dust?
Can anyone teach God knowledge, Since He judges those on high? One dies in his full strength, Being wholly at ease and secure; His pails are full of milk, And the marrow of his bones is moist. Another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, Never having eaten with pleasure. They lie down alike in the dust, And worms cover them. (Job 21:22-26 NKJV)
Does Job critique their efforts as lies to prove that his suffering is a result of wickedness?
Look, I know what you’re thinking. I know the schemes you plot against me. You will tell me of rich and wicked people whose houses have vanished because of their sins. But ask those who have been around, and they will tell you the truth. Evil people are spared in times of calamity and are allowed to escape disaster. No one criticizes them openly or pays them back for what they have done. When they are carried to the grave, an honor guard keeps watch at their tomb. A great funeral procession goes to the cemetery. Many pay their respects as the body is laid to rest, and the earth gives sweet repose. How can your empty clichés comfort me? All your explanations are lies!” (Job 21:27-34 NLT)
What did Jesus say to those who presume that present suffering is always punishment for sins?
Now there were some present at the same time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the men who dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.” (Luke 13:1-5 WEB)
Do we presume that the prosperity of the wicked means they are righteous? Does that sound like a false gospel? You decide!
Zophar's Rebuke (Job 20)
Do we automatically assume that someone else’s suffering is the consequence of their own wickedness? What is the reality of this world? Let’s continue in Job 20.
Does the argument continue with Zophar greatly disturbed by what Job has said?
Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: “I must reply because I am greatly disturbed. I’ve had to endure your insults, but now my spirit prompts me to reply.” (Job 20:1-3 NLT)
Do the wicked only triumph for a short time? Is suffering but for a moment?
Don’t you know this from old time, since man was placed on earth, that the triumphing of the wicked is short, the joy of the godless but for a moment? Though his height mount up to the heavens, and his head reach to the clouds, yet he will perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’ He will fly away as a dream, and will not be found. Yes, he will be chased away like a vision of the night. The eye which saw him will see him no more, neither will his place see him any more. His children will seek the favor of the poor. His hands will give back his wealth. His bones are full of his youth, but youth will lie down with him in the dust. (Job 20:4-11 WEB)
Do the wicked hide the poison in their mouths with sweet words?
Though wickedness is sweet in their mouths, they hide it under their tongues; they like it, won’t let it go; they hold it in their cheeks. Food turns their stomachs, becoming a cobra’s poison inside. They swallow wealth and vomit it; God dislodges it from their belly. They suck cobra’s poison; a viper’s tongue kills them. They won’t experience streams, rivers of honey, and brooks of cream. They won’t receive the reward for their labor; they won’t enjoy the wealth from their business. They crushed and abandoned the poor; stole a house they didn’t build (Job 20:12-19 CEB)
Are the greedy in our world ever satisfied, and in reality what do they have?
Greedy people want everything and are never satisfied. But when nothing remains for them to grab, they will be nothing. Once they have everything, distress and despair will strike them down, and God will make them swallow his blazing anger. (Job 20:20-23 CEV)
Does Zophar assume that Job has only inherited what the wicked deserve?
He will flee from an iron weapon; a bronze arrow will strike him through. It is drawn forth and comes out of his body; the glittering point comes out of his gallbladder; terrors come upon him. Utter darkness is laid up for his treasures; a fire not fanned will devour him; what is left in his tent will be consumed. The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. The possessions of his house will be carried away, dragged off in the day of God's wrath. This is the wicked man's portion from God, the heritage decreed for him by God. (Job 20:24-29 ESV)
Do the wicked seem to prosper for a time? Can we become envious of them?
For I was envious of the proud when I observed the prosperity of the wicked. (Psalm 73:3 ISV)
Is the temporary prosperity of the wicked the whole story? What happens to them in the resurrection of judgment?
Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good things, to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked things, to the resurrection of judgment. (John 5:28-29 HCSB)
Do we automatically assume that someone else’s suffering is the consequence of their own wickedness? What is the reality of this world? You decide!
Does the argument continue with Zophar greatly disturbed by what Job has said?
Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: “I must reply because I am greatly disturbed. I’ve had to endure your insults, but now my spirit prompts me to reply.” (Job 20:1-3 NLT)
Do the wicked only triumph for a short time? Is suffering but for a moment?
Don’t you know this from old time, since man was placed on earth, that the triumphing of the wicked is short, the joy of the godless but for a moment? Though his height mount up to the heavens, and his head reach to the clouds, yet he will perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him will say, ‘Where is he?’ He will fly away as a dream, and will not be found. Yes, he will be chased away like a vision of the night. The eye which saw him will see him no more, neither will his place see him any more. His children will seek the favor of the poor. His hands will give back his wealth. His bones are full of his youth, but youth will lie down with him in the dust. (Job 20:4-11 WEB)
Do the wicked hide the poison in their mouths with sweet words?
Though wickedness is sweet in their mouths, they hide it under their tongues; they like it, won’t let it go; they hold it in their cheeks. Food turns their stomachs, becoming a cobra’s poison inside. They swallow wealth and vomit it; God dislodges it from their belly. They suck cobra’s poison; a viper’s tongue kills them. They won’t experience streams, rivers of honey, and brooks of cream. They won’t receive the reward for their labor; they won’t enjoy the wealth from their business. They crushed and abandoned the poor; stole a house they didn’t build (Job 20:12-19 CEB)
Are the greedy in our world ever satisfied, and in reality what do they have?
Greedy people want everything and are never satisfied. But when nothing remains for them to grab, they will be nothing. Once they have everything, distress and despair will strike them down, and God will make them swallow his blazing anger. (Job 20:20-23 CEV)
Does Zophar assume that Job has only inherited what the wicked deserve?
He will flee from an iron weapon; a bronze arrow will strike him through. It is drawn forth and comes out of his body; the glittering point comes out of his gallbladder; terrors come upon him. Utter darkness is laid up for his treasures; a fire not fanned will devour him; what is left in his tent will be consumed. The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will rise up against him. The possessions of his house will be carried away, dragged off in the day of God's wrath. This is the wicked man's portion from God, the heritage decreed for him by God. (Job 20:24-29 ESV)
Do the wicked seem to prosper for a time? Can we become envious of them?
For I was envious of the proud when I observed the prosperity of the wicked. (Psalm 73:3 ISV)
Is the temporary prosperity of the wicked the whole story? What happens to them in the resurrection of judgment?
Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good things, to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked things, to the resurrection of judgment. (John 5:28-29 HCSB)
Do we automatically assume that someone else’s suffering is the consequence of their own wickedness? What is the reality of this world? You decide!
My Redeemer Lives (Job 19)
Even while suffering, did Job know that His Redeemer lives? Do we? Let’s look at Job 19.
Do we torment those who need comfort? Whether God caused or allowed Job’s suffering, was Job correct saying that God was ultimately responsible?
Then Job answered: How long will you torment me and crush me with words? You have humiliated me ten times now, and you mistreat me without shame. Even if it is true that I have sinned, my mistake concerns only me. If you really want to appear superior to me and would use my disgrace as evidence against me, then understand that it is God who has wronged me and caught me in His net. (Job 19:1-6 HCSB)
When God delays a reply to prayer, are we too tempted to accuse Him of injustice?
Although I cried out ‘Violence!’ I received no answer; I cried for help, but there was no justice. He blocked my path, so I cannot pass; and he turned out the lights on my pathways. He has stripped me of my honor; he has stolen the crown off my head! He is breaking me down on every side, and now it’s too late for me; he has uprooted my hopes like a tree. His anger burns against me; he regards me as his adversary. His troops march in a column against me, erecting their siege ramps against me; they surround my tent. (Job 19:7-12 ISV)
Have we ever felt all alone in the world, abandoned by everyone?
He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. (Job 19:13-15 KJV)
Have we ever felt completely abandoned even by close family and friends?
I call to my servant, but he does not answer; I have to implore him with my mouth. My breath is offensive to my wife, And I am loathsome to my own brothers. Even young children reject me; I rise up, and they speak against me. All the men of my counsel abhor me, And those I love have turned against me. My bone clings to my skin and my flesh, And I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth. (Job 19:16-20 LSB)
Even in the midst of deep, dark self-pity do we also know that our Redeemer lives? Was Job’s wish fulfilled, that his words were recorded?
Pity me, pity me, you friends of mine, For the hand of God has struck me. Why do you persecute me as God does, And are not satisfied with my flesh? Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were recorded in a book! That with an iron stylus and lead They were engraved in the rock forever! Yet as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last, He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I will see God, Whom I, on my part, shall behold for myself, And whom my eyes will see, and not another. My heart faints within me! (Job 19:21-27 NASB)
Are those who overly harshly judge others, in danger of the same?
If you say, ‘How we will hound him, since the root of the trouble lies in him,’ you should fear the sword yourselves; for wrath will bring punishment by the sword, and then you will know that there is judgment. (Job 19:28-29 NIV)
Rather than slander the suffering, what would God have us do?
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27 NKJV)
Even while suffering, did Job know that His Redeemer lives? Do we? You decide!
Do we torment those who need comfort? Whether God caused or allowed Job’s suffering, was Job correct saying that God was ultimately responsible?
Then Job answered: How long will you torment me and crush me with words? You have humiliated me ten times now, and you mistreat me without shame. Even if it is true that I have sinned, my mistake concerns only me. If you really want to appear superior to me and would use my disgrace as evidence against me, then understand that it is God who has wronged me and caught me in His net. (Job 19:1-6 HCSB)
When God delays a reply to prayer, are we too tempted to accuse Him of injustice?
Although I cried out ‘Violence!’ I received no answer; I cried for help, but there was no justice. He blocked my path, so I cannot pass; and he turned out the lights on my pathways. He has stripped me of my honor; he has stolen the crown off my head! He is breaking me down on every side, and now it’s too late for me; he has uprooted my hopes like a tree. His anger burns against me; he regards me as his adversary. His troops march in a column against me, erecting their siege ramps against me; they surround my tent. (Job 19:7-12 ISV)
Have we ever felt all alone in the world, abandoned by everyone?
He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. (Job 19:13-15 KJV)
Have we ever felt completely abandoned even by close family and friends?
I call to my servant, but he does not answer; I have to implore him with my mouth. My breath is offensive to my wife, And I am loathsome to my own brothers. Even young children reject me; I rise up, and they speak against me. All the men of my counsel abhor me, And those I love have turned against me. My bone clings to my skin and my flesh, And I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth. (Job 19:16-20 LSB)
Even in the midst of deep, dark self-pity do we also know that our Redeemer lives? Was Job’s wish fulfilled, that his words were recorded?
Pity me, pity me, you friends of mine, For the hand of God has struck me. Why do you persecute me as God does, And are not satisfied with my flesh? Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were recorded in a book! That with an iron stylus and lead They were engraved in the rock forever! Yet as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, And at the last, He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I will see God, Whom I, on my part, shall behold for myself, And whom my eyes will see, and not another. My heart faints within me! (Job 19:21-27 NASB)
Are those who overly harshly judge others, in danger of the same?
If you say, ‘How we will hound him, since the root of the trouble lies in him,’ you should fear the sword yourselves; for wrath will bring punishment by the sword, and then you will know that there is judgment. (Job 19:28-29 NIV)
Rather than slander the suffering, what would God have us do?
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27 NKJV)
Even while suffering, did Job know that His Redeemer lives? Do we? You decide!
Bildad's Rebuke (Job 18)
Are compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another and forgiveness traits of our church? Let’s begin in Job 18.
Does Bildad claim that Job’s words lack understanding, that cause and effect are rock solid logic?
Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said: “How long till you put an end to words? Gain understanding, and afterward we will speak. Why are we counted as beasts, And regarded as stupid in your sight? You who tear yourself in anger, Shall the earth be forsaken for you? Or shall the rock be removed from its place?” (Job 18:1-4 NKJV)
Does Bildad argue that punishment of his wickedness is the only possible explanation for Job’s suffering?
Surely the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. The sparks of their fire will not glow. The light in their tent will grow dark. The lamp hanging above them will be quenched. The confident stride of the wicked will be shortened. Their own schemes will be their downfall. The wicked walk into a net. They fall into a pit. A trap grabs them by the heel. A snare holds them tight. A noose lies hidden on the ground. A rope is stretched across their path. (Job 18:5-10 NLT)
Did Bildad continue to connect Job’s suffering with his presumed sins?
Terrors will make him afraid on every side, and will chase him at his heels. His strength will be famished. Calamity will be ready at his side. The members of his body will be devoured. The firstborn of death will devour his members. (Job 18:11-13 WEB)
Did Bildad seem to allude to Job’s suffering as just punishment like burning sulphur rained on Sodom and Gomorrah?
They are snatched from the safety of their tent; it parades them before the king of terrors. Nothing they own remains in their tent; sulfur is scattered over their home. Their roots dry out below; their branches wither above. The memory of them will perish from the earth; they will achieve no recognition abroad. They are thrust from light into darkness, banished from the world. They have no offspring or descendants among their people, no survivor in their dwelling place. (Job 18:14-19 CEB)
Did Bildad claim that Job’s is the fate of all sinners, a universal rule?
Everyone, from east to west, is overwhelmed with horror. Such is the fate of sinners and their families who don't know God. (Job 18:20-21 CEV)
Rather than harsh judgmentalism, what traits does God want in His church?
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Col 3:12-13 ESV)
Are compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another and forgiveness traits of our church? You decide!
Does Bildad claim that Job’s words lack understanding, that cause and effect are rock solid logic?
Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said: “How long till you put an end to words? Gain understanding, and afterward we will speak. Why are we counted as beasts, And regarded as stupid in your sight? You who tear yourself in anger, Shall the earth be forsaken for you? Or shall the rock be removed from its place?” (Job 18:1-4 NKJV)
Does Bildad argue that punishment of his wickedness is the only possible explanation for Job’s suffering?
Surely the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. The sparks of their fire will not glow. The light in their tent will grow dark. The lamp hanging above them will be quenched. The confident stride of the wicked will be shortened. Their own schemes will be their downfall. The wicked walk into a net. They fall into a pit. A trap grabs them by the heel. A snare holds them tight. A noose lies hidden on the ground. A rope is stretched across their path. (Job 18:5-10 NLT)
Did Bildad continue to connect Job’s suffering with his presumed sins?
Terrors will make him afraid on every side, and will chase him at his heels. His strength will be famished. Calamity will be ready at his side. The members of his body will be devoured. The firstborn of death will devour his members. (Job 18:11-13 WEB)
Did Bildad seem to allude to Job’s suffering as just punishment like burning sulphur rained on Sodom and Gomorrah?
They are snatched from the safety of their tent; it parades them before the king of terrors. Nothing they own remains in their tent; sulfur is scattered over their home. Their roots dry out below; their branches wither above. The memory of them will perish from the earth; they will achieve no recognition abroad. They are thrust from light into darkness, banished from the world. They have no offspring or descendants among their people, no survivor in their dwelling place. (Job 18:14-19 CEB)
Did Bildad claim that Job’s is the fate of all sinners, a universal rule?
Everyone, from east to west, is overwhelmed with horror. Such is the fate of sinners and their families who don't know God. (Job 18:20-21 CEV)
Rather than harsh judgmentalism, what traits does God want in His church?
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Col 3:12-13 ESV)
Are compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another and forgiveness traits of our church? You decide!
Hope in Death (Job 17)
Do we judge or comfort those in trouble? Let’s begin in Job 17.
Is our spirit broken? Are our days extinguished? Are we surrounded by mockers like Job?
My spirit is broken. My days are extinguished. A graveyard awaits me. Surely mockers surround me and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion. (Job 17:1-2 HCSB)
Does Job bewail friends whose hearts are closed to compassion and only spit out disparagement?
Offer, then, some collateral on my behalf. Is there anyone who will be my guarantor? Because you’re the one who closed their hearts to compassion; therefore, you won’t let them triumph. Now as for the one who testifies against his friends to take their property, even the eyes of his children will fail. He has made me a byword among people; I’m being spit on in the face. (Job 17:3-6 ISV)
Did Job seem to have a sense of hopeless sorrow, yet believe his hands were clean?
Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow. Upright men shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite. The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. (Job 17:6-9 KJV)
Did Job lament the lack of wisdom in his friends’ words? Self-deceived, did they believe their advice turned night into day?
But come again all of you now, For I do not find a wise man among you. My days are past; my plans are torn apart, Even the wishes of my heart. They make night into day, saying, ‘The light is near,’ in the presence of darkness. (Job 17:10-12 LSB)
Does Job see the grave as his only hope for relief from suffering?
If I hope for Sheol as my home, I make my bed in the darkness; If I call to the grave, ‘You are my father’; To the maggot, ‘my mother and my sister’; Where then is my hope? And who looks at my hope? Will it go down with me to Sheol? Shall we together go down into the dust?” (Job 17:13-16 NASB)
Whose example should we as a church follow, Job’s friends or God’s compassion and comfort?
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Cor 1:3-4 NIV)
Do we judge or comfort those in trouble? You decide!
Is our spirit broken? Are our days extinguished? Are we surrounded by mockers like Job?
My spirit is broken. My days are extinguished. A graveyard awaits me. Surely mockers surround me and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion. (Job 17:1-2 HCSB)
Does Job bewail friends whose hearts are closed to compassion and only spit out disparagement?
Offer, then, some collateral on my behalf. Is there anyone who will be my guarantor? Because you’re the one who closed their hearts to compassion; therefore, you won’t let them triumph. Now as for the one who testifies against his friends to take their property, even the eyes of his children will fail. He has made me a byword among people; I’m being spit on in the face. (Job 17:3-6 ISV)
Did Job seem to have a sense of hopeless sorrow, yet believe his hands were clean?
Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow. Upright men shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite. The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. (Job 17:6-9 KJV)
Did Job lament the lack of wisdom in his friends’ words? Self-deceived, did they believe their advice turned night into day?
But come again all of you now, For I do not find a wise man among you. My days are past; my plans are torn apart, Even the wishes of my heart. They make night into day, saying, ‘The light is near,’ in the presence of darkness. (Job 17:10-12 LSB)
Does Job see the grave as his only hope for relief from suffering?
If I hope for Sheol as my home, I make my bed in the darkness; If I call to the grave, ‘You are my father’; To the maggot, ‘my mother and my sister’; Where then is my hope? And who looks at my hope? Will it go down with me to Sheol? Shall we together go down into the dust?” (Job 17:13-16 NASB)
Whose example should we as a church follow, Job’s friends or God’s compassion and comfort?
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Cor 1:3-4 NIV)
Do we judge or comfort those in trouble? You decide!
Slander or Comfort (Job 16)
Is this little assembly like some churches, judgmental, filled with slander and gossip rather than comfort? Are we like that? Let’s look at Job 16.
Is our church like Job’s small group of friends, where the suffering are accused and not comforted?
Then Job spoke again: “I have heard all this before. What miserable comforters you are! Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air? What makes you keep on talking? I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you. But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief. Instead, I suffer if I defend myself, and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak. (Job 16:1-6 NLT)
Does Job now accuse God of sending him bad company that just attacks him, not aware that it is the devil’s plan?
But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made all my company desolate. You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face. He has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me. They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me. God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked. (Job 16:7-11 WEB)
Does Job accuse God of shattering him, without pity, while flattering himself as a man without violence and of pure prayer?
I was at rest, but he shattered me, seized me by the back of my neck, dashed me into pieces; he raised me up for his target. His archers surround me; he cuts my kidneys open without pity and doesn’t care, pours my gall on the ground, bursts me open over and over, runs against me like a strong man. I’ve sewed rough cloth over my skin and buried my dignity in the dust. My face is red from crying, and dark gloom hangs on my eyelids. But there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure. (Job 16:12-17 CEB)
Even though Job completely misunderstands what is going on, does he hold onto hope that God will show that he is right?
If I should die, I beg the earth not to cover my cry for justice. Even now, God in heaven is both my witness and my protector. My friends have rejected me, but God is the one I beg to show that I am right, just as a friend should. Because in only a few years, I will be dead and gone. (Job 16:18-22 CEV)
Should our churches be filled with judgmental slander and gossip? Or should we be more like Christ?
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV)
Is this little assembly like some churches, judgmental, filled with slander and gossip rather than comfort? Are we like that? You decide!
Is our church like Job’s small group of friends, where the suffering are accused and not comforted?
Then Job spoke again: “I have heard all this before. What miserable comforters you are! Won’t you ever stop blowing hot air? What makes you keep on talking? I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you. But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief. Instead, I suffer if I defend myself, and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak. (Job 16:1-6 NLT)
Does Job now accuse God of sending him bad company that just attacks him, not aware that it is the devil’s plan?
But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made all my company desolate. You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face. He has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me. They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me. God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked. (Job 16:7-11 WEB)
Does Job accuse God of shattering him, without pity, while flattering himself as a man without violence and of pure prayer?
I was at rest, but he shattered me, seized me by the back of my neck, dashed me into pieces; he raised me up for his target. His archers surround me; he cuts my kidneys open without pity and doesn’t care, pours my gall on the ground, bursts me open over and over, runs against me like a strong man. I’ve sewed rough cloth over my skin and buried my dignity in the dust. My face is red from crying, and dark gloom hangs on my eyelids. But there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure. (Job 16:12-17 CEB)
Even though Job completely misunderstands what is going on, does he hold onto hope that God will show that he is right?
If I should die, I beg the earth not to cover my cry for justice. Even now, God in heaven is both my witness and my protector. My friends have rejected me, but God is the one I beg to show that I am right, just as a friend should. Because in only a few years, I will be dead and gone. (Job 16:18-22 CEV)
Should our churches be filled with judgmental slander and gossip? Or should we be more like Christ?
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV)
Is this little assembly like some churches, judgmental, filled with slander and gossip rather than comfort? Are we like that? You decide!
Eliphaz's Rebuke (Job 15)
Are ancient traditions equal to or more important than God’s word? Do the innocent suffer? Let’s begin in Job 15.
What did Eliphaz the Temanite say in his second reply to Job?
Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: Does a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill himself with the hot east wind? Should he argue with useless talk or with words that serve no good purpose? But you even undermine the fear of God and hinder meditation before Him. Your iniquity teaches you what to say, and you choose the language of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, not I; your own lips testify against you. (Job 15:1-6 HCSB)
Did Eliphaz ask if Job thought he knew more than past generations or God?
Were you the first person to be born? Were you brought forth before the hills were made? Have you listened in on God’s secret council? Have you limited wisdom only to yourself? What do you know that we don’t know, or that you understand and that isn’t clear to us? We have both the gray-haired and the aged with us, and they are far older than your father. Are God’s encouragements inconsequential to you, even a word that has been spoken gently to you? Why have your emotions carried you away? And why do your eyes flash that you turn your anger against God and speak words like this? (Job 15:7-13 ISV)
If angels were found to be unclean, how could a mere man claim to be righteous?
What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water? (Job 15:14-16 KJV)
Did Eliphaz then demand that Job listen to him as he recounted traditional wisdom?
I will tell you, listen to me; And what I have beheld I will also recount; What wise men have told, And have not concealed from their fathers, To whom alone the land was given, And no stranger passed among them. (Job 15:17-19 LSB)
Does Eliphaz repeat the simplistic belief that suffering only comes upon the wicked?
The wicked person writhes in pain all his days, And the years reserved for the ruthless are numbered. Sounds of terror are in his ears; While he is at peace the destroyer comes upon him. He does not believe that he will return from darkness, And he is destined for the sword. He wanders about for food, saying, ‘Where is it?’ He knows that a day of darkness is at hand. Distress and anguish terrify him, They overpower him like a king ready for the attack, Because he has reached out with his hand against God, And is arrogant toward the Almighty. He rushes headlong at Him With his massive shield. (Job 15:20-26 NASB)
Does Eliphaz strongly suggest that suffering is God’s certain punishment upon the wicked?
Though his face is covered with fat and his waist bulges with flesh, he will inhabit ruined towns and houses where no one lives, houses crumbling to rubble. He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land. He will not escape the darkness; a flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away. Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return. Before his time he will wither, and his branches will not flourish. He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree shedding its blossoms. For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of those who love bribes. They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb fashions deceit.” (Job 15:27-35 NIV)
Is wealth an indicator of righteousness or often just a source of sorrow?
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Tim 6:9-10 NKJV)
Are ancient traditions equal to or more important than God’s word? Do the innocent suffer? You decide!
What did Eliphaz the Temanite say in his second reply to Job?
Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: Does a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill himself with the hot east wind? Should he argue with useless talk or with words that serve no good purpose? But you even undermine the fear of God and hinder meditation before Him. Your iniquity teaches you what to say, and you choose the language of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, not I; your own lips testify against you. (Job 15:1-6 HCSB)
Did Eliphaz ask if Job thought he knew more than past generations or God?
Were you the first person to be born? Were you brought forth before the hills were made? Have you listened in on God’s secret council? Have you limited wisdom only to yourself? What do you know that we don’t know, or that you understand and that isn’t clear to us? We have both the gray-haired and the aged with us, and they are far older than your father. Are God’s encouragements inconsequential to you, even a word that has been spoken gently to you? Why have your emotions carried you away? And why do your eyes flash that you turn your anger against God and speak words like this? (Job 15:7-13 ISV)
If angels were found to be unclean, how could a mere man claim to be righteous?
What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water? (Job 15:14-16 KJV)
Did Eliphaz then demand that Job listen to him as he recounted traditional wisdom?
I will tell you, listen to me; And what I have beheld I will also recount; What wise men have told, And have not concealed from their fathers, To whom alone the land was given, And no stranger passed among them. (Job 15:17-19 LSB)
Does Eliphaz repeat the simplistic belief that suffering only comes upon the wicked?
The wicked person writhes in pain all his days, And the years reserved for the ruthless are numbered. Sounds of terror are in his ears; While he is at peace the destroyer comes upon him. He does not believe that he will return from darkness, And he is destined for the sword. He wanders about for food, saying, ‘Where is it?’ He knows that a day of darkness is at hand. Distress and anguish terrify him, They overpower him like a king ready for the attack, Because he has reached out with his hand against God, And is arrogant toward the Almighty. He rushes headlong at Him With his massive shield. (Job 15:20-26 NASB)
Does Eliphaz strongly suggest that suffering is God’s certain punishment upon the wicked?
Though his face is covered with fat and his waist bulges with flesh, he will inhabit ruined towns and houses where no one lives, houses crumbling to rubble. He will no longer be rich and his wealth will not endure, nor will his possessions spread over the land. He will not escape the darkness; a flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away. Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return. Before his time he will wither, and his branches will not flourish. He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree shedding its blossoms. For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of those who love bribes. They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb fashions deceit.” (Job 15:27-35 NIV)
Is wealth an indicator of righteousness or often just a source of sorrow?
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Tim 6:9-10 NKJV)
Are ancient traditions equal to or more important than God’s word? Do the innocent suffer? You decide!
Hope for the Suffering (Job 14)
Should a brief life invest in eternity? Does such hope help us endure suffering, comfort the suffering? Let’s look at Job 14.
As Job muses on the few days and trouble of a normal life, how does Job address God?
Man, who is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble. He grows up like a flower, and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow, and doesn’t continue. Do you open your eyes on such a one, and bring me into judgment with you? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his bounds that he can’t pass. Look away from him, that he may rest, until he accomplishes, as a hireling, his day. (Job 14:1-6 WEB)
Does Job seem to believe that there is nothing beyond the grave?
Indeed there is hope for a tree. If it’s cut down and still sprouting and its shoots don’t fail, if its roots age in the ground and its stump dies in the dust, at the scent of water, it will bud and produce sprouts like a plant. But a human dies and lies there; a person expires, and where is he? Water vanishes from the sea; a river dries up completely. But a human lies down and doesn’t rise until the heavens cease; they don’t get up and awaken from sleep. I wish you would hide me in the underworld, conceal me until your anger passes, set a time for me, and remember me. (Job 14:7-13 CEB)
Does Job ask if humans will live again? Does he wish that God would not count his sins, but ends this prayer in despair again?
Will we humans live again? I would gladly suffer and wait for my time. My Creator, you would want me; you would call out, and I would answer. You would take care of me, but not count my sins—you would put them in a bag, tie it tight, and toss them away. But in the real world, mountains tumble, and rocks crumble; streams wear away stones and wash away soil. And you destroy our hopes! You change the way we look, then send us away, wiped out forever. We never live to know if our children are praised or disgraced. We feel no pain but our own, and when we mourn, it's only for ourselves. (Job 14:14-22 CEV)
What did Jesus tell Martha about her brother Lazarus, that would have given Job hope?
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26 ESV)
Should a brief life invest in eternity? Does such hope help us endure suffering, comfort the suffering? You decide!
As Job muses on the few days and trouble of a normal life, how does Job address God?
Man, who is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble. He grows up like a flower, and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow, and doesn’t continue. Do you open your eyes on such a one, and bring me into judgment with you? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his bounds that he can’t pass. Look away from him, that he may rest, until he accomplishes, as a hireling, his day. (Job 14:1-6 WEB)
Does Job seem to believe that there is nothing beyond the grave?
Indeed there is hope for a tree. If it’s cut down and still sprouting and its shoots don’t fail, if its roots age in the ground and its stump dies in the dust, at the scent of water, it will bud and produce sprouts like a plant. But a human dies and lies there; a person expires, and where is he? Water vanishes from the sea; a river dries up completely. But a human lies down and doesn’t rise until the heavens cease; they don’t get up and awaken from sleep. I wish you would hide me in the underworld, conceal me until your anger passes, set a time for me, and remember me. (Job 14:7-13 CEB)
Does Job ask if humans will live again? Does he wish that God would not count his sins, but ends this prayer in despair again?
Will we humans live again? I would gladly suffer and wait for my time. My Creator, you would want me; you would call out, and I would answer. You would take care of me, but not count my sins—you would put them in a bag, tie it tight, and toss them away. But in the real world, mountains tumble, and rocks crumble; streams wear away stones and wash away soil. And you destroy our hopes! You change the way we look, then send us away, wiped out forever. We never live to know if our children are praised or disgraced. We feel no pain but our own, and when we mourn, it's only for ourselves. (Job 14:14-22 CEV)
What did Jesus tell Martha about her brother Lazarus, that would have given Job hope?
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26 ESV)
Should a brief life invest in eternity? Does such hope help us endure suffering, comfort the suffering? You decide!
Hidden Sins (Job 13)
Have we grown weary of baby milk? Are we ready for the meat of God’s Word and face our hidden sins? Let’s begin in Job 13.
Does Job find his friends’ answers unsatisfactory? Does he prefer an answer from God?
Lo, mine eye hath seen all this, mine ear hath heard and understood it. What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you. Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. (Job 13:1-3 KJV)
Have we reached a crossroads, tired of simplistic lies in church, yet not quite mature enough ourselves to realize that truth and grace are still there?
But you cover me with lies; You are all worthless physicians. O that you would be completely silent, And that it would become your wisdom! (Job 13:4-5 LSB)
Do we reach that halfway point where we clearly see the church’s sins, but are not yet mature enough to extend the grace that covers the sins of an imperfect church?
Please hear my argument, And give your attention to the contentions of my lips. Will you speak what is unjust for God, And speak what is deceitful for Him? Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God? Will it go well when He examines you? Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man? He will certainly punish you If you secretly show partiality. Will His majesty not terrify you, And the dread of Him fall upon you? Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay. (Job 13:6-12 NASB)
Does Job hold out ultimate hope in God, and dare anyone to point out his faults that caused his suffering?
Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may. Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands? Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless person would dare come before him! Listen carefully to what I say; let my words ring in your ears. Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated. Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die. (Job 13:13-19 NIV)
Does Job ask God to reveal any of his sins to him that may have caused his suffering, so that he can repent?
Only two things do not do to me, Then I will not hide myself from You: Withdraw Your hand far from me, And let not the dread of You make me afraid. Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, then You respond to me. How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. Why do You hide Your face, And regard me as Your enemy? Will You frighten a leaf driven to and fro? And will You pursue dry stubble? For You write bitter things against me, And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth. You put my feet in the stocks, And watch closely all my paths. You set a limit for the soles of my feet. Man decays like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten. (Job 13:20-28 NKJV)
To whom should we go if we lack wisdom about any events in our lives?
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5 NLT)
Have we grown weary of baby milk? Are we ready for the meat of God’s Word and face our hidden sins? You decide!
Does Job find his friends’ answers unsatisfactory? Does he prefer an answer from God?
Lo, mine eye hath seen all this, mine ear hath heard and understood it. What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you. Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. (Job 13:1-3 KJV)
Have we reached a crossroads, tired of simplistic lies in church, yet not quite mature enough ourselves to realize that truth and grace are still there?
But you cover me with lies; You are all worthless physicians. O that you would be completely silent, And that it would become your wisdom! (Job 13:4-5 LSB)
Do we reach that halfway point where we clearly see the church’s sins, but are not yet mature enough to extend the grace that covers the sins of an imperfect church?
Please hear my argument, And give your attention to the contentions of my lips. Will you speak what is unjust for God, And speak what is deceitful for Him? Will you show partiality for Him? Will you contend for God? Will it go well when He examines you? Or will you deceive Him as one deceives a man? He will certainly punish you If you secretly show partiality. Will His majesty not terrify you, And the dread of Him fall upon you? Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay. (Job 13:6-12 NASB)
Does Job hold out ultimate hope in God, and dare anyone to point out his faults that caused his suffering?
Keep silent and let me speak; then let come to me what may. Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands? Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless person would dare come before him! Listen carefully to what I say; let my words ring in your ears. Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated. Can anyone bring charges against me? If so, I will be silent and die. (Job 13:13-19 NIV)
Does Job ask God to reveal any of his sins to him that may have caused his suffering, so that he can repent?
Only two things do not do to me, Then I will not hide myself from You: Withdraw Your hand far from me, And let not the dread of You make me afraid. Then call, and I will answer; Or let me speak, then You respond to me. How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. Why do You hide Your face, And regard me as Your enemy? Will You frighten a leaf driven to and fro? And will You pursue dry stubble? For You write bitter things against me, And make me inherit the iniquities of my youth. You put my feet in the stocks, And watch closely all my paths. You set a limit for the soles of my feet. Man decays like a rotten thing, Like a garment that is moth-eaten. (Job 13:20-28 NKJV)
To whom should we go if we lack wisdom about any events in our lives?
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. (James 1:5 NLT)
Have we grown weary of baby milk? Are we ready for the meat of God’s Word and face our hidden sins? You decide!
Hidden Mystery (Job 12)
Is God’s wisdom often a hidden mystery even to the wisest of us? Do simplistic answers reveal our ignorance? Let’s begin in Job 12.
Did Job mock Zophar for talking down to him, for treating him as a joke?
Job responded: Surely you are the people, and wisdom will die with you. I am also intelligent; I’m not inferior to you. Who isn’t like these people? I’m a joke to friends who called to God and he answered; the innocent and blameless one is a joke, a torch of contempt to one who is idle, a fixed point for slipping feet. (Job 12:1-5 CEB)
Do the wonders of creation reveal that simplistic answers are often godless?
Robbers and other godless people live safely at home and say, “God is in our hands!” If you want to learn, then go and ask the wild animals and the birds, the flowers and the fish. Any of them can tell you what the Lord has done. Every living creature is in the hands of God. (Job 12:6-10 CEV)
Do we test the words we hear? Does true strength and sound wisdom come from God?
Does not the ear test words as the palate tastes food? Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding. If he tears down, none can rebuild; if he shuts a man in, none can open. If he withholds the waters, they dry up; if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land. With him are strength and sound wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are his. (Job 12:11-16 ESV)
Whose advice ultimately surpasses all of the wisest among men? Are God’s ways often a mystery too deep even for great men?
He leads counselors away barefoot and makes judges go mad. He releases the bonds put on by kings and fastens a belt around their waists. He leads priests away barefoot and overthrows established leaders. He deprives trusted advisers of speech and takes away the elders’ good judgment. He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the strong. He reveals mysteries from the darkness and brings the deepest darkness into the light. He makes nations great, then destroys them; He enlarges nations, then leads them away. He deprives the world’s leaders of reason, and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland. They grope around in darkness without light; He makes them stagger like drunken men. (Job 12:17-25 HCSB)
Does Paul teach us how deep and often mysterious God’s wisdom really is?
O how deep are God’s riches, and wisdom, and knowledge! How unfathomable are his decisions and unexplainable are his ways! (Rom 11:33 ISV)
Is God’s wisdom often a hidden mystery even to the wisest of us? Do simplistic answers reveal our ignorance? You decide!
Did Job mock Zophar for talking down to him, for treating him as a joke?
Job responded: Surely you are the people, and wisdom will die with you. I am also intelligent; I’m not inferior to you. Who isn’t like these people? I’m a joke to friends who called to God and he answered; the innocent and blameless one is a joke, a torch of contempt to one who is idle, a fixed point for slipping feet. (Job 12:1-5 CEB)
Do the wonders of creation reveal that simplistic answers are often godless?
Robbers and other godless people live safely at home and say, “God is in our hands!” If you want to learn, then go and ask the wild animals and the birds, the flowers and the fish. Any of them can tell you what the Lord has done. Every living creature is in the hands of God. (Job 12:6-10 CEV)
Do we test the words we hear? Does true strength and sound wisdom come from God?
Does not the ear test words as the palate tastes food? Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding. If he tears down, none can rebuild; if he shuts a man in, none can open. If he withholds the waters, they dry up; if he sends them out, they overwhelm the land. With him are strength and sound wisdom; the deceived and the deceiver are his. (Job 12:11-16 ESV)
Whose advice ultimately surpasses all of the wisest among men? Are God’s ways often a mystery too deep even for great men?
He leads counselors away barefoot and makes judges go mad. He releases the bonds put on by kings and fastens a belt around their waists. He leads priests away barefoot and overthrows established leaders. He deprives trusted advisers of speech and takes away the elders’ good judgment. He pours out contempt on nobles and disarms the strong. He reveals mysteries from the darkness and brings the deepest darkness into the light. He makes nations great, then destroys them; He enlarges nations, then leads them away. He deprives the world’s leaders of reason, and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland. They grope around in darkness without light; He makes them stagger like drunken men. (Job 12:17-25 HCSB)
Does Paul teach us how deep and often mysterious God’s wisdom really is?
O how deep are God’s riches, and wisdom, and knowledge! How unfathomable are his decisions and unexplainable are his ways! (Rom 11:33 ISV)
Is God’s wisdom often a hidden mystery even to the wisest of us? Do simplistic answers reveal our ignorance? You decide!
Zophar's Opinion (Job 11)
Did Zophar continue the same judgmental defamation, that Job’s suffering was caused by his personal sins? Do we slander others or judge righteously? Let’s begin in Job 11.
Did Zophar criticize Job’s grief as boasting, scoffing, that he was only punished for part of his guilt?
Then Zophar the Naamathite responded, “Shall a multitude of words go unanswered, And a talkative man be acquitted? Shall your boasts silence people? And will you scoff, and no one rebuke? For you have said, ‘My teaching is pure, And I am innocent in your eyes.’ But if only God would speak, And open His lips against you, And show you the secrets of wisdom! For sound wisdom has two sides. Know then that God forgets part of your guilt. (Job 11:1-6 NASB)
Did Zophar then try to teach Job a lesson about God’s majesty?
Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. (Job 11:7-9 NIV)
Did Zophar also see Job as deceitful, wicked, empty-headed like a wild colt?
If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment, Then who can hinder Him? For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it? For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man. (Job 11:10-12 NKJV)
Did Zophar urge Job to leave his sins behind, and his face would brighten, he would forget his misery, have hope?
If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death. (Job 11:13-20 NLT)
What did Jesus say about defamatory judgmentalism? What did He say about valid judgment, discerning who acts like dogs, pigs or false prophets? Was Zophar’s opinion wrong?
Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye. Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces … Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. (Mat 7:1-6, 15 WEB)
Did Zophar continue the same judgmental defamation, that Job’s suffering was caused by his personal sins? Do we slander others or judge righteously? You decide!
Did Zophar criticize Job’s grief as boasting, scoffing, that he was only punished for part of his guilt?
Then Zophar the Naamathite responded, “Shall a multitude of words go unanswered, And a talkative man be acquitted? Shall your boasts silence people? And will you scoff, and no one rebuke? For you have said, ‘My teaching is pure, And I am innocent in your eyes.’ But if only God would speak, And open His lips against you, And show you the secrets of wisdom! For sound wisdom has two sides. Know then that God forgets part of your guilt. (Job 11:1-6 NASB)
Did Zophar then try to teach Job a lesson about God’s majesty?
Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. (Job 11:7-9 NIV)
Did Zophar also see Job as deceitful, wicked, empty-headed like a wild colt?
If He passes by, imprisons, and gathers to judgment, Then who can hinder Him? For He knows deceitful men; He sees wickedness also. Will He not then consider it? For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man. (Job 11:10-12 NKJV)
Did Zophar urge Job to leave his sins behind, and his face would brighten, he would forget his misery, have hope?
If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death. (Job 11:13-20 NLT)
What did Jesus say about defamatory judgmentalism? What did He say about valid judgment, discerning who acts like dogs, pigs or false prophets? Was Zophar’s opinion wrong?
Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but don’t consider the beam that is in your own eye? Or how will you tell your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye,’ and behold, the beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye. Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces … Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. (Mat 7:1-6, 15 WEB)
Did Zophar continue the same judgmental defamation, that Job’s suffering was caused by his personal sins? Do we slander others or judge righteously? You decide!
Honest Prayer (Job 10)
Is prayer always just formulaic, or is there room for unfiltered honesty with God? Let’s look at Job 10.
How did Job complain bitterly to God about his suffering? Can life’s last great lesson, old age, bring similar questions in the midst of pain and loneliness?
I am sick of life! And from my deep despair, I complain to you, my God. Don't just condemn me! Point out my sin. Why do you take such delight in destroying those you created and in smiling on sinners? (Job 10:1-3 CEV)
Does Job proclaim his helplessness to avoid God’s might, yet still claim his innocence?
Have you eyes of flesh? Do you see as man sees? Are your days as the days of man, or your years as a man's years, that you seek out my iniquity and search for my sin, although you know that I am not guilty, and there is none to deliver out of your hand? (Job 10:4-7 ESV)
Did Job believe that his Maker was directly responsible for his suffering?
Your hands shaped me and formed me. Will You now turn and destroy me? Please remember that You formed me like clay. Will You now return me to dust? Did You not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese? You clothed me with skin and flesh, and wove me together with bones and tendons. You gave me life and faithful love, and Your care has guarded my life. (Job 10:8-12 HCSB)
Did Job lament God who only seems to hunt for his sins like lions?
But you’ve hidden these things in your heart—I know this was your purpose: If I sin, you watch me and won’t acquit me for my iniquity. “‘Woe to me if I’m guilty! If I’m innocent, I cannot lift my head, because I am filled with disgrace. Look at my affliction! But if I do lift up my head, you will hunt me like a lion! You will perform miracles in order to fight against me. “‘You have brought new witnesses against me, you’re even more angry with me—you’ve brought fresh troops to attack me! (Job 10:13-17 ISV)
Does Job lament being born, wishing he’d died at birth, only desiring a little comfort before the darkness of the grave?
Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me! I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave. Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness. (Job 10:18-22 KJV)
Though Jesus never once commands Sabbath observance, does He command us to find true rest in Him?
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 LSB)
Is prayer always just formulaic, or is there room for unfiltered honesty with God? You decide!
How did Job complain bitterly to God about his suffering? Can life’s last great lesson, old age, bring similar questions in the midst of pain and loneliness?
I am sick of life! And from my deep despair, I complain to you, my God. Don't just condemn me! Point out my sin. Why do you take such delight in destroying those you created and in smiling on sinners? (Job 10:1-3 CEV)
Does Job proclaim his helplessness to avoid God’s might, yet still claim his innocence?
Have you eyes of flesh? Do you see as man sees? Are your days as the days of man, or your years as a man's years, that you seek out my iniquity and search for my sin, although you know that I am not guilty, and there is none to deliver out of your hand? (Job 10:4-7 ESV)
Did Job believe that his Maker was directly responsible for his suffering?
Your hands shaped me and formed me. Will You now turn and destroy me? Please remember that You formed me like clay. Will You now return me to dust? Did You not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese? You clothed me with skin and flesh, and wove me together with bones and tendons. You gave me life and faithful love, and Your care has guarded my life. (Job 10:8-12 HCSB)
Did Job lament God who only seems to hunt for his sins like lions?
But you’ve hidden these things in your heart—I know this was your purpose: If I sin, you watch me and won’t acquit me for my iniquity. “‘Woe to me if I’m guilty! If I’m innocent, I cannot lift my head, because I am filled with disgrace. Look at my affliction! But if I do lift up my head, you will hunt me like a lion! You will perform miracles in order to fight against me. “‘You have brought new witnesses against me, you’re even more angry with me—you’ve brought fresh troops to attack me! (Job 10:13-17 ISV)
Does Job lament being born, wishing he’d died at birth, only desiring a little comfort before the darkness of the grave?
Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me! I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave. Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little, Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness. (Job 10:18-22 KJV)
Though Jesus never once commands Sabbath observance, does He command us to find true rest in Him?
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 LSB)
Is prayer always just formulaic, or is there room for unfiltered honesty with God? You decide!
Mediator Wanted (Job 9)
Did Job seek a mediator between himself and God? Is there one? Let’s begin in Job 9.
Can any of us claim sinless perfection before a perfect God?
This was Job’s response: “Indeed, I’m fully aware that this is so, but how can a person become right with God? If one were to seek to argue with him, he won’t be able to answer him even once in a thousand times. He is wise in heart and strong in will—who can be stubborn against him and succeed? (Job 9:1-4 ISV)
How great is God who made mountains, the sun and constellations of stars?
Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger. Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble. Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars. Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea. Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south. Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. (Job 9:5-10 KJV)
Can any of us truly see what God is doing and challenge Him with questions?
Were He to sweep by me, I would not see Him; Were He to move past me, I would not perceive Him. Were He to snatch away, who could turn Him back? Who could say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’ (Job 9:11-12 LSB)
Believing that he is guiltless, does Job begin to show doubt about God’s justice?
God will not turn back His anger; Beneath Him the helpers of Rahab cower. How then can I answer Him, And choose my words before Him? For though I were right, I could not answer; I would have to implore the mercy of my Judge. If I called and He answered me, I could not believe that He was listening to my voice. For He bruises me with a storm And multiplies my wounds without cause. He will not allow me to get my breath, But He saturates me with bitterness. If it is a matter of power, behold, He is the strong one! And if it is a matter of justice, who can summon Him? Though I am righteous, my mouth will condemn me; Though I am guiltless, He will declare me guilty. I am guiltless; I do not take notice of myself; I reject my life. It is all one; therefore I say, ‘He destroys the guiltless and the wicked.’ If the whip kills suddenly, He mocks the despair of the innocent. The earth is handed over to the wicked; He covers the faces of its judges. If it is not He, then who is it? (Job 9:13-24 NASB)
Did Job believe that God had already found him guilty? Did he believe that even if he washed, God would plunge him into the slime of guilt?
My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy. They skim past like boats of papyrus, like eagles swooping down on their prey. If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’ I still dread all my sufferings, for I know you will not hold me innocent. Since I am already found guilty, why should I struggle in vain? Even if I washed myself with soap and my hands with cleansing powder, you would plunge me into a slime pit so that even my clothes would detest me. (Job 9:25-31 NIV)
Did Job realize that he was powerless against God’s judgment?
For He is not a man, as I am, That I may answer Him, And that we should go to court together. Nor is there any mediator between us, Who may lay his hand on us both. Let Him take His rod away from me, And do not let dread of Him terrify me. Then I would speak and not fear Him, But it is not so with me. (Job 9:32-35 NKJV)
While Job was looking for a mediator between God and himself, is there one?
For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 2:5 NLT)
Even though the most righteous among us, like Job, have sinned, can we be justified before God?
All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, but all are treated as righteous [justified] freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Christ Jesus. (Rom 3:23-24 CEB)
Did Job seek a mediator between himself and God? Is there one? You decide!
Can any of us claim sinless perfection before a perfect God?
This was Job’s response: “Indeed, I’m fully aware that this is so, but how can a person become right with God? If one were to seek to argue with him, he won’t be able to answer him even once in a thousand times. He is wise in heart and strong in will—who can be stubborn against him and succeed? (Job 9:1-4 ISV)
How great is God who made mountains, the sun and constellations of stars?
Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger. Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble. Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars. Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea. Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south. Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. (Job 9:5-10 KJV)
Can any of us truly see what God is doing and challenge Him with questions?
Were He to sweep by me, I would not see Him; Were He to move past me, I would not perceive Him. Were He to snatch away, who could turn Him back? Who could say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’ (Job 9:11-12 LSB)
Believing that he is guiltless, does Job begin to show doubt about God’s justice?
God will not turn back His anger; Beneath Him the helpers of Rahab cower. How then can I answer Him, And choose my words before Him? For though I were right, I could not answer; I would have to implore the mercy of my Judge. If I called and He answered me, I could not believe that He was listening to my voice. For He bruises me with a storm And multiplies my wounds without cause. He will not allow me to get my breath, But He saturates me with bitterness. If it is a matter of power, behold, He is the strong one! And if it is a matter of justice, who can summon Him? Though I am righteous, my mouth will condemn me; Though I am guiltless, He will declare me guilty. I am guiltless; I do not take notice of myself; I reject my life. It is all one; therefore I say, ‘He destroys the guiltless and the wicked.’ If the whip kills suddenly, He mocks the despair of the innocent. The earth is handed over to the wicked; He covers the faces of its judges. If it is not He, then who is it? (Job 9:13-24 NASB)
Did Job believe that God had already found him guilty? Did he believe that even if he washed, God would plunge him into the slime of guilt?
My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away without a glimpse of joy. They skim past like boats of papyrus, like eagles swooping down on their prey. If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’ I still dread all my sufferings, for I know you will not hold me innocent. Since I am already found guilty, why should I struggle in vain? Even if I washed myself with soap and my hands with cleansing powder, you would plunge me into a slime pit so that even my clothes would detest me. (Job 9:25-31 NIV)
Did Job realize that he was powerless against God’s judgment?
For He is not a man, as I am, That I may answer Him, And that we should go to court together. Nor is there any mediator between us, Who may lay his hand on us both. Let Him take His rod away from me, And do not let dread of Him terrify me. Then I would speak and not fear Him, But it is not so with me. (Job 9:32-35 NKJV)
While Job was looking for a mediator between God and himself, is there one?
For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. (1 Tim 2:5 NLT)
Even though the most righteous among us, like Job, have sinned, can we be justified before God?
All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, but all are treated as righteous [justified] freely by his grace because of a ransom that was paid by Christ Jesus. (Rom 3:23-24 CEB)
Did Job seek a mediator between himself and God? Is there one? You decide!
Bildad's Opinion (Job 8)
Is the health and wealth “gospel” an ancient lie? Let’s look at Job 8.
Did Bildad claim that prosperity comes from living pure and upright, while suffering only comes because we sinned?
Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said: “How long will you speak these things, And the words of your mouth be like a strong wind? Does God subvert judgment? Or does the Almighty pervert justice? If your sons have sinned against Him, He has cast them away for their transgression. If you would earnestly seek God And make your supplication to the Almighty, If you were pure and upright, Surely now He would awake for you, And prosper your rightful dwelling place. Though your beginning was small, Yet your latter end would increase abundantly. (Job 8:1-7 NKJV)
How ancient is the philosophy that we only suffer because of our own sins?
Just ask the previous generation. Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors. For we were born but yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow. But those who came before us will teach you. They will teach you the wisdom of old. (Job 8:8-10 NLT)
Rather than comfort the suffering Job, does Bildad argue again for cause and effect, that Job must have forgotten God?
Can the papyrus grow up without mire? Can the rushes grow without water? While it is yet in its greenness, not cut down, it withers before any other reed. So are the paths of all who forget God. The hope of the godless man will perish, whose confidence will break apart, whose trust is a spider’s web. He will lean on his house, but it will not stand. He will cling to it, but it will not endure. He is green before the sun. His shoots go out along his garden. His roots are wrapped around the rock pile. He sees the place of stones. If he is destroyed from his place, then it will deny him, saying, ‘I have not seen you.’ Behold, this is the joy of his way. Out of the earth, others will spring. (Job 8: 11-19 WEB)
Is Bildad’s philosophy correct in the long term, but wrong in the short term? Will the wicked often have a strong hand for a time, while the righteous may suffer temporarily?
Surely God won’t reject integrity, won’t strengthen the hand of the wicked. He will still fill your mouth with joy, your lips with a victorious shout. Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will vanish. (Job 8:20-22 CEB)
From the perspective of eternity, what is the cause and effect?
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23 ESV)
Can we suffer for following Jesus, even up to martyrdom? What could possibly be some of the reasons for this?
Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Mat 10:28 HCSB)
Is the health and wealth “gospel” an ancient lie? You decide!
Did Bildad claim that prosperity comes from living pure and upright, while suffering only comes because we sinned?
Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said: “How long will you speak these things, And the words of your mouth be like a strong wind? Does God subvert judgment? Or does the Almighty pervert justice? If your sons have sinned against Him, He has cast them away for their transgression. If you would earnestly seek God And make your supplication to the Almighty, If you were pure and upright, Surely now He would awake for you, And prosper your rightful dwelling place. Though your beginning was small, Yet your latter end would increase abundantly. (Job 8:1-7 NKJV)
How ancient is the philosophy that we only suffer because of our own sins?
Just ask the previous generation. Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors. For we were born but yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow. But those who came before us will teach you. They will teach you the wisdom of old. (Job 8:8-10 NLT)
Rather than comfort the suffering Job, does Bildad argue again for cause and effect, that Job must have forgotten God?
Can the papyrus grow up without mire? Can the rushes grow without water? While it is yet in its greenness, not cut down, it withers before any other reed. So are the paths of all who forget God. The hope of the godless man will perish, whose confidence will break apart, whose trust is a spider’s web. He will lean on his house, but it will not stand. He will cling to it, but it will not endure. He is green before the sun. His shoots go out along his garden. His roots are wrapped around the rock pile. He sees the place of stones. If he is destroyed from his place, then it will deny him, saying, ‘I have not seen you.’ Behold, this is the joy of his way. Out of the earth, others will spring. (Job 8: 11-19 WEB)
Is Bildad’s philosophy correct in the long term, but wrong in the short term? Will the wicked often have a strong hand for a time, while the righteous may suffer temporarily?
Surely God won’t reject integrity, won’t strengthen the hand of the wicked. He will still fill your mouth with joy, your lips with a victorious shout. Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will vanish. (Job 8:20-22 CEB)
From the perspective of eternity, what is the cause and effect?
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23 ESV)
Can we suffer for following Jesus, even up to martyrdom? What could possibly be some of the reasons for this?
Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Mat 10:28 HCSB)
Is the health and wealth “gospel” an ancient lie? You decide!
Hopelessness (Job 7)
Without hope is life purposeless? Do we mourn with the suffering or ignore them? Let’s begin in Job 7.
How does Job describe the days of his suffering to his friends?
Men have harsh servitude on earth, do they not? His days are like those of a hired laborer, are they not? I’m like a servant who longs for the shade, like a hired laborer who is looking for his wages. Truly I’ve been allotted months of emptiness; nights of trouble have been appointed for me. When I lie down I ask, ‘When will I wake up?’ But the night continues and I keep tossing and turning until dawn. My skin is covered with worms and clods of dirt; my skin becomes rough and then breaks out afresh. (Job 7:1-5 ISV)
Does life sometimes seem to vanish fast and purposeless, like a weaver’s shuttle without thread, without hope?
My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope. O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good. The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: thine eyes are upon me, and I am not. As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more. He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more. (Job 7:6-10 KJV)
Do we allow those in distress to speak or guard against even hearing them?
Indeed I will not hold back my mouth; I will speak in the distress of my spirit; I will muse on the bitterness of my soul. Am I the sea or the sea monster, That You set a guard over me? If I say, ‘My bed will comfort me; My couch will ease my bitter musing,’ Then You frighten me with dreams And terrify me by visions, So that my soul would choose suffocation, Death rather than my pains. I have rejected everything; I will not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath. (Job 7:11-16 LSB)
Does Job pray honestly and bluntly to God about his despair?
What is man that You exalt him, And that You are concerned about him, That You examine him every morning And put him to the test every moment? Will You never turn Your gaze away from me, Nor leave me alone until I swallow my spittle? Have I sinned? What have I done to You, Watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, So that I am a burden to myself [You]? Why then do You not forgive my wrongdoing And take away my guilt? For now I will lie down in the dust; And You will search for me, but I will no longer exist.” (Job 7:17-21 NASB)
Does Paul encourage us to accuse those who mourn or mourn with them?
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Rom 12:15 NIV)
Without hope is life purposeless? Do we mourn with the suffering or ignore them? You decide!
How does Job describe the days of his suffering to his friends?
Men have harsh servitude on earth, do they not? His days are like those of a hired laborer, are they not? I’m like a servant who longs for the shade, like a hired laborer who is looking for his wages. Truly I’ve been allotted months of emptiness; nights of trouble have been appointed for me. When I lie down I ask, ‘When will I wake up?’ But the night continues and I keep tossing and turning until dawn. My skin is covered with worms and clods of dirt; my skin becomes rough and then breaks out afresh. (Job 7:1-5 ISV)
Does life sometimes seem to vanish fast and purposeless, like a weaver’s shuttle without thread, without hope?
My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope. O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good. The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: thine eyes are upon me, and I am not. As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more. He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more. (Job 7:6-10 KJV)
Do we allow those in distress to speak or guard against even hearing them?
Indeed I will not hold back my mouth; I will speak in the distress of my spirit; I will muse on the bitterness of my soul. Am I the sea or the sea monster, That You set a guard over me? If I say, ‘My bed will comfort me; My couch will ease my bitter musing,’ Then You frighten me with dreams And terrify me by visions, So that my soul would choose suffocation, Death rather than my pains. I have rejected everything; I will not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath. (Job 7:11-16 LSB)
Does Job pray honestly and bluntly to God about his despair?
What is man that You exalt him, And that You are concerned about him, That You examine him every morning And put him to the test every moment? Will You never turn Your gaze away from me, Nor leave me alone until I swallow my spittle? Have I sinned? What have I done to You, Watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, So that I am a burden to myself [You]? Why then do You not forgive my wrongdoing And take away my guilt? For now I will lie down in the dust; And You will search for me, but I will no longer exist.” (Job 7:17-21 NASB)
Does Paul encourage us to accuse those who mourn or mourn with them?
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Rom 12:15 NIV)
Without hope is life purposeless? Do we mourn with the suffering or ignore them? You decide!
A Defense (Job 6)
How should we defend our faith, respond to criticism and false accusations? Let’s begin in Job 6.
Did Eliphaz’s tasteless words just make Job’s calamity heavier? Though he didn’t yet understand why, did Job realize that God ultimately had allowed his suffering?
Then Job answered, “Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore my words have been rash. For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me. Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder? Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg? My soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me. (Job 6:1-7 WEB)
Do people sometimes find death a greater relief than continued suffering?
Oh, that what I’ve requested would come and God grant my hope; that God be willing to crush me, release his hand and cut me off. I’d still take comfort, relieved even though in persistent pain; for I’ve not denied the words of the holy one. What is my strength, that I should hope; my end, that my life should drag on? Is my strength that of rocks, my flesh bronze? I don’t have a helper for myself; success has been taken from me. (Job 6:8-13 CEB)
Do true friends show kindness even to those who have fallen from faith? Were they instead like dried up streams to a thirsty man?
My friends, I am desperate, and you should help me, even if I no longer respect God All-Powerful. But you are treacherous like streams that swell with melting snow, then suddenly disappear in the summer heat. I am like a caravan, lost in the desert while searching for water. Caravans from Tema and Sheba thought they would find water. But they were disappointed, just as I am with you. Only one look at my suffering, and you run away scared. (Job 6:14-21 CEV)
Accused of sin, did Job ask his friends to look him in the eye and name his supposed sins?
Have I said, ‘Make me a gift’? Or, ‘From your wealth offer a bribe for me’? Or, ‘Deliver me from the adversary's hand’? Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the ruthless’? Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray. How forceful are upright words! But what does reproof from you reprove? Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind? You would even cast lots over the fatherless, and bargain over your friend. But now, be pleased to look at me, for I will not lie to your face. Please turn; let no injustice be done. Turn now; my vindication is at stake. Is there any injustice on my tongue? Cannot my palate discern the cause of calamity? (Job 6:22-30 ESV)
How does Peter advise us to defend ourselves and our faith?
Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (1 Pet 3:15b-17 HCSB)
How should we defend our faith, respond to criticism and false accusations? You decide!
Did Eliphaz’s tasteless words just make Job’s calamity heavier? Though he didn’t yet understand why, did Job realize that God ultimately had allowed his suffering?
Then Job answered, “Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore my words have been rash. For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me. Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder? Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg? My soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me. (Job 6:1-7 WEB)
Do people sometimes find death a greater relief than continued suffering?
Oh, that what I’ve requested would come and God grant my hope; that God be willing to crush me, release his hand and cut me off. I’d still take comfort, relieved even though in persistent pain; for I’ve not denied the words of the holy one. What is my strength, that I should hope; my end, that my life should drag on? Is my strength that of rocks, my flesh bronze? I don’t have a helper for myself; success has been taken from me. (Job 6:8-13 CEB)
Do true friends show kindness even to those who have fallen from faith? Were they instead like dried up streams to a thirsty man?
My friends, I am desperate, and you should help me, even if I no longer respect God All-Powerful. But you are treacherous like streams that swell with melting snow, then suddenly disappear in the summer heat. I am like a caravan, lost in the desert while searching for water. Caravans from Tema and Sheba thought they would find water. But they were disappointed, just as I am with you. Only one look at my suffering, and you run away scared. (Job 6:14-21 CEV)
Accused of sin, did Job ask his friends to look him in the eye and name his supposed sins?
Have I said, ‘Make me a gift’? Or, ‘From your wealth offer a bribe for me’? Or, ‘Deliver me from the adversary's hand’? Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the ruthless’? Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray. How forceful are upright words! But what does reproof from you reprove? Do you think that you can reprove words, when the speech of a despairing man is wind? You would even cast lots over the fatherless, and bargain over your friend. But now, be pleased to look at me, for I will not lie to your face. Please turn; let no injustice be done. Turn now; my vindication is at stake. Is there any injustice on my tongue? Cannot my palate discern the cause of calamity? (Job 6:22-30 ESV)
How does Peter advise us to defend ourselves and our faith?
Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. However, do this with gentleness and respect, keeping your conscience clear, so that when you are accused, those who denounce your Christian life will be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. (1 Pet 3:15b-17 HCSB)
How should we defend our faith, respond to criticism and false accusations? You decide!
Accusing the Suffering (Job 5)
Do we treat suffering like Eliphaz, with accusations, or do we seek to help? Let’s begin in Job 5.
Do people assume that our own foolishness causes our suffering? Was Eliphaz implying that the sins of Job’s children caused their deaths?
Call now, is there anyone who will answer you? And to which of the holy ones will you turn? For irritation kills the fool, And jealousy brings death to the simple. I have seen the fool taking root, And I cursed his home immediately. His sons are far from safety, They are also oppressed at the gate, And there is no one to save them. The hungry devour his harvest And take it to a place of thorns, And the schemer is eager for their wealth. For disaster does not come from the dust, Nor does trouble sprout from the ground, For man is born for trouble, As sparks fly upward. (Job 5:1-7 NASB)
Do Eliphaz’s words sound faithful to God, or is he using religion to play the accuser?
But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside. The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away. Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; at noon they grope as in the night. He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; he saves them from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth. (Job 5:8-16 NIV)
Does Eliphaz assume that God is correcting Job, that his suffering is chastening? Do we make such assumptions about the afflicted?
Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole. He shall deliver you in six troubles, Yes, in seven no evil shall touch you. In famine He shall redeem you from death, And in war from the power of the sword. You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, And you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes. You shall laugh at destruction and famine, And you shall not be afraid of the beasts of the earth. For you shall have a covenant with the stones of the field, And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. You shall know that your tent is in peace; You shall visit your dwelling and find nothing amiss. You shall also know that your descendants shall be many, And your offspring like the grass of the earth. You shall come to the grave at a full age, As a sheaf of grain ripens in its season. Behold, this we have searched out; It is true. Hear it, and know for yourself. (Job 5:17-27 NKJV)
Do we accuse the suffering like Eliphaz? Are predatory lending, job loss, declining wages, domestic abuse, poor education, fathers abandoning their families, and disability major causes of poverty? What will Jesus say to those who refuse to relieve suffering?
Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life. (Mat 25:44-46 NLT)
Do we treat suffering like Eliphaz, with accusations, or do we seek to help? You decide!
Do people assume that our own foolishness causes our suffering? Was Eliphaz implying that the sins of Job’s children caused their deaths?
Call now, is there anyone who will answer you? And to which of the holy ones will you turn? For irritation kills the fool, And jealousy brings death to the simple. I have seen the fool taking root, And I cursed his home immediately. His sons are far from safety, They are also oppressed at the gate, And there is no one to save them. The hungry devour his harvest And take it to a place of thorns, And the schemer is eager for their wealth. For disaster does not come from the dust, Nor does trouble sprout from the ground, For man is born for trouble, As sparks fly upward. (Job 5:1-7 NASB)
Do Eliphaz’s words sound faithful to God, or is he using religion to play the accuser?
But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside. The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away. Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; at noon they grope as in the night. He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; he saves them from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth. (Job 5:8-16 NIV)
Does Eliphaz assume that God is correcting Job, that his suffering is chastening? Do we make such assumptions about the afflicted?
Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole. He shall deliver you in six troubles, Yes, in seven no evil shall touch you. In famine He shall redeem you from death, And in war from the power of the sword. You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, And you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes. You shall laugh at destruction and famine, And you shall not be afraid of the beasts of the earth. For you shall have a covenant with the stones of the field, And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. You shall know that your tent is in peace; You shall visit your dwelling and find nothing amiss. You shall also know that your descendants shall be many, And your offspring like the grass of the earth. You shall come to the grave at a full age, As a sheaf of grain ripens in its season. Behold, this we have searched out; It is true. Hear it, and know for yourself. (Job 5:17-27 NKJV)
Do we accuse the suffering like Eliphaz? Are predatory lending, job loss, declining wages, domestic abuse, poor education, fathers abandoning their families, and disability major causes of poverty? What will Jesus say to those who refuse to relieve suffering?
Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life. (Mat 25:44-46 NLT)
Do we treat suffering like Eliphaz, with accusations, or do we seek to help? You decide!
Eliphaz's Opinion (Job 4)
How should we comfort others when they are suffering? Should we set aside judgment, because sin is not always the cause of distress? Let’s look at Job 4.
After a week of silence, showing sympathy, did Eliphaz begin criticizing Job for a lack of patience?
Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: “If one ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? Yet who can keep from speaking? Behold, you have instructed many, and you have strengthened the weak hands. Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have made firm the feeble knees. But now it has come to you, and you are impatient; it touches you, and you are dismayed. Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope? (Job 4:1-6 ESV)
Did Eliphaz conclude that Job could not be innocent, must have been dishonest, unjust, and created his own trouble? Does he assume a cause and effect that does not apply in this case?
Consider: who has perished when he was innocent? Where have the honest been destroyed? In my experience, those who plow injustice and those who sow trouble reap the same. They perish at a single blast from God and come to an end by the breath of His nostrils. The lion may roar and the fierce lion growl, but the fangs of young lions are broken. The strong lion dies if it catches no prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered. (Job 4:7-11 HCSB)
Did Eliphaz claim that he received a word in a dream?
“A message was confided to me; my ear caught a whisper of it. Disquieting thoughts from dreams at night; when deep sleep falls on everyone. A fear fell upon me, along with trembling that caused all my bones to shake in terror. A spirit glided past me and made the hair on my skin to bristle. It remained standing, but I couldn’t recognize its appearance. A form appeared before my eyes; At first there was silence, and then this voice: (Job 4:12-16 ISV)
Did Eliphaz seem to believe that Job was receiving justice for sin? Did he ironically miss the real cause, a fallen angel?
Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker? Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth? They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish for ever without any regarding it. Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom. (Job 4:17-21 KJV)
How should we speak to others who are suffering?
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Cor 1:3-4 LSB)
How should we comfort others when they are suffering? Should we set aside judgment because sin is not always the cause of distress? You decide!
After a week of silence, showing sympathy, did Eliphaz begin criticizing Job for a lack of patience?
Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: “If one ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? Yet who can keep from speaking? Behold, you have instructed many, and you have strengthened the weak hands. Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have made firm the feeble knees. But now it has come to you, and you are impatient; it touches you, and you are dismayed. Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope? (Job 4:1-6 ESV)
Did Eliphaz conclude that Job could not be innocent, must have been dishonest, unjust, and created his own trouble? Does he assume a cause and effect that does not apply in this case?
Consider: who has perished when he was innocent? Where have the honest been destroyed? In my experience, those who plow injustice and those who sow trouble reap the same. They perish at a single blast from God and come to an end by the breath of His nostrils. The lion may roar and the fierce lion growl, but the fangs of young lions are broken. The strong lion dies if it catches no prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered. (Job 4:7-11 HCSB)
Did Eliphaz claim that he received a word in a dream?
“A message was confided to me; my ear caught a whisper of it. Disquieting thoughts from dreams at night; when deep sleep falls on everyone. A fear fell upon me, along with trembling that caused all my bones to shake in terror. A spirit glided past me and made the hair on my skin to bristle. It remained standing, but I couldn’t recognize its appearance. A form appeared before my eyes; At first there was silence, and then this voice: (Job 4:12-16 ISV)
Did Eliphaz seem to believe that Job was receiving justice for sin? Did he ironically miss the real cause, a fallen angel?
Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker? Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth? They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish for ever without any regarding it. Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom. (Job 4:17-21 KJV)
How should we speak to others who are suffering?
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Cor 1:3-4 LSB)
How should we comfort others when they are suffering? Should we set aside judgment because sin is not always the cause of distress? You decide!
Job's Despair (Job 3)
How many people across the world are in such despair that death looks like a release? Do we have compassion for such suffering? Let’s begin in Job 3.
Though Job cursed the day of his birth, was he careful not to curse God?
At last Job spoke, and he cursed the day of his birth. He said: “Let the day of my birth be erased, and the night I was conceived. (Job 3:1-3 NLT)
Did the details of Job cursing the day of his birth reveal the depth of his despair?
Let that day be darkness. Don’t let God from above seek for it, neither let the light shine on it. Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it for their own. Let a cloud dwell on it. Let all that makes the day black terrify it. As for that night, let thick darkness seize on it. Let it not rejoice among the days of the year. Let it not come into the number of the months. Behold, let that night be barren. Let no joyful voice come therein. Let them curse it who curse the day, who are ready to rouse up leviathan [a large sea creature]. Let the stars of its twilight be dark. Let it look for light, but have none, neither let it see the eyelids of the morning, because it didn’t shut up the doors of my mother’s womb, nor did it hide trouble from my eyes. (Job 3:4-10 WEB)
Did Job continue to lament his birth in great detail? Do we have compassion on those who suffer greatly in this life?
Why didn’t I die at birth, come forth from the womb and die? Why did knees receive me and breasts let me nurse? For now I would be lying down quietly; I’d sleep; rest would be mine with kings and earth’s advisors, who rebuild ruins for themselves, or with princes who have gold, who fill their houses with silver. Or why wasn’t I like a buried miscarried infant, like babies who never see light? There the wicked rage no more; there the weak rest. Prisoners are entirely at ease; they don’t hear a boss’s voice. Both small and great are there; a servant is free from his masters. (Job 3:11-19 CEB)
Do we feel compassion for those who may see death as a release from their suffering? Are we tempted to ask what God is doing when we are in agony?
Why does God let me live when life is miserable and so bitter? I keep longing for death more than I would seek a valuable treasure. Nothing could make me happier than to be in the grave. Why do I go on living when God has me surrounded, and I can't see the road? Moaning and groaning are my food and drink, and my worst fears have all come true. I have no peace or rest—only troubles and worries. (Job 3:20-26 CEV)
Did Paul also suffer? What lessons did Paul learn in his suffering?
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Cor 4:8-9 CEV)
How many people across the world are in such despair that death looks like a release? Do we have compassion for such suffering? You decide!
Though Job cursed the day of his birth, was he careful not to curse God?
At last Job spoke, and he cursed the day of his birth. He said: “Let the day of my birth be erased, and the night I was conceived. (Job 3:1-3 NLT)
Did the details of Job cursing the day of his birth reveal the depth of his despair?
Let that day be darkness. Don’t let God from above seek for it, neither let the light shine on it. Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it for their own. Let a cloud dwell on it. Let all that makes the day black terrify it. As for that night, let thick darkness seize on it. Let it not rejoice among the days of the year. Let it not come into the number of the months. Behold, let that night be barren. Let no joyful voice come therein. Let them curse it who curse the day, who are ready to rouse up leviathan [a large sea creature]. Let the stars of its twilight be dark. Let it look for light, but have none, neither let it see the eyelids of the morning, because it didn’t shut up the doors of my mother’s womb, nor did it hide trouble from my eyes. (Job 3:4-10 WEB)
Did Job continue to lament his birth in great detail? Do we have compassion on those who suffer greatly in this life?
Why didn’t I die at birth, come forth from the womb and die? Why did knees receive me and breasts let me nurse? For now I would be lying down quietly; I’d sleep; rest would be mine with kings and earth’s advisors, who rebuild ruins for themselves, or with princes who have gold, who fill their houses with silver. Or why wasn’t I like a buried miscarried infant, like babies who never see light? There the wicked rage no more; there the weak rest. Prisoners are entirely at ease; they don’t hear a boss’s voice. Both small and great are there; a servant is free from his masters. (Job 3:11-19 CEB)
Do we feel compassion for those who may see death as a release from their suffering? Are we tempted to ask what God is doing when we are in agony?
Why does God let me live when life is miserable and so bitter? I keep longing for death more than I would seek a valuable treasure. Nothing could make me happier than to be in the grave. Why do I go on living when God has me surrounded, and I can't see the road? Moaning and groaning are my food and drink, and my worst fears have all come true. I have no peace or rest—only troubles and worries. (Job 3:20-26 CEV)
Did Paul also suffer? What lessons did Paul learn in his suffering?
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Cor 4:8-9 CEV)
How many people across the world are in such despair that death looks like a release? Do we have compassion for such suffering? You decide!
Job's Boils (Job 2)
Is suffering always a result of our own sins as some believe? Would God allow a righteous believer to endure misery or even martyrdom? Let’s look at Job 2.
What did God say to the devil about Job and his upright life?
Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord. And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. (Job 2:1-3 KJV)
How did the devil answer God’s description of Job’s life of integrity?
Satan answered Yahweh and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. However, send forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You in Your face.” So Yahweh said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, only spare his life.” Then Satan went out from the presence of Yahweh and struck Job with terrible boils from the sole of his foot to the top of his head. And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes. Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the wickedly foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept calamity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (Job 2:4-10 LSB)
Did Job have friends who could have been a great comfort to him?
Now when Job’s three friends heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, they came, each one from his own place—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him. When they looked from a distance and did not recognize him, they raised their voices and wept. And each of them tore his robe, and they threw dust over their heads toward the sky. Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great. (Job 2:11-13 NASB)
If we must share in suffering like Christ did, do we look forward to sharing His glory?
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. (Rom 8:17-19 NIV)
What did Jesus say about a man born blind when his disciples wanted to blame someone?
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. (John 9:3 NKJV)
Is suffering always a result of our own sins as some believe? Would God allow a righteous believer to endure misery or even martyrdom? You decide!
What did God say to the devil about Job and his upright life?
Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord. And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the Lord, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. (Job 2:1-3 KJV)
How did the devil answer God’s description of Job’s life of integrity?
Satan answered Yahweh and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. However, send forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You in Your face.” So Yahweh said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, only spare his life.” Then Satan went out from the presence of Yahweh and struck Job with terrible boils from the sole of his foot to the top of his head. And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes. Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the wickedly foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept calamity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (Job 2:4-10 LSB)
Did Job have friends who could have been a great comfort to him?
Now when Job’s three friends heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, they came, each one from his own place—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him. When they looked from a distance and did not recognize him, they raised their voices and wept. And each of them tore his robe, and they threw dust over their heads toward the sky. Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great. (Job 2:11-13 NASB)
If we must share in suffering like Christ did, do we look forward to sharing His glory?
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. (Rom 8:17-19 NIV)
What did Jesus say about a man born blind when his disciples wanted to blame someone?
Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. (John 9:3 NKJV)
Is suffering always a result of our own sins as some believe? Would God allow a righteous believer to endure misery or even martyrdom? You decide!
Job's Suffering (Job 1)
When we suffer, do we have the faith to praise God, trusting His wisdom, even though it may be beyond our understanding? Let’s begin to explore the human condition and the nature of faith in Job 1.
What kind of man was Job and how did he live his life?
A man in the land of Uz was named Job. That man was honest, a person of absolute integrity; he feared God and avoided evil. He had seven sons and three daughters, and owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred pairs of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a vast number of servants, so that he was greater than all the people of the east. Each of his sons hosted a feast in his own house on his birthday. They invited their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When the days of the feast had been completed, Job would send word and purify his children. Getting up early in the morning, he prepared entirely burned offerings for each one of them, for Job thought, Perhaps my children have sinned and then cursed God in their hearts. Job did this regularly. (Job 1:1-5 CEB)
How did the devil challenge God in regard to Job and what did God allow?
One day, when the angels had gathered around the Lord, and Satan was there with them, the Lord asked, “Satan, where have you been?” Satan replied, “I have been going all over the earth.” Then the Lord asked, “What do you think of my servant Job? No one on earth is like him—he is a truly good person, who respects me and refuses to do evil.” “Why shouldn't he respect you?” Satan remarked. “You are like a wall protecting not only him, but his entire family and all his property. You make him successful in whatever he does, and his flocks and herds are everywhere. Try taking away everything he owns, and he will curse you to your face.” The Lord replied, “All right, Satan, do what you want with anything that belongs to him, but don't harm Job.” Then Satan left. (Job 1:6-12 CEV)
What bad news came to Job in multiple devastating waves?
Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” (Job 1:13-19 ESV)
How did Job react to the bad news without sinning? How would we have reacted?
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of Yahweh. Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything. (Job 1:20-22 HCSB)
How hard is it to still trust God and be joyful when we are suffering?
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. (Jas 1:2-4 ISV)
When we suffer, do we have the faith to praise God, trusting His wisdom, even though it may be beyond our understanding? You decide!
What kind of man was Job and how did he live his life?
A man in the land of Uz was named Job. That man was honest, a person of absolute integrity; he feared God and avoided evil. He had seven sons and three daughters, and owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred pairs of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a vast number of servants, so that he was greater than all the people of the east. Each of his sons hosted a feast in his own house on his birthday. They invited their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When the days of the feast had been completed, Job would send word and purify his children. Getting up early in the morning, he prepared entirely burned offerings for each one of them, for Job thought, Perhaps my children have sinned and then cursed God in their hearts. Job did this regularly. (Job 1:1-5 CEB)
How did the devil challenge God in regard to Job and what did God allow?
One day, when the angels had gathered around the Lord, and Satan was there with them, the Lord asked, “Satan, where have you been?” Satan replied, “I have been going all over the earth.” Then the Lord asked, “What do you think of my servant Job? No one on earth is like him—he is a truly good person, who respects me and refuses to do evil.” “Why shouldn't he respect you?” Satan remarked. “You are like a wall protecting not only him, but his entire family and all his property. You make him successful in whatever he does, and his flocks and herds are everywhere. Try taking away everything he owns, and he will curse you to your face.” The Lord replied, “All right, Satan, do what you want with anything that belongs to him, but don't harm Job.” Then Satan left. (Job 1:6-12 CEV)
What bad news came to Job in multiple devastating waves?
Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and there came a messenger to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “The Chaldeans formed three groups and made a raid on the camels and took them and struck down the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother's house, and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” (Job 1:13-19 ESV)
How did Job react to the bad news without sinning? How would we have reacted?
Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of Yahweh. Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything. (Job 1:20-22 HCSB)
How hard is it to still trust God and be joyful when we are suffering?
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. (Jas 1:2-4 ISV)
When we suffer, do we have the faith to praise God, trusting His wisdom, even though it may be beyond our understanding? You decide!
Purim (Esther 9-10)
Does God protect those who are loyal to Him and carry them safely into His kingdom? Let’s begin in Esther 9 and 10.
Does evil produce the exact opposite of what wicked people expect?
Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent. (Est 9:1-4 NKJV)
Did the Jews also conquer their main enemy Haman and his sons?
So the Jews went ahead on the appointed day and struck down their enemies with the sword. They killed and annihilated their enemies and did as they pleased with those who hated them. In the fortress of Susa itself, the Jews killed 500 men. They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha— the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. But they did not take any plunder. (Est 9:5-10 NLT)
How many enemies were slain and what was Esther’s request?
On that day, the number of those who were slain in the citadel of Susa was brought before the king. The king said to Esther the queen, “The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa, including the ten sons of Haman; what then have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces! Now what is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your further request? It shall be done.” Then Esther said, “If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Susa to do tomorrow also according to today’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.” The king commanded this to be done. A decree was given out in Susa; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons. The Jews who were in Susa gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and killed three hundred men in Susa; but they didn’t lay their hand on the plunder. (Est 9:11-15 WEB)
How did the Jews deal with enemies throughout the provinces?
The Jews out in the royal provinces also joined together to defend their lives. They put to rest the troubles with their enemies and killed those who hated them. The total was seventy-five thousand dead, but the Jews didn’t lay a hand on anything their enemies owned. They acted on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar. Then on the fourteenth day they rested, making it a day of feasts and rejoicing. (The Jews in Susa joined together for self-defense on the thirteenth and fourteenth days of the month. But they rested on the fifteenth day of the month and made it a day of feasts and joyous events.) That is why Jews who live in villages make the fourteenth day of the month of Adar a day of rejoicing and feasts, a holiday. It is a day on which they send gifts of food to each other. (Est 9:16-19 CEB)
How did Purim get its name and what notable celebrations occur then?
Mordecai wrote these things down and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces, both near and far, of King Ahasuerus. He made it a rule that Jews keep the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as special days each and every year. They are the days on which the Jews finally put to rest the troubles with their enemies. The month is the one when everything turned around for them from sadness to joy, and from sad, loud crying to a holiday. They are to make them days of feasts and joyous events, days to send food gifts to each other and money gifts to the poor. The Jews agreed to continue what they had already begun to do—just what Mordecai had written to them. Indeed, Haman, Hammedatha the Agagite’s son, the enemy of all the Jews, had planned to destroy the Jews. He had servants throw pur (that is, the dice) to find the best month and day to trouble greatly and destroy them. (Esther 9:20-24 CEB)
What did Mordecai’s letter say? Is Purim still a celebration for the Jews?
Esther went to King Xerxes and asked him to save her people. Then the king gave written orders for Haman and his sons to be punished in the same terrible way that Haman had in mind for the Jews. So they were hanged. Mordecai's letter had said that the Jews must celebrate for two days because of what had happened to them. This time of celebration is called Purim, which is the Hebrew word for the lots that were cast. Now every year the Jews set aside these two days for having parties and celebrating, just as they were told to do. From now on, all Jewish families must remember to celebrate Purim on these two days each year. (Est 9:25-28 CEV)
Did Esther also write a letter about Purim to all the provinces of Persia?
Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew gave full written authority, confirming this second letter about Purim. Letters were sent to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, in words of peace and truth, that these days of Purim should be observed at their appointed seasons, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther obligated them, and as they had obligated themselves and their offspring, with regard to their fasts and their lamenting. The command of Esther confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing. (Est 9:29-32 ESV)
How did God bless Mordecai’s legacy and position in Persia?
King Ahasuerus imposed a tax throughout the land even to the farthest shores. All of his powerful and magnificent accomplishments and the detailed account of Mordecai’s great rank to which the king had honored him, have they not been written in the Historical Records of the Kings of Media and Persia? Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, famous among the Jews, and highly popular with many of his relatives. He continued to seek good for his people and to speak for the welfare of all his descendants. (Est 10:1-3 HCSB)
Did Paul worry whether God provides protection from the ultimate disaster?
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will take me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory belongs to him forever and ever! Amen. (2 Tim 4:18 ISV)
Does God protect those who are loyal to Him and carry them safely into His kingdom? You decide!
Does evil produce the exact opposite of what wicked people expect?
Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king’s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. For Mordecai was great in the king’s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent. (Est 9:1-4 NKJV)
Did the Jews also conquer their main enemy Haman and his sons?
So the Jews went ahead on the appointed day and struck down their enemies with the sword. They killed and annihilated their enemies and did as they pleased with those who hated them. In the fortress of Susa itself, the Jews killed 500 men. They also killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha— the ten sons of Haman son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews. But they did not take any plunder. (Est 9:5-10 NLT)
How many enemies were slain and what was Esther’s request?
On that day, the number of those who were slain in the citadel of Susa was brought before the king. The king said to Esther the queen, “The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa, including the ten sons of Haman; what then have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces! Now what is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your further request? It shall be done.” Then Esther said, “If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Susa to do tomorrow also according to today’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.” The king commanded this to be done. A decree was given out in Susa; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons. The Jews who were in Susa gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and killed three hundred men in Susa; but they didn’t lay their hand on the plunder. (Est 9:11-15 WEB)
How did the Jews deal with enemies throughout the provinces?
The Jews out in the royal provinces also joined together to defend their lives. They put to rest the troubles with their enemies and killed those who hated them. The total was seventy-five thousand dead, but the Jews didn’t lay a hand on anything their enemies owned. They acted on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar. Then on the fourteenth day they rested, making it a day of feasts and rejoicing. (The Jews in Susa joined together for self-defense on the thirteenth and fourteenth days of the month. But they rested on the fifteenth day of the month and made it a day of feasts and joyous events.) That is why Jews who live in villages make the fourteenth day of the month of Adar a day of rejoicing and feasts, a holiday. It is a day on which they send gifts of food to each other. (Est 9:16-19 CEB)
How did Purim get its name and what notable celebrations occur then?
Mordecai wrote these things down and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces, both near and far, of King Ahasuerus. He made it a rule that Jews keep the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as special days each and every year. They are the days on which the Jews finally put to rest the troubles with their enemies. The month is the one when everything turned around for them from sadness to joy, and from sad, loud crying to a holiday. They are to make them days of feasts and joyous events, days to send food gifts to each other and money gifts to the poor. The Jews agreed to continue what they had already begun to do—just what Mordecai had written to them. Indeed, Haman, Hammedatha the Agagite’s son, the enemy of all the Jews, had planned to destroy the Jews. He had servants throw pur (that is, the dice) to find the best month and day to trouble greatly and destroy them. (Esther 9:20-24 CEB)
What did Mordecai’s letter say? Is Purim still a celebration for the Jews?
Esther went to King Xerxes and asked him to save her people. Then the king gave written orders for Haman and his sons to be punished in the same terrible way that Haman had in mind for the Jews. So they were hanged. Mordecai's letter had said that the Jews must celebrate for two days because of what had happened to them. This time of celebration is called Purim, which is the Hebrew word for the lots that were cast. Now every year the Jews set aside these two days for having parties and celebrating, just as they were told to do. From now on, all Jewish families must remember to celebrate Purim on these two days each year. (Est 9:25-28 CEV)
Did Esther also write a letter about Purim to all the provinces of Persia?
Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew gave full written authority, confirming this second letter about Purim. Letters were sent to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, in words of peace and truth, that these days of Purim should be observed at their appointed seasons, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther obligated them, and as they had obligated themselves and their offspring, with regard to their fasts and their lamenting. The command of Esther confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing. (Est 9:29-32 ESV)
How did God bless Mordecai’s legacy and position in Persia?
King Ahasuerus imposed a tax throughout the land even to the farthest shores. All of his powerful and magnificent accomplishments and the detailed account of Mordecai’s great rank to which the king had honored him, have they not been written in the Historical Records of the Kings of Media and Persia? Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, famous among the Jews, and highly popular with many of his relatives. He continued to seek good for his people and to speak for the welfare of all his descendants. (Est 10:1-3 HCSB)
Did Paul worry whether God provides protection from the ultimate disaster?
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will take me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory belongs to him forever and ever! Amen. (2 Tim 4:18 ISV)
Does God protect those who are loyal to Him and carry them safely into His kingdom? You decide!
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