Notes From The Book Of Job
1. Sympathy For Those Who Suffer
I am reading the book of Job. I have to admit that sometimes I read over the words and I don't always get the full meaning. This time, as I read I am taking time to meditate on what I read and take notes for a better understanding. In writing down some of the words of Job, and the cruel accusations of his friends, I have a deeper sympathy for Job. He endured the hardship of losing all his wealth, his children, and his health. He received no empathy or encouragement from his wife, and his friends who came to comfort him told him he was being punished for his wickedness. Job was cast down and hurting. He sought for someone to reach out to God on his behalf. "O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!" (Job 16:21) I am so thankful that Jesus came to bridge the gap between God and man. I know so many who are hurting. Maybe you have lost your wealth and you feel poor and needy. It could be that you have lost your health and you can't find relief from your suffering. Or, you may be lonely from the loss of a loved one. I want to share some of the notes I have been taking from the book of Job and maybe we can learn from his pain and suffering, and receive encouragement from the Word of God. I am not a Bible scholar, but God is able to give us understanding when we read and seek wisdom from His Word.
2. Introduction Into The Book Of Job
Many believe that Job is the oldest book of the Bible because there is no reference to the patriarchs like Abraham and Isaac, and there is no mention of Moses or the law. Job did offer up burnt offerings to God, but we know that Abel did, too. It must have been after the time of Noah because several of the verses mention rain, and it had not rained before the flood. The book opens with a description of Job.
"1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east." (Job 1:1-3)
We see that he had great wealth, but most of all he feared God and hated evil. He is described as "perfect and upright", and we know that no man was perfect, except for Jesus the Son of God, but he was complete in his integrity and moral uprightness. In the next verses we see that Job loved his children and gave offerings to God continually for them.
"4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually."
The book of Job raised the question that is still asked by many today, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"
3. The Scene In Heaven
Our opening scene, after the introduction, takes place in heaven. "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." (Job 1:6-7) We are all accountable to God. Each and every one of us will one day bow on our knees, as we present ourselves before the Lord. "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11) This is our main point today, we are all accountable to God, and God is the righteous Judge. If we don't have the remission of our sin by the righteousness of Christ, we will be condemned in our sins. I see the boldness of men and women today who speak out against God, and my heart breaks because I know that one day they will see our Almighty God in His Awesome power and their pride will be broken as they are condemned. Bow to God now, and find mercy and grace at His feet.
The next truth we find in these verses is that Satan is "going to and fro in the earth" and "walking up and down in it." Peter warns us that he is still walking about, "seeking whom he may devour." "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (I Peter 5:8) And if he was bold enough to tempt Jesus, we can be sure that he will tempt us. "And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Luke 4:8)
4. We Don't Have All The Answers
Some people say that they don't read the Bible because they can't understand it. When I am reading I often come to scriptures that I don't understand. Sometimes my questions are answered by other scriptures, and sometimes I search to find answers, but sometimes I just have to be content without an answer. When I read Job 1:6, I ask the question, "Who were the sons of God?" "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them." (Job 1:6) This is not referring to the saved Christians who are called the sons of God in the New Testament. ("Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." I John 3:1) I say this because when God answered Job, He mentions the "sons of God" who shouted for joy when the foundations of the earth were laid.
"4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7)
Whoever these created beings were, they were present in heaven with God during creation, and they also had to present themselves to God. We don't know and understand everything there is in the Bible. But, don't let that keep you from reading God's Word. Ask the Lord for wisdom and He will open your eyes to see His Word. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5) "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." (Psalm 119:18)
5. Questions In The Bible
Our next verses open with questions. First, a question from the Lord. "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?" (Job 1:8) I don't know what Satan had to give an account of when he appeared before God, but maybe he was telling all the bad that some of his followers were doing. He may have said things like... "Well, oh "so-in-so", that claims to know you, God, well he kept those sheep he found, instead of returning them to his neighbor." We are like that sometimes. We want to tell the bad that we see in others. We don't know what Satan had to report to God in his "going to and fro in the earth." But, I believe that he was reporting all the bad that people were doing. So, God brought up the best man on earth. Job was a complete constrast to those who pretended to serve the Lord. That brings us to our next questions.
"9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face." (Job 1:9-11)
He was implying that Job only served God for the good he got from Him. God did have a hedge of protection around Job, and God had blessed him. But God also knew the true character of Job. "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD." (Job 1:12) There are a few people in the Bible whom God complimented. I wonder what God says of us. We should strive to serve the Lord and live for Him so that He would say of us, "...Well done, thou good and faithful servant: .... enter thou into the joy of thy lord." (Matthew 25:21)
6. What Did Job Lose?
We often say that Job lost his wealth, but today I want to look at the significance of all that he lost. Let's begin with Job 1:14-15. "And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee." Now, we turn to verse 3 to see that Job had "five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses." A yoke of oxen is two animals on one yoke, with one servant holding the plow. This means that Job lost 1,000 oxen that were plowing, along with the 500 servants, minus the one who escaped to tell Job. I was told when I was younger that an acre is the amount of land a yoke of oxen could plow in one day. So, if Job only had the land for them to plow for one day it would have amounted to 500 acres. I believe that the 500 donkeys were feeding beside them so that the servants would have transportation to and from the fields. I doubt they could have walked the 500 acres, and then plowed all day. Job now had no servants or animals to plant the fields, so that loss spanned into the future, taking the food from their mouths.
Let's move on to verse 16, "While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee", and verse 3, "His substance also was seven thousand sheep..." The sheep would have provided wool, meat, milk, and sacrifices for his worship. I don't know how many sheep one shepherd could watch, but in His parable of the lost sheep, Jesus said the shepherd had 100 sheep before he lost one. The shepherds may have been able to watch more sheep than that, but even so, there would have been many servants that lost their lives with 7,000 sheep. If you have had pets for any length of time you know how heartbreaking it can be to lose one. It would have been hard to lose all 7,000 sheep at one time.
Now, verse 17. "While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee." How many camels did Job have? Again, we look to verse 3 to see that Job had "three thousand camels." I believe that the camels were like a modern day trucking line. They moved in caravans to distant places to buy, sell, or trade goods. And just as before, Job lost all the servants with the camels, but one. This would have depleted Job's ability to get the supplies that he needed, which he could not raise in his land. All of this was a great devastation for Job. He lost all this in just a matter of minutes, but the worst was yet to come.
"While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee." (Job 1:18-19) Job's children were all together in the same house when it fell and killed them all. And like before, only one servant was left to give Job the message. I cannot imagine the pain and heartache Job was going through.
7. Job's Response
We ended our devotions yesterday just as Job received messages that he had lost all his animals and the servants who worked with them. Then, he was told that all his children had died when the house fell that they were in. His response is amazing! It makes me ashamed that I complain and get discouraged when little troubles come my way. I am just going to leave these verses with you today...
"20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." (Job 1:20-22)
8. Things Got Worse
Sometimes we are prone to say that things couldn't get any worse, but be careful, things could always be worse. Things get worse for Job in chapter 2 and continues for many more chapters as his friends "kick him when he's down." Once God removed the hedge from Job, and gave Satan permission, he had power to bring down fire from above. He had power over the wind and blew down the house. He even used Sabeans and Chaldeans against Job. In chapter 2 Satan "smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown." In Ephesians 2:2 Paul calls him, "the prince of the power of the air".
"4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:4-10)
We are God's workmanship and He has all power. Satan can only do what God allows. And there are times when we don't understand what is going on in our lives, but just keep your faith in Jesus and keep trusting Him. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
"1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
6 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
8 And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes." (Ephesians 2:1-8)
9. Job's Wife
Now that Satan has attacked Job by taking his possessions, his children and his health, he moves on to attack Job through his closest friends. Our next verse moves to the response and attitude of his wife. "Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips." (Job 2:9-10) When Job lost all his possessions and children, his wife also lost all of these things. She was in mourning with him. When Job became so sick, it would have been good for his wife to comfort him, but she tried to tell him to blame God, and just die. I believe that she was speaking from the pain she was also bearing, but it added tremendously to the load Job had to bear. This reminds me of the story of King Saul when he wanted to cause David trouble. "And Michal Saul's daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him,..." (I Samuel 18:20-21) (What a terrible thing to say about his own daughter.) King Solomon learned some things about wives, as we see in Proverbs 14:1. "Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands." I want to be a good wife, but I regret that there have been times when I have not been supportive and understanding to my husband. I pray that I can be a better wife and build up my husband, and not be a wife who brings him down. "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her,... She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." (Proverbs 31:10-12)
10. The Comforters
Job sat among the ashes, I guess it would have been their trash pile, scraping his boils with broken pottery. He was suffering a great loss and was in pain physically and emotionally. One day he looked up and saw his three friends, who had come to comfort him. He may have felt some help and sympathy from their presence, but it was short-lived.
"11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
12 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great." (Job 2:11-13)
For seven days and nights these three friends didn't say a word to Job because he was in such sorrow. Sometimes it is hard to know what to say to someone who is suffering and going through troubles and trials. I have stood in silence by hospital beds, when I couldn't find the words to say. I can "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" as the Apostle Paul tells us to do, but knowing what to say when you don't have the answer is so hard. (Romans 12:15) Job's three friends mourned with him for seven days, and then they decided that they had all the answers to Job's problems, but they were all wrong. It is probably wiser to sit in silence than to say the wrong thing. Ecclesiastes 3:7 tell us that there is "...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak". Be kind in your comforting. There are so many verses in the Bible on the damage we can do with our words. I like the contrast in Proverbs 12:18, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health." Uplifting words and kindness can help give healing. "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." (Proverbs 16:24) Walt Disney put it nicely in the words of Thumper, in the Bambi cartoon in 1942, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nuthin' at all."
11. Job Begins His Complaint
Job has had a week of silence from his friends and his condition is no better. He decides to open the conversation, which will turn into a long series of accusations on the part of his friends. Job begins by cursing his day. He wants the day that he was born to just disappear into the darkness. "Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it... As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months." (Job 3:4 & 6) Then he begins asking, "Why?" Why didn't he die in childbirth? Why did his mother give birth to him? Why did she feed him? In verse 23 he goes back to the darkness, "Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?" Remember in Job 1:10 that Satan said, "Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land." God had a hedge about Job for his good. Job feels that God has hedged him in, like imprisoned. The Prophet Jeremiah was cast into prison and he expressed some of the same feelings as Job did. "Cursed be the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed. Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad." (Jeremiah 20:14-15) He even felt hedged in, as Job did, trapped as though by a heavy chain.
"2 He hath led me, and brought me into darkness, but not into light.
3 Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand against me all the day.
4 My flesh and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones.
5 He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.
6 He hath set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old.
7 He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy." (Lamentations 3:2-7)
Job closes, "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came." (Job 3:25-26) Job was described as "the greatest of all the men of the east" in Job 1:3. Did he live in fear of losing it all? He seems to be saying that he did not rest from the fear of trouble, and trouble came. Many who have money today live in fear of losing it. Several times in the Bible Jesus said, "Be not afraid" and "Fear not." He also tells us to lay up our treasures in heaven, where we don't have to be afraid of losing it.
"19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)
12. Eliphaz The Temanite - (Chapters 4 & 5)
Eliphaz is the first of Job's friends to speak and he opens with questions, "If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?" (Job 4:2) It is though he is telling Job that what he is going to say is going to hurt, but he has to say it. He goes on to tell Job that he "instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands,... upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled." (Job 4:3-5) If that isn't bad enough, he starts telling Job that all this was brought on because Job had sowed wickedness. "Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same." (Job 4:7-8) The Bible does teach that we reap what we sow, (Galatians 6:6-7) but not all troubles and trials are caused by sin in our lives. Then Eliphaz starts telling of a scary vision he had in the night.
"12 Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof.
13 In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men,
14 Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.
15 Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:
16 It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,
17 Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?" (Job 4:12-17)
In chapter 5 he tells Job that foolish men are killed, and even their children aren't safe, which is a terrible thing to say considering Job lost all of his children at once. His advice to Job? "I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:" (Job 5:8) He also says, "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:" (Job 5:17) Eliphaz tells Job that God will deliver him from troubles. He also said, "Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth." (Which I think is a terrible thing to say since his children no longer live.) "Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season." (Job 5:25-26) And he concludes with this haughty statement, "Lo this, we have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good." (Job 5:27)
13. Job Answers Eliphaz - (Chapters 6 & 7)
Eliphaz did not help Job at all. Job tells him that if his grief were weighed, it would be heavier than the sand of the sea. In chapter 3 Job said that he wished he had not been born. Now, he says that he wishes God would just let him loose, and let him die. He feels like he has no strength or hope to live. "What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?" (Job 6:11) He feels that his friends should show him pity, but they are no hope at all. (Job 6:14) "For now ye are nothing; ye see my casting down, and are afraid." (Job 6:21) He tells them that he is willing to listen and learn. "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred." (Job 6:24)
In chapter 7 Job compares himself to a servant out working, who looks for the night, and his wages. He tells them his days are going fast, and they will look for him and he won't be there anymore.
"1 Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?
2 As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:
3 So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.
4 When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day.
5 My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome.
6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.
7 O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good.
8 The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: thine eyes are upon me, and I am not.
9 As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more." (Job 7:1-9)
He goes to his bed to find comfort, but he has scary dreams and terrible visions, to the point that he would choose "death rather than my life." (Job 7:15) He ends this chapter with a cry out to God.
"20 I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?
21 And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be." (Job 7:20-21)
14. Bildad The Shuhite - (Chapter 8)
I suppose that Bildad was not satisfied with Eliphaz's answer to Job, so he jumps in with his attack on Job. "How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind? Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?" (Job 8:2-3) Job had complained about the pain he had to endure, and Bildad basically tells him that his words are no more than the blowing of the wind. God is true in His judgment, so Job must be suffering for his sin. Then, he also causes Job more pain in the grief he had for his children and says that they died because of their sins. "If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for their transgression;" (Job 8:4) In verses 5 and 6 he tells Job that if he would seek God, and if he was "pure and upright", God would make him prosperous. The problem with this philisophy is, how do you answer the suffering of those who are faithful to God? Not all suffering is because of personal sin. Christians get cancer, have car wrecks, lose their possessions in storms, and grieve when death takes their loved ones. Jesus gave this example... "Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." (Luke 13:4-5) Paul told young Timothy, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (II Timothy 3:12) Jesus suffered for our sin. Should we expect to live free from any sorrows or pain?
Then Bildad tells Job to look at the past. "For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers: (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:) Shall they not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?" (Job 8:8-10) In verse 13 Bildad accuses Job of forgetting God and being a hypocrite. In closing, he repeats the allegation, "Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:... and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought." (Job 8:20 & 22)
15. Job Answers Bildad - (Chapters 9 & 10)
There have been many times that I have read the same scriptures, and the same message comes to my mind. Then, the next time, I will be looking for inspiration about the devotional theme we are using and God will open my mind to a deeper understanding. In reading these chapters I have been thinking about Easter. So, as we look at our devotions today and tomorrow I want to share the blessing of the Easter season, from the book of Job, which took place thousands of years before the first Easter. Job begins his answer to Bildad with a most important question, "How should man be just with God?"
"2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
4 He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?" (Job 9:2-4)
Job goes on to talk of God's power over the mountains and earth, the sun and the stars. How He spread out the heavens and "treadeth upon the waves of the sea." (v. 8) In verse 11 Job says that God goes by, but I can't see Him. "How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him? Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge." (Job 9:14-15) Job understands that he can't cleanse himself, and he seeks for a Redeemer.
"30 If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
31 Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.
32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.
33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.
34 Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:
35 Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me." (Job 9:30-35)
Job sought for a man to stand between him and God. Someone who could reach up His hand to God in heaven, and put His other hand down to earth for man. He did not know that one day Jesus would come to earth, born of a virgin, and give His life to pay the sin debt for man. As He reached out His hands to be nailed to the cross, He was reaching to bridge the gap between God and man. Job was right in the fact that he could not wash himself, even with snow water, and make himself clean. King David cried, "... wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:7) And we read in Isaiah 1:18, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." We can be washed whiter than snow when we believe that Jesus, God's only begotten Son, came to give His life as a sacrifice to pay for our sin. When we confess our sin and trust in Him as the only way to reach up to God, He will forgive our sin and give us eternal life. That is why Jesus came and died on the cross at Easter. But, praise the Lord He did not stay on the cross. Death could not hold Him. On Easter Sunday, He rose up from the grave and ascended back to heaven, where He lives. "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:34)
16. Zophar The Naamathite - (Chapter 11)
Happy Easter! We can rejoice today because Jesus rose from the dead and He lives! As we continue in the book of Job we hear the accusation of Zophar, which is far more spiteful to Job than his other two friends.
"2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?
3 Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?
4 For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.
5 But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;
6 And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth." (Job 22:2-6)
Zophar tells Job that even though he says he is being persecuted wrongfully, God has not punished him as much as he deserves. He thinks he has the answer for Job.
"13 If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;
14 If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
15 For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:" (Job 11:13-15)
Zophar is only partly right. Because of God's mercy and grace, Christ took our punishment, and when we accept his salvation, we don't get what we deserve. That is God's mercy! Jesus took my place on the cross of Calvary. When we trust in Jesus to save us in our heart, He will forgive our sin. What Zophar says in verses 14 and 15 is wrong. We can't receive eternal life by putting our sin far away. We can't get to heaven by our own righteousness. "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;..." (Isaiah 64:6) "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I pray that you will believe on Him and ask Him to save you today.
17. Job Answers Zophar - (Chapters 12-14)
Job has now heard from each of his three friends, but he has not been helped by their words. He answers in sarcasm that they are so wise, when they die, they will take all the wisdom with them. They have mocked and scorned him in their accusations.
"2 No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.
3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?
4 I am as one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright man is laughed to scorn." (Job 12:2-5)
The remainder of chapter 12 tells how God is in control of His creation, animals and mankind. Then he stands up to his accusers. "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." (Job 13:1-2) He wants to plead his case directly with God, because these men have not helped him at all. "Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value." (Job 13:3-4) Job tells them that they would show more wisdom by not saying anything at all. "O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom... Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him? Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what will." (Job 13:5-7, & 13)
Chapter 14. Job says that life is short and troublesome. "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not." He gives the analogy of a tree that has been cut down.
"7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.
8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;
9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.
10 But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?" (Job 14:7-10)
Then we have the question that has been asked down through the ages, "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come." (Job 14:14) At this time in the history of man, Job did not know about the resurrection as taught in The New Testament. But, Job does seem to know that at his appointed time he would die, and then he would be changed and appear before God. "Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee:..." (Job 14:15) We will all appear before God and bow in His presence. Are you ready for that day? "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11)
18. Eliphaz, Round 2 - (Chapter 15)
I keep reading this chapter to see if I can find something good that Eliphaz says to Job, but he just continues with his accusations against Job. He and his friends are convinced that God does not give judgment against a righteous man, so they keep repeating that Job is a hypocrite and his pain and sorrow are punishment for his terrible sins.
"1 Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said,
2 Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?
3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?" (Job 15:10-3)
He tells Job that all he says is just a lot of hot air. His words don't do any good. He goes on to ask Job,
"7 Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?
8 Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?
9 What knowest thou, that we know not? what understandest thou, which is not in us?" (Job 15:7-9)
Can you hear the sarcasm in his words, asking Job if he was the first man born? He riducules Job for thinking that he knows anything about God. He makes it clear that Job isn't old enough to know God, while he and his friends are older than Job's father, giving them a greater wisdom. He says that they know what they are talking about,... but they really didn't understand the things of God at all. "With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father." (Job 15:10) Eliphaz again tells Job that his pain is because of his wickedness. "The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor." (Job 15:20) And if his insinuations are not clear enough to Job, he comes right out and calls Job a hypocrite. "For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery. They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit." (Job 15:34-35) In this Bible study of the book of Job, God has opened my eyes to the rudeness of Job's friends. They came to be a comfort to Job. But, once they saw how bad his situation really was, they assumed that Job was covering some awful sin in his life, to bring about such a heavy hand of God upon him. Instead of offering help and healing to Job, they have only added to his pain and sorrow.
19. Job Answers Eliphaz - (Chapters 16 & 17)
Job begins this dialog proclaiming, "I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all." (Job 16:2) I am going to share some of the verses and let you see the bitterness of his soul, as he found no comfort from his friends. Some commentators say that a group of people gathered around to hear this debate that was going on, but if so, I wonder why no one stood in Job's defense. His father was mentioned in Job 15:10. And he uses a metaphor in 17:14 of his father, mother, and sister, so I feel that Job does have a family. Where were they when he needed them the most? Early in the book his wife said, "Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die." (Job 2:9) Did all of his other friends and family forsake him? Were there no neighbors to plead for him? (Job 16:21) As he speaks of his enemy and the ungodly in Job 16:9-13, I also wonder if there were people who physically harmed Job, in addition to his friends, who hurt him with their words. Read these verses and feel his anguish.
Job 16
"3 Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?
4 I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.
5 But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.
6 Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged: and though I forbear, what am I eased?
7 But now he hath made me weary: thou hast made desolate all my company.
9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.
10 They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.
11 God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked.
12 I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.
13 His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.
14 He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant.
15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.
16 My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death;
17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.
18 O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.
19 Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.
20 My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.
21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!
22 When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return."
Job 17
"1 My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me.
2 Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?
10 But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you.
11 My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.
12 They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness.
13 If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.
14 I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister.
15 And where is now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?
16 They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when our rest together is in the dust."
20. Bildad And Job - (Chapters 18 & 19)
Bildad continues, "Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him." (Job 18:5 & 6) He describes his destruction as complete, "His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off" and tells Job that he will not even be remembered. (Job 18:16) "His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street." (Job 18:17)
"Then Job answered and said, How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me." (Job 19:1-3) Job tells how God has overthrown him and destroyed him on every side in verses 6-12. Then, Job says that not only is God against him, but also his brethren, kinsfolk, familiar friends, his maids and servants and his wife. He says that children despise him and his inward friends turned against him. (Job 19:13-19) He begs for his friends to have pity on him and stop persecuting him. Bildad told him that he would not be remembered, so he replies, "Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!" (Job 19:23) And through all of this, Job is still able to proclaim "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." (Job 19:25-27)
21. Much More Of The Same - (Chapters 20-22)
We are going to pick up our pace a little. Job's friends continue their hostility towards Job, and Job continues to defend himself against their accusations. Here are a few verses from the next chapters.
Zophar: "Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?" (Job 20:4-5)
Job: "Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations. Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on." (Job 21:2-3) Job goes on to tell them that they are wrong... the wicked do well in life. Then he comes to the conclusion that no matter how a person lives, all die. "One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet... And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them." (Job 21:23, 25, & 26)
Eliphaz: "5 Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?
6 For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.
7 Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.
9 Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.
10 Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;
13 And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?
21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles." (Job 22)
22. Job Seeks The Lord - (Chapters 23-31)
Since Job is getting no relief from his "comforters" as they keep on telling him that God is punishing him for sin in his life, he turns his plea towards heaven. He can't find God in the midst of his trials, but contends that he has not gone back from God's commandments. In chapter 24 he tells of the wickedness of other people, much like the list that Eliphaz made for him.
"2 Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.
3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!
4 I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.
6 Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.
8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." (Portions of Job 23:2-12)
Bildad answers and asks...
"4 How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?
5 Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight.
6 How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?" (Job 25:4-6)
This is not new to their discussion, for Job had also asked "...but how should man be just with God?" in Job 9:2. Even through all his pain and heartache, and the hostility of his friends, Job continues to maintain his integrity.
"2 As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul;
3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;
4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.
5 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.
6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live." (Job 27:2-6)
Job talks of God's amazing creation, the gold and silver, coral and pearls. Then we read in Job 28:28 something which we may have credited to King Solomon in the book of Proverbs, "...Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." In chapter 29 he looks back to the "good old days" when he was a help to others and life was easy. Chapter 30 gives a contrast to how everyone now has turned against him. Job still sees in himself that his goodness far outweighs his bad. "Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity." (Job 31:6) He gives one last plea that God will hear him and answer him. "Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me," (Job 31:35)
23. Elihu's Introduction - (Chapter 32)
Job has ended his plea. He has not received any help from his "miserable comforters". He has been forsaken by his family and friends. He has lost all respect from the younger generation, who spit in his face and push against his feet to knock him down. (He says that he wouldn't even want their fathers to sit with his dogs.) (Job 30:1, 10 & 12) He has called out to God and can't find Him, but all that is about to change. We don't know how many have been sitting around listening to this ongoing debate, but we do know that a young man, named Elihu, was there, and their words brought out his righteous indignation. Today we will look at his introduction, as he surprised them all with his boldness. They were all silenced as they listened for him to give his opinion.
"1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.
6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:
14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.
15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.
16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion." (Job 32:1-17)
Many times we assume that wisdom comes with age, and we are often correct. But we can't always believe what we hear, just because the person is older than we are. I am referencing verses 8 and 9. "But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment." We don't have to turn to "great men" to find answers to all our problems, because they don't have all the answers. God gives us a spirit so that we can look to Almighty God for wisdom and understanding. He gives us this promise, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5) King Solomon, speaking of wisdom, said, "I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." (Proverbs 8:17) Elihu was young, and he sought the wisdom of God, and he is about to share his message with all those around him.
24. Elihu Continues - (Chapters 33-37)
Today we will see what Elihu has to say to Job and to his friends. He tells Job that "God is greater than man" and can do no wrong. Through examples of God's creation and control of the universe, Elihu uses his words to glorify God Almighty. If only Job's friends had spent their time defending God instead of condemning Job, he may have been able to find some peace and comfort to his troubled soul.
Chapter 33
"6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.
8 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man."
Chapter 36
"2 Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf.
3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.
27 For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
28 Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.
29 Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?
30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.
31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.
32 With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.
33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour."
Chapter 37
"5 God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.
6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.
7 He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.
8 Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places.
9 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north.
10 By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.
11 Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:
12 And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth.
13 He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
14 Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
15 Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?
16 Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?
17 How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind?
18 Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
24 Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart."
25. God Answers Job - (Chapters 38-42)
Through all of his troubles and trials Job has felt that he had integrity and God was wrong in allowing his great suffering. He has been seeking God, but when God answers Job out of the whirlwind, he sees God in His great power, and holiness, which makes him see himself in his low estate. We are all going to find ourselves accountable before God one day, and we will fall on our faces when we come before Almighty God. "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11) If you have not bowed before Jesus and asked for His saving grace, please do so today, before it is too late to find mercy.
"1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (Job 38:1-7)
After God reminds Job of His glorious dawn of creation, Job is silenced.
"1 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,
2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
3 Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
5 Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.
6 Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?" (Job 40:1-8)
In chapter 41 God gives Job a detailed description of one of His created beings, leviathan, that sounds like a fire-breathing dragon and Job is amazed beyond measure. He repeats the question that God asked of him in Job 38:2. He realizes that he has tried to give counsel without knowledge. He sees the vast realm of Almighty God, and it shows him how small he really is.
"1 Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:1-6)
26. The Lord Turned The Captivity Of Job, When He Prayed For His Friends - (Chapter 42)
We have come to the last verses of the last chapter of the book of Job. The Lord rebukes Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. He tells them to offer up a sacrifice and Job would pray for them. Today I want to focus on verse 10. "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before." We can feel captive to our circumstances, and sometimes our friends and family may add to our pain. Job's captivity was turned, when he prayed for his friends. When others do us wrong and we hold a grudge and get bitter against them, we are held captive by those hard feelings and emotions. If we can pray for them, and forgive them, we can be released from that captivity. Forgiveness breaks that hold that they have over you. It may not make any difference in the way they treat you, but it can make a difference in giving you peace, in spite of their willfull actions against you. I am not advocating allowing an abusive person to keep a hold on you. I believe that once you have found a way to move on, don't let the bitterness and anger keep bringing you down. Pray and ask the Lord to lift you up above the sorrow and try to leave it behind you. Dwelling on our pain only makes it harder to overcome. Jesus said, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" (Matthew 5:44)
"7 And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.
8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.
10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
11 Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.
12 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.
13 He had also seven sons and three daughters.
14 And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch.
15 And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren.
16 After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.
17 So Job died, being old and full of days." (Job 42:7-17)
27. Who Is In Your Group?
Sometimes when we read of someone in the Bible we often think of them grouped with another person. It may be husband and wife, as Adam and Eve, the first man and wife, or Abraham and Sarah, a faithful couple. Sometimes the grouping may not be in a positive way, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira. Hebrews 11 gives us an entire chapter on men and women of the Bible who had great faith. We finished the book of Job, but he is actually mentioned a few more times in the Bible. In Ezekiel's prophecy against the house of Israel Job is linked with Noah and Daniel as men of righteousness, not once, but twice.
"Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.
Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness." (Ezekiel 14:14 & 20)
As we think about this today I want us to look at our own lives. If I was linked with men or women in the Bible, who would I be compared to in character? Do I share the hunger for God's Word to sit at the feet of Jesus like Mary? Do I show compassion as the Good Samaritan? Am I a giving person of good deeds like Dorcas? Does my life point others to Christ through my faith? When people look at me, do they see someone who exemplifies the fruit of the Spirit in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance found in Galatians 5:22 & 23? Do people know we are Christians by our love?
28. The Patience Of Job
We have one more verse about Job in the Bible, and it is actually in the New Testament. "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." (James 5:11) While Ezekiel tells us of the righteousness of Job, James tells us of the patience of Job. What do we know about patience? Some of the most patient people I have ever met are old farmers. I waited and waited for the rain to stop so it would be dry enough for me to plant my garden. Last week I was finally able to get the seed in the ground, and now I walk down there everyday to watch for the little seedlings to pop up out of the ground. Now, instead of wanting the rain to stop, I am praying for God to send the rain so the little plants will grow. Through my garden, I learn patience. I am in a hurry to eat the fresh vegetables. In our day of instant gratification, the old farmers know what it is like to wait for the harvest. God's Word tells us to strive to bring forth spiritual fruit with patience. "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." (Luke 8:15) "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." (James 5:7-8) And in the same way they wait for the coming harvest, we are to wait with patience for the coming of the Lord. "And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." (II Thessalonians 3:5)
Now, while we are patiently waiting for Jesus to come, and patiently working in His fields, waiting for the harvest, life is not always easy. Job had troubles and trials and he waited through them for God's deliverance. James has more to tell us of patience. "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." (James 1:3-4) The Apostle Paul explained to the church at Rome, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:3-5) We find another branch of patience in I Thessalonians 5:14, where Paul told the church to "... be patient toward all men." The Lord knows that we may get discouraged as we work towards patience, just as Job did, so He gives us encouragement in His Word. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2) We have Jesus to help us through our trials, as we run our race with patience.
29. Wisdom From The Book Of Job
Have you ever wanted to write a book? Maybe you think you have a story to tell. Job had a story to tell and he said, "Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!" (Job 19:23-24) His desire was granted. Many believe that the book of Job is the oldest book in the Bible, and here we are in 2019, reading the words he spoke so long ago, as if they really were written with an iron pen in a rock forever. As I studied the book I noticed that many of his thoughts were also recorded in the writings of King Solomon. God gave Solomon great wisdom and he also "sought out" wisdom from others. "And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs." (Ecclesiastes 12:9) Today I want to share some of the thoughts from the book of Job, which King Solomon may have used in his writing.
Job 1:21 "And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."
Ecclesiastes 5:15 "As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand."
Job 28:28 "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."
Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
Job 8:9 "(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:)"
Job 14:2 "He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not."
Ecclesiastes 6:12 "For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?"
Job 34:14-15 "If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust."
Ecclesiastes 12:7 "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."
Job 5:17 "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:"
Proverbs 3:11-12 "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; ... For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth."
Job 28:18 "... the price of wisdom is above rubies."
Proverbs 8:11 "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."
Job 8:4 & 11 "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? ... And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?"
Proverbs 8:29 "When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:"
Job 14:4 "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one."
Proverbs 20:9 "Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?"
Job 18:5 "Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine."
Proverbs 13:9 "The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out."
Job 30:23 "For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living."
Ecclesiastes 9:2-3 "All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean;... there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead."
Job 14:5 "Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;"
Ecclesiastes 8:8 "There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war;..."
