Read Job 32:1-5
1. Who is Elihu? A young man, much younger than Job and the three friends. (vs. 4) He perhaps came with one of Job’s three friends. Elihu may not have been mentioned earlier because he was not a friend of Job’s. He probably was a friend of one of the three who travelled to see Job. Also because of his age. In Middle Eastern Culture, the young respected their elders by keeping quiet while the elders spake. To do otherwise was the height of insolence. Also, it is possible that Elihu was someone who lived in the area and heard of Job’s reputation for righteousness. After learning of Job’s tragedy, Elihu came to offer his sympathy.
2. What is his reaction/response to Job’s three friends and to Job? Elihu was angry at Job and Job. He had sat for who knows how long listening to both sides argue about who is right and who is wrong and neither was able to convince the other. Both sides had put their stakes in the ground and were not budging. Elihu had heard enough and speaks up. He was angry at the three friends because these so-called wise men had failed to find the answer as to why Job was suffering and yet they condemned him anyway. They talked, talked, and talked; made one argument after another; in the end, their words amounted to nothing more than hot air. Elihu was angry at Job because he was being self-righteous/arrogant – I’m right, God is wrong. Job still convinced his suffering was unjust. Elihu’s impression of Job changed from great respect to great amazement. Is the righteous, God-fearing Job I heard about? More like self-righteous.
Read Job 33:8-33
3. What does Elihu say to Job in theses verses? How does he characterize Job? Vs. 8-11 - I’ve heard what you’ve said Job. “I have done nothing to deserve this suffering. I have lived an innocent life. God has made up stuff to justify what He is doing to me. Despite all the good I have done, God considers me His enemy. I cannot escape Him. He watches me 24/7.” Vs. 12-13 – What does Elihu tell Job? You’re wrong Job! God is greater than man; therefore, God is not accountable to man; therefore, God is not accountable to you Job. So why do you complain that God is not explaining to you, a man, everything He is or isn’t doing? Vs. 14-19 – From time to time God speaks to man through dreams … visions. For what purpose? To teach them so that they will change their conduct from evil to good and to keep man from pride. Problem is man rarely pays attention to God’s still small voice approach of instruction; therefore, God uses a different tactic to get man to turn from evil and keep him from pride: suffering. Through suffering God humbles man. What Elihu is saying to Job is that the reason why you are suffering is because of pride. Different accusation than that of Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad. They believed Job was suffering because he had committed some heinous crime such as not helping widows and orphans or refusing to show charity to those in need. Job ably refuted their accusation. However, Elihu believed Job’s problem lay within his heart – pride. Evidence – Elihu has been sitting for who knows how long hearing the back and forth between Job and the three friends. Every time Job rebukes his friends’ accusations, what does he keep pointing to? What does Elihu constantly hear Job say? I am guiltless of any wrongdoing; I am without iniquity. Job constantly points to his good works to support his arguments. Sounded to Elihu like Job was tooting his own horn a little too much. That Job was saying - “I am perfect/sinless/greatest humanitarian the world has ever seen.” Read Job 35:2. That leads to Elihu’s second piece of evidence that Job had a pride problem – By accusing God of treating him unfairly … of attacking him with no just cause … by making demands on God to respond to his “why” questions, Job was making himself, a man, to be God’s judge. Sounded to Elihu that Job believed God was accountable to him and not the other way around. Elihu found that ludicrous/preposterous. Job 34:13-15. In Job 35, Elihu tells Job it is because of his pride that God has not answered Job. You’re impatient for God to hear your case against Him. Who are you to demand God to hurry it up and respond to your accusations against Him? The case is before God so you must wait for Him. Read Job 36: 22-26. Job 37 – Elihu speaks of God’s power over Creation and his purposes in exerting His power..
4. Do you agree with Elihu’s characterization of Job? Explain. I do. Job constantly pointed to his righteousness. He did regularly make demands of God. He regularly accused God of injustice. Now was it because of pride, as Elihu asserted, that Job was experiencing suffering? No. Again, we don’t know why God allowed Job to experience such tremendous adversity. However, I’m willing to cut Elihu a little slack on this point because he was clueless about the events that surrounded everything that happened to Job. As we’ll see, I think God cuts Elihu some slack as well.
5. Do you think Job agreed with Elihu’s characterization of himself? Explain. I think so. Unlike with his three friends, Job makes no retort to Elihu’s words.
6. Do you think God agreed with Elihu’s characterization of Job? Explain. Find out next lesson.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Book of Job pt. 5
From chapters 4-31 there is this back and forth among Job and his friends Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad concerning why Job is suffering and Job’s reaction/response to his suffering.
Read Job chapters 18, 20, 22
1. What was Bildad, Zophar, & Eliphaz’s response to Job’s questions?
Bildad – chapter 18 vs. 3 – We three are not stupid so don’t talk to us as if we are. vs. 4 – Are you so special/good/righteous that the world has to experience upheaval for your argument to be addressed? vs. 5-21 - Bad things happen to bad people. Insinuation being made by Bildad - Bad things have happened to you Job; therefore, you are a bad person.
Zophar – chapter 20 vs. 2-3 – Job, I am so angry. I find your words insulting. Vs. 4-9 – Don’t you know that since the beginning of time the good times the evil man enjoys is short lived? The evil man is quickly forgotten. Vs. 10-29 - Bad things happen to bad people. Insinuation being made by Zophar - Bad things have happened to you Job; therefore, you are a bad person.
Eliphaz – chapter 22 vs. 1-4 – Let’s cut to the chase Job. Do you think it is because of your righteousness/integrity/respect for God that God is punishing you? vs. 5 – Eliphaz does not imply that Job is a bad person. He comes out and tells Job to his face “You are very bad/evil man.” vs. 6-11 – Eliphaz lists Job’s sins. vs. 12-20 – God sees and judges wickedness to the joy of the godly/righteous. vs. 21-30 – Eliphaz makes an altar call to Job. He offers Job an invitation to return to God. It’s not too late Job. If you just repent/confess your sins/turn from your unrighteousness, God will hear you, forgive you, and restore you.
Job committed wickedness.
God is punishing Job for his acts of sin.
God is instructing/teaching Job that he is wicked.
Job should confess his sins and repent.
God will restore Job
Summary –
We know why you are suffering. You sinned. God is punishing. God is instructing/teaching you. That’s the way it works with God. That’s how it’s been since Creation. That’s what tradition has taught us. That’s the wisdom of old men (greybeards)/tradition passed down to us from the beginning of time.
2. How would you characterize how they said what they said to Job (their demeanor)? What was their original purpose for coming to see Job?
Astounded that Job did not understand why he was suffering. Amazed that Job dared questioned God/tradition. They condemned/rebuked Job for being arrogant/prideful in defending his righteousness. Lectured Job on why he was suffering. Regarded themselves to be the defenders of God’s honor against Job. Suppose to be offering Job comfort/consolation. They offered none
3. How did Job react/respond to their counsel?
Job 16:1-5 – You guys are great talkers but are poor comforters. It’s easy for you to say what you say because you are not suffering like me. Put yourselves in my shoes and you would sing a different tune.
Job 19:1-6, 22 – You are not helping me! In fact, you’re making things worse for me. That’s saying something!
Job 21:1-15, 34 – Read my lips. Listen closely to my words. Your theory about bad things always happen to bad people is flawed. In fact, it’s a lie. Good things happen to bad people. Job proceeds to give examples.
Job 27:1-6 – No matter how bad God treats me. I will not give credence to your words. I will proclaim my innocence until the day I die!
4. After learning how Job’s three friends related to Job during his time of suffering, what is your opinion of Job’s three friends? Did they take the right tactic or wrong tactic? If you think they took the wrong tactic, what should they have done differently? Rather than act as Job’s judges, they could have acted as Job’s intercessor. Prayed to God on his behalf. What is more important: the need to prove a point – to say “I’m right and you’re wrong. Admit you are wrong! or Job’s physical/emotional/mental/spiritual health. Confrontation or consolation;
Pray not for an answer to Job’s questions, but for relief for their friend’s suffering.
Read Job chapters 18, 20, 22
1. What was Bildad, Zophar, & Eliphaz’s response to Job’s questions?
Bildad – chapter 18 vs. 3 – We three are not stupid so don’t talk to us as if we are. vs. 4 – Are you so special/good/righteous that the world has to experience upheaval for your argument to be addressed? vs. 5-21 - Bad things happen to bad people. Insinuation being made by Bildad - Bad things have happened to you Job; therefore, you are a bad person.
Zophar – chapter 20 vs. 2-3 – Job, I am so angry. I find your words insulting. Vs. 4-9 – Don’t you know that since the beginning of time the good times the evil man enjoys is short lived? The evil man is quickly forgotten. Vs. 10-29 - Bad things happen to bad people. Insinuation being made by Zophar - Bad things have happened to you Job; therefore, you are a bad person.
Eliphaz – chapter 22 vs. 1-4 – Let’s cut to the chase Job. Do you think it is because of your righteousness/integrity/respect for God that God is punishing you? vs. 5 – Eliphaz does not imply that Job is a bad person. He comes out and tells Job to his face “You are very bad/evil man.” vs. 6-11 – Eliphaz lists Job’s sins. vs. 12-20 – God sees and judges wickedness to the joy of the godly/righteous. vs. 21-30 – Eliphaz makes an altar call to Job. He offers Job an invitation to return to God. It’s not too late Job. If you just repent/confess your sins/turn from your unrighteousness, God will hear you, forgive you, and restore you.
Job committed wickedness.
God is punishing Job for his acts of sin.
God is instructing/teaching Job that he is wicked.
Job should confess his sins and repent.
God will restore Job
Summary –
We know why you are suffering. You sinned. God is punishing. God is instructing/teaching you. That’s the way it works with God. That’s how it’s been since Creation. That’s what tradition has taught us. That’s the wisdom of old men (greybeards)/tradition passed down to us from the beginning of time.
2. How would you characterize how they said what they said to Job (their demeanor)? What was their original purpose for coming to see Job?
Astounded that Job did not understand why he was suffering. Amazed that Job dared questioned God/tradition. They condemned/rebuked Job for being arrogant/prideful in defending his righteousness. Lectured Job on why he was suffering. Regarded themselves to be the defenders of God’s honor against Job. Suppose to be offering Job comfort/consolation. They offered none
3. How did Job react/respond to their counsel?
Job 16:1-5 – You guys are great talkers but are poor comforters. It’s easy for you to say what you say because you are not suffering like me. Put yourselves in my shoes and you would sing a different tune.
Job 19:1-6, 22 – You are not helping me! In fact, you’re making things worse for me. That’s saying something!
Job 21:1-15, 34 – Read my lips. Listen closely to my words. Your theory about bad things always happen to bad people is flawed. In fact, it’s a lie. Good things happen to bad people. Job proceeds to give examples.
Job 27:1-6 – No matter how bad God treats me. I will not give credence to your words. I will proclaim my innocence until the day I die!
4. After learning how Job’s three friends related to Job during his time of suffering, what is your opinion of Job’s three friends? Did they take the right tactic or wrong tactic? If you think they took the wrong tactic, what should they have done differently? Rather than act as Job’s judges, they could have acted as Job’s intercessor. Prayed to God on his behalf. What is more important: the need to prove a point – to say “I’m right and you’re wrong. Admit you are wrong! or Job’s physical/emotional/mental/spiritual health. Confrontation or consolation;
Pray not for an answer to Job’s questions, but for relief for their friend’s suffering.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Book of Job pt. 4
3) Read Job 19:7-21. In your own words, what did Job say? God is to blame for all that has happened to me. He is angry with me for some reason. God treats me as if I am His enemy. My brothers, acquaintances - people who know me, my relatives, my close friends, my servants, my wife, young children, people with whom I have done business … they have all abandoned me. They have ostracized me. I am a pariah to them. I’m nothing more than flesh and bones. Please, I beg you, my friends. Show me pity for God is not.
4) From reading these verses, how would you describe Job's emotional and spiritual state? Indescribable agony. Extreme despair. Why did he feel this way? God had destroyed his life. The God that he faithfully served and obeyed … the God whose hands showered Job with blessings, those same hands had struck Job down. God’s actions against Job have left him isolated/alone. No one will have anything to do with him. When Job questioned the fairness/justice of what God has done to Job (vs. 7), no one answers. He cries out for sympathy, but no one will give him any which only deepens his despair.
5) Read the following verses.
What questions did Job have for God? Have you ever asked these questions to God?
Job 7: 17-21
Why is man so important to you? Why do you test man?
Compared to the vastness of the universe, man is a speck of dust. Compared to God, man is a microscopic bacterium. Yet God has a high regard for man; God focuses a lot of his attention on man. He regularly seeks man out to test him/scrutinize/analyze/study him. Job wants to know why?
What sin have I committed to deserve such punishment?
If I sinned, why won’t you forgive me?
Why am I your enemy?
Why can’t I know rest?
Job 10:1-3
What do you have against me?
Is it right for God to reject the righteous and look favorably upon those who are unrighteous? Questioning God’s justice. Directing accusations towards God.
Job 13:20-24
What sin have I committed to deserve such punishment?
Why want you answer me God? Why are you silent to my cries for answers/relief?
Job 17:1, 11-16
Where is my hope? Who cares about me?
Job 21:2-7
Is my complaint addressed to man or to God?
Why should I not be impatient (for a response from God?
Why do the wicked go through life unpunished? Not only unpunished but they are enjoying the good life.
How soon do you suppose Job wanted God to answer his questions? Job 21:2-7
Now. I don’t want to wait until after I’m dead for my complaint to be addressed/to be justified. I want an answer now. I deserve an answer now.
Did God answer Job's questions? Job 13:20-24 - No.
Did Job expect his questions to be answered? Did he expect to be found guiltless of any wrongdoing? Job 16:6-22; Job 19:23-27
Job 7:17-21
What is man that You magnify him, and that You are concerned about him, that You examine (pay close attention to) him every morning and try (test, scrutinize) him every moment? Will You never turn Your gaze away from me, nor let me alone until I swallow my spittle? Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, so that I am a burden to myself? Why then do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust; and You will seek me, but I will not be.
Job 10:1-3
I loathe my own life; I will give full vent to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to God, do not condemn me; let me know why You contend with me. Is it right for You indeed to oppress, to reject the labor of Your hands, and to look favorably on the schemes of the wicked?
Job 13:20-24
Only two things do not do to me, then I will not hide from Your face: Remove Your hand from me, and let not the dread of You terrify me. Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, then reply to me. How many are my iniquities and sins? Make known to me my rebellion and my sin. Why do You hide Your face and consider me Your enemy?
Job 16:6-22
Yet if I speak, my pain is not relieved; and if I refrain, it does not go away. Surely, O God, you have worn me out; you have devastated my entire household. You have bound me—and it has become a witness; my gauntness rises up and testifies against me. God assails me and tears me in his anger and gnashes his teeth at me; my opponent fastens on me his piercing eyes. Men open their mouths to jeer at me; they strike my cheek in scorn and unite together against me. God has turned me over to evil men and thrown me into the clutches of the wicked. All was well with me, but he shattered me; he seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has made me his target; his archers surround me. Without pity, he pierces my kidneys and spills my gall on the ground. Again and again he bursts upon me; he rushes at me like a warrior. I have sewed sackcloth over my skin and buried my brow in the dust. My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes; yet my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure. O earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry never be laid to rest! Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend. Only a few years will pass before I go on the journey of no return.
Job 17:1, 11-16
My spirit is broken, my days are extinguished, the grave is ready for me …. 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. If I look for Sheol as my home, I make my bed in the darkness; if I call to the pit, 'You are my father'; to the worm, 'my mother and my sister'; where now is my hope? And who regards my hope? Will it go down with me to Sheol? Shall we together go down into the dust?
Job 19:23-27
Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! That with an iron stylus and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! 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 shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me!
Job 21:2-7
Listen carefully to my speech, and let this be your way of consolation. Bear with me that I may speak; then after I have spoken, you may mock. As for me, is my complaint to man? And why should I not be impatient? Look at me, and be astonished, and put your hand over your mouth. Even when I remember, I am disturbed, and horror takes hold of my flesh. Why do the wicked still live, continue on, also become very powerful?
Read Job chapters 29 & 30
Chapter 29 – Job talks about how great his life used to be – He and God were tight. God looked after him; Job reaped the blessings of God; his children were alive; people showed him respect; took care of the needy; Job wore righteousness; no one could say ill of him; he punished the wicked; when Job would die, it would be a good death - Job would leave behind a strong legacy.
Chapter 30 – Job talks about detestable/repugnant his life is now – He is no longer respected; those to whom he showed disdain (who deserved disdain) now despise him. Those who despise Job are taking advantage of his suffering to make his life even more miserable. They have taken from him whatever honor & wealth he has left. Job is experiencing tremendous physical pain. Blames God for his suffering. When Job cries out to God for an answer/for relief, he gets no response. I helped others who were in need. For all the good that I have done, in return I get evil. Consequently, Job feels anger and despair. Questions the fairness/justice of God.
8) If you were one of Job's friends, what would you say to him?
4) From reading these verses, how would you describe Job's emotional and spiritual state? Indescribable agony. Extreme despair. Why did he feel this way? God had destroyed his life. The God that he faithfully served and obeyed … the God whose hands showered Job with blessings, those same hands had struck Job down. God’s actions against Job have left him isolated/alone. No one will have anything to do with him. When Job questioned the fairness/justice of what God has done to Job (vs. 7), no one answers. He cries out for sympathy, but no one will give him any which only deepens his despair.
5) Read the following verses.
What questions did Job have for God? Have you ever asked these questions to God?
Job 7: 17-21
Why is man so important to you? Why do you test man?
Compared to the vastness of the universe, man is a speck of dust. Compared to God, man is a microscopic bacterium. Yet God has a high regard for man; God focuses a lot of his attention on man. He regularly seeks man out to test him/scrutinize/analyze/study him. Job wants to know why?
What sin have I committed to deserve such punishment?
If I sinned, why won’t you forgive me?
Why am I your enemy?
Why can’t I know rest?
Job 10:1-3
What do you have against me?
Is it right for God to reject the righteous and look favorably upon those who are unrighteous? Questioning God’s justice. Directing accusations towards God.
Job 13:20-24
What sin have I committed to deserve such punishment?
Why want you answer me God? Why are you silent to my cries for answers/relief?
Job 17:1, 11-16
Where is my hope? Who cares about me?
Job 21:2-7
Is my complaint addressed to man or to God?
Why should I not be impatient (for a response from God?
Why do the wicked go through life unpunished? Not only unpunished but they are enjoying the good life.
How soon do you suppose Job wanted God to answer his questions? Job 21:2-7
Now. I don’t want to wait until after I’m dead for my complaint to be addressed/to be justified. I want an answer now. I deserve an answer now.
Did God answer Job's questions? Job 13:20-24 - No.
Did Job expect his questions to be answered? Did he expect to be found guiltless of any wrongdoing? Job 16:6-22; Job 19:23-27
Job 7:17-21
What is man that You magnify him, and that You are concerned about him, that You examine (pay close attention to) him every morning and try (test, scrutinize) him every moment? Will You never turn Your gaze away from me, nor let me alone until I swallow my spittle? Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, so that I am a burden to myself? Why then do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust; and You will seek me, but I will not be.
Job 10:1-3
I loathe my own life; I will give full vent to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to God, do not condemn me; let me know why You contend with me. Is it right for You indeed to oppress, to reject the labor of Your hands, and to look favorably on the schemes of the wicked?
Job 13:20-24
Only two things do not do to me, then I will not hide from Your face: Remove Your hand from me, and let not the dread of You terrify me. Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, then reply to me. How many are my iniquities and sins? Make known to me my rebellion and my sin. Why do You hide Your face and consider me Your enemy?
Job 16:6-22
Yet if I speak, my pain is not relieved; and if I refrain, it does not go away. Surely, O God, you have worn me out; you have devastated my entire household. You have bound me—and it has become a witness; my gauntness rises up and testifies against me. God assails me and tears me in his anger and gnashes his teeth at me; my opponent fastens on me his piercing eyes. Men open their mouths to jeer at me; they strike my cheek in scorn and unite together against me. God has turned me over to evil men and thrown me into the clutches of the wicked. All was well with me, but he shattered me; he seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has made me his target; his archers surround me. Without pity, he pierces my kidneys and spills my gall on the ground. Again and again he bursts upon me; he rushes at me like a warrior. I have sewed sackcloth over my skin and buried my brow in the dust. My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes; yet my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure. O earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry never be laid to rest! Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend. Only a few years will pass before I go on the journey of no return.
Job 17:1, 11-16
My spirit is broken, my days are extinguished, the grave is ready for me …. 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. If I look for Sheol as my home, I make my bed in the darkness; if I call to the pit, 'You are my father'; to the worm, 'my mother and my sister'; where now is my hope? And who regards my hope? Will it go down with me to Sheol? Shall we together go down into the dust?
Job 19:23-27
Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book! That with an iron stylus and lead they were engraved in the rock forever! 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 shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes will see and not another. My heart faints within me!
Job 21:2-7
Listen carefully to my speech, and let this be your way of consolation. Bear with me that I may speak; then after I have spoken, you may mock. As for me, is my complaint to man? And why should I not be impatient? Look at me, and be astonished, and put your hand over your mouth. Even when I remember, I am disturbed, and horror takes hold of my flesh. Why do the wicked still live, continue on, also become very powerful?
Read Job chapters 29 & 30
Chapter 29 – Job talks about how great his life used to be – He and God were tight. God looked after him; Job reaped the blessings of God; his children were alive; people showed him respect; took care of the needy; Job wore righteousness; no one could say ill of him; he punished the wicked; when Job would die, it would be a good death - Job would leave behind a strong legacy.
Chapter 30 – Job talks about detestable/repugnant his life is now – He is no longer respected; those to whom he showed disdain (who deserved disdain) now despise him. Those who despise Job are taking advantage of his suffering to make his life even more miserable. They have taken from him whatever honor & wealth he has left. Job is experiencing tremendous physical pain. Blames God for his suffering. When Job cries out to God for an answer/for relief, he gets no response. I helped others who were in need. For all the good that I have done, in return I get evil. Consequently, Job feels anger and despair. Questions the fairness/justice of God.
8) If you were one of Job's friends, what would you say to him?
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Book of Job pt. 3
7. a. What image do you have of Job? Bedrock of faith. Strong spirit.
b. How would you describe his response to all that has befallen him? Patience, acceptance,unwavering/unquestioning faith – If this is God’s will for me, so be it. He does not ask why he is suffering.
Job 2:11-13
8. Who came to visit Job and for what purpose?
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Offer their sympathies. To comfort Job – REMEMBER THIS. When they saw Job, they didn’t recognize him at first. Expressed tremendous grief at what had befallen Job (wailed, wept, tore robes, threw dust over their heads). For seven days and seven nights, Job doesn’t say a word. Out of respect, Job’s friends say nothing. They just sit there with Job.
WHY AM I SUFFERING? PT. 3
1) For 7 days, Job stayed silent in his tent. What do you think was going on inside of Job during this time? Inner turmoil; a growing heaviness in his soul; continued grief over the loss of his children. As we’ll see, something happened inside of Job during these 7 days that altered his response/reaction to all the suffering he has experienced. This noticeable change will have a tremendous impact on Job’s opinion of himself as well his relationship with his three friends and, most importantly, God.
2) Job finally speaks in chapter 3. In your own words, what did Job say? I wish I had never been born. Moreover, Job wished he had never been conceived. Prefers death over the life he is living now. To the point he would have given up all the blessings (wealth, fame, family) and the joy that came with those blessings that he had experienced in his life prior to his time of suffering. Verses 13-19 – Job makes some interesting statements. Kings and counselors who wasted their lives building & rebuilding castles/fortresses destined for ruin know rest that comes with death. Greedy princes/rulers who wasted their lives pursuing wealth know rest that comes with death. The wicked who have died – men who were unrighteous know rest that comes with death. Prisoners who have died – men who have committed crimes know peace that comes with death. Slaves who have died – the lowest of the low in society know the freedom that comes with death. Read between the lines, what is Job saying? Rulers who pursued selfish pleasures, the wicked, criminals, and slaves who have died know rest/peace/freedom yet I, a righteous man, a man of integrity, am denied the rest/peace/freedom that comes with death. How is that fair? How is that just? Read verses 20-23. Beginning in verse 20, Job asks a question. Why? Why has God kept me alive? Why can’t I know the peace that comes with death? Read verses 24-26. Job is in turmoil - a state of extreme confusion and/or agitation. Why is Job confused? Why do I continue to experience such extreme suffering? Why is God denying me peace/rest? Why can selfish, wicked men know the peace that comes with death and I don’t. More importantly, what I have done to deserve such extreme suffering? Why is Job agitated/upset? God is not treating him with fairness and justice. Rulers who pursued selfish pleasures, the wicked, criminals, and slaves who have died know rest/peace/freedom yet I, a righteous man, a man of integrity, am denied the rest/peace/freedom that comes with death. Consequently, Job feels uneasy/restless/impatient because after 7 days, God has not responded to Job’s why questions.
Were they similar to the words he spoke immediately following the catastrophic events that befell him in chapters 1 and 2? No. If not, how were they different? The man who once said “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity” is now questioning God as to why he is going through adversity. He is no longer accepting of his adversity. It is too much for him to bear. He wants it to end but for some reason, God is prolonging his adversity. Why were they different? What happened inside Job during those 7 days? Time happened. The terrible events that befell Job happened so quickly that he didn’t have a whole lot of time to process/digest what happened to him. His immediate response (acceptance, worship) to all that happened came out of his deep faith in God … a reflex reaction. Job did not question God about his suffering. But as time passed (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4), the initial shock of all that happened to Job began to wear off. As Job sat in ashes in utter agony, the reality of all that he loss (wealth, family, health) began to sink in. Consequently, where there was once acceptance of all that happened to him, there were now questions. Questions that for some reason God was not answering. And so by Day 7, lips that once spoke words of praise toward God were now lamenting over why God allowed him ever live. They questioned God’s fairness/justice.
b. How would you describe his response to all that has befallen him? Patience, acceptance,unwavering/unquestioning faith – If this is God’s will for me, so be it. He does not ask why he is suffering.
Job 2:11-13
8. Who came to visit Job and for what purpose?
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Offer their sympathies. To comfort Job – REMEMBER THIS. When they saw Job, they didn’t recognize him at first. Expressed tremendous grief at what had befallen Job (wailed, wept, tore robes, threw dust over their heads). For seven days and seven nights, Job doesn’t say a word. Out of respect, Job’s friends say nothing. They just sit there with Job.
WHY AM I SUFFERING? PT. 3
1) For 7 days, Job stayed silent in his tent. What do you think was going on inside of Job during this time? Inner turmoil; a growing heaviness in his soul; continued grief over the loss of his children. As we’ll see, something happened inside of Job during these 7 days that altered his response/reaction to all the suffering he has experienced. This noticeable change will have a tremendous impact on Job’s opinion of himself as well his relationship with his three friends and, most importantly, God.
2) Job finally speaks in chapter 3. In your own words, what did Job say? I wish I had never been born. Moreover, Job wished he had never been conceived. Prefers death over the life he is living now. To the point he would have given up all the blessings (wealth, fame, family) and the joy that came with those blessings that he had experienced in his life prior to his time of suffering. Verses 13-19 – Job makes some interesting statements. Kings and counselors who wasted their lives building & rebuilding castles/fortresses destined for ruin know rest that comes with death. Greedy princes/rulers who wasted their lives pursuing wealth know rest that comes with death. The wicked who have died – men who were unrighteous know rest that comes with death. Prisoners who have died – men who have committed crimes know peace that comes with death. Slaves who have died – the lowest of the low in society know the freedom that comes with death. Read between the lines, what is Job saying? Rulers who pursued selfish pleasures, the wicked, criminals, and slaves who have died know rest/peace/freedom yet I, a righteous man, a man of integrity, am denied the rest/peace/freedom that comes with death. How is that fair? How is that just? Read verses 20-23. Beginning in verse 20, Job asks a question. Why? Why has God kept me alive? Why can’t I know the peace that comes with death? Read verses 24-26. Job is in turmoil - a state of extreme confusion and/or agitation. Why is Job confused? Why do I continue to experience such extreme suffering? Why is God denying me peace/rest? Why can selfish, wicked men know the peace that comes with death and I don’t. More importantly, what I have done to deserve such extreme suffering? Why is Job agitated/upset? God is not treating him with fairness and justice. Rulers who pursued selfish pleasures, the wicked, criminals, and slaves who have died know rest/peace/freedom yet I, a righteous man, a man of integrity, am denied the rest/peace/freedom that comes with death. Consequently, Job feels uneasy/restless/impatient because after 7 days, God has not responded to Job’s why questions.
Were they similar to the words he spoke immediately following the catastrophic events that befell him in chapters 1 and 2? No. If not, how were they different? The man who once said “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity” is now questioning God as to why he is going through adversity. He is no longer accepting of his adversity. It is too much for him to bear. He wants it to end but for some reason, God is prolonging his adversity. Why were they different? What happened inside Job during those 7 days? Time happened. The terrible events that befell Job happened so quickly that he didn’t have a whole lot of time to process/digest what happened to him. His immediate response (acceptance, worship) to all that happened came out of his deep faith in God … a reflex reaction. Job did not question God about his suffering. But as time passed (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4), the initial shock of all that happened to Job began to wear off. As Job sat in ashes in utter agony, the reality of all that he loss (wealth, family, health) began to sink in. Consequently, where there was once acceptance of all that happened to him, there were now questions. Questions that for some reason God was not answering. And so by Day 7, lips that once spoke words of praise toward God were now lamenting over why God allowed him ever live. They questioned God’s fairness/justice.
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