Round 3

Job 21 

Chapter Introduction

Job answered Zophar, denying any secret sin.  We must recognize a providence of God that we may not understand and that He is not inclined to explain.  The prosperity of the wicked falls into this area.  Yet, we might also remember when we were counted among the wicked.  Therefore, we hold out our tongues rather than complain about a little suffering if it means others might come to know Jesus.  Then, we’ll all spend eternity together.

Job 22:1-3

Job asked them to listen carefully.  They had failed at offering comfort and compassion.  They had failed at being friends.  Maybe they could draw some comfort themselves from being silent while Job spoke.  He didn’t hold out any real hope of changing their mind or gaining their understanding.  He assumed when he was done they would return to mocking him. 

Job 21:4-16

While his friends maintain that bad things happen to wicked people because they deserve it, Job argued that there were wicked people all around him who prospered.  They rejected God and went about their business doing just fine.  You may have noticed this also.  They do seem to get along just fine.  They appear to be above the law, taking advantage of their status to oppress and abuse the masses.  They are greedy and corrupt, living fine and leaving their children a heritage of the same.

While his friends argued the wicked would die a horrible life in the hands of God, Job argued that they would die comfortably, without suffering, at old age. 

God had granted them prosperity and Job extreme judgment.  Job didn’t understand how this could be. 

Job 21:17-21

Bildad claimed the lamp of the wicked was put out (in 18:5-6).  Job challenged his assertion.  Their common belief was that the judgment of wickedness would fall on the household of the wicked.  Yet, how often had it happened?  Job wanted to know the last time anyone saw the wicked suffer as he did. 

Job appeared to offer God his opinion of how the wicked should be treated in 19-21.  Job pointed out that the wicked don’t care what happens to them when they are gone.   

Job 21:22-34

Two men are portrayed.  One in full strength and an easy life and the other poor, having never enjoyed pleasure.  Both alike go to the grave the same way.  No one ever condemned the wicked man to his face.  He went about his business.  When he died, it seemed he got away with a good, prosperous, yet wicked life. 

The fact is not all the wicked suffer.  The advice of the friends was a failure.  Their advice was of no comfort or value and based on a false premise.  Since his friends have all this wrong, Job wonders how they can offer him more of their empty words.  The Hebrew “empty words” means vapor, meaningless, and vain.

Discussion Points

1. “The providences of God in the government of this world are sometimes hard to be understood. When we cannot clearly account for the prosperity of the wicked and affliction of the godly, we should silently wait the issue, judging nothing before the time.” (Brooks, K. (2009). Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the Old Testament (p. 106).
2. In our time, we see greedy, corrupt, wicked, and godless politicians and leaders who seem to be living with no want.  They live above the law and abuse and oppress others for their gain.  How long, O Lord?

©2017 DOUG FORD; REVISED & UPDATED 2024

Job 22 (return to index)

Chapter Introduction

This is Eliphaz’s third and final discourse.  He accused Job again of hypocrisy, this time bringing specific accusations. 

“Think it not strange, if like the Master, you are misunderstood and blackened, but learn to pass by accusations and commit your cause to Him who judgeth righteously.”

Brooks, K. (2009).

Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the Old Testament (p. 106).

Logos Bible Software.

Job 22:1-3

Eliphaz commended Job for his good deeds in 4:1-6 and then suggested that he repent of some sin.  Eliphaz seems very sincere and not out to destroy Job.  However, he brought no new argument and offered no comfort or compassion.  He wrongly argued that God had no stake in Job’s righteousness or vindication.  Satan bragged of roaming the earth as though he had been declared God by the Lord’s creation.  Job was God’s evidence that Satan had not usurped the Lord among those created in His image. 

All three friends had been presumptuous regarding God’s values and actions.  It’s Job’s righteousness that will prove Satan wrong in his accusation that Job will curse God. 

Job 22:4-11

Job sarcastically asked Job if God was afflicting him because Job feared God.  Ironically, that is exactly why Job was afflicted.

Like the other friends, Eliphaz believed that what Job was going through was judgment and correction.   Eliphaz concluded that since Job’s affliction was abundant, his sin must have also been abundant.  Once that was wrongly established, everything that followed, even if it is true, was wrongly applied (the wrong starting point and direction won’t deliver you to the right destination).  God doesn’t wrongly judge or correct, but this was neither. 

Eliphaz makes specific accusations towards Job.  There is no evidence of such things, and it is thought that Eliphaz draws these conclusions based on the extent of Job’s suffering.  The accusations include:

1. Taking pledges. This is taking collateral for loans and then stripping people of the clothing they pledged. It was a violation of the law.
2. Denying the weary water and the hungry food.
3. Not taking care of widows and orphans.

Then he arrived at the ‘therefore’ of verse 10.  It is because of those sins or something like them that brought all the trouble and darkness.

Job 22:12-20

Eliphaz spoke of God's sovereignty, omniscience, and omnipresence. He accused Job of being presumptuous about God as if he thought God couldn’t see him or couldn’t judge correctly from so far away. This seems to be an assumption from Eliphaz, as Job didn’t convey this.

The “old days” may refer to the days before the flood, Genesis 6, when all men's thoughts were continually wicked. This is quite a leap to apply to a friend. He then said the righteous saw this clearly and said, “Our adversaries are cut down.” 

Eliphaz included himself in the category of the righteous, whom God gave a clear vision and protected from bad things.  As far as he was concerned, Job had been excluded.

Job 22:21-30

Eliphaz's advice is good for those who have sinned and separated themselves from God.  The word ‘acquaint’ in verse 21 should be understood as ‘reconcile.’  Repentance, listening for God’s instruction, and laying up His word in our hearts is sound advice.  Unfortunately, it did not help Job, who had already repented and sought God.  Eliphaz equated Job’s wealth as acquired through unjust practices of some kind.  If Job repented, Eliphaz thought, then the gold would have to go.  Only then would God bless him, and his problems would be resolved.  Eliphaz went so far as to offer a “name it and claim it” verse for Job (28).

Suffering doesn’t always mean judgment or correction.  Our circumstances aren’t a measure of God’s blessing on us and His delight in our love for Him.  Paul wrote of joy while sitting in chains in a Roman prison.  This joy surpassed anything established by earthly circumstances, nothing as small and petty as gold and wealth.  This joy and contentment came from Jesus and could never be threatened by circumstances, people, or the things of this world unless we allow that to happen.  We can hold onto this joy by being single-minded in Christ, gospel-centered in life, humble in our ways, and secure in our walk. 

Discussion Points

1. The nature of Satan’s accusation was that of hypocrisy.  He accused Job of loving God only for the blessings of his life; once those were stripped, the real Job would curse God.  Eliphaz seems to be attempting Job to prove Satan right.
2. Despite Eliphaz’s assertion, God did delight in Job’s righteousness and blamelessness.  Job was God’s evidence that Satan had not usurped God among all those created in His image.
3. Eliphaz understood repentance. He just misapplied it.  Repentance brings us peace with God but doesn’t necessarily solve all our problems.  Since Job was blameless, Eliphaz’s advice was useless.
4. Suffering is always a sign that God is at work.  True or False?

©2017 DOUG FORD; REVISED & UPDATED 2024

Job 23 

Chapter Introduction

Job answered again.  He longed for God.  Job would come to know that the Lord had never left or forsaken him.  He was being tried, and the result would honor and benefit God as well as bless Job.

We know that Jesus was tried in all points as we are and perfectly understands our hearts in times of trouble and distress.

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Job 23:1-7

Job answered, ignoring Eliphaz and returning to his complaint towards God.  His words are more of a plea that he could make his case before God.  His suffering was heavy, and if God would give him a chance to defend himself, he was sure it could be worked out.  Job wanted to give a legal defense.  Job earlier felt it wouldn’t matter or change anything, but he wanted God to take note of him here.  The “contend” of verse 6 is a legal case.  The “take note” is a just consideration of the facts.  Job said God wouldn’t bully him in power but listen to the facts and be fair if he could make his case.  

Job 23:8-12

Job expressed his frustration at being unable to find or hear from God.  No matter where he looked, God was not there.  Yet, it was clear to Job that God knew his ways. 

• Was Job looking in the wrong place? 
• Was he looking for the wrong reasons?
• Are there times and seasons of life when we won’t find Him?

Job held fast to his claim of blamelessness.  He recognized that he was being tested, and the testing would result in his refining, like that of gold.  Eliphaz said Job had wrongly acquired gold and should repent and make God his gold (22:24-25). 

Job never claimed to be sinless but kept God’s ways and walked with Him.  He followed God’s commands and instructions.  If he failed, he was not aware of where or how. 

Job made quite a statement of treasuring God’s word.  This is a reply to Eliphaz’s instruction of 22:22.  Job said he valued God’s word more than the food of his body.  How many of us would, or could, say this?

Job 23:13-17

Job speaks of God’s holiness and uniqueness.  God is One, as was written in Deuteronomy 6:4.  Not one could turn God another way or force Him to change.  He does what He wants.  This is a statement of sovereignty, authority, and power.  He’s God, and His ways are beyond ours. 

Job lost sight of the fact that God loved him and would never leave him.  This feeling of separation bred the idea that he failed God or messed up the relationship as if we could disappoint Him.  This turned his faith into fear.  He became terrified because he didn’t know the source of this suffering.  God was teaching right where he stood at that time and in the entire season. 

God’s ways and the unknown appointed for us can be a great adventure when we have faith and trust that He loves us and will never leave us.  The adventure becomes dark when we lose sight of that, and terror breeds fear.

The NIV makes verse 17 much clearer.  Job won’t be silent in the darkness despite the fear and terror. 

Discussion Points

1. Because we know Jesus, in our trials we can remember that Jesus was tried in all points as we are and perfectly understands our hearts.

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

2. Job said he looked everywhere and couldn’t see or perceive God in any way.  Doesn’t our faith tell us that He will never leave or forsake us?  Can we rely on that truth even if we can’t see, hear, or perceive Him?
3. Eliphaz advised Job to make God his gold.  In verse 10, Job said he would come forth as gold, purified through testing and refining.  How do you reconcile these two statements?
4. The feeling of separation from God breeds the idea that we failed God and messed up the relationship.  Can we disappoint God?
5. God’s ways and the unknown appointed for us can be a great adventure when we have faith and trust that He loves us and will never leave us.  The adventure becomes dark when we lose sight of that, and terror breeds fear.
6. Isaiah 55:8-9

For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts.

©2017 DOUG FORD; REVISED & UPDATED 2024

Job 24 

Chapter Introduction

Job continued by focusing on their belief that his suffering proved an underlying wickedness in his life. Job made the point that sometimes the wicked seem to have special protection while blameless men suffer greatly. Job knows that God keeps accounts.

Satan’s challenge and provoking of God cost Job greatly.  Yet Job belonged to God.  We get the sense that there is a great spiritual war going on that we cannot see.  At times, maybe often, we suffer directly from this war.  The very best we can do is armor up (Ephesians 6). 

Job 24:1

Job echoed Ecclesiastes when he spoke of the wicked not receiving timely judgment and the blameless suffering inexplicably.  Yet, he knew all accounts would be made right in the end.  God keeps the books.

¹⁰ Then I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of holiness, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done. This also is vanity. ¹¹ Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. ¹² Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. ¹³ But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God. (Eccl 8:10-13)

Job 24:2-8

Moving a landmark was a major violation of the law. Boundary stones were set to preserve the family land. The stones were marked with the boundaries and the curse that would come upon anyone moving them. The curses called for disease upon the physical body of that person.

Job saw that some did this anyway. They stole the flocks of others, oppressed the orphan, and took collateral from the widow to prevent her from earning a living.  They pushed the poor aside and forced them to hide away.  They had to work extremely hard to provide for themselves and their families.  They were forced to work for the wicked to survive and were often left naked, cold, and wet with no shelter.

Job 24:9-12

Job went on to describe the wicked stealing children.  This might be taking a child as collateral for a debt, or it might be forced child labor (slavery).  The taking of a pledge from the poor is joined to this idea of taking the widow’s child.  The law prohibited taking any pledge that harmed the debtor's ability to make a living. 

The poor and oppressed work to provide food for the wicked while they themselves starve.  The dying groan and cry out, as Job had done, yet God doesn’t intervene and fix it.

Job 24:13-17

Job characterized the actions of the wicked as rebelling against the light.  The darkness was used by them for their evil ways.  It is in the dark that they have their way among men, murdering and stealing.  The adulterer waits for the dark, disguises his face, then goes about his wicked ways. 

The wicked mark the houses they will break into in the light to do their deeds in the dark.  For the wicked that operate in the dark, the morning is as night.  The light is their terror, not the dark.  Their worst fear is being recognized.  Otherwise, they think they’ve gotten away with their wickedness.  They do not know God is keeping a record.

Job 24:18-21

This is a difficult passage. Job seemed to agree with his friends. Because of this, the NKJV adds several words to make Job say he agrees the wicked should be judged immediately, but they aren’t.  The NIV, ESV, and others add words at the beginning to make the passage a quote of Job’s friends.  (“You say…;”)

Job 24:22-24

Job’s circumstances were allowed by God.  The suffering of the wicked doesn’t help Job.  He either doesn’t know or has forgotten the patience of God.  He’s certainly forgotten God's patience for him, not bringing judgment at the first sign of sin but providing a means of repentance and covering sin.  God is just, but He’s long-suffering, and all should come to repentance and trust in Christ.  This is good news. 

Job saw God draw away the mighty.  He saw Him give security to men and then take it away.  He lifted some up, only to know them down.  Godly men, thriving and living for the Lord, were dried up and stripped of life and joy.

Job 24:25

Job challenged his friends to prove him wrong.  Could they prove him wrong?  Is it possible to invalidate Job’s speech if it is an opinion based on experience?

Discussion Points

1. Job asked, “Why do those who know God not see His judgment on the wicked?”  Do we have the answer when we are asked this?
2. The wicked are portrayed as oppressors and the blameless as the poor and oppressed.  Is this always true?  Sometimes? 
3. Did Job forget God’s long-suffering?  Should he not withhold judgment so the wicked might repent?  How would it improve Job’s position if the wicked did suffer?
4. Could Job’s friends prove him wrong (v. 25)?  Is it possible to invalidate Job’s speech if it is an opinion based on experience?  Is opinion based on experience make it true?  Or incomplete?

©2017 DOUG FORD; REVISED & UPDATED 2024

Job 25 

Chapter Introduction

This is Bildad’s third discourse. Bildad attacked Job’s discussion by extolling God’s greatness.  In this, he knows man cannot justify himself by his own righteousness.  We know that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ.  It is then we have peace with God.

Job 25:1-6

Dominion is God’s dominance, governance, power, and authority.  Fear is man’s response to God’s dominion.    Bildad shows the awesomeness of God to make his case that man can’t please Him. Man can’t stand righteous before Him.   Bildad agrees with Eliphaz to defeat Job’s claim of innocence.  Yet, to defeat Job’s argument of innocence, they destroy their own explanation of their life.  If no man is blameless and righteous, why hasn’t God judged Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar?

Who can be righteous before God?  Not even the stars and moon shine consistently before God. How much less would a man fail to be pure? 

With all that said, Job never claimed sinlessness; only his sin couldn’t be the cause of the problems.

Discussion Points

1. If no man is righteous, why hasn’t God judged Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar?
2. Who can be righteous before God? 

©2017 DOUG FORD; REVISED & UPDATED 2024

Job 26

Chapter Introduction

Job answered Bildad, rebuking his counsel as worthless.  God is infinite.  His ways are beyond our knowing.  Our ability to understand is limited and skewed by sin and the flesh.  The full discovery of God is reserved for the future.  Until then, we pursue Him and grasp every revelation He gives us.

We are often disappointed in the counseling of our friends for they demand what we cannot produce and we need what they cannot give. Our Comforter, the Holy Spirit, never mistakes in His operations or misses in His ends.

Brooks, K. (2009).

Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the Old Testament (p. 107).

Logos Bible Software.

Job 26:1-4

Job rebuked Bildad.  His counsel and consoling were worthless.  He brought nothing new to the discussion and certainly brought no comfort.  He offered nothing to help:

• Those without power
• The arm without strength
• The one void of wisdom
• The person in need of sound advice
• The soul that needed to hear from God’s spirit.

Whose spirit came through Bildad?  The actions of the friends seem to support the accusation of Satan rather than the declaration of God.

Job 26:5-14

Bildads description of the sovereignty and power of God is nothing compared to Job’s.  God is omniscient, knowing the dead and seeing those in Sheol.  Abbadon (destruction) is the name of a Canaanite God of death and destruction.  It is used six times in the Old Testament.  Here, it is likely to refer to a place and a poetic parallel to Sheol being naked before God.

Note: in Revelation 9, Abbadon is the angel of the pit (about); in Greek, he is called Apollyon.

Job spoke of God’s power and authority in the abode of the dead and then moved on to the cosmos, the sky, the heavens, the spirit world, and even the depths of the oceans.    

The word “storm” in verse 12 of the NKJV refers to Rahab, the sea monster (NIV & ESV say Rahab). This mysterious creature was seen as an uncontrollable, untamable force of chaos.  God’s power is displayed in claiming only God could deal with Rahab. 

As big, broad, high, and deep as these things appear, they are the mere edges of His ways.  Job had a high view of God.  When we hear the thunder of His power in the storm, wind, and rain, it is but a small whisper to Him.  In the chaos of the deep and the dark unknown, God sees clearly. 

Discussion Points

1. We are often disappointed in the counseling of our friends for they demand what we cannot produce and we need what they cannot give. Our Comforter, the Holy Spirit, never mistakes in His operations or misses in His ends.  (Brooks, K.; Summarized Bible).
2. Whose spirit came through Bildad?  The actions and words of Bildad seem to support the accusation of Satan rather than the declaration of God.
3. When we hear the thunder of His power in the storm, wind, and rain, it is but a small whisper to Him.  God sees clearly in the chaos of the deep and the dark unknown.  As big, broad, high, and deep as these things appear, they are the mere edges of His ways.

©2017 DOUG FORD; REVISED & UPDATED 2024

Job 27 

Chapter Introduction

Job’s answer to Bildad continues.  The knowledge of God’s power and sovereignty and his opposition to hypocrisy should move us to be upright before Him.  Those who are upright need to understand that the hypocrites will attack and condemn them.  Today’s believers must be steadfast and immovable in their faith in Jesus Christ.  He will protect the upright and bring vindication soon.

Job 27:1-6

In light of man's frailty and God's power, Job held onto what he said all along.  He went so far as to take an oath in saying, “As God lives.”  To be proven wrong would establish him as a blasphemer.  Job swore he wouldn’t speak wickedness or deceit.  To agree with his friends would be a ridiculous compromise and an admission of broken integrity.  This didn’t happen, and Job refused to agree with them.  He stood by the man he had always been and maintained his intention to continue on that way until his last breath.

Job’s integrity before God was of the highest importance.  We might all learn something from this. 

Job 27:7-10

Job’s friends accused him of hypocrisy.  He contended that those who opposed him were wicked and unrighteous since he held fast to righteousness.  Job’s conscience is clear.  His steadfastness through suffering proved his integrity because the hypocrite had nothing to gain by standing fast.  The hypocrite had no hope, so holding onto a lie was useless.

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? ³⁷ Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:36)

Job had no higher priority than his integrity.

Job 27:11-23

Job determined to teach his friends.  He agreed with them regarding the final state of the wicked.  It was considered common knowledge of the time.  But, the wicked were never seen holding fast to their integrity before the Lord.  This contrasts (maybe sarcastically) the evidence offered by the previous oath. 

Discussion Points

1. Job’s integrity before God was of the highest importance.  We might check the priority of our integrity.
2. Job’s steadfastness through suffering proved his integrity because the hypocrite had nothing to gain by standing fast.
3. Job agreed about the fate of the wicked – but the wicked were never seen holding fast to their integrity amid suffering and judgment.  This also is evidence of Job’s blamelessness.

©2017 DOUG FORD; REVISED & UPDATED 2024

Job 28

Chapter Introduction

This chapter asks where wisdom can be found and speaks of the value of divine wisdom. Some think it may be a poem inserted into the text by the narrator rather than the words of Job. It contrasts the extent to which people go to in mining gold and silver with the effort to find wisdom.

Job 28:1-11

There wasn’t much to mine in Israel, yet mining had been around for a long time.  There is evidence of mining and metallurgy in Egypt dating to 3000 _BC.  Men will go to great lengths to mine silver, gold, and other precious and valuable metals and stones. 

The animals don’t do these things.  The animal kingdom’s majestic, powerful, and fierce pass over these things without notice.   Yet, man will do the hard work in obscure and difficult places.  The effort to mine was dangerous and labor intensive.  He brings to light the precious.

Job 28:12-19

But what about wisdom?  Job established that it isn’t like these other things that can be sought out and pursued.  Wisdom can’t be mined.  There are no veins of wisdom found under the ground.  It’s not in a location, nor can it be purchased or bartered for.  Wisdom stands alone in a category all its own. 

All the precious things men chase after cannot be traded to acquire wisdom.   Proverbs speak of the same (Proverbs 3:14; 16:16).  Wisdom is valued greater than any precious metal or stone.

Job 28:20-28

The original question of verse 12 is repeated with a subtle change.  The first question was where wisdom could be found, and then in 20, it asked about its origin.  Wisdom is not visible and doesn’t come to mind.  Destruction is Abaddon, the realm of the dead.  Death is used as a personification of the grave.  These two had heard rumors of wisdom, but it wasn’t found after this life. 

The answer to the questions in 12 and 20 comes in v. 23 and after.  The Proverbs personify wisdom with God in creation.

²²“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way,

Before His works of old.  (Proverbs 8:22)

God understands wisdom and knows its place.  God created and established the heavens and earth in wisdom and understanding. 

³⁰Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman;

And I was daily His delight,

Rejoicing always before Him,

³¹Rejoicing in His inhabited world,

And my delight was with the sons of men. (Proverbs 8:30)

He saw wisdom, declared it, prepared it, and said wisdom is fear of the Lord.  Wisdom starts with trust and obedience to the Lord.  Rebellion against God is folly, and it leads to folly.  .

¹⁹The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;

By understanding He established the heavens;

²⁰By His knowledge the depths were broken up,

And clouds drop down the dew. (Proverbs 3:19-20)

Conclusion

To be truly wise, we must know and fear God. In obedience and observance to His word, we find wisdom to guide us in religion, solace, guidance, contentment, peace, kindness, and investing in others.

Discussion Points

1. Men work hard to pursue precious metals and stones.  Yet, God’s wisdom is far more valuable, and it is ignored.
2. What is the avenue of wisdom for us? 
3. What evidence do we have that wisdom was around from the beginning of creation? 
4. If Job wrote this, is it not evidence of his wisdom?

©2017 DOUG FORD; REVISED & UPDATED 2024

Job 29 

Chapter Introduction

Job’s speech continued with the story of his life.  He looks back on the ‘good ole days’ when he was blessed by God and respected by the community.  He lived with the idea that his life would end in a similar fashion: blessed, restful, and prosperous.  An important part of his life is being sought out as a source of wisdom and counsel.  In his affliction, he was mocked and abused, adding to his suffering.

Job 29:1-6

Job was convinced that God was no longer watching over him.  The sudden change in life had shaken his understanding of the Almighty.  He was mistaken in thinking that only good things happen to God’s people.  He couldn’t imagine his life unfolding this way while still being under the watchful eye of God and under the friendly counsel of God.  Yet, how much worse would those times be if he were truly separated from God? 

Job’s wealth is displayed in the abundance of his flocks.  He was able to bathe his feet in cream.  The olive groves, which grew well in rocky soil, are pictured as pouring forth a river of oil.

Job 29:7-17

Job reflected on the days when he had a seat at the gate of the city.  This was the social hub, commercial center, and assembly place.  Legal rulings were made there.  Job sat in a seat of privilege, the respected seat of an elder.  Job was respected among the community.  He struck fear in the young and had the respect of the elderly.  People would remain silent until the person of greater honor had spoken. 

Job was known for helping the poor, fatherless, and those with representation.  He blessed the perishing man and brought joy to the widow.  Job saw himself as clothed in righteousness and justice. 

We get a glimpse of his Christlikeness in that:

• He was eyes to the blind
• Feet to the lame
• A father to the poor
• Searched out the hidden injustice (left the 99 to find the one).
• He disarmed the wicked
• And rescued the victims of wickedness.

Job sits in his affliction.  That old life was gone.  His friends spoke disrespectfully of him.  There was no longer any respect or opportunity to be Christ-like to others.

Job 29:18-20

Before his affliction, Job assumed he would live a long and prosperous life and die peacefully in his old age.  He was like a tree planted by the rivers of water (Psalm 1) in which his root spread out.  Job’s glory is his honor and splendor.  It was his emotional stability, contentment, and happiness.  The bow in Job’s hand was a symbol of his strength. 

Job’s complaint was that God stripped that all away for no reason.

Job 29:21-25

Men had previously listened and waited to hear what Job had to say. They eagerly anticipated his wisdom, which was a blessing to them. Now, his friends were disrespectful. Job missed being respected and helping others. They desired his wisdom—pictured as opening their mouths wide to receive spring rain.

Verse 24 is clearer in NIV, ESV, and others.  When people lost their confidence, Job’s smile encouraged and bolstered them.  He guided them as a chief, living like a king among troops, and comforted those who mourned. 

Conclusion

Job longed for his place of respect in the community.  Can we find even better contentment in knowing our place in the congregation of God?

Discussion Points

1. Job saw his earlier life as a time when God watched over him.  Does God watch over us?  How do we know?  Why did Job think God no longer watched over him?
2. Is the idea of God watching over us like the protective fence Satan spoke of?
3. With everything stripped away, could Job still be Christ-like?  What would it look like?
4. Job missed the respect previously shown him and the opportunity to help others.  Did Job expect help similar to what he previously offered?  Is this reasonable?
5. Job longed for his place of respect in the community.  Can we find even better contentment in knowing our place in the congregation of God?

©2017 DOUG FORD; REVISED & UPDATED 2024

Job 30

Chapter Introduction

Job continues with, “But now…” after detailing what used to be.

Job 30:1-8

In contrast to the respect that had previously been shown to Job, he was now disrespected.  They had been honored and pleased if he smiled at them.  They now smile at Job as a jeer and taunt.  These younger men show no respect.  These are youths of the fathers that Job spurned.  The low men of society.   Job wouldn’t even trust the care of his dogs to these men.

The mallow of verse four is the food for the poor, an edible but bitter plant.  The broom tree wasn’t edible but was used to make charcoal.

These worthless ones were the sons of fools, living as fools.

Job 30:9-15

Job’s life and reputation had been reduced to a taunting song.  A byword is a pithy saying packed with meaning; Job had become their byword.  When they thought of Job, they thought of this man they could taunt and jeer, and that didn’t deserve the respect of the fool.  Job remains a byword today, but for a different reason.  Job brings the idea of patience in the face of suffering, perseverance, and loneliness. 

These sons of fools had cast off all restraint.  The respect that was once shown to him by all was a type of restraint.  With that respect gone, there was no restraint for the fool.  They assault him in a fashion that resembles an army laying siege to a city.  His escape would be removed, and then they would breach the wall. 

Job 30:16-19

Job moved from emotional to physical suffering.  It had come to the point where Job felt his very soul was being poured out.  Job believed he was close to death.  The pain in his bones prevented him from resting at night.  He was disfigured from his affliction to the point his clothes were a problem.  In becoming like dust and ashes, Job saw himself as the object of mourning. 

Job 30:20-31

Job’s greatest heartbreak and frustration was not the mocking youths but God’s silence. He reminded God of his many petitions. It’s as though God had become his enemy. What once felt like a friendship with God had become persecution. Convinced of death, Job hoped it would come quickly and relieve him of his suffering.

Job hoped for the same kindness he had shown those in need.  Did he deserve better?  Had he not earned better treatment? 

His mourning made him sound more like the mournful Jackals who lived in desolation.  His skin fell away, and his bones burned with fever.  The musical instruments were often associated with joy, but there was no joyful music in Job’s life. 

Conclusion

The best of saints suffer some of the worst indignities in a world characterized by sin and hatred.  The way these indignities are dealt with can be a testimony to our Great God.  We should not find it strange when we suffer. After all, our Lord did.

Discussion Points

1. Job suffered emotionally from the lack of respect.  This went even further when the sons of fools mocked him. 
2. His physical suffering was profound and ongoing.  He could not sleep, and his clothes not only didn’t fit but were painful to him.
3. Did Job deserve better because of his mercy toward others (v. 25-26)?

©2017 DOUG FORD; REVISED & UPDATED 2024