Project 4:4Project 4:4

JOBJOB

SundaySunday

September 19, 2010September 19, 2010

Victor Hugo:Victor Hugo:

• ““Tomorrow, if all literature was to be Tomorrow, if all literature was to be destroyed and it was left to me to destroyed and it was left to me to retain one work only, I should save retain one work only, I should save Job.”Job.”

Daniel Webster:Daniel Webster:

• ““The Book of Job, taken as a mere The Book of Job, taken as a mere work of literary genius, is one of the work of literary genius, is one of the most wonderful productions of any most wonderful productions of any age or of any language.”age or of any language.”

A. Tennyson:A. Tennyson:

• ““The Book of Job rises like a pyramid The Book of Job rises like a pyramid in the history of literature, without a in the history of literature, without a predecessor and without a rival.”predecessor and without a rival.”

Job’s soliloquy—Chapter 3Job’s soliloquy—Chapter 3

Out of despair, Job asked “Why” Out of despair, Job asked “Why” • ““Why did I not die at birth?” vs. 11Why did I not die at birth?” vs. 11• ““Why did I not perish when I came from the womb?” Why did I not perish when I came from the womb?”

vs.11vs.11• ““Why did the knees receive me?” vs.12Why did the knees receive me?” vs.12• ““Why did the breasts nurse me?” vs. 12Why did the breasts nurse me?” vs. 12• ““Why was I not hidden like a stillborn child?” vs. 16Why was I not hidden like a stillborn child?” vs. 16• ““Why is light given to him who is in misery?” vs. 3:20Why is light given to him who is in misery?” vs. 3:20• ““Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden?” Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden?”

vs. 23vs. 23

Cycle of speechesCycle of speeches

Job and his “friends” begin a series of Job and his “friends” begin a series of exchanges in answer to his cry for “why”. exchanges in answer to his cry for “why”. There are three cycles of speeches between There are three cycles of speeches between them:them:

• Cycle OneCycle OneEliphaz speaks (Chs. 4-5)Eliphaz speaks (Chs. 4-5)Job replies (Chs. 6-7)Job replies (Chs. 6-7)Bildad speaks (Ch.8)Bildad speaks (Ch.8)Job replies (Chs 9-10)Job replies (Chs 9-10)Zophar speaks (Ch.11)Zophar speaks (Ch.11)Job replies (Chs. 12-14)Job replies (Chs. 12-14)

Eliphaz -- JobEliphaz -- Job

• Eliphaz is from Teman, probably in the land of Eliphaz is from Teman, probably in the land of Edom. The Temanites were noted for their Edom. The Temanites were noted for their wisdom (Genesis 36:9-11) Of the three friends, he wisdom (Genesis 36:9-11) Of the three friends, he is the only one to show any measure of kindness.is the only one to show any measure of kindness.

• He knows Job will not like what he has to say (4:1-He knows Job will not like what he has to say (4:1-2), but states the prevailing philosophy of the day2), but states the prevailing philosophy of the day—God always punishes evildoers and rewards the —God always punishes evildoers and rewards the righteous (4:7-11).righteous (4:7-11).

• He maintains that all chastening comes from God He maintains that all chastening comes from God (5:1-7). He urges Job to repent and turn to God. (5:1-7). He urges Job to repent and turn to God. (5:8-16)(5:8-16)

Job -- EliphazJob -- Eliphaz

• After re-stating his desire to die, Job After re-stating his desire to die, Job states that his friends are more like states that his friends are more like tormentors, and challenges Eliphaz to tormentors, and challenges Eliphaz to reveal the sin of which he is accusing reveal the sin of which he is accusing him.him.

• Job can find no rest (7:1-2), no comfort Job can find no rest (7:1-2), no comfort (7:3-5), and no hope (7:6-10)(7:3-5), and no hope (7:6-10)

• He wonders why God would torment him.He wonders why God would torment him.

Bildad -- JobBildad -- Job

• Bildad sounds almost rude at the Bildad sounds almost rude at the beginning, but ends with tones of genuine beginning, but ends with tones of genuine friendship. friendship.

• Bildad urges Job to repent (8:1-7)Bildad urges Job to repent (8:1-7)

• He challenges him to remember the He challenges him to remember the lessons of history (8:8-10)lessons of history (8:8-10)

• He tells him to remember both the path He tells him to remember both the path away from God (8:11-18), and the path away from God (8:11-18), and the path back to Him (8:19-22)back to Him (8:19-22)

Job -- BildadJob -- Bildad

• Job states that God might be ever so great, Job states that God might be ever so great, but is unapproachable and unconcerned but is unapproachable and unconcerned with man’s condition (9:1-13) He, in a tone with man’s condition (9:1-13) He, in a tone that sounds almost blasphemous, implies that sounds almost blasphemous, implies that he feels God has a dark side that does that he feels God has a dark side that does not square with his known nature (9:14-20)not square with his known nature (9:14-20)

• Job turns to speak to God at this point, Job turns to speak to God at this point, pleading with Him not to act as an unjust pleading with Him not to act as an unjust man would act (ch 10)man would act (ch 10)

Zophar -- JobZophar -- Job

• Zophar severely rebukes Job. Zophar severely rebukes Job.

• Notice his sublime view of God (11:7-11)Notice his sublime view of God (11:7-11)““Can you fathom the mysteries of God: Can you probe the limits of the Can you fathom the mysteries of God: Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave—what can you know? Their measure deeper than the depths of the grave—what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. If he comes along and is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. If he comes along and confines you in prison and convenes a court, who can oppose Him? Surely confines you in prison and convenes a court, who can oppose Him? Surely he recognizes deceitful men; and when he sees evil, does he not take he recognizes deceitful men; and when he sees evil, does he not take note? But a witless man can no more become wise than a donkey’s colt note? But a witless man can no more become wise than a donkey’s colt can be born a man.”can be born a man.”

• He urges Job to repent, otherwise he is He urges Job to repent, otherwise he is doomed. (11:11-20)doomed. (11:11-20)

Job -- ZopharJob -- Zophar

• Though Job readily agrees with the power and Though Job readily agrees with the power and sovereignty of God. (12:3-25)sovereignty of God. (12:3-25)

• However, he wants to take his case directly However, he wants to take his case directly to God, not to speak with his friends. (13:1-to God, not to speak with his friends. (13:1-12)12)

• At this point, he boldly begins to challenge At this point, he boldly begins to challenge God. For the first time in scripture we see a God. For the first time in scripture we see a righteous man speak in a way that we might righteous man speak in a way that we might judge to be blasphemous. (Remember judge to be blasphemous. (Remember Abraham in Genesis 18) Note the attitude of Abraham in Genesis 18) Note the attitude of Job in the early verses of chapter 14.Job in the early verses of chapter 14.

• Zophar seems to be arrogant, perhaps Zophar seems to be arrogant, perhaps prejudiced, and certainly ignorant of his own prejudiced, and certainly ignorant of his own ignorance. He is legalistic, with his entire ignorance. He is legalistic, with his entire world appearing to be black and white, with world appearing to be black and white, with no gray areas. He has all the answers, and no gray areas. He has all the answers, and seems irritated that Job will no accept them. seems irritated that Job will no accept them.

• Job obviously struggles with the concept of a Job obviously struggles with the concept of a resurrection. He seems to only wish for a resurrection. He seems to only wish for a resurrection, not hope for one. Apparently he resurrection, not hope for one. Apparently he is not to the point of believing in one as of is not to the point of believing in one as of yet. Again, note Abraham in Hebrews 11.yet. Again, note Abraham in Hebrews 11.

Cycle 2: Eliphaz -- JobCycle 2: Eliphaz -- Job

• In a nutshell, Eliphaz accuses Job of In a nutshell, Eliphaz accuses Job of sin, and reaffirms that the wicked are sin, and reaffirms that the wicked are troubled all their lives. (ch. 15)troubled all their lives. (ch. 15)

Job -- EliphazJob -- Eliphaz

• After complaining about how his friends After complaining about how his friends are treating him (16:1-17), Job cries out are treating him (16:1-17), Job cries out for vindication. When it does not come, for vindication. When it does not come, he resigns himself to despair. (17:6-16)he resigns himself to despair. (17:6-16)

• <at this point, notice that his friends are <at this point, notice that his friends are out of arguments. From here on mostly out of arguments. From here on mostly they will either restate a previous they will either restate a previous position, or more likely just call on him to position, or more likely just call on him to repent.>repent.>

Bildad -- JobBildad -- Job

• Condemns Job again, with the reminder that the Condemns Job again, with the reminder that the wicked are suffering for their wickedness. (ch. 18)wicked are suffering for their wickedness. (ch. 18)

Job – BildadJob – Bildad• Job merely pleads for mercyJob merely pleads for mercy• His friends respond with no mercy (19:1-5)His friends respond with no mercy (19:1-5)• God responds with no mercy (19:6-12)God responds with no mercy (19:6-12)• His family responds with no mercy (19:13-20)His family responds with no mercy (19:13-20)• Job starts cryingJob starts crying

Zophar -- JobZophar -- Job

• The wicked seem to prosper for a while, but The wicked seem to prosper for a while, but God completely cuts them off (ch.20)God completely cuts them off (ch.20)

Job – ZopharJob – Zophar

• The wicked do well for a long time (21:1-16)The wicked do well for a long time (21:1-16)• Note verse 16—even though they do well, Job Note verse 16—even though they do well, Job

insist he still does not envy them.insist he still does not envy them.• Job rejects his friends beliefs as false (21:27-Job rejects his friends beliefs as false (21:27-

34)34)

Cycle 3: Eliphaz -- JobCycle 3: Eliphaz -- Job

• Job is greatly wicked, getting more so all along. Job is greatly wicked, getting more so all along. He should cease arguing and repent. (ch. 22)He should cease arguing and repent. (ch. 22)

Job – EliphazJob – Eliphaz• Job has sought him, but cannot find God (23:1-9)Job has sought him, but cannot find God (23:1-9)• Job has lost all confidence in God, and now is left Job has lost all confidence in God, and now is left

with only confidence in himself (23:10-17)with only confidence in himself (23:10-17)• God not only allows the righteous to suffer, but God not only allows the righteous to suffer, but

also allow, if not causes, the wicked to prosper. also allow, if not causes, the wicked to prosper. (ch. 24)(ch. 24)

Bildad – JobBildad – Job

• In a short rebuttal, Bildad restates the In a short rebuttal, Bildad restates the greatness of God and sinfulness of man greatness of God and sinfulness of man (ch: 25)(ch: 25)

Job—BildadJob—Bildad• Job is through with these friends.Job is through with these friends.

• Consider his concept of God’s great power Consider his concept of God’s great power (26:5-14)(26:5-14)

Job’s Defense?Job’s Defense?

• He maintains his integrity (ch. 27)He maintains his integrity (ch. 27)• He pleads for wisdom (ch. 28)He pleads for wisdom (ch. 28)• He reminisces about the past (ch. 29)He reminisces about the past (ch. 29)

He longs for the relationship with God he once had—vs. 1-6He longs for the relationship with God he once had—vs. 1-6When he was blessed and was a blessing to others—vs. 7-When he was blessed and was a blessing to others—vs. 7-1717When he had security vs. 18-20When he had security vs. 18-20When he had respect vs. 21-25When he had respect vs. 21-25

• He mourns his current situation and life (ch. 30)He mourns his current situation and life (ch. 30)• He calls for judgment on himself if he has sinned (ch. 31)He calls for judgment on himself if he has sinned (ch. 31)

(Note especially the pathos of chapter 30!)(Note especially the pathos of chapter 30!)

Introducing ElihuIntroducing Elihu

• His name means “He is my God”. He is evidently a young His name means “He is my God”. He is evidently a young man (32:6-7). He shows respect for their age, but none for man (32:6-7). He shows respect for their age, but none for their views. He is sympathetic to Job’s condition, but not to their views. He is sympathetic to Job’s condition, but not to his words. (33:6-9)his words. (33:6-9)

• Elihu introduces a new theory—that God brings about Elihu introduces a new theory—that God brings about suffering in his chastisement of those he loves in order to suffering in his chastisement of those he loves in order to bring them to repentance. He argues that God is majestic bring them to repentance. He argues that God is majestic and not obligated to give man a reason for his actions—that and not obligated to give man a reason for his actions—that we must wait to learn them in His own time.we must wait to learn them in His own time.

• His admonition to Job is not to desire death, but to hang in His admonition to Job is not to desire death, but to hang in there to learn with purposes of God and the lessons God’s there to learn with purposes of God and the lessons God’s want him to learn through this ordeal. His ideas are much want him to learn through this ordeal. His ideas are much more accurate than Job’s friends, yet the real meaning of all more accurate than Job’s friends, yet the real meaning of all this eludes even him. this eludes even him.

• His speech does, however, give fitting introduction to what His speech does, however, give fitting introduction to what God has to say.God has to say.

GOD SPEAKS!!GOD SPEAKS!!

1.1. Read chapter 38:1-3Read chapter 38:1-32.2. God describes His work in the God describes His work in the

physical world (ch. 38:4-38)physical world (ch. 38:4-38)3.3. He shows His work in the animal He shows His work in the animal

kingdom (ch. 38:39-39:30)kingdom (ch. 38:39-39:30)4.4. He challenges Job (read 40:1-5)He challenges Job (read 40:1-5)5.5. Can man take God’s place? (40:6-Can man take God’s place? (40:6-

41:34)41:34)THIS IS THE BOTTOM LINE: CAN WE BE THIS IS THE BOTTOM LINE: CAN WE BE

GOD, EVEN TO OURSELVES?GOD, EVEN TO OURSELVES?

THE END OF THE THE END OF THE BEGINNINGBEGINNING• Man can be content not to know everything, Man can be content not to know everything,

if he accepts that God does.if he accepts that God does.• Man can be satisfied by pouring out his heart Man can be satisfied by pouring out his heart

to God, if he is willing to listen when God to God, if he is willing to listen when God answers.answers.

• Man can be exalted, if he will humble himself.Man can be exalted, if he will humble himself.• Man can be vindicated, if he will allow God Man can be vindicated, if he will allow God

alone to be the one who vindicates him.alone to be the one who vindicates him.• Man can be restored, if he will accept the Man can be restored, if he will accept the

failings of those who wrong him.failings of those who wrong him.