Job 1
The book of Job opens with the man of God Job, who is described as
'blameless' and 'upright' A 'God-fearing' man who shunned evil 1.
Note: This is a good definition of a true man or woman of God. He
was very wealthy and prosperous by God's blessing 2-3, 9-10. He
worshiped the true and living God and understood the serious nature
of sin by offering sacrifices on behalf of his children 4-5. Verses
6-12 give us insight into the unseen spiritual realm and the God
ordained, heavenly order. Note: Do angels 'check in' and report to
God on their activities ? Satan (the devil, a fallen angel and a
real spirit being) also gives account to the Lord. Note: God is the
supreme sovereign over all. Satan is not His equal, but a created
being who is kept in check and only permitted to do what he does
because God allows it. It is interesting that God initiates the
conversation and calls attention to Job 7-8. God gives Satan
permission to touch all Job has as a test, to prove Job's integrity
and trust before God 12. The following account is one disaster
after another that comes to Job and all he has, brought on by the
work of Satan (whose goal is to kill and destroy - John 8:44,10:10)
12b-19. Note: Is this not how troubles come at times; one thing
after another ? I can not imagine the pain and emotions Job
experienced that day ! We can not read this without being moved
with his suffering. Note: Satan uses both men and nature to do his
destructive work 14-19a. Job's response was one of worship by
declaring that the Lord both gives and takes away. In both the name
of the Lord is to be praised ! 20-21. Job did not sin in making
this declaration nor charge God with wrongdoing 22. Note: Is that
my response to tragedy or suffering that comes into my life ? Also,
often does God get 'blamed' for the trouble and devastation when it
happens ?
Job 2
The second test that God allows is for Job to be afflicted
physically 1-6. In addition to all that he is suffering, having
lost everything, he is now has great pain in his body with the
affliction of boils 7. These are all over his body (head to toe).
So there is no relief from the pain. It is all over (physically)
and compounded by all the emotional anguish of loosing all his
children and all he had in one day ! This was too much for his wife
who suggests that he curse God and die 9. To which Job says that is
foolish. God not only blesses, He also sends trouble. In this Job
was not wrong, nor did he sin in what he said 10. Note: Do you and
I really grasp and believe whole-heartedly the truth that Job
declares here ? We are not asked to explain it, but in faith, trust
in the Lord. (We will see as the book unfolds, the folly of trying
to figure all this out and give a simple answer. Suffering is real
and exists on our world. Do we still trust in God, even though we
can not explain the 'why' of these matters ?) Job's three friends
come to him to sympathize and comfort him 11. They identify with
him and try to enter into mourning and grief with him 12. They show
wisdom by 'just being there' saying nothing for the first week 13.
Note: Sometimes the best help you or I can be to one who is going
through a time of suffering is just be there (saying little or
nothing).
Job 3
Job speaks and curses the day of his birth 1-10. So great is his
suffering that he wishes he was never born, to see the light of
day, or to experience life 11. He has a series of 'why' questions
11-12,16,20,23, each of which seen to ask why was he allowed to
live (considering that life brings such tragedy, suffering, and
pain ?) In the statements that he makes about death, Job is making
general declarations that those who are dead are at rest from the
experiences of this life whether good 14-15 or the troubles
of this life 17-19. He questions why some are kept alive only to
have misery 20-24 ? Job feared facing such difficult days 25 and
now they had come. He had no peace only turmoil 26. Note: Can you
identify with Job, even on a small scale ? In the difficulties and
pressures of this life we can come to the place of such despair
that death 'appears' to be a welcome relief. Surely, even the
godly, can come to this place. What do others think ? We will see
as we read the dialog and counsel that job's friends offer. (Keep
in mind their perspective, how the Lord enters the discussion, and
if they are accurate with the conclusions that come to).
Job 4
Eliphaz is the first to respond to Job and rebukes him right off as
he points out, in times past Job was a counselor to others, not he
needs to be counseled 1-6. His reaction is just like those he tried
to help in the past. Notice that Eliphaz bases his argument on what
'he has observed' 8a. The case he makes against Job is that he must
have sinned and God was now dealing with him because of sin 8-11.
Eliphaz relates a strange vision 12-16 and a voice which points out
the sinfulness of all mankind in contrast with the Lord 17. God can
quickly bring His judgment to bear in the life of any moral who
lives in a fragile 'house of clay' made of dust, delicate as a moth
19-20. Like a tent, easily collapsed 21. Note: Sometimes we are
guilty of forgetting the very truth of God that we have given to
encourage others. Somehow we fail to believe and apply it when we
ourselves are in need.
Job 5
Eliphaz continues by illustrating how that which surrounds the life
of a foolish man 3-6. Mankind, in general, is born to trouble 7.
(it is inevitable in life). His monologue shifts in focus to the
Lord and what He does 8-16. If he were Job, Eliphaz would appeal to
the Lord 8 (in light of who He is). The Lord disciples for a
benefit and blessing in one's life 17-18. HE provides rescue and
relief from the troubles that happen in life 19-20 and shows how
one is to respond 21-26. Eliphaz's one side view would suggest that
those whom God has favored only have good times and protection,
being spared from real tragedy. He says this is examined (has been
tested) and found to be true and that Job should apply this to
himself 27. Note: Eliphaz lacks a balanced view of the Lord and His
people. The righteous do suffer and are not spared from all
calamity as he suggested. Also, by what we know from God's
viewpoint, Job was upright
Job 6
Job responds with an attempt to express the depth of his suffering.
He sees it as coming from the Lord and longs for God to put an end
to it by putting and end to him 1-10. Job is at the end of himself,
declaring that he has nothing left 11-14. Those around him (my
brothers 15) are like undependable streams that promise their
presence and refreshment but are a disappointment 16-20. He applies
this to them 21. He appeals to them to show him clearly where he
has gone wrong 24-30. Note: We must be very careful lest we jump to
the same (wrong) conclusion which would say 'if one is suffering it
is because of some sin in their life' This was not the case with
Job, nor the case with many of us who know and love the Lord.
Job 7
Job describes his suffering which appears to have no end. He longs
for it to be over 1-6. He is in despair and speaks of the finality
of death 7-10. Note: I wonder if Job is challenging his friends to
learn from him while they can, because once he dies they will not
learn from him and his experiences ? Job refuses to be silent 11,
and is not helped by what has been told to him. He can not get a
good night's sleep and finds his days to be meaningless 12-16. It
is hard to know if the series of questions Job poses are directed
at his friends or to the Lord, maybe even both ? 17-21. He says
'you frighten me with dreams' 14 and why have you made me your
target 20. Note: Suffering and trials certainly do bring to the
surface what is really in a person's heart and what is really the
foundation of life (see:Matthew 7:24-27).