Job 8
Bildad suggests that Job must be at fault for something before God
1-4. If he were upright as he contends, God would come to the help
of Job 5-7. He challenges Job to look around, learn from others
8-10 and see how the godless act and suffer 11-19. God, he says,
does not reject a blameless man 19-22. Note: A purely 'observation'
method to explain the reason or purpose for suffering (even with
God in the equation at some level) is not sufficient nor accurate
!
Job 9
Job replies with declarations of the greatness of God and the
limited, frail nature of mankind 1-24. God is bigger and greater
than the human mind can grasp. He sees God as adding to his
suffering 17-18 ? Job again speaks of his awful suffering and seems
to indicate how futile it would be to figure all this out 25-31,
(as in a court with evidence at hand 32). Job pleads for an arbiter
33-34 (one who could mediate between him and God). Note: Jesus
Christ is that arbiter/mediator that we know and need !
Job 10
Job 'speaks to God' 1-12; asking a series of questions based on his
knowledge of the Lord. Note: God is our creator and the One who
gives us life 9,12. Job knows God sees faults which he does does
not see in himself 13-17. Thus, He sends His judgment. Job again
longs for death 18-20. Note: Job gives a picture of death and the
grave 21-22; a place of gloom and darkness.
Job 11
Zophar points out the emptiness of Job's words (talk) 1-4. He then
wishes for God to speak (and set the record straight) 5-6. No one
can fathom the mysteries of God 7-10. God judges sin 11-12. If Job
were to acknowledge his sin to God, his life (and circumstances)
would turn around (for the better) 15-20. Note: While it is true
that confession and repentance from sin brings the forgiveness of
God and restoration, Job (you recall - chapter 1 & 2) was not
guilty of sin. The reason for Job's suffering was not the result of
sin. This was not known to them.
Job 12
Job 'mocks' his friends counsel 1-3. Job is a laughingstock, while
the wicked are at ease 4-6. Job says what they have stated is as
obvious to all the created order 7-12. He then focuses on the
'doings' of God among the events of men 13-25. He recognizes the
power and control of God. Note: As I read this passage, I think of
how God did these things in people recorded elsewhere in the
Scriptures.
Job 13
Job continues and again says his friends comments are useless and
of no help 1-5. Their statements are ashes and clay 12. Job
proclaims his confidence in the Lord 15. He again, declares his
innocence 16-19. Job pleads with God to show him his offenses and
sins and grant him relief 20-23. He cries for
understanding in what he is enduring 24-28. Note: Is this not the
way we react when suffering ? The 'why' questions come out.
Job 14
Job states that man's days are few and painful, ordained by God
1-6. He points to a tree which is cut down 7-9 as having the hope
of growing again but man (when he dies) does not 10-12. He longs
for death, as an escape 13, yet asks if there is life after death
14. Though assured of God's forgiveness 15-17, Job still feels
overwhelmed and without hope 18-22. Note: When one is suffering,
there are truths of God that are not comforting and others that may
not be able to be understood or received. Job does not have an
answer as to why God would destroy one's hope 19 ? How deep must
his pain have been to prefer the 'bleak' prospect of death over his
life. Note: Have you ever experienced that type of despair ? How
did the Lord bring you through it ?