Biblical Studies From Job

Biblical Studies From The Book Of Job

Biblical Studies From Job Job’s Opening Lament 3:1-26 A 3-fold expression of grief: Ê He prefers non-existence to life vv Ë He prefers death to survival vv Ì He prefers the grave to suffering, misery vv The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Job’s Opening Lament 3:1-26 Job’s faith has taken a real “hit” While we do not see a man who has given up, we do see a man who is searching in agony We must be careful, sitting on “our side” of this Biblical drama, to not judge him too harshly The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Job’s Opening Lament 3:1-26 Job’s faith has taken a real “hit” What if Job’s lament had really happened? Yes, he would have been spared all this suffering But, he also would never have known the joys he had experienced in life (fatherhood), personal achievements (prosperity), etc. Remember…he had already stated the truth 2:10 The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Job’s Opening Lament 3:1-26 One final observation re: these words… In Job’s opening comments (and throughout his speeches), he never directly expresses a concern for his losses How would the materialist have reacted? How would the one who makes family most important have responded? The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Job’s Opening Lament 3:1-26 One final observation re: these words… To Job’s credit, his concern is always God and his relationship to Him “I feel so estranged, cut off from Him.” “Why has God sent these calamities upon me?” This is further proof Job never lost his faith The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Job’s opening lamentation just completed, the 3 “friends” were obviously surprised by his words…maybe even disappointed Judging from their speeches that follow, their words do not match the original reason for which they came…to “comfort” 2:11 The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Most likely, they expected to hear Job repent of the sins they were certain he had committed…sins that had brought this great calamity upon him Failing to see his repentance and hear his confession, they launch into their biased & unfounded judgments against their “friend” The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Eliphaz vs. Job – Round 1 4:1 – 7:21 Eliphaz’s argument 4:1 – 5:27 He first wonders if Job is prepared to listen to another…yet, he feels he must speak 4:2 He then commends Job’s prior days 4:3-4 Yet now, Job needs to personally apply the teaching he previously gave others 4:5-6 The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Eliphaz vs. Job – Round 1 4:1 – 7:21 Eliphaz’s argument 4:1 – 5:27 His argument is initially based on his observations of the wicked in life 4:7-11 Observations theologically true v. 8 cp. Gal 6:7 He painfully insinuates & applies his “theology” to Job, his predicament vv The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Eliphaz vs. Job – Round 1 4:1 – 7:21 Eliphaz’s argument 4:1 – 5:27 His argument is initially based on his observations of the wicked in life 4:7-11 Lesson: Ù we need to be careful when applying what we think we know…do we have all the facts? Not to discourage “judging” Mt 7:15-20 Jn 7:24 Did Eliphaz “have all the facts?” The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Eliphaz vs. Job – Round 1 4:1 – 7:21 Eliphaz’s argument 4:1 – 5:27 He also argues on the basis of a “vision” he claims to have received 4:12-21 A vision he admits terrified him vv The basic message Ù man’s nothingness before a great and awesome God vv True words…yet, how helpful has he been? The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Eliphaz vs. Job – Round 1 4:1 – 7:21 Eliphaz’s argument 4:1 – 5:27 He rhetorically challenges Job to “call out” to see if anyone will answer him 5:1-7 By now, Eliphaz understands exactly what Job is claiming…innocence, undeserving of punishment He implies Job is foolish v. 2 The foolish get what they deserve vv. 3-7 The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Eliphaz vs. Job – Round 1 4:1 – 7:21 Eliphaz’s argument 4:1 – 5:27 He counsels Job to “seek God” 5:8-16 Job should “place his cause” before a God who can do great & marvelous things vv. 8-9 He gives physical blessings v. 10 He frustrates, captures the shrewd & ungodly vv He saves the helpless and poor vv The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job Eliphaz vs. Job – Round 1 4:1 – 7:21 Eliphaz’s argument 4:1 – 5:27 He concludes by emphasizing how much better off Job will be if he repents 5:17-26 “Job, you’ll be happy if you accept the reproving God is giving you and not despise it” v. 17 Again, theologically correct cp. Heb 12:5-11 Yet, Eliphaz is incorrect in his application The Dialogue Job 3:1 – 42:6

Biblical Studies From Job