Project 4:4 JOB Sunday September 19, 2010

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

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

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

Job’s soliloquy—Chapter 3 Out of despair, Job asked “Why” “Why did I not die at birth?” vs. 11 “Why did I not die at birth?” vs. 11 “Why did I not perish when I came from the womb?” vs.11 “Why did I not perish when I came from the womb?” vs.11 “Why did the knees receive me?” vs.12 “Why did the knees receive me?” vs.12 “Why did the breasts nurse me?” vs. 12 “Why did the breasts nurse me?” vs. 12 “Why was I not hidden like a stillborn child?” vs. 16 “Why was I not hidden like a stillborn child?” vs. 16 “Why is light given to him who is in misery?” vs. 3:20 “Why is light given to him who is in misery?” vs. 3:20 “Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden?” vs. 23 “Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden?” vs. 23

Cycle of speeches Job and his “friends” begin a series of exchanges in answer to his cry for “why”. There are three cycles of speeches between them: Cycle One Cycle One Eliphaz speaks (Chs. 4-5) Job replies (Chs. 6-7) Bildad speaks (Ch.8) Job replies (Chs 9-10) Zophar speaks (Ch.11) Job replies (Chs )

Eliphaz -- Job Eliphaz is from Teman, probably in the land of Edom. The Temanites were noted for their wisdom (Genesis 36:9-11) Of the three friends, he is the only one to show any measure of kindness. Eliphaz is from Teman, probably in the land of Edom. The Temanites were noted for their wisdom (Genesis 36:9-11) Of the three friends, he is the only one to show any measure of kindness. He knows Job will not like what he has to say (4:1-2), but states the prevailing philosophy of the day—God always punishes evildoers and rewards the righteous (4:7-11). He knows Job will not like what he has to say (4:1-2), but states the prevailing philosophy of the day—God always punishes evildoers and rewards the righteous (4:7-11). He maintains that all chastening comes from God (5:1- 7). He urges Job to repent and turn to God. (5:8-16) He maintains that all chastening comes from God (5:1- 7). He urges Job to repent and turn to God. (5:8-16)

Job -- Eliphaz After re-stating his desire to die, Job states that his friends are more like tormentors, and challenges Eliphaz to reveal the sin of which he is accusing him. After re-stating his desire to die, Job states that his friends are more like tormentors, and challenges Eliphaz to reveal the sin of which he is accusing him. Job can find no rest (7:1-2), no comfort (7:3-5), and no hope (7:6-10) Job can find no rest (7:1-2), no comfort (7:3-5), and no hope (7:6-10) He wonders why God would torment him. He wonders why God would torment him.

Bildad -- Job Bildad sounds almost rude at the beginning, but ends with tones of genuine friendship. Bildad sounds almost rude at the beginning, but ends with tones of genuine friendship. Bildad urges Job to repent (8:1-7) Bildad urges Job to repent (8:1-7) He challenges him to remember the lessons of history (8:8-10) He challenges him to remember the lessons of history (8:8-10) He tells him to remember both the path away from God (8:11-18), and the path back to Him (8:19-22) He tells him to remember both the path away from God (8:11-18), and the path back to Him (8:19-22)

Job -- Bildad Job states that God might be ever so great, but is unapproachable and unconcerned with man’s condition (9:1-13) He, in a tone that sounds almost blasphemous, implies that he feels God has a dark side that does not square with his known nature (9:14-20) Job states that God might be ever so great, but is unapproachable and unconcerned with man’s condition (9:1-13) He, in a tone that sounds almost blasphemous, implies that he feels God has a dark side that does not square with his known nature (9:14-20) Job turns to speak to God at this point, pleading with Him not to act as an unjust man would act (ch 10) Job turns to speak to God at this point, pleading with Him not to act as an unjust man would act (ch 10)

Zophar -- 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 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 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 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 can be born a man.” He urges Job to repent, otherwise he is doomed. (11:11-20) He urges Job to repent, otherwise he is doomed. (11:11-20)

Job -- Zophar Though Job readily agrees with the power and sovereignty of God. (12:3-25) Though Job readily agrees with the power and sovereignty of God. (12:3-25) However, he wants to take his case directly to God, not to speak with his friends. (13:1-12) However, he wants to take his case directly to God, not to speak with his friends. (13:1-12) At this point, he boldly begins to challenge God. For the first time in scripture we see a righteous man speak in a way that we might judge to be blasphemous. (Remember Abraham in Genesis 18) Note the attitude of Job in the early verses of chapter 14. At this point, he boldly begins to challenge God. For the first time in scripture we see a righteous man speak in a way that we might judge to be blasphemous. (Remember Abraham in Genesis 18) Note the attitude of Job in the early verses of chapter 14.

Zophar seems to be arrogant, perhaps prejudiced, and certainly ignorant of his own ignorance. He is legalistic, with his entire world appearing to be black and white, with no gray areas. He has all the answers, and seems irritated that Job will no accept them. Zophar seems to be arrogant, perhaps prejudiced, and certainly ignorant of his own ignorance. He is legalistic, with his entire world appearing to be black and white, with no gray areas. He has all the answers, and seems irritated that Job will no accept them. Job obviously struggles with the concept of a resurrection. He seems to only wish for a resurrection, not hope for one. Apparently he is not to the point of believing in one as of yet. Again, note Abraham in Hebrews 11. Job obviously struggles with the concept of a resurrection. He seems to only wish for a resurrection, not hope for one. Apparently he is not to the point of believing in one as of yet. Again, note Abraham in Hebrews 11.

Cycle 2: Eliphaz -- Job In a nutshell, Eliphaz accuses Job of sin, and reaffirms that the wicked are troubled all their lives. (ch. 15) In a nutshell, Eliphaz accuses Job of sin, and reaffirms that the wicked are troubled all their lives. (ch. 15)

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

Bildad -- Job Condemns Job again, with the reminder that the wicked are suffering for their wickedness. (ch. 18) Condemns Job again, with the reminder that the wicked are suffering for their wickedness. (ch. 18) Job – Bildad Job merely pleads for mercy Job 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 crying Job starts crying

Zophar -- Job The wicked seem to prosper for a while, but God completely cuts them off (ch.20) The wicked seem to prosper for a while, but God completely cuts them off (ch.20) Job – 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 insist he still does not envy them. Note verse 16—even though they do well, Job insist he still does not envy them. Job rejects his friends beliefs as false (21:27-34) Job rejects his friends beliefs as false (21:27-34)

Cycle 3: Eliphaz -- Job Job is greatly wicked, getting more so all along. He should cease arguing and repent. (ch. 22) Job is greatly wicked, getting more so all along. He should cease arguing and repent. (ch. 22) Job – 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 with only confidence in himself (23:10-17) Job has lost all confidence in God, and now is left with only confidence in himself (23:10-17) God not only allows the righteous to suffer, but also allow, if not causes, the wicked to prosper. (ch. 24) God not only allows the righteous to suffer, but also allow, if not causes, the wicked to prosper. (ch. 24)

Bildad – Job In a short rebuttal, Bildad restates the greatness of God and sinfulness of man (ch: 25) In a short rebuttal, Bildad restates the greatness of God and sinfulness of man (ch: 25)Job—Bildad Job is through with these friends. Job is through with these friends. Consider his concept of God’s great power (26:5-14) Consider his concept of God’s great power (26:5-14)

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. 1-6 When he was blessed and was a blessing to others—vs When he had security vs When he had respect vs 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!)

Introducing Elihu 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 their views. He is sympathetic to Job’s condition, but not to his words. (33:6-9) 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 their views. He is sympathetic to Job’s condition, but not to his words. (33:6-9) Elihu introduces a new theory—that God brings about suffering in his chastisement of those he loves in order to bring them to repentance. He argues that God is majestic and not obligated to give man a reason for his actions—that we must wait to learn them in His own time. Elihu introduces a new theory—that God brings about suffering in his chastisement of those he loves in order to bring them to repentance. He argues that God is majestic and not obligated to give man a reason for his actions—that we must wait to learn them in His own time. 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 want him to learn through this ordeal. His ideas are much more accurate than Job’s friends, yet the real meaning of all this eludes even him. 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 want him to learn through this ordeal. His ideas are much more accurate than Job’s friends, yet the real meaning of all this eludes even him. His speech does, however, give fitting introduction to what God has to say. His speech does, however, give fitting introduction to what God has to say.

GOD SPEAKS!! 1.Read chapter 38:1-3 2.God describes His work in the physical world (ch. 38:4-38) 3.He shows His work in the animal kingdom (ch. 38:39-39:30) 4.He challenges Job (read 40:1-5) 5.Can man take God’s place? (40:6-41:34) THIS IS THE BOTTOM LINE: CAN WE BE GOD, EVEN TO OURSELVES?

THE END OF THE BEGINNING Man can be content not to know everything, if he accepts that God does. Man can be content not to know everything, if he accepts that God does. Man can be satisfied by pouring out his heart to God, if he is willing to listen when God answers. Man can be satisfied by pouring out his heart to God, if he is willing to listen when God 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 alone to be the one who vindicates him. Man can be vindicated, if he will allow God alone to be the one who vindicates him. Man can be restored, if he will accept the failings of those who wrong him. Man can be restored, if he will accept the failings of those who wrong him.