Comments on the Book of Job-L M Grant

8/9/2019 Comments on the Book of Job-L M Grant

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Comments On The Book Of JobLM Grant

http://www.biblecentre.org

PREFACE

In this book Israel is not mentioned, so that it seems Job lived previous to the time ofIsrael's history, perhaps about the time of Abraham. his book is poetic and magnificently

beautiful in its language. Alfred !ord ennyson, a renowned poet, called it "the greatest poem whether of ancient or modem literature." he writer is unknown, but it is plainlydictated by #od, who knew perfectly all the circumstances, the e$act words that %atanspoke as well as the !ord in the first and second chapters, the e$act words of Job and ofhis three friends and of &lihu, then the words #od imself spoke from chapter () to *+: .-onsidering all that took place, it could be only #od who is the Author.

his does not mean that Job's words or those of his three friends were a revelation from#od, but rather that #od accurately reported what they said, though in some cases theywere wrong. In other cases their words were right, but their application of the truth wasnot correct. &lihu's words were a much more accurate presentation of the truth.

he work of #od in dealing with an individual is displayed wonderfully in this book.&ven the most upright and commendable character was reduced to a state of poverty anddepression, and afterward recovered and blessed beyond his former dignity. hat alesson for all of us -an we, who cannot claim 0as did Job1 any self2righteous honour,e$pect to escape being humbled if we are to learn rightly of #od3

here are five ma4or divisions in the book. -hapters 5 and + give a historicalintroduction. -hapters ( to (5 record the controversies between Job and his three friends.-hapters (+2(6 record the testimony of &lihu. -hapters ()2*+: give the words of the!ord in reference to is great glory in creation7 and finally the last section displays "theend of the !ord," that is, the wonderful result of #od's dealings in restoring Job to greater

blessing than ever before.

- A8 &9 5

JOB, HIS FAMILY A ! HIS PROMI E CE "##$%&'(

; is considered to have been in the area between %yria and


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is possessions are recorded as being remarkably great, 6=== sheep, (=== camels, >== pair of o$en, >== female donkeys and a very large household, that is, many servants. Infact, he en4oyed the reputation of being the greatest of all the people of the east 0v.(1. It isfre?uently the case that when one is seeking to honour #od by walking honourably, hewill increase in wealth, in spite of the fact that he is not making wealth his ob4ect. here

is no reason to doubt what Job said in chapter +@:55256 as regards his genuine care for the poor, the fatherless, those perishing, the widow and the lame, etc. %o that he wasdefinitely not greedy of gain, but used his wealth in kindness toward those in need.

is sons made a practice of feasting, each on a special day and inviting their sisters to eatand drink with them 0v.*1. his does not necessarily imply that they were given up to afife of self2indulgence and pleasure, but when each season of feasting was finished, Jobconsidered that the danger of such pleasure might be to lead them into sin and disregardfor #od. herefore Job would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings for all of his children, thus sanctifying them, that is, setting them apart from the world of theungodly. his is another evidence that he lived in the time of #enesis, in which book

burnt offerings only are mentioned. In the nation Israel sin offerings, trespass offeringsand peace offerings were later introduced in &$odus and !eviticus.

A LOO) BEHI ! THE SCE ES "##$*&%+(

nly #od could reveal what is written in this section, and faith recognises it must beseriously considered. he sons of #od presented themselves before #od. hese sons of#od are angels, though the designation can be true of men also, as in #enesis :+ whichevidently refers to the line of %eth in contrast to the line of -ain7 and in #alatians (:+ ,where all believers today are said to be sons of #od by faith in -hrist Jesus. In all ofthese cases the son's place is to represent the Bather, though in #enesis :+ they failed to

do so. he sons of #od here in Job 5: appear to be unfallen angels, for fallen angels arenot sons of #od. %atan came among them, though not one of them.

In answer to the !ord's ?uestion as to where he had come from, %atan replied, "Bromgoing to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth in it" 0v.61. hisestablishes the fact that %atan is not omnipresent, as #od is. %atan can be only in one

place at a time, however ?uickly he may travel. Cet he has many agents, evil spirits, whocarry on his wicked work throughout the world, and we know that work is prosperingdreadfully. %ome have ?uestioned too whether %atan knows our thoughts. Absolutely not

nly #od knows the hearts and the thoughts of mankind. e only is omniscient.

hen %atan came among the sons of #od, #od ?uestioned %atan as to whether he hadconsidered #od's servant Job, concerning whom there was none like him in all the earth,a blameless, upright man who feared #od and shunned evil 0v.)1. %atan's reply showedhow void of respect he was toward #od. e imputed to Job the same self2centred motivesthat animate %atan. e said that #od had so greatly blessed Job that it was this profitablee$istence that caused Job to fear #od. e forgot to consider that Job's wealth had beenonly gradually accumulating, as we are sure was the case, for his increase was the resultof his faithfulness to #od, 2 not the other way around. In fact, %atan admitted that Job's


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possessions had "increased in the land" 0v.5@1, so he had not always had such possessions.

%atan boldly asserted that if #od would "touch" all that Job had, in other words, take his possessions from him, Job would curse #od to is face 0v.551. It seems almost ama;ing

that %atan would dare to speak this way to the -reator of heaven and earth, but "a lyingtongue hateth those who are in4ured by it" 08rov.+ :+) 2 JDE trans.1. hen one liesagainst another, hatred moves him to do so, and %atan's ties against #od are prompted byhatred. Also, one moved by hatred does not stop to consider how foolish his words oractions are.

A matter of great importance is made clearly manifest here. %atan realised that he coulddo nothing to Job without #od's permission.


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hat must %atan have thought when he found himself completely defeated3 Job aroseand tore his robe 0a sign of repentance1, shaved his head, a picture of his being e$posed

before #od in a condition of weakness, then fell to the ground in humble prostration before his -reator. All of these are negatives, implying denial of self.


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e may wonder how %atan has ability to inflict a man with painful boils from the sole ofhis foot to the crown of his head 0v.61, but this does show that %atan can cause physicalills as well as promoting spiritual falsehood, and he will use all of these to the fullestadvantage he can.


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Job did not even now charge #od foolishly, but he did curse the day of his birth. his wasnot directly blaming #od, but however little he realised it, he was indirectly blaming#od, for it was #od who gave him life. he language of Job is ama;ingly graphic, asindeed are all his succeeding speeches and those of his friends. Job's grief was so deepthat he did not even consider that what he was saying was an impossibility. ow could

the day perish in which Job was born3 0v.(1. ow could history reverse itself3 hat dayhad passed long before and at the time was a day of light that a man2child had been borninto the world. -ould Job's words change that light to darkness3 e mentions #od oncein this section, desiring that #od would ignore that day 0v.*1. !ater Job would thank #odhe had been born, and that thankfulness will endure for eternity.


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ELIPHA45 COMME !ATIO T0ISTE! I TO REB-)E "##$%&*(

he three friends of Job could only think of #od's 4ustice in reference to Job's sufferings,and had no idea of #od's love. &lipha; no doubt thought he would help Job by hisremarkable knowledge and ability in speaking, but his diagnosis of Job's ailment was

totally wrong. e begins gently and kindly, "If one attempts a word with you, will you become weary3 1. hy did &lipha; not do as he says Job haddone in the past, strengthening the weak hands and upholding those who stumbled3 It iseasy for us to discern what we think is wrong in another without providing for him what

might be for his help. e asks Job, "Is not your reverence your confidence3"


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A SO-L&STIRRI G 1ISIO "##$%+&+%(

&lipha; describes in most graphic language a night vision he had e$perienced in ?uietsecrecy that had a profound effect upon him. e was evidently in a deep sleep when hewas shaken by a paro$ysm of fear and trembling 0v.5*1. A spirit passed before his face,

causing his hair to stand up. A form was present, but undiscernible in its appearance. Dodoubt #od intended by this to awaken the serious attention of &lipha;, and e succeeded.

he vision was not the most vital thing here, but the message to which the vision drewattention. After a brief silence, &lipha; heard a voice, "-an mortal man be more righteousthan #od3 -an a man be more pure than his Faker3 If e puts no trust in is servants, ifhe charges is angels with error, how much more those who dwell in houses of clay,whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before a moth3 hey are broken in

pieces from morning to evening7 they perish forever, with no one regarding. Eoes nottheir own e$cellence go away3 hey die, even without wisdom" 0vv.562+51.

ow true and applicable are such 7or8s to a99 of mank:n8 , but &lipha; was applying itonly to Job, not to himself, because &lipha; did not consider himself "crushed before amoth" and "broken in pieces." his had happened to Job, so that &lipha; considered hisvision as applying directly to Job.


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behind it7 and the observation of &lipha; in verse 6 is very true also, "man is born totrouble as the sparks fly upward. "&lipha; was thinking of Job when he said this.


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JOB/S REPLY TO ELIPHA4 "##$%& .(

It is remarkable that Job, being in the painful condition he was, was still able to reply insuch capable and stirring language to &lipha;. e knew that &lipha; had not shown anyunderstanding of Job's predicament, and he again emphasised the unutterable pain and

grief that had overtaken him. e knew &lipha; had not weighed Job's grief accurately, orhe would have had more compassion for the poor sufferer 0vv.+2(1. Job says, " hereforemy words have been rash," that is, he had spoken as one in deepest anguish, so that hehad inferred that #od was not 4ust in allowing this suffering to one who was upright. fcourse it is rash to say such a thing, but Job's friends should have realised that Job'scondition was such that wrong words were virtually forced from his mouth. -ould theynot make some allowance for this3

e goes on to describe something of the awfulness of his grief, speaking of "the arrowsof the Almighty" piercing him and #od's terrors arrayed against him. "Eoes the wilddonkey bray when it has grass," he asks. If his situation was favourable, would Job be

crying out as he was3 hy would he be like an o$ lowing when it was satisfied3 he o$will not do that. here was the salt to give some savour to the things Job had to bear3hat comfort could he get from having to virtually eat the slime of an egg3 e was left

with no desire for food, in fact considered food loathsome 0v.61.

Again he e$presses his desire for death, for which he had prayed before. e could notunderstand why #od did not answer such a prayer, for he was sure death was preferableto the anguish he was suffering 0vv.)2@1. Cet he did not think of suicide being an option.

e says he has not concealed the words of the oly ne. e had not been guilty ofcovering up anything that #od has spoken 0v.5=1: could #od not then listen to Job's

prayer for death3

e felt he had no strength to even hope for anything better on earth, and no prospect ofanything better, for which his life should be prolonged 0v.551. as he as strong and hardas stone or bron;e that he could bear all his affliction with no feeling3 0v.5+1. e couldnot look within himself for any help, and soundness 0even sound reasoning1 was virtuallyimpossible to him 0v.5( 2 JDE trans.1.

In verse 5* Job rightly remonstrates to the effect that kindness ought to be shown to onewho was afflicted, even if that one had gone so far as to "forsake the fear of theAlmighty." Dot that Job had done so, but &lipha; suspected he was on the verge of this.


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Job asks, "Eid I ever say, '


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and misery, considering his life as a cloud that appears and vanishes away. Eeath wouldovertake him and he would never return to his house 0vv.@25=1. Actually, he desired todie: why then did he think so hopelessly as to the results of death3


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him 2 he would "no longer be." f course Job's words are ill2considered, the e$pressionsof a tortured mind. Cet it is as well that what is in the heart comes out.

CHAPTER <

BIL!A!/S CR-EL RESPO SE "##$%&++(


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1. f course he is thinking of the fact that Job haddepended on the stability of his house, but it had collapsed: all his family was gone.

In verses 5 and 56 he speaks of the hypocrite at first growing green in the sun, his branches spreading out, his roots wrapped around the rock heap, seemingly prosperingwell.


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THE BLAMELESS S-FFER LI)E THE 0IC)E! "##$+%&+3(

Job insists that he is blameless 0v.+51, yet in spite of this he was brought down to despisehis life 0v.+51. e was, put on the same level as a wicked man: "it is all one thing," that is,the righteous and the wicked were lumped together in the way #od dealt with them.

" herefore I say, e also destroys the blameless and the wicked" 0v.++1. It is true that thisappears to be the case more often than not in our present life. ow different however inthe long run


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CHAPTER %.

A ATTEMPT TO REASO 0ITH GO! "##$%&++(

%ince there was no mediator, Job in this chapter 0from verse + on1 directs all of his wordsdirectly to #od, reasoning with im as regards why #od should deal with him in the way

e was doing. e begins his compliant by repeating that his soul loathes his life,therefore he would allow himself to give free course to his bitter complaint by directlyaddressing #od, pleading with im, "Eo not condemn me." #od had certainly notcondemned him, though he felt as though this was true because of his sufferings. "%howme why Cou contend with me" 0v.+1. In one respect it was true that #od was contendingwith Job, and Job did not learn why until the last chapter of this book. e re?uired this

painful e$perience to learn that his own nature was sinful and to learn the pure grace andgoodness of the !ord imself.

"Eoes it seem good to Cou that Cou should oppress, that Cou should despise the work ofCour hands, and smile on the counsel of the wicked3" 0v.(1. It is true that Job was thework of #od's hands, for his own nature, as being born of #od, was certainly #od'sworkmanship.


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%ince #od had shown imself most kind and considerate of Job in the past, Job could notunderstand why #od could now be acting inconsistently with is previous dealings withhim. " hese things Cou have hidden in Cour heart," he says 0v.5(1. owever, since thiswas true, #od must have a good reason for hiding is counsels, and Job ought to haverealised that #od would reveal is mind in is own time.

n the one hand, Job knew that if he sinned #od would mark this and not ac?uit him, forat that time Job did not know "the grace of our !ord Jesus -hrist," but for sin he couldonly e$pect "woe." n the other hand, even if he was righteous 0as he considered himselfto be1, he could not lift up his head, for he was in a state of misery and confusion, full ofdisgrace 0vv.5*25>1.

is head had been e$alted, but now he feels that #od is hunting him like a fierce lion,showing imself so awesome as to inspire fear in the poor man's heart 0v.5 1. Also #odhad arrayed witnesses against him in the persons of his three friends, thus increasing isindignation against Job 0v.561. e felt himself continually changing from one evil to

another as though his own soul was the area of warfare.

If thus Job was living only for trouble, he considered, why then had #od allowed him to be born3 ow much better he thought it would have been if only he had died before birth,so that he not be seen on earth, but rather carried from the womb to the grave 0vv.5)25@1.

is days were few enough without having troubles multiplied. %o he tells #od to "cease,"that is, to leave him alone 0v.+=1. Eid he not stop to think this was an insolent way tospeak to his Faker3


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e immediately attacks Job for his "multitude of words." hose words were too much for him to answer, so he resorts to the subterfuge of accusing Job of being merely "full oftalk," and "empty talk" at that 0v.+1. e did not stop to consider that Job's words had beendirected to #od, not to him, but seems to think that he can answer satisfactorily for #od

e was going to show Job that if Job could talk, he could talk too: he would not hold his

peace. e accused Job of mocking, which was not true: Job was too intensely distressedto mock, but Gophar thought he needed to be reproved 0v.(1. %ince Job had indicated hisdoctrine was pure and his conduct clean, Gophar was actually accusing #od of beingremiss in not speaking out against Job 0v.*1, so that Gophar does what he thinks #odought to have done e knew Job had criticised #od, but now he was doing the samewithout realising it e had found the secrets of wisdom 0or he 4ust knew these secrets byintuition1, and he wished #od would show such secrets to Job hese secrets were doublewhat men generally realised, but Gophar knew them 0vv.>2 1. Gophar even knew that#od was punishing Job less than his ini?uity deserved ho told this to Gophar3 nly hisown superior intellect.

4OPHAR AFFIRMS GO!/S I SCR-TABLE GLORY "##$6&%+(Bollowing his unfair accusations against Job, Gophar now tells Job in effect that he isunable to discern the deep things of #od. -ertainly it was true that Job could not searchout the depths of #od's wisdom, or "find out the limits of the Almighty." Eid Gopharthink #od has any limits3 e is infinite, not limited in any way. Gophar applied his wordsonly to Job, but they were 4ust as applicable to Gophar too


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%ince Gophar thinks that he has established the proof of Job's guilt and has shown Jobsomething of the greatness of #od, then he proceeds to urge Job to change his ways. edoes not say in what Job has been guilty, but is sure he must be guilty of something. "Ifyou would prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward im7 if ini?uity were inyour hand, and you put it far away, and would not let wickedness dwell in your tents7

then surely you could lift up your face without spot7 yes, you could be steadfast, and notfear7 because you would forget your misery, and remember it as waters that have passedaway, and your life would be brighter than noonday" 0vv.5(2561. Gophar thought he wasgiving Job the remedy for his depressed condition, but his diagnosis was totally wrongand his remedy was therefore not what Job needed.

Cet he is sure that if Job would simply take his advice, the results would be of great blessing to Job. e would be secure and take rest in safety, he would lie down withoutfear, and many would court his favour 0vv.5)25@1.


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to him, to discover whether it was palatable or not 0vv.5=2551. hus, he sets Gophar's professed wisdom aside by telling him that "wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding" 0v.5+1.

%peaking of wisdom, however, brings Job face to face with #od, who is infinite in

wisdom and strength, e has counsel and understanding beyond all that is human. "If e breaks a thing down, it cannot be rebuilt" 0v.5*1. In fact Job had been broken down, buthe did not realise that the ne who broke him down could also rebuild him, though Jobcould not do it. If #od imprisons one, man cannot release him, though #od can do so.#od could use waters also as e saw fit. If e withheld the water the earth would dry up:if e sent a torrent of water this could cause an overwhelming flood 0v.5>1. hese twoe$tremes have often followed one another and men are helpless, though #od does note$plain why e does this.

here are various things of which Job speaks that he gives #od credit for, withoutrealising their significance as regards his own case. #od had strength and prudence7 the

deceived and the deceiver were both under is control 0v.5 1, " e leads counsellors away plundered, and makes fools of the 4udges," that is, e deprives counsellors of the value of their counsel: thus man's wisdom is brought to nothing, and the 4udges become foolish:man's authority becomes as useless as his wisdom. hose who have been considereddependable are deprived of speech, the ability to be of help to others, and even elderswho have been recognised for their e$perience will find their discernment taken away0vv.562+=1.

" e pours contempt on princes, and disdains the mighty" 0v.+51. o princes 0those in the place of dignity1 #od sees fit to show contempt, so contrary to what they might e$pect.

he powerful e disarms, taking their power from them. If Job had taken time to

consider the significance of these things, he might not have sunk so low in his miserablestate. e sees the facts, but fails to apply their lessons in his own case. e says of #od," e uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings the shadow of death to light" 0v.++1.Actually, Job was e$periencing the pangs of darkness: he himself could not uncover deepthings from the darkness, nor bring light from the shadow of death, but he realised #odcan do this. -ould e not do it in Job's case3 Ces indeed, and e did so before long.

#od could and did make nations great, and then as e saw fit, destroy them. e couldenlarge the nations and guide them too, but then take away the understanding of thechiefs of the people, to reduce the nation to a wandering wilderness path, to grope in thedark without light, made to stagger like a drunkard 0vv.+(2+>1. hus the nations are anob4ect lesson for all mankind. #od blesses them and they become proud of themselves,therefore they re?uire the humbling dealings of #od.

- A8 &9 5(

JOB !ECLARES HIMSELF F-LLY E=-AL TO HIS FRIE !S "##$%&%+(


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Job has spoken at length of #od's wisdom and power, now he tells Gophar that his eyehas seen all this, his ear has heard it and understood it. hat Gophar knew Job knew also:he was not inferior to his critics 0vv.52+1. In fact, what Job has said proves him moreknowledgeable than they, so his words in verse + are an understatement.

In verse ( he infers that it was no use talking to them: he wanted to speak to theAlmighty, to reason with #od, who at least would not be a forger of lies, as they were.hey were "worthless physicians," he said, and would be wise if they kept silent 0vv.*2>1.e was seeking to reason and to plead with them, but they were not listening, and instead

were speaking wickedly on #od's behalf, using deceit in claiming to speak for #od. Jobknew that #od was fully aware that the charges of his friends were not true, so #od wascertainly not backing them up. Job knew that #od was not deceitful, as his friends were

proving to be, and when the time came, #od would search them out and would surelyrebuke them. f course Job was wondering why #od did not intervene immediately, buthe asks them a pointed ?uestion, " ill not is e$cellence make you afraid, and the dreadof im fall upon you3" 0v.551. Fen should deeply fear to misrepresent #od whose glory

is so high above the heavens. herefore Job likens their arguments to ashes and to clay0v.5+1.

JOB PLEA!S FOR A LISTE I G A-!IE CE "##$% &%2(

aving e$posed his friends' ignorance, Job asks them to keep ?uiet and listen to him.Actually, he could not give them the answer to the many ?uestions that troubled him, buthe could show them that their answers were empty and wrong. At least, he wants time tospeak, then "let come on me what may" 0v.5(1, 8erhaps he had the faint hope that it might

be so. e asks them, " hy do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hands3"0v.5*1. Eid his friends consider why he would so e$pose himself to their ridicule and

criticism3 as there not a reason for this3 In fact, he declares positively that though #odwould slay him, yet he would trust im. Eid his trust in #od indicate that he was guiltyof hidden sin3 Do he says, I will defend my own ways, before im" 0v.5>1.

ould #od desert him3 Do #od would be his salvation. e was fully confident of this,though appearances did not persuade his friends, it was true. If one by sinning wasturning away from, #od, he would not have such confidence in #od as Job had, "for ahypocrite could not come before im" 0v.5 1. herefore Job urges his friends 0or critics1to listen carefully to what he says. e had not been hapha;ard in preparing his case for

4udgment, but was fully certain his case deserved careful consideration, for he says, "Iknow I shall be vindicated" 0v.5)1. Eoubtless it was true he would be vindicated in the

eyes of men eventually, but in the eyes of #od it is a different matter, as Jobacknowledges in chapter *+:>2 , when his case was fully considered before #od.Feanwhile he ?uestions who could rightly contend with him, for his friends' contentionswere empty. e felt it needful to defend himself 2 or perish 0v.5@1. ow different were hiswords when #od spoke directly to him: "I lay my hand over my mouth" 0ch.*=:*1, that is,he held his tongue.

A PRAYER OF !ESPERATIO "##$+.&+6(


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After answering his friends' accusations, Job resorts again to prayer. as this not becausehe could e$pect no understanding from his friends3 here could he find help but in #od3

e asks, " nly two things do not do to me" 0v.+=1. If so, then Job would not try to hidefrom #od. Birst, " ithdraw your hand far from me," that is, do not continue this trying

affliction that Job felt he could not stand7 and secondly, "let not the dread of Cou makeme afraid" 0v.+51. e did not want to be terrified by the contemplation of the glory of#od.

as there not a possibility of some communication with #od3 &ither let #od call himand let Job answer, or let Job speak and #od respond to him 0v.++1. e asks #od, " owmany are my ini?uities and sins3" is friends had accused him of sinning, but #od knew

4ust how many were his sins. f course it was not because of Job's sins that he wasafflicted, but neither he nor his friends could think of any other reason for it. as theresome hidden guilt that Job was not aware of3 hen let #od reveal this to Job.

he fact that #od did not respond seemed to Job that #od considered Job to be isenemy 0v.+*1. e compared himself to a leaf or to dry stubble, not worth any attention.hy would #od frighten an ob4ect so insignificant3 e felt that #od was writing bitter

things against im 2 not literally, but at least in effect, and that he was bringing up thesins of Job's youth, for his more recent sins would not be as flagrant as those of his youth0v.+ 1. erse +6 intimates that #od was confining Job to painful limitations. erse +) istrue concerning all mankind, but Job was thinking of himself as in a state of decay andcomplaining about it.


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#od, and not chafe at the limits #od had placed him under3 0v.>1. "!ook away from himthat he may rest," Job says. Eid he mean he wanted #od to rela$ the limits, so he couldrest comfortably3 Bor he was only like a hired man: could he not finish his day's work in

peace3

In verses 625= Job contrasts himself to a tree, which can sprout again after being cutdown. his is often seen, that a new tree begins to grow out of the stump of one cutdown. hough the stump is dead, yet with moisture a new tree will sprout. "


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Job sees only power on #od's side, #od prevailing against man without man having anychance of recovery: man passes on. #od changes is countenance 0from pleasant todepressing1 and sends man away 0v.+=1, left alone to wander in misery Cet in reality #odwas dealing in pure love toward Job, not merely in power. hether man's sons come tohonour or whether they are brought low, the father is so reduced as not to perceive it

0v.+51. f course, before this Job's sons had all been killed, but he thinks of this situationas a general truth, that man can find no pleasure in his family, no more than in himself.9ather, his flesh will be in pain and his soul will mourn 0v.++1. ow painful and dismal isthe picture he portrays

CHAPTER %'

ELIPHA4 CLAIMS JOB CO !EM S HIMSELF "##$%&*(

his response of &lipha; lacks the measure of self2restraint he had shown in his firstaddress. e had first at least spoken with a measure of consideration for Job, but now hedirectly accuses him of gross sin and hypocrisy. e says in effect, if Job consideredhimself wise, why did he speak with empty knowledge, his words like the east wind3&lipha; does not directly answer what Job has said, but accuses him of unprofitable talkand speeches that can do no good 0vv.+2(1. e says, "Cou cast off fear, and restrain prayer

before #od."


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he knew the secrets of wisdom and that Job did not, but the arguments of &lipha; onlye$posed his partiality.

e proceeds also to imply that he and his friends were actually wiser than Job, for he tellsJob, "


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hus tradition said, " he wicked man writhes with pain all his days" 0v.+=1. f courseJob was writhing with pain, so this was another cruel thrust at Job. "And the number ofyears is hidden from the oppressor." Eid he mean that Job did not know for how manyyears he would writhe in pain because he was guilty of being an oppressor3 "In prosperitythe destroyer comes upon him" 0v.+51. It was when Job was en4oying prosperity that

trouble came suddenly to him, therefore &lipha; concluded that Job must be a wickedman, for he did not stop to consider that others beside wicked men had trouble too. And because Job had e$pressed himself as despairing of any hope of returning from the darkstate into which he had come, &lipha; took advantage of this to further convict Job 0v.++1.

e speaks of the wicked wandering in search of bread, that is, some return to a formerstate. " rouble and anguish make him afraid" 0v.+*1. herefore since Job admitted he wasafraid because of his great suffering, &lipha; considered this another proof of Job'swickedness. " e stretches out his hand against #od, and acts defiantly against theAlmighty, running stubbornly against im" 0vv.+>2+ 1. hese were things that &lipha;saw in Job, so that he felt himself right in comparing Job to wicked men. -ertainly in all

this &lipha; showed painful lack of discernment and unfeeling cruelty.

THE RECOMPE SE OF THE 0IC)E! "##$+6& '(

1. his is what heconsidered Job's end would be

CHAPTER %*

JOB REPRO1ES THEIR HEARTLESS ESS "##$%&'(

&lipha; had claimed to be giving Job "the consolations of #od," and this moves Job toreply bitterly, "Fiserable comforters are you all " 0v.+1. Instead of comfort, they hadgiven heartless accusations, which Job terms "words of wind." e says that if they werein his place, he could heap up words against them in similar cruel accusation, but hewould not do so: he would use his words to strengthen and encourage them in order togive them some relief. e longed for this himself, but they had nothing for him.

JOB FEELS GO! HAS MO1E! ME TO PERSEC-TE HIM "##$*&%3(


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hether Job spoke or remained silent, he found no relief. e feels that #od has worn himout by making all his company 0his friends1 desolate of any help, and thus Job wasshrivelled up. In verse @ it may be doubtful that he is referring directly to #od, for inverse 5= he uses the plural "they" three times.


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" h that one might plead for a man with #od, as a man pleads for his neighbour " 0v.+51.e today know the wonderful answer to this in the Dew estament. " e have an

advocate with the Bather, Jesus -hrist the righteous" 05 Jn.+: 51. he !ord Jesus doesindeed plead for us before the Bather's face, a true and gracious Intercessor whose

petitions the Bather will never deny.

&ven in Job's day, his faith could have anticipated this if only he had a submissive spirit.owever, in a state of despondency he says, "Bor when a few years are finished I shall go

the way of no return" 0v.++1. e therefore e$pected to live a few years more, but thoughtof those years only as continuing his present misery, and says nothing of the bright

prospect of eternity, which at least today should be a matter deeply precious to a believing heart, 2 that is, eternal glory and eternal blessing with -hrist. ow marvellousis the advantage the children of #od have today over those of ld estament days

CHAPTER %6

Job has much more to say than his friends had, and we may marvel at the detailed way inwhich he describes his present condition in contrast to what he had once en4oyed. "Fyspirit is broken, my days are e$tinguished, the grave is ready for me" 0v.51. as it truethat mockers were with him3 hey might think they were comforters, but were they notmocking3 0v.+1.

Job considered himself so despised that no one would even shake hands with him, and hethought that #od had hidden their heart from understanding 0vv.(2*1. In verse > hecertainly was not accusing his friends of flattering him, but did he mean that he would notdare to flatter them3


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- A8 &9 5)

BIL!A!/S STRO G REPROOF "##$%& (


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patches of his skin, and "the king of terrors" 0death1 is set as the prospect before his eyes.thers who are not of his family will take over his dwelling, scattering brimstone on it,

leaving it unfit for him. &verything


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hey pleaded the fact that Job was disgraced as evidence of guilt on his part, so that theyfelt themselves secure in taking an e$alted position over him 0v.>1.


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Job's friends seem not to have even considered how deeply Job must be affected. is body must have been emaciated 2 his bones clinging to his flesh 2 and he feels he has barely escaped death, as by the skin of his teeth, 2 a metaphor indicating the finestmargin.

JOB/S PLEA FOR PITY "##$+%&+3(

If no one else will have pity on Job, at least he feels that his friends who have come tocomfort him should manifest some measure of pity rather than of accusation. e pleadswith them therefore, for as he says, "the hand of #od has struck me." %hould they add tohis suffering, thinking it right to do so because #od had made him suffer3 e felt #odwas persecuting him, which was not true, but it was true that his friends were persecutinghim, being not satisfied that his flesh had suffered enough.

At this point Job e$presses his longing that his words were indelibly written 0vv.+(2+*1,for he was sure he was speaking truthfully. In fact, what he has said is inscribed in the

ord of #od for eternity, more lasting than if engraved in rock with an iron pen with leadinserted in the letters. Job however will not for eternity consider all those words as true,for after this he learned that #od was indeed not a persecutor, but ne who in everythingsought the greatest good of his servant.

FAITH/S BEA-TIF-L TRI-MPH "##$+'&+6(

In the midst of Job's deep depression it is wonderful to hear him speak so positively inthese three verses, "I know that my 9edeemer lives." hus his faith is seen to surmounthis feelings, which he had allowed to discourage him. Dotice, he says "my 9edeemer."

he !ord would therefore certainly redeem him from all the adversities he was

e$periencing. ow could he then have spoken so critically of the !ord before3


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lifted up, but his history at this time was very generally a conflict between faith andfeelings.

A CLOSI G APPEAL "##$+


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poor" may not be too easily understood, and there is some ?uestion as to the translation,"his hands restore his wealth."


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make Job all the more miserable. :5)1, the iron speaking of hard, unyielding circumstances, that in

Joseph's case found him calmly submissive, but caused Job to want to flee, as with mostof us, we want to avoid the hardness of trials. ne might ask, would Gophar feelsubmissive if an iron weapon threatened him3 or would he want to flee from it3


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he callous cruelty of Gophar's speech would surely cause some men to be bitterly angry, but while Job was incensed by such treatment, he did not lose his temper. e was well incontrol of himself in spite of so deeply feeling the anguish of his sufferings as well as theunfeeling criticism of his friends. After Job's speaking in this chapter, Gophar has nothingmore to say.

THE SOLEM ITY OF !EALI G 0ITH GO! "##$%&%*(

9ather than replying in the same controversial spirit that his friends had used, Job calmlyappeals to them to consider carefully what he is saying. he fact that he controlledhimself as he did ought to have impressed them sufficiently to at least give him someserious consideration. e asked them to bear with him in his speaking to them, and afterhe has had his say, to continue their mocking 0vv.+2(1. e had little hope that they wouldchange their minds, no matter how solemnly he speaks.

e asks them, "Is my complaint against man3" Actually, his complaint was against the

way #od was dealing with him.


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are in a far more dangerous condition that they realise, and future 4udgment is infinitelymore terrible than Job's few years of suffering. hey consider they have no profit in

praying to #od. %uch is the self2centred pride of man heir ob4ect is present advantage, but in ignorance they do not realise that even in this life they may find great profit independing on #od's grace.

hey may think their prosperity is in their own hands, that they have only themselves tothank for this. ow false indeed #od is the #iver of every temporal thing as well asspiritual.


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Job strongly takes the offensive in this section. e discerns the schemes by which hisfriends would wrong him 0v.+61. Bor they asked, "where is the house of the prince3" 2 asmuch as to say that a person of princely character would not be reduced to dwell in themisery that Job was bearing 0v.+)1. hey thought that the dwelling place of the wickedcorresponded to Job's circumstances. ad they not asked those who travelled the road of

varied and contrary circumstances what was the reason for their disparity3 0v.+@1.

hen Job speaks of what his friends had entirely missed, that is, the 4udgment of thefuture. "Bor the wicked are spared for the day of doom" 0v.(=1. "%pared" is the propertranslation here, indicating that #od now spares them trouble in view of a later "day ofdoom." hough allowed to hide from present recompense, they will be brought out in theday of #od's wrath.

Job then asks, " ho condemns his way to his face3 and who repays him for what he hasdone3" 0v.(+1. Job's friends were condemning him to his face, but there is only oneanswer to the two ?uestions he asks. nly #od has the right to condemn. nly #od will

recompense man's sin.

THE E ! I !EATH "##$ +& (

At least in death the end of a wicked man's prosperity is reached: he is brought down tothe grave 0v.(+1. is burial may be with a vigil and outward display of great honour.!arge numbers may follow his coffin to the grave with such pomp and ceremony that isreally only a mockery since he has actually "died without mercy. "

HIS CO CL-SIO "#$ 3(

Job's friends certainly did not think that Job's end would be with such fanfare, but manyof the wicked would end in this way. herefore Job could rightly ask them, " ow thencan you comfort me with empty words, since falsehood remains in your answers3" heyhad compared Job to the wicked, but not to the wicked who prospered in the world: thefact of the wicked prospering they had not even considered.

At this point Job has clearly won the argument, so that the replies of &lipha; and


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"-an a man be profitable to #od, though he who is wise may be profitable to himself3"0v.+1. -ertainly it is folly for anyone to think that he is doing #od a favour by hisrighteousness, for to be perfectly right is nothing more than he should be. 1.8robably &lipha; considered that Job's professed fear of #od was total hypocrisy, andtherefore Job deserved the greatest censure. &lipha; was 4ust the man to give that censure,

for he was sure he was speaking for #od. ow sad was the delusion under which he waslabouring ow carefully we must watch against any tendency on our own part to 4umpto conclusions as regards the condition of any other believer, or as regards our suspicionof anything in their life that may seem ?uestionable. "!ove believes all things, hopes allthings, endures all things" 05 -or.5(:61.

A LIST OF ACC-SATIO S "##$*&%6(

&lipha; has worked himself up to such a state that he allows his imagination to run wild,daring to make a number or specific accusations against Job that were totally false. esays, "Cou have taken pledges from your brother for no reason, and stripped the naked of

their clothing" 0v. 1. e did not however say what brother he was referring to, nor ofwhat naked people Job was guilty of harming.

e also blamed Job for what he says Job had not done in regard to providing water orfood for those who needed it 0v.61. ow did &lipha; know this3 e would have to beac?uainted with all Job's life to have any such knowledge. f course #od knew what Jobhad done and what he had not done, and evidently &lipha; thought that he shared #od'sknowledge

In verse ) &lipha; is apparently charging that Job in the past as a mighty man possessedthe land, dwelling in it as though he was honourable.


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with no basis of actual fact, but from the viewpoint of their own suppositions. nlyestablished fact can rightly be a true basis of discussion.

GO!/S I FI ITE ) O0LE!GE "##$%+&%3(

In this section &lipha; only shows how grossly unfair he is. e accuses Job of sayingwhat Job had not said at all. Is not #od in the height of heaven3 And see the stars howlofty they are" 0v.5+1. "And you say, hat does #od know3" 0v.5(1. f course #od is inthe height of heaven, and Job had fully acknowledged this before 0ch.@:*25+1. Cet &lipha;accuses Job of saying, " hat does #od know3" Job had spoken in complete contrast tothis, declaring that "with im are wisdom and strength, e has counsel andunderstanding" etc. 0-h.5+:5(1.

hy did &lipha; then accuse Job as he did3


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APPEALI G TO JOB TO REPE T "##$+%&+'(

he advice of &lipha; to Job is now seen in telling him to ac?uaint himself with #od and be at peace 0v.+51. e was flatly refusing to believe that Job knew #od at all, and wastherefore sure Job needed to be converted to have good come to him. At least he did not

consider Job's case hopeless, but Job would have to take his advice and "return to theAlmighty." e urged Job to receive instruction from #od. It is surely right to lay up #od'swords in our heart, but to accept the words of &lipha; as #od's word is a different matter.Job had not left the Almighty, therefore to tell him to return was insulting 0vv.++2+(1. !etus never treat a suffering believer as an unbeliever.

he fact that Job was suffering was proof to &lipha; that Job had departed from #od, andif he would return he would be built up, with all ini?uity being removed from him. ewould be greatly blessed with the finest gold. e adds that "the Almighty will be yourgold and your precious silver" 0v.+>1. his reminds us of the words of the !ord to Abram,"Eo not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield and your e$ceeding great reward" 0#en. 5>:

51.


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answer. In spite of all that his friends have said, he tells them, "&ven today my complaintis bitter" 0v.+1. heir much talk had not changed anything for him. e continued to groanin anguish, and says, " h that I knew where I might find im, that I might come to isseat. I would present my case before im, and fill my mouth with arguments" 0vv.(2*1.

e wanted #od, but felt #od had withdrawn from him and would not answer his prayers.

ow little did he realise that #od knew perfectly what Job was feeling and what he wasthinking. e did not have to give Job a public audience to air his complaints. In fact,when finally #od dealt directly with Job, Job had no arguments to present to im at all.

is first response to #od was, "


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previously had for confidence in the flesh, ending with, "concerning the righteousnesswhich is in the law, blameless" 08hil.(:*2 1, "but," he adds, "what things were gain to me,these I have counted loss for -hrist" 0v.61. e would no longer put any confidence in allhis virtues. Job later learned this too 0Job *+:>2 1.

AFRAI! OF GO! "##$% &%6(

"


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-ruel men would employ them to press out oil and to tread winepresses, yet give themnot even enough in wages to ?uench their thirst. %ome were groaning in the pangs ofdeath and the souls of the wounded were crying out. "Cet," Job says, "#od does notcharge them 0the oppressors1 with wrong" 0v.5+1.


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Dot only did Job feel that #od was la$ in is 4udgment of evil, but that #od actually protected people in their course of wickedness. e thought that #od used is power todraw the mighty evildoers away from the crowd, so that no man was sure of life 0v.++1." e gives them 0the wicked1 security, and they rely on it7 yet is eyes are on their ways"0v.+(1. Job knew this was true, that #od perceived all they were doing, yet continued to

protect them from harm.

" hey are e$alted for a little while, then they are gone. hey are brought low7 they aretaken out of the way like all others7 they dry out like the heads of grain" 0v.+*1. At leastJob recognised that the e$altation of the wicked was only for a little while, then they were

brought low and taken away, "like all others," that is, they only shared the same end asothers who were not wicked. If we consider this life only, then certainly everything is outof balance and frustrating.


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0Ft. +>:>(1. Eo angels have power3 ne angel of the !ord killed 5)>,=== Assyrians inone night 0+ Kings 5@:(>1.

Also, " pon whom does is light not arise3" Just as the sun rises on all the earth 08s.5@: 1, so the !ord Jesus is the true light who, coming into the world, shed is light upon

everyone 0Jn.5:@1. f course


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ignorance of those in %heol. he state of destruction is chaos to us, but it is laid bare before #od in its actual condition. e is superior to what is low and infernal.

HIS A-THORITY I THE HEA1E S "#$6(

hough in contrast to the depths, the heights are also in the hand of #od. " e stretchesout the north over the empty space." ad astronomers in Job's time observed that in thenorth there is a large space in which no stars are observable3 e understand it is commonknowledge among astronomers now. " e hangs the earth upon nothing." Fythology hadall sorts of foolish e$planations as to how the earth is sustained.


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S-PREME I HEA1E "#$% (

"


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THE HOPE OF THE HYPOCRITE "##$


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TOTAL OBLI1IO "##$%2&+ (

hus the rich unbeliever lies down, then opens his eyes to find himself in torment, whereterrors overtake him as a flood, the tempest of #od's 4udgment takes him away 0vv.5@2+=1. his is graphic language, but Job is not so specific as the !ord Jesus was in !uke

5 :+(, concerning the rich man who died, "and being in ades, lifted up his eyes." hus,after death there is torment for the wicked. " he east wind carries him away" 0v.+51. heeast wind is often spoken of in scripture as signifying #od's 4udgment 0&$. 5*:+51. hat

4udgment is slow to arise, but when it comes, it "does not spare" 0v.++1. Fen may try toflee desperately from its power, as they do from hurricanes, but to no avail.

"Fen shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place" 0v.+(1. 9ather thansorrowing at his disgraceful death, those who have known him will be glad he is gone. Itis evident that Job had no fear whatever of his sharing a 4udgment like this, and hisfriends ought to have easily recognised that these things would not be true of Job. Itwould have been wise for them to frankly apologise to Job for their cruel charges against

him.

CHAPTER +< & 0IS!OM5 PRICELESS A ! P-RE

EARTH/S MEAS-RE! TREAS-RES "##$%&*(

Job has spoken of the folly of wicked men. Dow he shows that which stands in beautifulcontrast to -hapter +6. he language here is magnificent, as Job considers what isaltogether ob4ective, not at all continuing any defence of himself in this chapter, bute$tolling the virtues of wisdom, showing that all creation bears witness to the greatnessof the wisdom of #od. In thinking of this chapter, we should do well to compare it to8roverbs ):5+2(5, where wisdom is seen to be personified in the !ord Jesus -hrist. hisis confirmed in 5 -orinthians 5:+(2+*.

1. "Its stones are the source of sapphires" 0v. 1. %tones by intense heat


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produce precious stones, and gold dust is found where heat has been. Job intimates thatman knows these things and takes advantage of them.

HI!!E TREAS-RES "##$6&%%(

In this section Job speaks of things more hidden from people normally, but which #od brings to light 0v.551. here is a path that no bird knows, though it can fly high aboveearth to observe what is below. Do falcon's eye 0which is ama;ingly keen1 discerns it0v.61. he proud or fierce lion cannot by his superior strength, force his way into it 0v.)1.

1.

Job continues his sub4ect of wisdom, saying that the finest gold 0from phir1 or ony$ or

sapphire stones, or crystal, or 4ewellery of fine gold have no value whatever compared tothe value of wisdom 0vv.5 2561. -oral and ?uart; are not worth mentioning, nor rubieseither, in estimating the value of wisdom, nor the topa; of &thiopia, nor any pure gold0vv.5)25@1. In other words, absolutely nothing in nature can approach the value of truewisdom, for this is spiritual, not natural. ell indeed does #od say in regard to what manconsiders wisdom, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing theunderstanding of the prudent" 05 -or.5:5@1. n the other hand, 5 -orinthians +:6 tells us,"


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before the ages for our glory." his wisdom is received only through faith in the !ordJesus, by the revelation of the %pirit of #od 0v.5=1. ow wonderful is this, far above allnatural comprehension

REPORTE! B-T - ) O0 "##$+.&++(

Job knew there is such a thing as wisdom, and men generally, realise that wisdom doese$ist. 1. Bor though air weighs nothing, yet the wind has such tremendous weight to it thatit can break rocks in pieces 05 Ki.5@: 551. Also #od "apportions the water by measure."

ho could even think of measuring the water of the oceans3 Cet these things are

perfectly under the control of our great -reator, and wisdom, no less than power, ismanifest in such mighty works.

" e made a law for the rain" 0v.+ 1 as to how and when it is to be released, and in precisely what areas7 and man has no ability whatever to change that law. Dor does manunderstand why #od withholds the rain at certain times and places, and sends e$cessiverain at the times and places that e chooses.


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of #od before their eyes," so that they have no heart to depart from evil. he fear of the!ord is not terror, but a wholesome reverence that gives im the place of supremehonour. Job recognised this, even though he had not been blessed with the revelation ofthe person of -hrist, who is isdom personified, but his words surely show that theaccusations of his friends were untrue.

CHAPTER +2

JOB/S PAST GREAT ESS

In this chapter Job dwells upon the honour and dignity that had been his in the past.hile he was sincere in what he said, and no doubt spoke truthfully, yet there is far too

much of "sell" in what he says, so that in this way -hapter +@ is a contrast to -hapter +),where he had given the !ord is place of supreme e$cellence. Dor had Job learned thetruth of &cclesiastes 6:5=, "Eo not say, hy were the former days better than these3 Boryou do not en?uire wisely concerning this." In fact, 8aul goes further than this in saying,":*51.


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JOB/S GOO! !EE!S APPRO1E! BY OTHERS "##$%%&%6(

owever, it was not merely Job's outward position of dignity that caused people tohonour him, but his consistent kindness toward others. 8eople blessed him because he"delivered the poor," the fatherless, and those who had no other source of help 0v.5+1. If

one was dying, Job was there to give help, and he gave widows cause to sing for 4oy0v.5(1. e was ;ealous for the cause of righteousness and 4ustice 0v.5*1, and was in effect"eyes to the blind and feet to the lame" 0v.5>1. e was in practice "a father to the poor,"searching out the truth of a case that might not be easily apparent 0v.5 1. e opposed thewicked, breaking their fangs, their ability to gain by oppression7 and rescuing victimsfrom their clutches 0v.561.

Do wonder #od says of Job, "there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and uprightman, one who fears #od and shuns evil" 0ch.5:)1. Cet how deeply did Job need to learnthe lesson of the words of the !ord Jesus, "do not let your left hand know what your righthand is doing" 0Ft. :(1. here is never a reason that we should advertise the good things

that we do. If we do it as "unto the !ord," 0which ought to always be the case1, we shouldremember that e knows and estimates its value far more accurately than we might do.

JOB/S CO FI!E CE I HIS GOO! ESS "##$%


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himself as a king in the army," able to order matters for the people in a way the peopleknew was good for them. ow unusual a man he was

CHAPTER . & JOB/S PRESE T SHAME

MOC)E! BY HIS I FERIORS "##$%&2 1, therefore then were notworth considering. Bor he says, "they were sons of fools, yes, son of vile men." -an #odnot save sons of vile men3 Indeed he can, and often does. ught not Job to have beenconcerned for others who were so reduced, specially when he himself had been reducedfrom his previous state3

JOB FEELS THEIR SCOR "##$2&%'(

" hey abhor me, they keep far from me7 they do not hesitate to spit in my face" 0v.5=1.his was true of men's treatment of the !ord Jesus too, but it did not shake is

confidence in the living #od. Job considered that, because #od had afflicted him,therefore "the rabble" had cast off restraint 0v.551 to see in Job an opportunity of ventingtheir evil tempers against him. In fact, this was similar to the !ord Jesus, whose words in8salm @:+ surely speak to us, " hey persecute im whom thou hast smitten." owdifferent however was is case from that of Job7 for #od smote the !ord Jesus onaccount of our sins. Fen, ignorant of such grace, only used the occasion to heap furtherabuse on the %on of #od. If Job at that time had had the e$ample of the !ord Jesus toconsider, he might have thought rather differently.


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nder such persecution he became terror2stricken, and what prosperity he knew was as a passing cloud 0v.5>1.

JOB/S SO-L PO-RE! O-T "##$%*&%2(

In these verses Job describes the agony of his suffering with his soul poured out, his very bones seeming to pierce him in the night, with unabated pain 0vv.5 2561. is garment,rather than being a becoming adornment, had become disfigured because his body wasemaciated, so that the collar of his coat was ill2fitting.

1. It is sad that Job was virtually claiming tohave been more considerate than #od was hy did he allow such words to fall from hislips3

e looked for good as a result of his apparent goodness, but evil came to him 0v.+ 1, anddarkness came rather than light.


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to rest 0v.+61, and he had no e$pectation of anything but "days of affliction." e felt hehad sunk as low as the animals, 4ackals and ostriches 0v.+@1, but he was still speaking as aman hat music he had en4oyed was now turned into mourning and weeping.

CHAPTER % & JOB/S STRO G SELF&!EFE CE

hough Job's misery was complete, he returns in this chapter to the defence of his wholelife, which was comparatively more virtuous than that of any other man. #od had saidthis to %atan long before 0Job 5:)1, so that there is no reason to doubt what Job says ofhimself, though he did not realise that the very fact of his declaring his own goodnesswas really sinful pride.

JOB/S CLAIM OF MORAL -PRIGHT ESS "##$%&%+(

e says he had made a covenant with his eyes 0v.51. hat is, he had purposed he wouldnot be seduced by what his eyes observed. e would evidently look away from anythingthat might be tempting. Bor he recognised that #od above knew every thought of hisheart, for the Almighty was high above Job 0v.+1. Eestruction was not properly for Jobtherefore, but for the workers of ini?uity 0v.(1. Job was conscious of the fact that #odobserved his ways and the details of every step 0v.*1.

e insists, if he is suspected of walking in falsehood or practising deceit, let him beweighed in honest scales 0vv.>2 1, for #od would thus be persuaded of Job's integrity. %oconfident was Job, that he could declare that if he had stepped out of the way or his hearthad followed his eyes, if his hands were soiled, then let another eat what Job sowed, infact, let harvest be totally rooted up 0vv.62)1.

Again, he insists that if his heart had been enticed by a woman or if he had taken theinitiative in going to his neighbour's house with motives of evil, then let his wife leavehim and choose another. "Bor," he says, " hat would be wickedness7 deserving of

4udgment. Bor that would be a fire that consumes to destruction, and would root out allmy increase" 0vv.5525+1. e was firmly decided as to the wickedness of such things,though his thoughts were contrary to large numbers of careless people today.

)I ! ESS AT HOME A ! ABROA! "##$% &+ (

ad Job despised the cause of any of his servants, whether male or female3 0v.5(1. If thiswere true, he asks, what should he do when #od raised the ?uestion with him3 Bor #odmade these servants 4ust as e had made Job. his fact had been considered by Job long

before, we are sure, so that he was not guilty of oppressing the creatures of #od 0vv.5*25>1.

In verses 5 2+5 he speaks of sins of omission also. If he had not helped the poor or hadignored the plight of the widow, but had kept all he had for himself, so that the fatherlesswere left hungry7 if he had seen anyone perish for lack of clothing or any poor manwithout covering7 if the heart of the poor had not blessed Job, not being warmed by the


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fleece of his sheep7 if Job had not championed the cause of the fatherless in the gate, the place of 4udgment7 then he says, "let my arm fall from my shoulder, let my arm be tornfrom the socket" 0v.++1. In contrast to this, notice his words in parenthesis 0v.5)1, "


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O HYPOCRISY 0ITH ITS FEAR OF MA "##$ & 3(

e was willing to be tested too as to whether he had covered his transgression, as Adamdid when using fig leaves, as though this could deceive the !ord 0v.((1. ne might coverhis sin because he fears the criticism of the people and the contempt of families, but Job

was confident he had no reason for such fear, no reason to hide at home from the eyes ofcritics 0v.(*1. is life had been open and aboveboard.

A CHALLE GE TO BE HEAR! "##$ '&3.(

In considering all these things that he felt were to his credit, it is little wonder that Jobagain bursts into the urgent plea that someone in authority would hear him 0v.(>1, andrealises his only hope along this line is in "the Almighty." hy did e not answer Job'sdesperate cries3 If #od was taking the place of a prosecutor 0which was certainly not so1,why had e not written a book dealing with the whole case3 ere in early years was thee$pressed desire for a book written by #od Dow we know such a


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their charges against him, and had reason to be honoured for his many virtues. is friendshave no answer.

CHAPTER + & ELIH- I TRO!-CE!

%ince his three friends have been silenced by Job's strong declaration of self2righteousness, our attention is drawn to a young man who has been a silent observer ofthis interesting drama. here appears to, be no doubt that &lihu is a type of -hristintervening as a mediator rather than as an accuser of Job, nor as a 4ustifier of Job. isname means "Fy #od is Jehovah," and he is the son of


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"#reat men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand 4ustice" 0v.@1. A manmay attain greatness in the world, and yet be ignorant of his -reator, or one may haveyears of e$perience in the world and still be without the knowledge of #od. " he flesh

profits nothing." If #od is to be understood, this can only be by #od revealing imself 05-or. +:5+25*1. ith this in mind, &lihu can confidently ask his hearers, ' herefore, I say,

listen to me, I also will declare my opinion."

THE FAIL-RE OF THE THREE FRIE !S "##$%%&% (

&lihu had waited patiently while &lipha;,


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A vital matter is involved in this: he must not show partiality to anyone, and, if heflattered anyone he considered that this would be cause for his Faker taking him away0vv.+52++1. e must give the truth simply and clearly as from #od, who is no respecter of

persons.

CHAPTER HE SPEA)S AS A ME!IATOR "##$%&6(

&lihu did not take any haughty and unfeeling attitude as did Job's three friends, butspeaks with simple humility, entreating Job to hear and consider what he says 0v.51. eclaims that his words come from his heart, uttering pure knowledge 0vv.+2(1, because heis conscious that the %pirit of #od has made him, and the breath 0or %pirit1 of theAlmighty gives him life. If you can answer me, set your words in order before me: takeyour stand" 0v.>1. his should be true of anyone who speaks for #od.

In verse he speaks of himself as Job's spokesman 0or daysman1, one taking up Job'scase before #od, not as defending Job's claims, but as concerned for the greatest good ofJob's welfare before #od. e therefore wants no place of superiority, but speaks ofhimself as being also "formed out of clay." Job's friends did not think of this when theyaccused him, for they considered their wisdom superior to his. &lihu did not want Job to

be afraid of him, nor would he terrify Job by dreams, as &lipha; did 0ch.6:5(25>1. "Dorwill my hand be heavy upon you" 0v.61. his was in contrast to all three of Job's friends.

REF-TI G JOB/S COMPLAI T AS TO GO!/S J-STICE "##$


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%ince #od is invisible, e speaks to man in ways that do not manifest im personally, but ways that awaken man's serious attention. wo of these ways &lihu now speaks of,first, in verses 5>25), and secondly in verses 5@2++. hough man may not perceive it is#od speaking to him yet often #od does so "in a dream, in a vision of the night, whendeep sleep falls upon men." At such a time #od has a captive audience, whether man

wants to listen or not. #od spoke to 8ilate's wife in this way 0Ft. +6:5@1, though sadly,8ilate did not act on her advice, for he had already trapped himself by his weakvacillation.

In cases of #od sending dreams to people, e "opens the ears of men, and seals theirinstruction" 0v.5 1, not to flatter man's pride, but 4ust the opposite, that is, "to turn manfrom his deed, and conceal pride from man" 0v.561. In other words, if a dream is awarning against what I may be inclined to do, or if it humbles me, then I should take it toheart.

Fany unsaved people have been virtually driven by a dream to turn to #od from their

sins, as verse 5) indicates: " e keeps back his soul from the 8it, and his life from perishing by the sword." hus, in pure grace #od sometimes so shakes a soul by a dreamthat the person is shocked into turning to #od from his sins. %adly, not everyone willrespond to #od's appealing in this way.

owever, another means of #od's speaking is that of inflicting "strong pain," often inone's bed where he cannot occupy himself with many devices that keep him fromlistening to #od 0v.5@1. %ickness and suffering have often driven people to the !ord. nefinds himself unable even to eat 0v.+=1, then he loses weight and becomes virtually "skinand bones," with the prospect of an untimely death staring him in the face 0vv.+52++1." is soul draws near the pit." Is there any help3

GO!/S RESTORI G GRACE "##$+ & .(

Ces, there is help, but only in #od, who knows how to send a messenger at the right time,a messenger who is also a mediator, "one among a thousand" 0v.+(1. %uch an individual istypical of the !ord Jesus, the "one mediator between #od and men" 05 im.+:>1. e is the

ne who shows to man #od's uprightness, as we see in 9omans *:+ , "that e 0#od1might be 4ust and the Justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." he means of such graceis wonderful, "Eeliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom" 0v.+*1.&lihu could not have understood the full significance of his own words, for we know theransom is the !ord Jesus imself in is perfect sacrifice on -alvary for sinners. Job's

friends could not think of suggesting a ransom for Job, but the heart of &lihu wasoverflowing with the conviction that there must be such a ransom since he knew thecharacter of is -reator. he %pirit of #od put such words into his mouth. It was not anyman who had found the ransom, but #od.

hough the flesh of an ailing person has wasted away to almost nothing, yet #od's workwill restore his flesh like that of a little child 0v.+>1. f course this is the picture of new


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birth, a wonderful prospect to place before the eyes of the suffering Job. -ould he everreturn to the days of his youth3 Ces he grace of #od can produce marvellous results.

he freshness of that new life will issue in thankful prayer to #od, 4ust as in the case of%aul of arsus, who, being awakened and saved by the grace of #od, had the distinction

of having #od say of him, "


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rather than the 8harisee, when he prayed, "#od be merciful to me a sinner " 0!k.5):5(25*1.

aving asked Job to speak if he had anything to say, &lihu rightly tells him, "if not, listento me7 hold your peace and I will teach you wisdom" 0v.((1. Job then had nothing to say.

Do doubt he recognised that &lihu's message was higher than he had considered, and hewisely chose to listen.

CHAPTER 3

HIS APPEAL AS TO 0ISE ME "##$%&3(

%ince Job had wisely refrained from speaking, &lihu makes an appeal to all his hearers, asto wise men 0v.+1. his reminds us of 5 -orinthians 5=:5>, "I speak as to wise men: 4udgefor yourselves what I say." aving heard &lihu's first words, Job and his friends werewise to listen rather than to speak. hey had knowledge enough to know that theirknowledge was deficient.


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simple, clear declaration, "Bar be it from #od to do wickedness, and from the Almightyto commit ini?uity." Job ought not to have had the slightest doubt about this, no matterhow greatly he may have suffered. hatever ?uestions may have arisen in Job's mind, theactual fact of truth remains, that " e 0#od1 repays man according to his work, and makesman to find a reward according to his way "0v.551. e does not say when #od repays

man, for this is a matter that depends on #od's inscrutable wisdom7 but #od will never dowickedly or pervert 4ustice 0v.5+1, as Job had inferred #od had done in his case.

hen &lihu asks, " ho gave im charge over the earth3 or who appointed im over thewhole world3" 0v.5(1. e is asking in effect, "Is #od answerable to anybody3" Eid Jobappoint #od as the authority over the whole world3 If so, of course then #od would beanswerable to Job Indeed the opposite is true: Job, and every individual, is answerable to#od. In fact, if #od so desired, e could "gather to imself is %pirit and is breath" bywhich e gives life to all mankind. hat would happen then3 "All flesh would perishtogether, and man would return to dust" 0vv.5*25>1. ow withering a rebuke to the prideof man ow clearly this tells us that we are always totally dependent on the power of

#od, not only in creating us, but in constantly, sustaining us in life.

&lihu appeals again to Job and his three friends, "If you have understanding, hear this7listen to the sound of my words" 0v.5 1. e asks them pointedly, "%hould one who hates

4ustice govern3 ill you condemn im who is most 4ust3" If one hates 4ustice, he shouldnot be allowed to govern. ould Job suggest this as to #od3 1, when they think tohide themselves from view, "and they are crushed." his often happens, but only when#od decides it. hus e may strike them in their wickedness in the open sight of others


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0v.+ 1 rather than in the dark. he reason is immediately given, "1. ell might &lihu desire

that Job might be tried to the utmost because his answers were like those of wicked men0v.( 1. Job should have known better, for he was not wicked. Cet whatever other sin hemight be guilty of, Job was adding to it the serious crime of rebellion against the #od ofall creation, as though he could withstand #od and prosper 0v.(61.

CHAPTER ' & GO! TESTS CO SISTE TLY 0ITHHIS CHARACTER


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&lihu had spoken of #od's testing Job 0ch.(*:( 1, and in this chapter provides what is trueof #od's test of mankind. It is clearly connected with chapter (*, but is distinct also, forchapter (* deals with #od's character being vindicated, while now #od's character is seenin the way e tests all mankind. here are three divisions in the chapter, the first ofwhich indicates that

-hapter (>

GO! IS I FI ITELY GREATER THA MA "##$%&


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likely cry out against the government.


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hough #od is mighty, yet e despises no one. ow different than so many "great men"of this world " e is mighty in strength of understanding." he strength of #od isabsolute perfection. In the long run, e does not preserve the life of the wicked, but incontrast e gives 4ustice to the oppressed 0v. 1.


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for #od was still testing him.


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SIG S OF GO!/S 0OR)I G "##$ .& (

All of these things are evidences that there is far more than "happen stance" involved inchanging weather, etc. he light scattered under the whole heaven is significant of #od'sgiving light as e pleases. " he depths of the sea" 0v.(=1 speak of what is unfathomable

to man, yet #od covers this: e controls all that is in the seas, which is typical of thenations 09ev.56:5>1, and by is perfect wisdom e 4udges the peoples, 2 that is, allnations. At the same time e gives food in abundance 0v.(51, yet men in their haughtyself2sufficiency give im no credit for the ama;ing abundance of food that e providesfor them.

" e covers is hands with lightning" 0v.(+1. he sharp, searing flashes of lightning areno mere une$plained occurrences, but the work of the hands of #od. Fan can certainlynot duplicate this, nor command the lightning where it should strike. #od does this, forlightning does not 4ust happen to strike where it does.

" is thunder declares it" 0v.((1. If man ignores what one of his senses 0his sight1witnesses, #od appeals to another of his senses 0his hearing1 by sending is thunder,which is sometimes so tremendous as to shake the very ground. &ven animals 0cattle andmany others1 are strongly affected by it, and only a cold2hearted, ignorant rebel against#od can dare to re4ect such a sign of the -reator's intervention in the affairs of iscreatures.

CHAPTER 6

MA /S IMPOTE CE I THE STORM "##$%&'(

As the storm breaks upon them, &lihu himself trembles 0v.51. he thunder of #od's voicecalls for man's close attention and is lightning spreads over the whole visible area 0vv.+2(1. "After it, a voice roars. e thunders with is ma4estic voice" 0v.*1. "#od thundersmarvellously with is voice: e does great things which we cannot comprehend" 0v.>1.

ere before Job's eyes was an ob4ect lesson concerning the spiritual storm he hade$perienced. e could certainly not stop the storm, yet #od would allow it onlytemporarily. e knows how to make the storm a calm 08s.5=6:+@1, as the !ord Jesus didwhen is disciples were torn with fear 0Fk.*:()2(@1.

GO!/S 0AYS I 0I TER "##$*&2(

hough it was likely not snowing at this time, &lihu brings to bear another feature of theweather that #od provides sometimes to speak to man's heart and conscience. e tells thesnow or the rain when to fall on the earth, sometimes a gentle rain, sometimes a fiercerainstorm 0v. 1. Fen have tried in many ways to control the weather, 2 a foolish, futileendeavour for they do not want to allow #od to have is way. All of these things wereintended to appeal to Job as regards the unpleasant circumstances he was enduring.


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ould Job not allow #od to have is way3 hus the storm was a most important ob4ectlesson for him.

MA /S HA ! SEALE! "##$6&%.(

hatever man tries to do about it, #od sends such weather as to seal the hand of everyman, that everyone will know is work as infinitely greater than theirs 0v.61. he beaststake refuge in dens, whether to hide from the wind or the thunder and lightning 0v.)1.Brom the south comes the whirlwind and cold from the north. Ice comes from the breathof #od, 2 air that #od sends in a cold state 0vv.@25=1.

STORMS A ! THEIR 1ARIO-S EFFECTS "##$%%&%*(

hick clouds are saturated with moisture, and the clouds whirl as propelled by the wind.


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#od's ways are enshrouded in darkness until e reveals imself. In other words, let #odspeak first before I dare to lift my voice.

"%hould e be told that I wish to speak3" 0v.+=1. Job had indicated this in chapter +(:(2*,saying he would present his case to #od, filling his mouth with arguments. Eid he do so

when #od finally spoke to him3 Do indeed 9ather, he said, "


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benefit by it. owever, it was not necessary to speak to large numbers, for the completerecord is given in writing for the benefit of every person who will read it, from that timein early history throughout all succeeding history. ho could dare to ?uestion themagnificent wonder of these words directly from #od in chapters () to *53 ow well itis for us to take this message deeply to heart.

Are is words too philosophic to understand3 Dot at all his is no treatise on theologicalmysteries, but a plain appeal to simple honesty, concerning the evident facts of #od'screation. It surely puts man in his place, for it gives #od is true place of -reator and%ustainer of all the universe. ow well worth our serious meditation are all the details ofwhich #od speaks to Job.

GO!/S CALL TO JOB "##$%& (

It should be very clear to everyone that #od is not speaking to &lihu, but that econfirms what &lihu had said as e answers Job directly 0v.51. Fost of what #od says is

in the form of ?uestions. is first ?uestion is, " ho is this who darkens counsel by wordswithout knowledge," 0v.+1 2 in other words, " ho do you think you are, Job3" Job'swords lacked the knowledge he ought to have had, and #od will deeply impress this uponhim.

"Dow prepare yourself like a man: I will ?uestion you, and you shall answer Fe" 0v.(1.#od e$pects Job to take only a man's place, and the ?uestions #od asks are simpleenough for a man to understand, though Job would find himself helpless to answer such?uestions.

=-ESTIO S AS TO GO!/S 0OR)S OF CREATIO "##$3&


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but what of #od's building3 Fan too re?uires a corner stone. ho laid the corner stonefor #od's building3

?Creat:on of An@e9s

At the creation of earth "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of #od shoutedfor 4oy." here is no doubt the sons of #od are angels 0ch.5: 1, who were thereforecreated before the earth was. If "the morning stars" are literal stars, then the stars toowere created before the earth was, it may be ob4ected that #enesis 5: 5 seems to indicatethat #od made stars on the fourth day of the refurbishing of the earth, but when we aretold, " e made the starts also," this is likely not chronological, but a notice of a creation

prior to the history of the fourth day. e may ?uestion if literal stars can sing, but sciencehas told us that there is a harmony of sound emanating from the stars. At least there was agreat celebration among #od's creatures when e created the earth.

HIS CO TROL OF THE SEAS "##$


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Eid Job decide when the morning was to dawn3 0v.5+1. hat a ?uestion for the man whothought he could practically make #od accountable to him he morning always followsthe night, and what man can change this ama;ing fact3 Job had been feeling the darknessof night in the hard e$periences he had suffered. If he could command the morning, thenhe could bring complete relief to the trials of darkness.


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" here is the way to the dwelling of light3 And darkness, where is its place3" 0v.5@1. #odhad said, "!et there be light" on the first day of the remaking of the earth 0#en.5:(1,

before the sun was set in its place on the fourth day. %ome scientists have considered thatthe sun was the source of light, but further searching has persuaded them that there islight apart from the sun. here does it come from3 e do not know any more about this

than Job did. hus, the origin of light or the origin of darkness are matters of whichmankind is totally ignorant.

-ould Job take the light or the darkness back to its original place of dwelling3 0v.+=1. hevery ?uestion would not have arisen in men's minds, but #od raises it simply to showhow greatly man's knowledge is limited. he irony of verse +5 is striking. as Job bornwhen light was introduced3 ad he lived so many years3 f course these words of #odare simply intended to put Job in his place.

THE ELEME TS "##$++& .(

he !ord now turns to bring to Job's attention the many elements of the weather, whichcontinually affect people in various ways, 2 the snow, hail, wind, rain, frost and dew.Ama;ingly, every snowflake 0of which there are trillions1 is beautifully designed in a

pattern of si$ points, yet none have ever been found to be identical to another %now provides a cover for earth in winter to protect the ground from free;ing deeply. In thesnow there are treasures of which Job was totally ignorant, and similarly in the hail.

hile the snow may be for protection, the hail is reserved for times of trouble, battle andwar.


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stone is only e$plained by #od's law in sending the cold 0v.(=1. ho really understandsthis3

THE HEA1E LY BO!IES "##$ %& (

Job had spoken of "the


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of hunting food for them, at least while they are in the wilds3 " he young lions roar aftertheir prey, and seek their food from #od" 08s. 5=*:+51.

&ven %atan 0who is spoken of as "a roaring lion" 2 5 8et.>:)1 is dependent on #od for hisvery e$istence. It was %atan who implied to &ve that #od was not good in withholding

from her and her husband the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil 0#en. (:517 yet %atan has himself benefited by #od's goodness since the time of his creation.

he raven is a bird of prey 0v.*51, but if #od did not provide the prey for them and theiryoung, how could they continue to e$ist3 Interestingly, it is said here, "its young ones cryto #od." hether intelligently or not is not the ?uestion, but #od recognises their cry. Ifso, did #od not hear the cry of Job3 f course e did, though e did not answer Job at

4ust the time and in the way that Job thought e ought to.

CHAPTER 2

THE 0IL! GOATS A ! THE !EER "##$%&3(

he !ord now turns Job's attention to animals not in the least aggressive, the wild goatsand the deer. Indeed, rather than aggressive, they are elusive. Eid Job understand allabout them3 2 when they bear their young, how many months of gestation, etc. owmuch Job knew at the time we do not know, but even though there is more generalknowledge of these things now, how many people know by practical e$perience with theanimals themselves all about such matters3 hy also do the young grow strong ?uickly,then leave their parents, not to return3

hile man does not care for these animals, #od does7 and if #od cares for these climbersof the rocks, how much more does e care for humans who have the adversity ofdifficulties that may seem insurmountable3 !et Job consider this well.

THE 0IL! !O )EY "##$'&


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he wild o$ is understood to be a large antelope that is untameable. -an its will besubdued by men as domesticated cattle are, so that it willingly serves the authority ofman3 0v.@1. ould it willingly lie down in a manger where cattle are ?uite content3 -ouldJob make it to plod in a furrow, pulling a plough as o$en were taught to do3 0v.5=1. hestrength of the antelope was more than sufficient for this, but how could man make use of

such strength3 -ould he trust such an animal to bring home grain from the field3 0v.5+1.f course the answer to all these ?uestions is negative, but this serves to teach us thatthere is much diversity in #od's creation that is beyond man to even understand, and toshow up man's limitations in contrast to #od's unlimited resources. Job was in need oflessons like this, as no doubt all mankind is.

THE OSTRICH "##$% &%1.

Also, she treats her young harshly, as though they were not hers 0v.5 1. ow unlike mostmother birds or animals hy is this so3 "


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he !ord here returns to consider two creatures that prey on others. as it Job whodecided the hawk should fly southward when winter approaches3 0v.+ 1. f coursescientists would say it is by instinct that birds migrate to a warmer climate. 1. herefore now #od gives Jobopportunity to do this. e asks Job, "%hall the one who contends with the Almightycorrect im3 e who rebukes #od, let him answer it" 0v.+1. here were Job's argumentsthen3 ow withering were #od's words to the unseemly pride of Job

e says, "


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GO!/S F-RTHER =-ESTIO S TO JOB "3.5* & 3%5 3(

he whirlwind had continued a long time, and is still blowing when the !ord speaks inthese verses. he whirlwind itself was intended to impress Job with the fact that everycircumstance of swirling troubles and confusion was under the controlling hand of the

Comments on the Book of Job-L M Grant

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