Job's Great Blessing
I thought it would be appropriate, for this subject, that a reference to the various ideas relating to the book of Job should be included. They are at odds with the understanding that I have had for the book that goes backfor a number of decades.
Study Topic: Seven lessons from the book of Job By John H. Ogwyn (1949-2005)
Lesson 1—God Knows God, however, was very much aware of Job and of the wholehearted obedience he sought to render.
Lesson 2—God Limits the Trial From the start we know there are limits to Job’s trial, and we know what those limits are.
Lesson 3—Seek Growth, Not Vindication God has reasons for allowing whatever happens—though we are often at a loss to fathom what they are.
Lesson 4—The “Why” Often Proves Elusive One of the difficult things for us to accept is that many of the sufferings we go through simply cannot be neatly categorized.
Lesson 5—Trust in the Face of Anguish “All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come (Job 14:14 KJV).
Lesson 6—God Will Ultimately Reward both Good and Evil The conclusion of the book of Job reveals, “Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning” (42:12). In the long run, there are blessings for obedience—entrance into the Kingdom of God is the greatest of all blessings—and curses for disobedience.
Lesson 7—We Emerge When We Learn What God Is Teaching He became a far more humble and compassionate man as a result of what he went through.
The Book of Job: A Whirlwind of Confusion
An ambiguous divine speech is the subject of great scholarly debate. By Robert M. Seltzer
One widely held view is that the climax of the book teaches that God’s purposes and ways are mysterious and unfathomable,
Martin Buber writes, "The true answer that Job receives is God’s appearance only, only this, that distance turns into nearness, that ‘his eye sees him,’ that he knows Him again. Nothing is explained, nothing adjusted; wrong has not become right, nor cruelty kindness. Nothing has happened but that man again hears God’s address.”
Matitiahu Tsevat suggests that the content of God’s speech is intended to convey a picture of the universe deliberately at variance with that held previously by Job and the friends. In the friends’ insistence that Job’s suffering meant he had sinned, and in Job’s demanding a specific reason why he, in his innocence, should suffer, both sides had presumed the reality of reward and punishment in the cosmos.
Most interpreters agree that the ultimate theme of the book is the nature of the righteous man’s faith in God. (according to R. M. Seltzer)
ReKNEW ReThink everything you thought you Knew
The Point of the Book of Job
The point of the book of Job is to teach us that the mystery of evil is a mystery of a war-torn and unfathomably complex creation, not the mystery of God’s all-controlling will.
When God shows up to reveal the truth in several speeches at the end of the book (chs 37-41), he does not concede that what happened to Job had anything to do with disciplining or punishment.
HE(God) brought Job’s troubles on him. But he did not himself plan or cause these afflictions, as Job later alleges.
Though we can’t know the “why” of any particular instance of suffering, we can and must know that our whole environment is under siege by forces that hate God and hate all that is good.
November 17, 2015 by Jack Wellman
Whatever God does or whatever God allows is always for our highest and best purpose. We must learn to trust God even in times of suffering, distress, and anxiety. He sees it all and we must understand that He will use it for His glory and our best every single time.
UCG.org / Members / United News / The Story of Job and Self-Examination
Posted on Jan 11, 2018 Dan Dowd
God allowed Job to be sifted by Satan so that he would grow in the grace and knowledge of God and have a deeper understanding and application of God’s ways. Even though we can be blind to our shortcomings—just as Job was initially—God seeks to lead us out of that blindness, never forsaking us.
Job, Self-Righteousness, and Humility
by John W. Ritenbaugh Forerunner, "Personal," March-April 2011
"------------------------------- God approaches Job in a way calculated to chop him down to the humanity to which he belonged. How could Job possibly conclude that he was anything close to what God is! Such presumptuousness! Had Job ever created anything remotely like this earth? How could he even begin to think he was somehow God's equal? Job had a highly exaggerated opinion of himself. He had somehow managed to outgrow his humanity or lost it on this trip to call God into condemnation! --------------------------"
The above ideas, relating to the book, reflects a spectrum of thought that somewhat boggles the mind. What follows is a chapter by chapter synopsis of the book of Job. I have tried to include the most vital verses of each chapter. I have included specific word definitions, certain additions from various commentaries and my comments. My hope is that you find it informative and helpful.
Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect (H8535) and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
Job 1:3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect (H8538) and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
H8535 From H8552; complete; usually (morally) pious; specifically gentle, dear: -
coupled together, perfect, plain, undefiled, upright.
Job 1:9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
Job 1:11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
Job 1:12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
Job 1:15 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Job 1:16 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Job 1:18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
Job 1:19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Job 1:20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
Job 2:3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
It is very important to recognize that Satan gave no cause to move against Job. What Satan did see was that Job was provided a "bed of roses" for his obedience. What he could not understand was that, in the eyes of God, Job had an enormous problem.
Job 2:4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
Job 2:5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
Job 2:6 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
Job 2:7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
Job 2:8 And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.
Job 2:9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.
Job 2:10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
These are very harsh words from Job's wife. Did she understand something of the nature of Job that wasn't apparent to others? If there had been a loving relationship between the two would she have said these words? She suffered the loss of her entire family and it seems she put it at the feet of Job more than God's. It is noteworthy that God preserved her to bring a significant part of the blessings that Job received, after his repentance, by having children that would be guided by the influence of Job's acquired understanding of Gods Spirit of love and truth.
Job 2:11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.
Job 2:12 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
Job 2:13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
Job 2:12 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.
Job 2:13 So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.
Job 3:1 After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day. (his birthday)
Job 3:2 And Job spake, and said,
Job 3:3 Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.
Job 3:23 Why is light given to a man whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in?
Job 3:24 For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are poured out like the waters.
Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
Job 3:26 I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.
Adam Clarke's commentary states: If this verse be read interrogatively, it will give a good and easy sense: Was I not in safety? Had I not rest? Was I not in comfort? Yet trouble came.
We have to ask --- why did Job fear? The answer comes into focus later on.
Job 4:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
Job 4:7 Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?
Job 5:17 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
Job 6:1 But Job answered and said,
Job 6:14 To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
Job 6:15 My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;
Job 6:27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
Job 6:28 Now therefore be content, look upon me; for it is evident unto you if I lie.
Job 6:29 Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.
Job 6:30 Is there iniquity in my tongue? cannot my taste discern perverse things?
From Adam Clarke: Eliphaz had, in effect, despised Job; and on this ground had
acted any thing but the part of a friend towards him; and he well deserved the severe stroke which he here receives.
Job 7:20 I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?
Job 7:21 And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.
. The principle thought that prevails, throughout the book, is that Job holds
fast to his innocence in that he has done nothing that deserves the treatment
that he had received. In these verses Job thoughts were that he must have
sinned in the eyes of God, but that he was not at all aware of it. Job had no
understanding of his personal deficiency.
Job 8:1 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,
Job 8:2 How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind?
Job 8:3 Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?
Job 8:6 If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous
.
Job 9:1 Then Job answered and said,
Job 9:20 If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.
A.Clarke. If I justify myself --- God must have some reason for his conduct towards me; I therefore do not pretend to justify myself; the attempt to do it would be an insult to his majesty and justice. Though I am conscious of none of the crimes of which you accuse me; and know not why he contends with me; yet he must have some reason, and that reason he does not choose to explain.
Job 9:21 Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life.
Job 9:22 This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth (H6315) the perfect and the wicked.
destroyeth H3615 A primitive root; to end, whether intransitively (to cease, be
finished, perish) or transitively (to complete, prepare, consume)
A.Clarke. This is thought by some to be a very bad expression, bordering on
blasphemy, and contrary to the nature and perfections of God,
It is so very interesting that Job could have in one thought a particular aspect of his circumstance (Job 19:21). Then, with the next thought, a completely different idea of the reason for his trouble. Haven't we all experienced that kind of a thinking process?
Job 9:30 If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
Job 9:31 Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.
Job 10:15 If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;
Job 10:16 For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.
Job 11:1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
Job 11:2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?
Job 11:3 Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed?
Job 11:4 For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.
Job 11:14 If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles.
Job 12:1 And Job answered and said,
Job 12:3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?
Job 12:15 Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Job 14:14
If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.Job 14:15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.
Job clearly states that he plans to change nothing in his way of life.
Job had learned from some source about the complete plan of God for
mankind. This would have been a very strong motivation to obey all the
instruction concerning God's ways that he was aware of.
Job 15:1 Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said,
Job 15:5 For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.
Job 15:20 The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.
Job 15:21 A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.
Job 16:1 Then Job answered and said,
Job 16:2 I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.
Job 16:3 Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?
Job 16:4 I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.
Job 16:5 But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.
Job 16:11 God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked.
Job 16:12 I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.
Job 17:10 But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you.
Job 18:1 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,
Job 18:2 How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak.
Job 18:3 Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed vile in your sight?
Job 18:4 He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place?
Job 18:5 Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.
Job 19:1 Then Job answered and said,
Job 19:21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.
Job 19:25
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:Job 19:26
And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:Job 19:27
Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.Job 19:28 But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?
Once again we see the great level of Job's understanding of God's design and purpose. .
Job 20:1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
Job 20:2 Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste.
Job 20:3 I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
Job 20:4 Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,
Job 20:5 That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?
Job 20:6 Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds;
Job 20:7 Yet he shall perish for ever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he?
Job 20:28 The increase of his house shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath.
Job 20:29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.
Job 21:1 But Job answered and said,
Job 21:2 Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations.
Job 21:3 Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.
Job 21:13 They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.
Job 21:14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
Job 21:34 How then comfort ye me in vain, seeing in your answers there remaineth falsehood?
Job 22:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
Job 22:21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
Job 22:22 Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.
Job 22:26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.
Job 23:1 Then Job answered and said,
Job 23:8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
Job 23:14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.
Job 24:22 He draweth also the mighty with his power: he riseth up, and no man is sure of life.
Job 24:25 And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?
Job 25:1 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,
Job 25:6 How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?
Job 26:1 But Job answered and said,
Job 26:3 How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?
Job 27:7 Let mine enemy be as the wicked, and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous.
Job 28:20 Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?
Job 28:21 Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.
Again we see Job's depth of understanding.
Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from
generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
Job 28:28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
Job 30:1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
Job 30:25 Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor?
Job 30:26 When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.
1Co 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my
body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Job was expecting reward for his charitable feelings and works. He didn't seem to give thought to the fact through his blessings that he was able to bless the needy. It would have been so much better if he would have fully appreciated the improvement of their circumstances and give thanks to God for his part in it.
.
Job 31:14 What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
Job 31:15 Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?
Job 31:39 If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life:
Job 31:40 Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.
We have seen the depth of understanding that Job possessed
regarding God's ways and God's plan and Job's extraordinary level of
obedience relating to that understanding. He was perfect (complete) in his
obedience. There is instance after instance in the Bible that show how
God rewards the act of obedience. But God was working for so much
more in regards to the nature of Job
job 32:1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
Job 32:2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.
Job 32:3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.
Job 32:4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he
Job 32:7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
That understanding had yet to come to Job and his three "friends". It is so interesting that one may believe oneself to have a high degree completeness when it comes to "understanding" but be significantly lacking.
Job 32:9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
Job 33:1 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.
Job 33:8 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
Job 33:9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
Job 33:10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,
Job 33:12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.
Job 33:13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.
Elihu makes it very clear that he, as the younger, understands that Gods ways are supreme and that human arrogance would accuse God of not doing that which is right.
Job 33:31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.
Job 33:32 If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.
Job 33:33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.
Job 34:4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
Job 34:5 For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.
Job 34:6 Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression.
Job 34:7 What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?
Job 34:8 Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.
Job 34:9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.
Job 34:31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:
Job 34:32 That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.
Elihu is simply instructing Job that --- Job should acknowledge that his
life contained iniquity and in a spirit of humility should sincerely want
God to reveal it to him.
Job 34:35 Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom.
Job 34:36 My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men.
Job 34:37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
Job 35:2 Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
Suffice it to say there is much discussion concerning this verse.
Job 35:3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?
Job 36:1 Elihu also proceeded, and said,
Job 36:3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
Job 37:2 Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth.
Job 37:23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.
God's righteous judgment would not afflict for no reason. Satan
showed his ignorance of knowing why God permitted Job to endure
his great troubles. (Job 2:3 thou movedst me against him, to
destroy him without cause.)
Job 38:1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
Job 38:2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
Job 38:3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
There are several interesting commentaries at this point.
Keil & Delitzsch: When now Jehovah condescends to negotiate with Job by question and answer, He does not do exactly what Job wished (Job_13:22), but something different, of which Job never thought. He surprises him with questions which are intended to bring him indirectly to the consciousness of the wrong and absurdity of his challenge Job 13:22 Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.
Barnes: The word here rendered “whirlwind” means rather “a storm, a tempest.” The Septuagint renders this verse, “After Elihu had ceased speaking, the Lord spake to Job from a tempest and clouds.”
Gill: As soon as Elihu had done speaking, who saw the tempest rising, and gave hints of it, Job_37:2; and hastened to finish his discourse.
Job 37:1 At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place.
Job 37:2 Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his
mouth.
Job 38:4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding
Job 38:19 Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof,
Job 38:20 That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?
For three chapters God described aspects of the creation that He Himself had created, with the intent that Job would compare his capability to God's. Job thought that his "integrity" gave him grounds to strive with God.
Job 40:1 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said,
Job 40:2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.
Job was fully deserving of this level of correction.
.
Job 40:3 Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
Job 40:4 Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
Job begins to understand. But God is not quite through with dealing with him.
Job 40:6 Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
Job 40:7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
Job 40:8 Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
God continues for the next chapter to declare the wonders that He had created.
Job 42:1 Then Job answered the LORD, and said,
Job 42:2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
Job 42:3 Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
Job 42:4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.
Job 42:5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
In only "hearing" of God and all his ways (past, present and future) he could not be sure that his obedience would gain him perpetual prosperity. Remember Job 3:25: (For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.)
The world has heard of God, of Jesus, but how many see or understand or actually know God. Know his will and their destiny.
Job 42:6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Job was most likely the most perfect human example of a person who had a complete sense of self righteousness and then brought to true repentance. He was in possession of the "laws of God". Job 7:20 I have sinned Not only that he had an understanding of God's comprehensive plan for the human creation!!! Job 14:14 If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. He knew he was in complete compliance with God's laws. Most likely, more complete than anyone else at that time. Job 17:10 But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you. It is evident that he had concluded that his obedience and understanding was all that was needed to please God. Through this he somehow believed he, himself, was on the God plain.
Job 38:4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast
understanding. Job 40:2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that
reproveth God, let him answer it.
It is true that Job's friends spoke in self righteous ignorance.
Job 42:7 And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant hath.
Job's friends were inclined to criticize every aspect of a perceived
imperfection and consider their criticism virtue. But, Job didn't seem to have any appreciation for the fact that all the law's of God and instruction from God was a blessing to all mankind. What he had learned wasn't for his personal benefit simply by being obedient to it. And, how THANKFULL was Job for the blessings he received for his obedience to Gods direction. I saw no inclination from Job for being thankful for being privy to Gods perfect, fulfilling ways. It is imperative that we understand that "obedience" may be motivated by self serving factors or motivated by a deep appreciation of the fulfilling instructions authored by a loving God. With only hearing about God Job was confined to obedience for his personal well being.
We are all permitted to continue in "our natural" ways until the most
opportune time occurs for those ways to be revealed. God is in control.
But consider the fact that there will be those who will not be able to co-exist
with the control that God posses and will posses over our lives.
Rev 20:7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
Rev 20:8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog
and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Rev 20:9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints
about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoure them.
The repentance that Job came to gave him an appreciation for the following.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love).
Repentance comes from God. It comes when God determines when it is best for an individual. It is all done on an individual basis. We are then
given the responsibility to grow in response to the work that God has done, is doing and will do in us all.
The "great blessing" that Job received was the work that God
worked in his life, to bring him to understanding and REPENTANCE.