God Responds to Job

Introduction

The basic structure of the book of Job is familiar to most of us.

The ending is typically presented as God saying, I know more than you and so I don’t have to answer you.

But I think there is more to God’s answers than that and there are several literary connections to the speeches throughout the book.

I want to look at those answers and consider how His answers to Job help us to see God today.

God’s Answers

Job turned into the accuser so God turns this around (Job 38:1-3).

Chaos and destruction vs. Design and creation (Job 9:5-7; 38:4-7).

Limits for good or for ill (Job 3:23; 14:5; 13:27; 38:8-11).

Enclosed=hedged (3:23)

boundaries=limits (14:5).

God’s attitude toward the wicked (Job 9:22-23; 10:3; 38:12-15).

The lions (Job 10:16; 4:10-11; 38:39).

The ravens (Job 19:7; 30:20; 38:41).

“cry”

The calving deer (Job 29:2; 39:1).

kept=watch

The wild donkey (Job 3:17-19; 39:5-8).

“free”

The wild ox (Job 4:18; 39:9-12).

believe=trust

The ostrich (Job 28:12, 20; 39:13-17).

Wisdom

Lack of wisdom can be a blessing

The war horse (Job 9:34; 13:21; 39:19-25).

terror

Job Sees God

Job starts with confession (Job 42:1-4).

Now I see (Job 42:5).

Now I can rise up from dust and ashes (Job 42:6).

God won (Job 1:9-11).

Conclusion

So, do you wonder where God is?

God says, look around. I am in evidence everywhere you turn.

I can’t answer all of your questions about why. I can give you what God gave Job.

God knows. God cares. God is acting on behalf of His creation.