) JOB AND THE JUST

February 27 Lesson 13

(NIV) JOB AND THE JUST GOD

DEVOTIONAL READING: Job 42:1–11 BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: Job 42 JOB 42:1–6, 10–17

Job 42:1-11

1 Then Job replied to the LORD: 2 “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. 4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ 5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. 6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” 10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. 11 All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. 12 The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. 13 And he also had seven sons and three daughters. 14 The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah and the third Keren-Happuch. 15 Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers. 16 After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. 17 And so Job died, an old man and full of years.

I. God’s Plans

(JOB 42:1–2)

v 1–2). Then Job replied to the LORD: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. After hearing God’s blistering reply, Job responded. By saying I know, Job’s answer mirrored God’s previous line of questioning Job’s knowledge and understanding (see Job 38:5, 18, 21, 33; 39:1, 2). Elsewhere, Job used the same sentiment to speak of his confidence in God’s redemption: “I know that my redeemer lives” (19:25). The object of Job’s knowledge is the expanse of God’s sovereign power and work. Job notes that no purpose takes place outside of the purview of God’s divine wisdom. Throughout Scripture, other individuals have reflected on the extent of God’s wisdom, power, and work in the world (see 2 Chronicles 20:6; Isaiah 14:27; Acts 4:30; 6:8). As a finite human, Job realized that nothing takes place beyond God’s wisdom and knowledge, even the events that caused Job to experience suffering (see Job 1:13–22; 2:7–10).

hey this is the time to not question God if i were Job i would not question God anymore for anything he has done or let happen to me or my family .. and this came form listening to someone else he so called friends...

so when it looks like that all is lost the best thing to do is repent and confess to the almighty instead of questioning what God does because we only know a fraction of what god thinks say or do ....

hey this is the time to not question God if i were Job i would not question God anymore for anything he has done or let happen to me or my family .. so when it looks like that all is lost the best thing to do is repent and confess to the almighty instead of questioning what God does .....AMEN

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Galatians 1:16 KJV 1900

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV 1900

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

II. God’s Words

(JOB 42:3–4)

A. Question Restated

(v. 3) 3a. “You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Job restates God’s accusation (see Job 38:2) and, therefore, introduces his own self-judgment (see commentary on 42:3b, below). God’s original question served as an indictment against Job for speaking of things he did not understand. Job’s friend Elihu also recognized the folly of Job’s words, saying, “Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight” (34:35) and “Job opens his mouth with empty talk; without knowledge he multiplies words” (35:16). Because of God’s indictment and Elihu’s sharp rebuke, Job realized that the plans and purpose of God would not be thwarted(thwart /THwôrt/ 📷Learn to pronounce

verb prevent (someone) from accomplishing something. "he never did anything to thwart his father"

Before you say anything know what you you are talking about or just don't say anything especially when it comes to talking to God because once again we know only a smiggit of what Gods plans are and i do mean a little ‘like the saying goes if you don't have anything Good to say don't say anything. that is such a great statement,,,, so Joan Kenny knew what she was talking about when she told us or me stuff like that........mostly me and titler . Val and pudgy were the good ones growing up and me and larry were too close in age to be apart...... meaning we always stuck together.

(see Proverbs 19:21).

3b. “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. Job admitted he spoke in ignorance. Previously, Job showed remorse for his words toward God (see Job 40:3–5). Now, after the Lord’s further challenge (see 40:6–41:34), Job woefully expressed that he misspoke of things too wonderful … to know. God had shown Job the extent of his power over creation (38:4–39:30), including the creatures Behemoth (40:15–24) and Leviathan (41:1–34). God’s ways, including his justice, would not be called into question (40:8). Job now realized that God’s justice and providence were too wonderful! What Do You Think? i think that Job realize that he knew nothing or not eneugh to really be saying anything.

What are some situations in which we can do, no better than to say exactly what Job says here? not say a word but maybe ask a question instead of saying what you think.

Digging Deeper What consequences could be in store for failure to do so? a slap in the face or what ever God wants to do to us ......

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B. Request Replayed

(v. 4)

4. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ God’s previous imperatives to Job are repeated (see Job 38:3; 40:7). Job was to listen as God would

speak to and demand an answer of Job. Initially, Job declined to respond to the demands of God. However, Job’s repetition of these imperatives signals Job’s coming confession, repentance, and new perspective.

Job knew that he had no answer for Gods question but instead he decided to do the right thing and that was to repent and confess. this lets God knows that you understand, instead of listing to someone else .

now is the time to listen and not speak and then speak like Job did. so he repented and confess

hear say or rumors

III. God’s Presence

(JOB 42:5–6)

A. Vision of God

(v. 5) 5. “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. One’s faith in God grows by encountering him, often in peculiar ways. Whether in times of hardship or celebration, hearing the message and seeing the work of God can bolster our faith (see Acts 4:13–20; Romans 10:17). Job’s description of his experience with God can be understood as a theophany( noun theophany Save Word

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the·​oph·​a·​ny | \ thē-ˈä-fə-nē \

plural theophanies

Definition of theophany : a visible manifestation of a deity ,

a specific appearance or manifestation of God to humanity. Such instances are temporary and often accompanied by great physical indication, such as a fire, cloud, or earthquake. When Moses asked to see the glory of the Lord, God replied, “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live” (Exodus 33:20; compare 19:20–21; Judges 6:22–23; 13:20–22). However, others testified to seeing what seemed to be a direct appearance of God in human form. Jacob stated that he “saw God face to face” (Genesis 32:30). Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the elders of Israel “saw the God of Israel” (Exodus 24:10). Additionally, Moses conversed directly with God: “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (33:11). Scripture describes other instances of God’s disclosure to humanity. The Lord appeared to Abraham to confirm the promise of offspring (Genesis 12:7). Moses experienced the direct voice of God in the desert in the form of a fire in the midst of a bush (Exodus 3:2–4) and on Mt. Sinai in the midst of thunder, lightning, and smoke (19:18; 24:15–18). God appeared to King Solomon in a dream (1 Kings 3:5). The prophet Elijah heard the voice of God after intense winds, an earthquake, and fire (1st Kings 19:11–13). These disclosures of God provided confidence of God’s work in the lives of his people. How might Job have heard and seen the Lord and his deeds? As a “blameless and upright” man who “feared God and “shunned evil” (Job 1:1), Job might have attended religious ceremonies or heard the teachings of God from elders. In his holiness, Job longed to see God with his own eyes (19:26–27). Now Job’s longing came to fruition as he heard directly from the voice of God.

i told yall that god will come to you in all differently kinds of ways just like my dream of Jesus. so we see that job did not really see god only felt his presents but he heard his voice.

CONVERSATION IS A TWO-WAY STREET I’m not sure how your conversations with God sound, but mine tend to be one-sided. Either I’m rambling about something menial or I’m venting about some perceived injustice. Sometimes my frustration grows when it seems like I’m not “hearing” from him. Recently, I committed time to be silent and listen to God. There would be no distractions or no ramblings; I would sit in silence. During this time, I heard God’s voice! He spoke to me, quietly and lovingly. In my excitement, I asked why it had taken so long to hear from him. He asked why it had taken so long for me to listen. Of course, this experience did not overrule Scripture itself as the primary voice from God. Rather, I used Scripture as the means of measuring and interpreting this experience. In our conversations with God, we sometimes get in our own way. We miss hearing his voice because we’re not giving space to listen. It’s called a conversation because it involves two speakers; otherwise, it’s just a monologue. When God convicted convicted me of this, I committed to listening better to him. If you think God isn’t speaking, are you really listening? What distractions do you need to quiet so you can hear? Sometimes all it takes to hear is to look up (see Psalm 19:1–4). —K. D.

wow i was right we must listen before we speak and yes conversation is definitely two way street!!!!!!!!

B. Vision of Self

(v. 6)

6a. “Therefore I despise myself..

Job’s vision of God was both overwhelming and humbling. The Hebrew word translated despise is used elsewhere to speak of God’s judgment (Jeremiah 6:30) and an individual’s rejection of the word of the Lord (1 Samuel 15:23). Though a sense of rejection is implied in this word, the underlying Hebrew text is unclear as to what Job rejects. As the personal pronoun myself is not explicit in the Hebrew text, an assumption must made as to the object of Job’s despisement. The first possibility is that Job despises his improper and accusatory words directed to God. These were words that he “spoke” but “did not understand” (Job 42:3b, see commentary above). The second possibility proposes a verbal construction with the verb “repent” (see Job 42:6b, next). In this construction, both verbs refer to the same object: himself. Both possibilities are consistent with the text and the nature of Job. Upon hearing the pointed words of God, Job rejected his previous thoughts, actions, and words.

when Job was finiaally listening to Gods words he realizes that what he was talking about was nothingso he despise himself in other words he was kicking himself knowing he was wrong like repenting. how many times have we done the same thing when we really dont understand something we just say anything without thinking .... so remember not to say things against God for God does no wrong … and we must remember that his ways and his thoughts are not ours....

6b. “and repent

Both modern and Hebrew usage of the word repent indicates the notion of feeling remorse and contrition (see Jeremiah 31:19). It is important to note that Job is not repenting as his friends had prescribed (see Job 34:33); he was not repenting for any unknown wrongdoing that was supposed to have prompted his suffering and misfortune. Instead, Job repented of and grieved over the ways he had misconstrued and misrepresented the just and all-powerful God.

but guess what we need to also be able to repent when we know or feel that we have done something wrong no matter what it was or when it was. repent = repent

[rəˈpent]

VERB feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin. "the priest urged his listeners to repent" ·[more] synonyms: feel remorse for · regret · be sorry for · rue · reproach oneself for · be ashamed of · feel contrite about · wish that one had not done something · be penitent ·[more] Now i looked up ash wednesday and found out what it stood for . It is Ash Wednesday that marks the beginning of the Lenten season. The observance of this day happens every 46 days before Easter.

What is Ash Wednesday? Its Meaning and Why its …

asfoff.org/prayer/lent-activities/what-is-ash... Its Meaning and Why its Celebrated. Each year, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is always 46 days before Easter Sunday. Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection, and ultimately celebration. The 40-day period represents Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted and where Satan tempted him.

me on the other hand will repent whenever i do something wrong because it drives me crazy now when i know i have thought of something wrong so the first thing i do is repent . now my question is that the ones that celebrate ash Wednesday do they only repent durning that time something to think about!!!!!!! but that's just me .

6c. “in dust and ashes.”

There is a play on words to describe the location of Job’s act of remorse and contrition. Sitting in or covering one’s self with ashes was a common occurrence for situations of lament and sorrow (see 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1, 3; Job 2:8; Jeremiah 6:26). Additionally, the mention of dust alludes to the creation of humans and the tenuous nature of life (see Genesis 2:7; 3:14; Job 10:9). Job may very well have been lamenting in dust and ashes. However, he may also have been describing his human status before God as, eventually, he would return to dust and ashes (compare Job 30:19). Abraham echoed a similar sentiment. Upon hearing of the Lord’s impending destruction of the city of Sodom, Abraham advocated to the Lord for the city on behalf of the righteous (Genesis 18:23–25). In doing so, Abraham acknowledged his human finitude, saying that he was “nothing but dust and ashes” (18:27). When confronted with the plans of the all-powerful God of the universe, Abraham and Job recognized their finitude.

What Do You Think? Instead of using dust and ashes,

what physical acts or substances best accompany repentance today? from reading about ash wednesday they still using ashes but why not just fall on your knees with your face to the ground and repent

Why? we need to learn to repent to be forgiven by God no matter when or where

Digging Deeper What Scripture texts guide your response?( Luke 17:3-4) 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” Luke 17:3-4

Luke 17:3–4 KJV 1900

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

or Matthew 4:17 “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

IV. God’s Blessings

(JOB 42:10–17)

A. Job Restored (v. 10)

10. After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.

Before God restored Job, he addressed Job’s friends (see lesson 12) and ordered them to sacrifice burnt offerings (see Job 42:7–9, not in today’s text). Job’s friends followed God’s directives, after which Job prayed for them. The Lord then began the process of restoring Job. Older English translations of this passage state that the Lord “turned the captivity” of Job. This idea alludes to Scripture texts where a captive people returned to their homeland and experienced a new, restored life (see Jeremiah 30:3, 18). In a similar manner, in his time of suffering, Job experienced a form of captivity. However, God freed Job from this captivity and blessed him with twice as much as he had before.

SOMETHING BETTER Pam had a job she completely loved. She found the work fulfilling and enjoyed working with supportive and trustworthy people. The job presented challenges but was better than any other job she held. However, that bliss was short-lived; the day after her work anniversary, Pam was abruptly fired. She felt utterly blindsided! She called me in tears, questioning how this could have happened. She couldn’t make sense of why God would take away this job. I was unable to provide an answer, but I reminded her that God was still in control. Over time, Pam learned to release her anger and confusion. She learned to find joy and fulfillment outside her job. Eventually, a new employment opportunity arrived with another company. Soon Pam came to love her new workplace just as much as the previous one. Pam’s abrupt firing still doesn’t make sense, but I know God is in control during confusing and maddening maddening situations. When these situations occur, you can believe that he will continue to work in your life. Will you let him? —K. D.

now that job didnt listen to his friends repented of his sins ,God gave him twice as much as he had before and made his friends give job some things they had wow what a god we serve...

B. Job Rewarded (vv. 11–17)

11a. All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought on him,

The Lord’s blessing (Job 42:10) is given further detail, this time through the renewed and restored relationships of Job. Previously, Job lamented that his brothers and sisters had been “alienated” from him, and everyone who had known him before was “estranged” (19:13; compare 19:19). Those closest to Job had turned against him, believing that Job had sinned greatly against God. But in light of Job’s vindication and reward, they returned and ate with him in his house to signify a renewed fellowship.

but what they dont know is that it was not god that brought this upon him but satan did all this on job its just that God gave satan premission to go after job .

its like the song from Bobby womack nobody wants you when you down and out , but as soon as he got restored here they come running.

12. The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part.

He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. The Lord doubled the amount of livestock owned by Job (see Job 1:3). God’s act highlights the generous nature of his grace and blessing (see Genesis 12:3; Exodus 34:6–7; Titus 2:11; 2 Peter 1:3). now we know that we get tested two just like job but if we endure to the end we also will be blessed just like JOB or close to it ..

13. And he also had seven sons and three daughters. Notably, the number of Job’s children remains the same (compare Job 1:2). One cannot help but wonder why Job’s estate doubled in size but not the number of his children. It would seem that a natural explanation is best; it would be reasonable to assume that Job and his wife needed time to have 10 more children. One temptation in reading this part of the story might be to inadvertently think that Job’s seven sons and three daughters replaced Job’s killed children (Job 1:18–19). Certainly Job and his wife continued to live with the scars of their tremendous loss. The addition of a child can never replace the loss of another.

which is true you cant replace what you lost but we must learn to except what God offers us in spite of .

and the blesings keep on coming

14–15. The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah and the third Keren-Happuch. Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers.

Much has been made over the fact that the names of Job’s daughters are explicitly given. It is not uncommon in ancient epics, however, for heroic or successful women to be named and granted a place of prominence. That the daughters and their brothers received an inheritance might provide evidence for why the text of Job is thought to be one of the oldest in the Old Testament. Old Testament law stipulated that daughters only received an inheritance if their father had no son (see Numbers 27:5–8). One might conjecture that Job’s generous act of providing an inheritance for both his daughters and sons makes sense in a historical context apart from Israel’s law. Perhaps Job’s life predated the priestly law, thus placing his narrative within the time of the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, that conjecture may not be accurate, and Job’s generosity toward his daughters could simply be a demonstration of gratitude toward God for his act of blessing.

i believe this also that Job was just Glad that God blessed him with lovely daughters and sons ..

16–17. After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. And so Job died, an old man and full of years.

Some debate exists as to whether Job died at the age of one hundred and forty years or lived for another 140 years. Regardless, his long life further illustrates his commitment to righteousness (compare Psalm 91:16). Job’s epitaph parallels Abraham’s (Genesis 25:8), Isaac’s (35:28–29), David’s (1 Chronicles 29:28), and Jehoiada’s (2 Chronicles 24:15–16). As Job’s narrative ends, the words of Moses resonate as an appropriate description of Job’s life: “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess” (Deuteronomy 5:33). Job lived in righteous obedience to God’s commands, and God blessed him as he lived in the land. and guess what everyone we can live as Job all we have to do is continue on this road that has been provided to by the love of Jesus and continue on Gods word and just maybe we can have a long life. even if its not as lon as job it can be fulfilling as long as our hearts are in the right place. patience is all we need in Gods eyes patience … amen

Conclusion A. Give Us an Explanation! It’s highly unlikely that any of us have had 10 children die and have lost all possessions, etc., as Job did. Even so, our reactions during challenging circumstances often mirror Job’s. He lamented in unknowing, and allowed the intensity of his emotions to govern his speech toward God. After Job experienced God’s presence and pointed line of questioning, Job realized his insignificance and the baseless nature of his questioning of God. Job had questioned his just God, only to realize he spoke out of turn. Job learned firsthand that God’s purpose or plan may not be evident to human eyes, but God remains just in the midst of it all. Often, when faced with unexplainable and challenging circumstances, we want answers and explanations for the reason for our suffering. So we ask why relentlessly, implying that answers will satisfy the longing of our souls as they explain the unexplainable. But a greater salve for our wounded souls is an overwhelming vision of God, in which his eternal presence and wise counsel become the anchor for our lives and guide us to whatever he might have next for us.

B. Prayer ,,,,God of infinite wisdom, remind us that we do not see as you see. Give us confidence to trust that you are just and worthy of full obedience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

thought to remember

Instead of asking why, ask, “What’s next?”

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