"THE BOOK OF JOB" The Great Debate: Second Cycle Of Speeches (15-21) by Mark Copeland

"THE BOOK OF JOB"

           The Great Debate: Second Cycle Of Speeches (15-21)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To observe the progress of the "great debate", in which Job's
   friends are unable to convince Job that he is some great sinner who
   deserves his suffering

2) To note how Job continues to vent his complaint, and while losing
   hope for anything in this life, he does reveal his faith in a 
   Redeemer and in seeing God after death

SUMMARY

The second cycle of speeches continue in the same format, with the
three friends speaking and Job responding to each one in turn.  The
speeches are shorter, and it appears their tempers are becoming short
as well.  Eliphaz begins with an attack on Job, ridiculing his wisdom.
Like Bildad, he too appeals to the wisdom of others as he repeats his
main thesis:  suffering comes to the wicked, therefore Job must be 
wicked (15:1-35).  Job's response to Eliphaz begins with a reproach of
his friends as "miserable comforters".  Job continues to view his
suffering as an attack by God for reasons unknown to him.  Wishing
there was someone who could plead for him, he cries out for relief as
he resumes his complaint.  With no wisdom from his friends, he is 
losing hope for anything in this life but death (16:1-17:16).

Bildad angrily wonders "how long" will Job keep speaking this way, and
why does he regard his friends as beasts and stupid?  In what appears 
as an attempt to get Job to confess he is a sinner, Bildad provides a 
lengthy description of the suffering of the wicked (18:1-21).  Job
responds by asking "how long" would they continue to torment him?  
While they accuse him of being a great sinner, they have yet to point
out his errors.  As Job resumes directing his complaint to God, he 
bewails his loneliness and abandonment by friends and family.  And yet,
while Job feels God is treating him as an enemy, he affirms his faith
in a Redeemer who would one day stand on the earth and in seeing God 
after his death (19:1-29).

Zophar speaks in what will be his last contribution to this "great
debate".  While he offers little that is really new to the discussion,
he does describe the short-lived triumph of the wicked, to whom the 
sweetness of sin becomes a bitter curse and whom God will sweep away 
into darkness.  The only problem is that like his friends, he assumes 
that such is always the case in this life (20:1-29).  Job's rebuttal
provides examples in which some wicked do prosper in this life, and die
an easy death.  Therefore his friends' words have proven to be empty
and without comfort (21:1-34).

OUTLINE

I. ELIPHAZ SPEAKS AND JOB RESPONDS (15:1-17:16)

   A. ELIPHAZ'S REBUTTAL (15:1-35)
      1. Eliphaz attacks Job, rebuking his behavior and ridiculing his
         wisdom (15:1-16)
         a. Job is reasoning with unprofitable talk, his own mouth 
            condemns him
         b. Job attempts to limit wisdom to himself, disregarding the 
            wisdom of others
         c. Job cannot be as pure and righteous as he claims; if angels
            and the heavens are not pure in God's sight, how much less
            one who "drinks iniquity like water"?
      2. Eliphaz repeats his main thesis: suffering comes to the wicked
         (15:17-35)
         a. Appealing to what he has seen, and what wise men have said
         b. He then offers a lengthy description of how the wicked one
            suffers (is he trying to describe Job?)

   B. JOB'S REPLY (16:1-17:16)
      1. He reproaches his friends (16:1-5)
         a. They are "miserable comforters"
         b. He could do what they do, but would offer true comfort if
            they were in his place
      2. He describes God's treatment of him (16:6-17)
         a. Whether he speaks or remain silent, there is no relief
         b. God is wearing him out, shriveling him up, gnashing at him
         c. God has turned him over to the ungodly, who gape at him and
            strike him reproachfully
         d. God has shattered him, shaken him, and broken him with 
            wound upon wound
      3. He hopes his cry will be heard (16:18-22)
         a. That it not be buried in the dust of the earth, that it be
            seen in heaven
         b. Scorned by his friends, his eyes pour out tears to God
         c. He wished there was one who would plead for him with God,
            for he knows his time is short
      4. Job asks for relief (17:1-5)
         a. He is broken, the grave is ready for him, and mockers are
            with him
         b. His friends have no understanding, can't God help him?
      5. He resumes his complaint (17:6-9)
         a. He is despised by others, even as he grows weaker
         b. Upright men are astonished by him, the innocent are stirred
            up against the hypocrite (is Job saying that is how they 
            view him?)
         c. The righteous holds to his way, and those with clean hands
            become stronger and stronger (perhaps Job is referring here
            to his friends, and speaking with sarcasm)
      6. With no wisdom from his friends, he is losing hope (17:10-16)
         a. His days are past, his plans are broken, and all his
            friends can do is say "the light is near" when all is dark
         b. If death and the grave is all that lies ahead, where is his
            hope?

II. BILDAD SPEAKS AND JOB RESPONDS (18:1-19:29)

   A. BILDAD'S REBUTTAL (18:1-21)
      1. He is incensed at Job (18:1-4)
         a. "How long" will Job keep speaking? - cf. 8:2
         b. Why does he consider his friends as beasts and stupid?
         c. Should the earth be moved because he is angry?
      2. He too provides a lengthy description of the suffering of the
         wicked (18:5-21)
         a. The light of the wicked will go out
         b. He is cast down, ensnared
         c. Terrors frighten him on every side
         d. Destruction comes his way, others will take what is his
         e. The memory of the wicked will perish from the earth, there
            will be no posterity
         f. Such will happen to the wicked, to those who know not God

   B. JOB'S REPLY (19:1-29)
      1. He responds to his critics (19:1-6)
         a. "How long" will you torment my soul? - cf. 18:2
         b. They continue to reproach him, but have not pointed out his
            error
         c. While they magnify themselves against him, he feels God has
            wronged him!
      2. Job again directs his complaint to God (19:7-12)
         a. God does not seem to hear his cry for justice
         b. God has broken him down, uprooted any hope that he had
         c. God treats him as an enemy
      3. He bewails his loneliness (19:13-22)
         a. Abandoned by relatives, close friends, even his servants
         b. He is repulsive to both wife and children, those he loves
            have turned against him
         c. He cries for pity from his friends
      4. He affirms his faith (19:23-29)
         a. In his Redeemer who lives, and who shall stand at last on
            the earth
         b. In that after death, in the flesh, he shall yet see God
            (i.e., the resurrection?)
         c. In the judgment, in view of which he warns his friends

III. ZOPHAR SPEAKS AND JOB RESPONDS (20:1-21:34)

   A. ZOPHAR'S REBUTTAL (20:1-29)
      1. He describes the short-lived triumph of the wicked (20:1-11)
         a. Irritated by Job's reproof, Zophar responds
         b. What joy or triumph the wicked experience is only momentary
         c. The wicked will soon be no more, their children dependent
            upon the poor
      2. The sweetness of sin will become a bitter curse (20:12-19)
         a. It will be like the poison of cobras, making him vomit
         b. What he has gained through oppression, he will not be able
            to enjoy
      3. God will sweep away the wicked into darkness (20:20-29)
         a. The wicked will not be at peace, his well-being will not
            last
         b. God's anger will come upon him, like an iron weapon
         c. Losing all, terror and darkness is the portion God has
            appointed for the wicked

   B. JOB'S REPLY (21:1-34)
      1. The wicked don't always suffer, but often prosper in this life
         (21:1-16)
         a. Job asks that they listen carefully, and then continue
            their mocking
         b. Some wicked do prosper in this life, even though they 
            reject God and His ways
      2. The wicked often die in comfort (21:17-26)
         a. They don't always experience God's wrath in this life
         b. Some even say that God lays up the iniquity of the wicked
            for his children (though Job wishes God would recompense
            the wicked one directly)
         c. The fact is, some people die at ease, while others die in
            bitterness
      3. He rejects their answers as false (21:27-34)
         a. They've asked him "Where is the dwelling place of the 
            wicked?"
         b. He asks them "Have you not asked those who travel?"
            (implying that the wicked are everywhere)
         c. Job understands that the wicked are reserved for the day of
            doom and wrath (i.e., the day of Judgment)
         d. So his friends' words have proved to be empty and without
            comfort

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS SECTION

1) How does Eliphaz view Job's attempts to justify himself? (15:2-3)
   - Empty knowledge, unprofitable talk

2) In rebuking Job, what does Eliphaz ask of him? (15:9)
   - What do you know that we do not know?

3) In responding to Job's claim of innocence, how does Eliphaz describe
   man? (15:16)
   - Abominable and filthy, who drinks iniquity like water (possibly 
     directed at Job)

4) In his description of how the wicked suffer, what point is Eliphaz
   making? (15:17-35)
   - That suffering comes to wicked; i.e., if you are suffering, you 
     must be wicked

5) As Job responds to Eliphaz, how does he describe his three friends?
   (16:2)
   - Miserable comforters

6) What does Job say he would do if they were in his place? (16:4-5)
   - Strengthen them with his mouth, relieve their grief with 
     comforting words

7) How does Job feel God has treated him? (16:7-14)
   - Worn him out, shriveled him up, tears him in His wrath, gnashes him
     with His teeth
   - Delivered him up to the ungodly, shattered and shaken him to pieces

8) For what does Job cry out? (16:21)
   - That one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleads for his
     neighbor

9) What does Job say God has made him? (17:6)
   - A byword of the people, one in whose face men spit

10) While Job has not lost his faith, what has he lost? (17:11,15)
   - Any purpose or hope pertaining to this life

11) When Bildad responds, how does he feel Job has regarded them?
    (18:3)
   - As beasts and stupid in his sight

12) In his second speech, what does Bildad provide? (18:5-21)
   - A lengthy description of the suffering of the wicked, similar to 
     what Eliphaz has done

13) In response to Bildad's second speech, what does Job ask him?
    (19:2)
   - How long will you torment my soul, and break me in pieces with 
     words?

14) As Job resumes his complaint to God, what does he say God has done?
    (19:7-11)
   - God has stripped him of his glory, broken him down on every side,
     uprooted his hope like a tree, kindled His wrath against him

15) Who else does he feel has now forsaken him? (19:13-19)
   - His brothers, relatives, close friends, servants, even his wife 
     and young children

16) What does Job ask of his friends?  Why? (19:21)
   - Have pity on him.  For the hand of God has struck him.

17) While suffering, in what three things does Job affirm his faith?
    (19:25-29)
   - That his Redeemer lives and will one day stand on the earth (i.e.,
     the Messiah)
   - That after death he will in his flesh see God (i.e., the 
     Resurrection)
   - That there will be a judgment (i.e., the Judgment Day)

18) As Zophar begins his second speech, what troubles him? (20:2-3)
   - Having heard the reproof (of Job) that reproaches him

19) What does Zophar then describe? (20:1-11)
   - The short-lived triumph of the wicked

20) What does Zophar believe concerning the wicked? (20:12-29)
   - The sweetness of evil will become like a bitter curse, like cobra
     venom
   - He will not be able to enjoy what he has accumulated

21) In response to Zophar, what does Job say about the wicked? 
    (21:7-26)
   - The wicked don't always suffer
   - The wicked often die of old age and have an easy death

22) While they may prosper in this life, what does Job know concerning
    the wicked? (21:30)
   - They are reserved for the day of doom, they shall be brought out
     on the day of wrath (i.e., the Judgment Day)

23) As the second cycle of speeches ends, what does he say concerning
    his friends? (21:34)
   - How can you comfort me with empty words, since falsehood remains
     in your answers?

Believe in God!

Yesterday I heard that there is a movement afoot to remove God's name from the Bible and replace it with Allah.  My initial reaction was disgust, but after some thought, I was overwhelmed by the stupidity of it all.  They attempting to do this will fail!!!  Although God is referred to in many ways in the scriptures, he alone is God!!!  Other "gods" are not really "gods" at all; they are liars, period!!!  God has a will for us and just as the scriptures proclaim it; so it will happen.  Here is how I know...

WEB: Isaiah Chapter 55

[6] Seek Yahweh while he may be found; call you on him while he is near: [7] let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

[8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” says Yahweh.

[9] “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

[10] For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky,
and doesn’t return there, but waters the earth,
and makes it bring forth and bud,
and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

[11] so shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth:
it shall not return to me void,
but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing I sent it to do.

Over the centuries man has tried to eradicate God.  He has tried force, intellectual snobbery, reason, diplomacy, trickery and undoubtedly many, many things I can not even dream would be used.  Those who do such things have one father and it is NOT GOD.  Christians, its time we assert that there is ONE TRUE GOD!!!!   It does not matter what some "liberal", "politically correct", clever proponent of Islam may say.  No one can thwart the will of God, no one.  There has been a war against Christianity for years and this recent effort to promote religions of the DEVIL is just one more effort.  Pray about this situation; pray that God will be exalted and his name praised.  Do what you can within this governmental system to promote the creator of the universe and watch as ultimately the words of Isaiah come true once again!!! Believe it; it will happen!!!!

"THE BOOK OF JOB" The Great Debate: First Cycle Of Speeches (4-14) by Mark Copeland

 "THE BOOK OF JOB"

            The Great Debate: First Cycle Of Speeches (4-14)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To examine the counsel of Job's friends, what their observations
   were, and upon what they based their conclusions regarding Job's
   suffering

2) To consider Job's response to his friends, how he took their 
   "advice", and how he continued to vent his complaint over his 
   suffering

SUMMARY

Following Job's outburst in which he cursed the day of his birth and
wondered why those who long for death continue to live, his three 
friends begin offering their counsel.  Eliphaz the Temanite starts with
expressing his view that the innocent don't suffer, the wicked do.  As
support for his position, he refers to a vision that he had.
Chastening Job, Eliphaz then directs Job to seek God's forgiveness,
reminding him of the blessings that would come if Job repented
(4:1-5:22).  Job defends his rash words as being prompted by his grief,
and again expresses his desire for death.  Reproaching his friends as
being a "deceitful brook", he challenges them to show him where he has
sinned.  He then resumes his complaint, asking God a multitude of 
questions (6:1-7:21).

Bildad the Shuhite now steps in and rebukes Job for his strong words.  
Maintaining that God is just, he implies that Job's sons died because
of their own transgressions, and if Job were only pure and upright he
would be blessed by God.  Appealing to wisdom of the ancients, he 
contends the wicked are without support, and that God will not cast 
away the blameless.  If Job would only repent, God would fill him once
again with laughter and rejoicing (8:1-22).  Job basically agrees, but
wonders who can really be righteous in God's sight in view of His 
wisdom and strength.  He then complains of God's inaccessibility, and 
maintains his own integrity while concluding that God destroys the 
blameless along with the wicked.  Feeling hopeless, Job bemoans the 
lack of a mediator between him and God.  Once again, he gives free 
course to his complaint as he lashes out with more questions directed
toward God (9:1-10:22).

Finally, Zophar the Naamathite enters the dialogue with his own rebuke
of Job for his rash words.  Indicating that Job has actually received
less suffering than he deserves, he reproaches Job trying to search out
the deep things of God.  Instead, Job should be putting away iniquity 
and wickedness, for then he would abide in brightness, security and 
hope (11:1-20).  In response, Job chides his friends for their attempt
to impart wisdom but succeeding only in mocking him.  Affirming the
wisdom of God, Job says the advice of his friends has been of little
help.  He calls them "forgers of lies" and "worthless physicians" who
have only given him "proverbs of ashes" and "defenses of clay".
Confident of his own integrity, Job again expresses his desire to speak
with God to ask Him what he has done to deserve such suffering.  Once 
again despairing of hope, he longs for death (12:1-14:22).

OUTLINE

I. ELIPHAZ SPEAKS AND JOB RESPONDS (4:1-7:21)

   A. THE COUNSEL OF ELIPHAZ (4:1-5:27)
      1. Introductory remarks (4:1-6)
         a. Though he does not wish to weary Job, he cannot refrain 
            from speaking
         b. Job has strengthened others in the past, now he needs 
            strengthening
         c. Is Job not trusting in his own confidence and integrity?
      2. Eliphaz's view:  The innocent don't suffer, the wicked do
         (4:7-11)
         a. When have the innocent ever perished?
         b. But I have seen the wicked perish by the blast of God, just
            like the lions
      3. In support of his view:  Eliphaz appeals to a vision (4:12-21)
         a. A terrifying vision, in which he heard a voice
         b. A revelation that man cannot be more righteous than God
         c. If angels can be charged with error, how much more so men 
            of clay?
         d. Note:  Eliphaz is appealing to "subjective revelation"
            1) His example shows the error of appealing to such to 
               determine truth
            2) "Nothing is more essential than testing experience by an
               objective standard of reality. When God has spoken 
               concerning a matter, that is decisive for all the issues
               involved. His word must be the court of appeal for all
               thoughts, impressions, and views." (Newton Wray)
      4. Eliphaz warns Job (5:1-7)
         a. There is danger in the anger of a foolish man
         b. Such a one will see his sons crushed and his harvest 
            depleted
         c. Affliction comes because man is born to trouble
      5. Eliphaz directs Job (5:8-16)
         a. Seek God and commit your cause to Him
         b. For God does great things, catching the wise in their own 
            craftiness, saving the needy and giving hope to the poor
      6. Job reminded of God's blessings on those who accept His 
         chastening (5:17-26)
         a. Happy is the man God corrects; don't despise His chastening
         b. God will make him whole, and protect him in times of
            trouble
         c. God will give him peace, many descendants, and long life
      -- Eliphaz's conclusion:  "This we have searched out; it is true.
         Hear it and know for yourself." (5:27)

   B. JOB'S REPLY (6:1-7:21)
      1. He justifies his rash words (6:1-7)
         a. They are prompted by his heavy grief
         b. He is experiencing the poisonous arrows and terrors of the
            Almighty
         c. Animals don't complain when well fed; but food has become
            loathsome to him
      2. He longs for death, while his integrity is still intact 
         (6:8-13)
         a. He wishes that God would go ahead and crush him
         b. Then he would have some comfort in knowing that he had not
            concealed (or denied) the words of God
         c. How long can he hope to endure?
      3. Job reproaches his friends (6:14-23)
         a. They should have shown proper kindness
         b. They have been like a deceitful brook, that disappoints 
            those who come to it
         c. They have been afraid of what they have seen
         d. He had not asked for their assistance
      4. He challenges them to show him where he has sinned (6:24-30)
         a. Show him his error and he will be quiet
         b. Reproving him with no proof is of no benefit, it is like
            overwhelming the fatherless and undermining one's friend
         c. Look at him again and treat him justly, there is no
            injustice in him
      5. Job now resumes his complaint (7:1-10)
         a. His life is one of hard servitude, with months of futility
            and wearisome nights
         b. The condition of his flesh makes him toss all night
         c. His days swiftly go by with no hope of ever seeing good
            again
         d. He expects to descend to the grave and soon forgotten
      6. Job speaks out in the anguish of his soul (7:11-21)
         a. Why does God terrify him with dreams and visions, so that
            he longs for death?
         b. Why is God testing him every moment?  How long will this go
            on?
         c. Why can't God just leave him alone?
         d. How has he sinned?  What has he done to become a target for
            God?
         e. If he has sinned, why doesn't God pardon his transgression?
         f. As it is, he will just go ahead and die, and then God won't
            have to bother with him anymore (the sort of foolish 
            statement for which Job later repents, 42:3,6)

II. BILDAD SPEAKS AND JOB RESPONDS (8:1-10:22)

   A. THE COUNSEL OF BILDAD (8:1-22)
      1. Introductory remarks (1-7)
         a. He rebukes Job for his words
         b. He maintains that God deals justly
         c. If Job's sons sinned, they were killed for their 
            transgression
         d. Restoration would occur if Job would only seek God and 
            repent
      2. Bildad appeals to the wisdom of the ancients (8-18)
         a. Heed what others have already learned, for our time is 
            short
         b. The wicked are like the papyrus with no support, for they
            soon wither
         c. God will not cast away the blameless, nor will He uphold
            the evildoers (the implication is "Job, you are not 
            blameless")
         d. God will yet restore Job (assuming he repents)
   
   B. JOB'S REPLY (9:1-10:22)
      1. He agrees with Bildad, but who can truly be righteous before 
         God? (9:1-13)
         a. No one can contend with God, He is too wise and strong
         b. Job provides numerous examples of God's power
      2. Because of such power, Job's complains of God's inaccessibility
         (9:14-20)
         a. Even if he were righteous (perfect?), Job would be unable
            to answer God
         b. For even now God multiplies his wounds without cause
         c. His own mouth would condemn him under the weight of God's
            strength
      3. Maintaining his claim to innocence, he concludes that God 
         destroys the blameless along with the wicked (9:21-24)
         a. Job professes to be blameless, but has lost his will to 
            live
         b. He knows of no other conclusion but that God looks lightly
            at the plight of the innocent
      4. Feeling hopeless, Job bemoans the lack of a mediator (9:25-35)
         a. His days go by, with no good to be seen
         b. Why even try, if God has chosen to condemn him?
         c. He knows there is no way to reason with God, and there is
            no one to mediate between them
         d. If God would only take His rod from him, but such is not 
            the case
      5. In pain, Job gives free course to his complaint (10:1-22)
         a. God, why do You condemn Me?  Tell me why!
         b. Does it seem good for You to despise the work of Your
            hands?
         c. Are You having to search for my iniquity, like a mortal 
            man?
         d. Have You made me, just to destroy me?
         e. Whether I am wicked or righteous, Your indignation 
            increases toward me!
         f. Why then did You let me be born?  How I wish I had died at
            birth!
         g. Can't You leave me alone so I can have a little comfort
            before I die and enter the "land of darkness"?

III. ZOPHAR SPEAKS AND JOB RESPONDS (11:1-14:22)

   A. THE COUNSEL OF ZOPHAR (11:1-20)
      1. Affirms that Job has received less than he deserves (11:1-6)
         a. The multitude of Job's words call for refutation
         b. Job claims innocence; if only God would speak and show his
            true guilt
         c. God has exacted less from Job than he deserves
      2. Reproaches Job for desiring to search out God's hidden ways
         (11:7-12)
         a. Can Job find that which is beyond his ability to know?
         b. God cannot be hindered, and considers the wickedness of man
         c. A not-so-subtle rebuke of Job as a foolish empty-headed man
      3. Promises restoration upon repentance and confession of sin
         (11:13-20)
         a. Seek the Lord and put away sin if you wish to be pure and
            steadfast
         b. You would forget your misery and abide in brightness,
            security and hope
         c. But the wicked will not escape, and their only hope is loss
            of life

   B. JOB'S REPLY (12:1-14:22)
      1. He chides his accusers (12:1-12)
         a. Mocking their wisdom, he also has wisdom
         b. Though just and blameless, he has been mocked; meanwhile
            the wicked prosper
         c. Wisdom is not limited to Job's friends; all nature 
            testifies of wisdom and it comes with age
      2. He affirms God's own wisdom and strength (12:13-25)
         a. God can do what He wants, and none can stop Him
         b. He can overpower the wise and mighty, even the nations
      3. The advice of his friends has been no help (13:1-12)
         a. He already knows what they know; he desires to reason with
            God
         b. They claim to speak for God, but they are worthless 
            physicians and forgers of lies
         c. Their platitudes and defenses are worthless
      4. Confident of his own integrity, Job again wishes to speak with
         God (13:13-19)
         a. Let him speak, for he is willing to take what comes
         b. Even if God slays him, he will continue to trust Him
         c. He desires to defend himself before God, he cannot remain
            silent
      5. Job appeals to God for an audience (13:20-28)
         a. Upon the conditions of removing His hand and not 
            overwhelming him with dread, Job would speak with God
         b. He desires to know where he has sinned, and why God regards
            him as an enemy
         c. Why has God so punished him?
      6. He expresses hopelessness in this life (14:1-12)
         a. Life is brief and troublesome, his days are numbered
         b. Cut down a tree, and it will sprout again; but when man 
            dies, he is no longer here as long as the heavens last
      7. He longs for death (14:13-22)
         a. That God would so hide him from His wrath until it is past
         b. Man's hope is slowly eroded as he goes through life, until
            he knows no more of this life

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS SECTION

1) Which of his three friends first responded to Job? (4:1)
   - Eliphaz the Temanite

2) What was his main argument? (4:7-8)
   - Who ever perished being innocent?
   - Those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same

3) To what did he appeal in support of his argument? (4:12-13)
   - A dream or vision

4) What does he encourage Job to do? (5:8)
   - To seek God and commit his cause to Him

5) What does he encourage Job not to do? (5:17)
   - Despise the chastening of the Almighty

6) How does Job justify his rash words? (6:2-3)
   - They were prompted by his troubles and heavy grief

7) For what does Job long? (6:8-9)
   - That God would go ahead and crush him (i.e., he longed for death)

8) How does Job describe his friends? (6:14-15)
   - Like a deceitful brook

9) What challenge does Job give his friends? (6:24)
   - Show him his error and he will be quiet

10) As Job resumes his complaint, what does he say has been given to
    him? (7:3,5)
   - Months of futility and wearisome nights
   - Flesh caked with worms and dust, skin which cracks and breaks
     afresh

11) How does he describe his days? (7:6)
   - Swifter than a weaver's shuttle, spent without hope

12) In such anguish, what does Job say he will do? (7:11)
   - Complain in the bitterness of his soul

13) What does he ask of God? (7:20-21)
   - Have I sinned?  What have I done to You?
   - If so, why don't you pardon my transgression?

14) Who is the second person to respond to Job? (8:1)
   - Bildad the Shuhite

15) For what does he rebuke Job? (8:2)
   - His strong words

16) What does he counsel Job to do? (8:5-7)
   - Earnestly seek God and be pure if he desires restoration

17) To what did he appeal in support of his argument? (8:8-10)
   - Things discovered by their ancestors (i.e., the wisdom of the 
     ancients)

18) What does Bildad conclude concerning God? (8:20)
   - God will not cast away the blameless, nor uphold the evildoers

19) How does Job initially respond to Bildad? (9:2)
   - He basically agrees, but how can one be righteous before God?

20) What does Job bemoan? (9:32-33)
   - The lack of a mediator between him and God

21) As Job gives continues his complaint, what does he ask of God? 
    (10:1-2,18,20)
   - Show him why He contends with him
   - Why did God bring him out of the womb?
   - Why can't God just leave him alone and let him die?

22) Who is the third person to respond to Job? (11:1)
   - Zophar the Naamathite

23) What does he affirm concerning Job? (11:6)
   - He had received less than his iniquity deserved

24) For what does he reproach Job? (11:7)
   - Trying to search out the deep things of God

25) What does Zophar say would be true of Job if he repented? 
    (11:13-16)
   - He would be pure, steadfast, free of fear and misery

26) How does Job mock his friends? (12:2)
   - By saying that wisdom will die with them

27) How did Job feel he was being treated by his friends? (12:4)
   - That they were mocking him

28) How does Job describe his friends? (13:4)
   - As forger of lies and worthless physicians

29) How does Job describe their speeches? (13:12)
   - As proverbs of ashes, and defenses of clay

30) What two things does Job request if God should grant him an 
    audience? (13:20-21)
   - For God to withdraw His hand far from him
   - For God not to make him afraid

31) What does Job wish God would reveal to him? (13:23-24)
   - How many are his iniquities and sins
   - Why God hides His face and regards Job as an enemy

32) How does Job view the life of man? (14:1-2)
   - Of few days and full of trouble
   - Like a flower that soon fades away, as a fleeting shadow that is
     quickly gone

33) From his earthly perspective, how does Job compare himself with a
     tree? (14:7-12)
   - There is more hope for a tree, for a tree cut down will rise again

34) What request does Job make again? (14:13)
   - That God would go ahead and allow him to die

"THE BOOK OF JOB" Job's Soliloquy (3) by Mark Copeland

"THE BOOK OF JOB"

                          Job's Soliloquy (3)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To consider Job's soliloquy, which starts the "great controversy"
   between Job and his friends

2) To appreciate the depth of Job's complaint, why he wished that he
   had never been born

3) To note the questions he raised as he sought to understand the
   problem of suffering

SUMMARY

Having sat in silence for seven days in the presence of his friends who
had come to comfort him, Job finally speaks.  In the form of a 
soliloquy, he begins by cursing the day of his birth and the night of
his conception for failing to prevent his sorrow (3:1-10).  He then
bemoans why he did not die at birth or even be stillborn, for then at
least he would be at rest, just like those who were great in their
lifetime, or like those who had been oppressed (3:11-19).  Job also
wonders why the suffering who long for death are allowed to linger.  He
concludes by stating that what he most greatly feared has now come upon
him:  trouble, from which there seems to be no rest (3:20-26).

OUTLINE

I. JOB'S CURSE (3:1-10)

   A. HE CURSES THE DAY OF HIS BIRTH...
      1. Not just the day of his birth, but also the night of his 
         conception
      2. Because of the sorrow that has come his way
      -- I.e., he wished he had never been born

   B. IN THIS HE RESEMBLES JEREMIAH...
      1. Who had an unpopular ministry  - Jer 20:14-18
      2. Who experienced much suffering like Job

   C. AN IMPORTANT POINT TO REMEMBER...
      1. Both expressed a desire never to have been born
      2. Yet neither Job or Jeremiah for a moment considered the 
         possibility of suicide
      3. They might have questioned the Lord's wisdom, but they did not
         dare take the precious gift of life with which He endowed them
         (Wayne Jackson)

II. JOB'S QUESTIONS (3:11-19)

   A. WHY DID HE NOT DIE AT BIRTH?
      1. Then he would have been at rest
      2. He would be with those who were great and powerful in their
         lifetime

   B. WHY WAS HE NOT STILLBORN?
      1. Then he would have been at rest, free from those who trouble
         him
      2. He would be like those at rest, who were troubled in their
         lifetime

   C. JOB VIEWS DEATH AS AN ESCAPE FROM EARTH'S MISERIES...
      1. Job's view of death applies only to those who die in the Lord
         - cf. Re 14:13
      2. For the wicked, death is no rest! - cf. Lk 16:19-31

III. JOB PONDERS THE PROBLEM OF SUFFERING (3:20-26)

   A. WHY THE SUFFERING ARE ALLOWED TO LINGER...
      1. Why is life given to those who linger in suffering?
      2. Even to those who long for death?

   B. WHAT JOB FEARED HAS NOW HAPPENED TO HIM...
      1. He dreaded the suffering that has come to him
      2. And now he is troubled and no longer at ease

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS SECTION

1) What are the three main points of this section?
   - Job's curse (3:1-10)
   - Job's questions (3:11-19)
   - Job ponders the problem of suffering (3:20-26)

2) As Job begins his soliloquy, what two things does he curse? (1-3)
   - The day of his birth
   - The night of his conception

3) Why did he did he curse the day of his birth? (10)
   - Because it did not keep him from experiencing sorrow

4) Why did he wish he had died at birth? (11-15)
   - Then he would be at rest, just like those who had been great in 
     their lifetime

5) Why did he wish he had been stillborn? (16-19)
   - Then he would be at rest, like those who had been oppressed in 
     their lifetime

6) As Job ponders the problem of suffering, what does he ask? (20-21)
   - Why is life given to those who suffer and long for death?

7) What had come upon Job? (25)
   - That which he greatly feared and dreaded (i.e.,  trouble and
     suffering)

An October snow...

Thanks to my oldest daughter, I have this picture of October snow in central New Jersey, 2010.  Getting snow before Halloween is a rare thing, but it does happen.  I know it has happened before, but it is so long ago that I can't even remember.  You just never know what can happen next.  Life is full of surprises, so its good to do what you can do to be prepared for anything.  Which reminds me of the words of Jesus...

WEB: Matthew Chapter 24

[37] “As the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [38] For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, [39] and they didn’t know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [40] Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left; [41] two women grinding at the mill, one will be taken and one will be left. [42] Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes. [43] But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. [44] Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come.

[45] “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes. [47] Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has. [48] But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his coming,’ [49] and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards, [50] the lord of that servant will come in a day when he doesn’t expect it, and in an hour when he doesn’t know it, [51] and will cut him in pieces, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. There is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be."

One of the most misused passages of scripture, this passage refers to the destruction of Jerusalem, not the end of time.  But, aside from that, it teaches a good lesson.  Be ready!!!  Those of us who are Christians know that we must be faithful, those who are not need to think about our spiritual relationship with God before it is too late.  You never know when you might see an unexpected "snow" of judgment.  By the way, I have seen it snow in the middle of July in upstate New York as well.  What next, snow in Florida?....

Prologue - Job is tested (1-2) by Mark Copeland

 "THE BOOK OF JOB"

                     Prologue - Job Is Tested (1-2)

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION

1) To see the stage set for the "great controversy" that will occur
   between Job and his friends

2) To consider the challenge that Satan made concerning Job; would God
   have as much confidence in our faithfulness?

3) To appreciate the integrity of Job in the midst of his great
   suffering

SUMMARY

The first two chapters set the stage for the great controversy that
will take place between Job and his friends, which is precipitated by a
controversy between God and Satan.  We are first introduced to Job in
the land of Uz (likely Edom, SE of the Dead Sea, cf. Jer 25:20-21; Lam
4:21).  A man of remarkable character, he was blessed with a large
family and many possessions.  As an example of his piety, mention is
made of his sacrifices in behalf of his children (1:1-5).

We then learn of the controversy between God and Satan concerning Job.
On an occasion when Satan came before the Lord, God asked him whether 
he had considered His faithful servant, Job.  Satan responded with an 
attack on Job's character, that his fear of God was only because God
blessed him.  Satan then said that Job would curse God if everything he
had was taken away.  In response, God put all that Job had in Satan's
power, with the exception of Job himself (1:6-12).

In one day, then, Job lost all his material possessions through various
calamities.  His sons and daughters, also, were killed when a great
tornado destroyed the house in which they were partying.  Though deeply
grieved, Job worships God and does not charge Him with wrong (1:13-22).

When Satan appeared before God again, the Lord asked whether he had
considered how Job had remained faithful despite his losses.  Satan
then made another challenge, saying that Job would curse God if he
himself were harmed.  God then allowed Satan power over Job, but only
up to the point of actually taking his life.  With such power, Satan
strikes Job with painful boils (cf. 2:7-8; 7:5; 30:30) over his entire
body.  Job's wife lost what faith she might have had, and told him to
curse God and die.  Job, however, refuses to sin with his lips
(2:1-10).

At this point, three of Job's friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar)
come to mourn and try to comfort him.  However, they are shocked when
they see Job (whom they did not recognize because of the boils), and
sit dumbfounded for seven days and nights without a word in reaction to
the magnitude of his grief (2:11-13).

OUTLINE

I. THE PERSON AND CHARACTER OF JOB (1:1-5)
 
   A. HE LIVED IN THE LAND OF UZ...
      1. Somewhere in the East (cf. 1:3)
      2. Near a desert (1:19)
      3. Likely the land of Edom, SE of the Dead Sea (Jer 25:20-21;
         Lam 4:21)

   B. A MAN OF REMARKABLE CHARACTER...
      1. Blameless and upright
      2. Feared God
      3. Shunned evil
      -- "There is none like him on the earth." (1:8)

   C. A MAN GREATLY BLESSED...
      1. With a family of seven sons and three daughters
      2. With 7000 sheep, 3000 camel, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female 
         donkeys
      3. With a large household
      -- "this man was the greatest of all the people of the East"

   D. THE SPIRITUAL LEADER OF HIS FAMILY...
      1. His sons liked to "party"
      2. Yet Job sought to sanctify them and offer burnt sacrifices

II. SATAN ATTACKS JOB'S CHARACTER (1:6-12)

   A. SATAN APPEARS BEFORE GOD...
      1. When the "sons of God" (angels?) came before God
      2. After Satan had been "going to and fro on the earth" (cf. 1 Pe
         5:8)

   B. GOD ASKS SATAN ABOUT JOB...
      1. "Have you considered my servant Job?"
      2. A man of remarkable character

   C. SATAN'S ACCUSATION CONCERNING JOB...
      1. "Does Job fear God for nothing?"
         a. Does Job fear God selflessly?
         b. Does he not do it because of what he gets out of it?
            1) I.e., Job is simply self-centered
            2) By implication, God is not worthy to be praised on His 
               merits alone
         c. Stop blessing Job, and he will curse God!
      2. By such a test, Satan seeks to prove:
         a. There is no such thing as unselfish piety
         b. Men do right only when it is profitable to do so
         c. God is not worthy of service on the basis of His nature 
            alone
      -- Therefore Satan is not only accusing Job, but God as well!

   D. GOD ACCEPTS THE CHALLENGE...
      1. He allows Job to be severely tried, but Satan cannot harm his
         person
      2. What God is trying to prove:
         a. There is such a thing as "noncovetous righteousness"
         b. There are people with a true devotion to God Almighty
            1) For Who He is
            2) Not for what they can get out of it

III. THE FIRST SERIES OF JOB'S MISFORTUNES (1:13-22)

   A. JOB'S LOSSES IN ONE DAY...
      1. His oxen, donkeys, and their servants to Sabean raiders
      2. His sheep and their servants to "fire from God from heaven"
      3. His camel and their servants to Chaldean raiders
      4. His sons and daughters are killed in a tornado

   B. JOB'S REACTION TO THESE LOSSES...
      1. He mourns, of course
         a. Tears his robe
         b. Shaves his head
         c. Falls to the ground
      2. But then he worships!
         a. In grief, he still praises God
         b. Even though he considers God as the One who has done all 
            these things
            1) He blesses the name of the Lord
            2) He does not charge God with wrong

IV. SATAN ATTACKS JOB'S CHARACTER A SECOND TIME (2:1-6)

   A. SATAN APPEARS BEFORE GOD AGAIN...
      1. The Lord asked Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job...?"
      2. Despite punished without cause, "He still holds fast to his
         integrity"

   B. SATAN CLAIMS THE TEST HAS NOT BEEN SEVERE ENOUGH...
      1. "...touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse You to 
         Your face!"
      2. God accepts the challenge, allowing Satan to do anything but
         take Job's life

V. THE SECOND SERIES OF JOB'S MISFORTUNES (2:7-10)

   A. JOB IS AFFLICTED WITH A TERRIBLE DISEASE...
      1. Possibilities:  elephantiasis, leprosy, or a leukemia of the 
         skin
      2. Characterized by:
         a. Boils (2:7)
         b. Itching (2:8)
         c. Drastic change of appearance (2:12)
         d. Worms and running sores (7:5)
         e. Corroding bones and gnawing pain (30:17)
         f. Blackened skin and fever (30:30)
      3. The indication is that this horrible condition continued for 
         months (7:3; 29:2)

   B. JOB'S WIFE LOSES FAITH...
      1. She calls upon him to "curse God and die"
      2. Several conclusions might be drawn:
         a. Job's wife was not of the same spiritual caliber as Job
         b. To a degree, she endorsed Satan's accusation that God is 
            not worthy of service when things are bad
         c. She labored under the delusion that death ended it all
      3. Job's response to his wife further illustrates his faith in 
         God

VI. THE ARRIVAL OF JOB'S FRIENDS (2:11-13)

   A. ELIPHAZ THE TEMANITE...
      1. Perhaps the oldest, certainly the most prominent of the three
      2. His name is of Edomite origin
         a. One of Esau's sons was named Eliphaz (Gen 36:15)
         b. From Teman, a city of Edom, known for its wise men (Jer 
            49:7; Ob 8,9)

   B. BILDAD THE SHUHITE...
      1. Not much know about him
      2. May have been a descendent of Shuah, son of Abraham and 
         Keturah, who lived in the "east" (Gen 25:2,6)

   C. ZOPHAR THE NAAMATHITE...
      1. Little is known of him
      2. May have been from Naamah, a city "toward the border of Edom
         in the South" (Josh 15:21,41)

   D. THEIR ARRIVAL...
      1. They came to mourn with him, and to comfort him
      2. At first they did not recognize Job
      3. So overwhelmed at the sight of Job and his grief...
         a. They cried out and tore their robes
         b. They sprinkled ashes on their heads
         c. They say down and remained speechless for seven days and 
            nights

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THIS SECTION

1) Where did Job live?  What country might that have been? (1:1)
   - Uz; the land of Edom

2) How is Job described regarding his character? (1:1)
   - Blameless and upright, one who feared God and shunned evil

3) How many children did he have? (1:2)
   - Seven sons and three daughters

4) What were his possessions? (1:3)
   - 7000 sheep, 3000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, a 
     very large household

5) What did Job do whenever his sons would throw a party? (1:4-5)
   - Sanctify them and offer burnt offerings

6) What was Satan's accusation to God concerning Job? (1:9)
   - Does Job fear God for nothing?

7) What was Satan's initial challenge to God concerning Job? (1:11)
   - Destroy what Job has, and he will curse God to His face

8) What did God allow Satan to do? (1:12)
   - Destroy all that Job had, but not lay a hand on his person

9) What did Job lose in one day? (1:13-19)
   - All his possessions, and his sons and daughters

10) What was Job's reaction to this great lose? (1:20-21)
   - Tore his robe, shaved his head, fell to the ground and worshipped
     God
   - "Naked came I from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return 
     there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the
     name of the Lord."

11) What was Satan's second challenge to God concerning Job? (2:5)
   - Touch his bone and flesh, and Job will curse God to His face

12) What did God allow Satan to do? (2:6)
   - Whatever he wanted, up to the point of killing Job

13) With what did Satan afflict Job? (2:7)
   - Painful boils from head to toe

14) What did Job's wife want him to do? (2:9)
   - To curse God and die

15) What did Job ask his wife? (2:10)
   - "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept
     adversity?"

16) What three friends came to mourn with him, and to comfort him?
    (2:11)
   - Eliphaz the Temanite
   - Bildad the Shuhite
   - Zophar the Naamathite

17) How did they react when they saw Job? (2:12-13)
   - Lifted their voices and wept, tore their robes, sprinkled dust on
     their heads
   - Sat with him speechless for seven days and nights

18) What summary statements are made of Job in response to his
    suffering? (1:22; 2:10)
   - In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong
   - In all this Job did not sin with his lips

An example of love

First, Happy Valentines Day!!!  At first glance I thought this picture was just about a husband caring for his mate.  Then, I thought of how God cares for us...
 

World English Bible: Psalms Chapter 57
 

 [1] Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me,
for my soul takes refuge in you.


Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge,
until disaster has passed.


[2] I cry out to God Most High,


to God who accomplishes my requests for me.


[3] He will send from heaven, and save me,
he rebukes the one who is pursuing me.





Selah.





God will send out his loving kindness and his truth.


[4] My soul is among lions.
I lie among those who are set on fire,
even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
and their tongue a sharp sword.


[5] Be exalted, God, above the heavens!
Let your glory be above all the earth!





[6] They have prepared a net for my steps.
My soul is bowed down.


They dig a pit before me.
They fall into its midst themselves.





Selah.





[7] My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast.
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises.


[8] Wake up, my glory! Wake up, psaltery and harp!
I will wake up the dawn.


[9] I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the peoples.
I will sing praises to you among the nations.


[10] For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens,
and your truth to the skies.


[11] Be exalted, God, above the heavens.
Let your glory be over all the earth.

Our lives are not accidents!  We did not happen by chance and our lives do have a purpose; a grand design, if you will.  Think back: How has God provided the things you really need?  He has loved us and cared for us (and all our family) since our first memory. Today, being Valentine's day is a day devoted to love and what could be more appropriate than remembering God's love for us? For that, he is worthy of all our praise and all our love in return.  Knowing what God has done for us is better than ten boxes of candy, two hundred of the finest red ROSES and ten thousand greeting cards!!!  Something to think about...