Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters?

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Job 38:25–41, “Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder; To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man; To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth? Hath the rain a father? or who hath begotten the drops of dew? Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? The waters are hid as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen. Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion? Canst thou bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? or canst thou guide Arcturus with his sons? Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth? Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that abundance of waters may cover thee? Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are? Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart? Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven, When the dust groweth into hardness, and the clods cleave fast together? Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions, When they couch in their dens, and abide in the covert to lie in wait? Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.”

The Lord was relentless with Elihu. He asked the young man about the heavens. Where did the rain come from, or how did the great constellations keep their shape in the heavens? What about the clouds? How were they formed and how did they keep their shape? What about the dust? Who feeds the animals?

Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days?

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Job 38:12–24, “Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment. And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken. Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? or hast thou walked in the search of the depth? Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? Hast thou perceived the breadth of the earth? declare if thou knowest it all. Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof, That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof? Knowest thou it, because thou wast then born? or because the number of thy days is great? Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war? By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?”

The Lord continued to ask Elihu what he really knew about creation. After all Elihu had given that challenge to Job. So what did this young man know to qualify him to minster to Job? Nothing really!

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?

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Job 38:4–11, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?”

Elihu had spoken of the Lord and asked Job if Job could explain the things that the Lord had made. Now the Lord asked Elihu the same questions. He wanted to know if Elihu understood how the Lord had made the heavens and the earth or if Elihu understood even the smallest part of creation’s dynamics.

Then the LORD answered Job

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Job 38:1–3, “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.”

Job had been asking if he could speak to the Lord and defend himself. He wanted to say that he didn’t deserve the problems that he was facing and would like to be delivered from his problems. Eventually the Lord spoke to Job out of a whirlwind so he got his request. However, the Lord spoke strongly to Job’s friends, particularly Elihu. Elihu had claimed to be speaking for God but the Lord told him that he was speaking without knowledge. God told Elihu to get up and make the same case before God as he had made to Job.

Hear attentively the noise of his voice

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Job 37:1–24, “At this also my heart trembleth, and is moved out of his place. Hear attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound that goeth out of his mouth. He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth. After it a voice roareth: he thundereth with the voice of his excellency; and he will not stay them when his voice is heard. God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work. Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places. Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened. Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy. Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine? Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind? Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass? Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up. And now men see not the bright light which is in the clouds: but the wind passeth, and cleanseth them. Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God is terrible majesty. 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. Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.”

Elihu continued with his outburst against Job. He asked Job if he knew anything about God’s mind. He referred to nature and the marvellous things that can be seen in God’s creation then he asked Job if Job understood how God did these things. He then said that men fear God but God doesn’t respect anyone who isn’t wise. He was trying to tell Job that Job was out of line because God was far too good to worry about Job.

I have yet to speak on God’s behalf

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Job 36:1–33, “Elihu also proceeded, and said, Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that http://youtu.be/NK8VWcw8BOM “The Science is in!”

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Job 36:1–33, “Elihu also proceeded, and said, Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God’s behalf. I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. 1But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them. They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression. Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness. But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee. Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength. Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place. Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him? Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity? Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off. Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly. Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea. For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance. With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt. The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.”

Elihu continued to speak as though he was God’s appointed spokesman. He said that he has superior knowledge to all the other people involved in this conversation. He spoke the truth at times but continued to give conclusions that were not true. He had the idea that everyone suffered because God is just and God makes sure that evil people suffer. However, this entire experience came about because Satan lied to God and said that Job trusted the Lord because the Lord was good to Job. The Lord trusted Job to keep his faith in the hardest times but Elihu didn’t understand God or how God worked. In the end, Job kept his faith and the Lord blessed him but Elihu had a lot to learn while he was pretending to speak on God’s behalf. . I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee. Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. 1But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them. They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression. Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness. But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee. Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength. Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place. Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him? Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity? Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off. Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly. Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle? Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea. For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance. With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt. The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.”

Elihu continued to speak as though he was God’s appointed spokesman. He said that he has superior knowledge to all the other people involved in this conversation. He spoke the truth at times but continued to give conclusions that were not true. He had the idea that everyone suffered because God is just and God makes sure that evil people suffer. However, this entire experience came about because Satan lied to God and said that Job trusted the Lord because the Lord was good to Job. The Lord trusted Job to keep his faith in the hardest times but Elihu didn’t understand God or how God worked. In the end, Job kept his faith and the Lord blessed him but Elihu had a lot to learn while he was pretending to speak on God’s behalf.

But none saith

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Job 35:9–16, “By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven? There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men. Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it. Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him. But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity: Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.”

Elihu said that when people suffer greatly they cry out because of their suffering. However, no one called out to find where God, who gives people songs in the night, was so that God could answer their questions. No one wants to go to God and argue with Him about the justice of their suffering. He told Job to look at the animals who call out all the time but no one answers them. Job was saying worthless things because he was suffering.

Thinkest thou this to be right

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Job 35:1–8, “Elihu spake moreover, and said, Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God’s? For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee. Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou. If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him? If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand? Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.”

Elihu was so filled with his own importance and the subsequent sense of frustration at everything that he had heard. He accused Job of claiming that Job was more righteous than God. He told Job to look up to the heavens and see that the clouds were higher that anything on earth. He told Job that God was good and Job was bad. Some of what he was saying is correct but his conclusions were not because he didn’t know enough about God or the way that God works.

Surely it is meet to be said unto God

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Job 34:31–37, “Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more: That which I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest. Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me. Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.”

Elihu continued his monologue with another attack on Job. He said that no one has to tell God when they are suffering and no one needs to apologise to God when he has done something wrong. Of course, when the Lord God spoke to Adam and Eve in the garden after they had sinned He called out to them. Not because God didn’t know where they were but to give them a chance to confess their sin. God is happy when sinners confess their sin. Elihu accused Job of speaking ill advised words when he said that he wanted to defend himself before the Lord. He also said that Job would suffer for this insolence before God. Elihu thought he was speaking for God but he was only speaking on his own behalf and he was speaking without knowledge rather than Job.

Hearken to the voice of my words.

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Job 34:16–30, “If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words. Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just? Is it fit to say to a king, Thou art wicked? and to princes, Ye are ungodly? How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands. In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand. For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God. He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead. Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth them in the night, so that they are destroyed. He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others; Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways: So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted. When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only: That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.”

Elihu continued to insist that everyone listen to his wisdom. He told them to listen to what he had to say. He said that only good people would become rulers and no one should condemn a just ruler. He implied, correctly, that God is good and God rules everything. However, he tried to imply that Job was wrong by claiming to be innocent because Job was saying that God was bad. This was wrong, as readers of the entire book will know. He said that God will call people to account and, one day, everyone will die. God won’t need to call for witnesses to a person’s behaviour because God already knows everything. Bad people will never reign because God is good. Some of Elihu’s information was right but his conclusions were wrong. If people reject God then they will suffer the consequences of rejecting God and evil will triumph on the earth. God is just and consistent so He gives people what they choose. However, God is gracious and lets us have many chances to leave our sinful ways and come back to Him.

That He should commit iniquity

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Job 34:10–15, “Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, 

t. For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways. Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world? If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.”

Elihu was convinced that he was right, so much so, that he made conclusions that didn’t follow from this original assumptions. He was right when he said that God would never be involved in any kind of sin. However, he concluded that every time a person suffered they were suffering the consequences of their own wrong. This was not correct. After Adam and Eve sinned the perfect predictability of God’s creation was replaced by a chaotic system. When Day One began there was chaos and God brought perfect order during the six days but that perfect order was destroyed by sin. The lesson was: with God there is predictable order but without God nothing is no certainty. Elihu was certain that Job was wicked and deserved to suffer. He didn’t know what had happened in heaven, in the spiritual world, so he was making conclusions that he wasn’t entitled to make. He was actually contradicting what he had said earlier. Elihu said God was innocent of all sin but, then, he concluded that God is inconsistent.

Hear my words

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Job 34:1–9, “Furthermore Elihu answered and said, Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment. Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable without transgression. What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.”

Elihu continued his tirade against Job; he was filled a sense of his own importance and he thought more highly of himself that he should have. He kept giving his monologue explaining how he was better than anyone else in this group. He told the “wise men” to listen to him. He castigated Job for saying that Job was righteous and had done nothing to deserve this setback. However, he felt compelled to let everyone know that Job did, in fact, deserve everything Job was getting.

To bring back his soul from the pit

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Job 33:29–33, “Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living. Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.”

Elihu, along with many other people, believed that God was vindictive and forced people to suffer every time that they did wrong. The problem with this line of thinking is that no one should even survive their childhood. Everyone shows some kind of rebellion against the Lord God at some stage in their lives. Elihu wanted Job to be quiet and stop complaining so that he could teach Job the truth and make Job accept the fact that he had sinned and deserved everything that came his way.

He is chastened also with pain upon his bed

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Job 33:19–28, “He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain: So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat. His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out. Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers. If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth: He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.”

Elihu continued to talk about people who sinned against the Lord and were punished. He said they suffered pain when they lay on their beds and strong pain drove them to their beds. A person being punished by the Lord longs for death and wants someone to let him know that he is good. The Lord looks for someone to pay the price of sin on that person’s behalf then they will be saved from death and the grave. All people need to do is admit their sin and confess that sin wasn't good in their lives.

For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not

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Job 33:14–18, “For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.”

Elihu said that the Lord God speaks to people in many ways to give them His message. This is true, God continues to reach out to the whole world many times until those who keep rejecting Him finally get what they have chosen, an eternity without God. However, Elihu was trying to tell Job that Job wasn’t listening to God because God was trying to tell Job that Job deserved everything that he was getting because there was sin in Job’s life. Elihu also pointed out that God is gracious and continues to work with people who reject His love so that they can come back into the envelope of his care.

Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Job 33:8–13, “Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.”

Elihu, with all the arrogance of youth and no real experience of life or hardship, was very angry with Job because Job claimed to be sinless but suffering. He told Job to accept that God is greater than man and no one should ever fight against God or what God is doing in his life. God doesn’t answer to any person so why should God answer to Job? However, God is loving and kind and is happy for people to pray and ask Him about their problems. Even though we don’t know God’s plans for life, we do know that God is compassionate and, if nothing else, asking God about issues that trouble us bring us closer to God and give us a deeper appreciation of His everlasting love and peace. Compare the words of king David:

“Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.

“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living? (Psalm 56:1–13)

Hear my speeches

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Job 33:1–7, “Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. Behold, I am according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay. Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.”

After telling Job’s friends that they didn’t deserve to be treated with respect, Elihu began to attack Job. He said that he was an upright man and spoke with the wisdom of the upright. Job wanted to speak to God and explain his situation but Elihu said that he had appointed himself to answer Job in God’s place because he was upright. Even though he was just another man, Elihu told Job that he would be kind and gentle as he was a self appointed spokesman for the Lord God.

They were amazed

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Job 32:15–22, “They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking. When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion. For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer. Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.”

Elihu criticised the other three men because they didn’t continue to tell Job that he deserved his suffering because he was a sinner. He then said that he was like wine fermenting in a closed bag. There was nowhere for the gasses to escape and it would eventually burst. He didn’t want to burst with indignation himself so he would refuse to remain silent. He didn’t think that he should show respect to people who didn’t deserve respect any more.

I am young

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Job 32:6–14, “And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion. Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words: Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man. Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.”

Elihu began his speech by trying to sound as though he was being respectful and insisting that he waited to show respect while the older people talked. However, he then went on to claim that he had a special message from the Lord, which gave him wisdom far above the older and more esteemed men than he. He told them that they hadn’t been able to convince Job of the fact that he was a sinner and deserved everything that he was getting. He said that God was punishing Job and now it was up to him to tell Job the truth and force Job to accept the message that God gave to Elihu.

So these three men ceased to answer Job

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Job 32:1–5, “So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 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. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.”

For those who have read this account from the beginning, Job’s claims were correct. However, without knowing the whole story we might assume that Job was both arrogant and sanctimonious. Job’s friends assumed the latter about him even though he was a righteous and highly respected man. This shows how important it is not to judge people. We always judge other people by our own standards and assume that they think the way that we think. The major lesson from this account is that we shouldn’t judge other people without knowing all the circumstance. However, that is impossible for no one can read another person’s thoughts. There was another young and self righteous man around as well. He was called Elihu and he was very angry that the other people didn’t persuade Job to admit that Job had sinned. As a young man, without much experience, he felt justified in airing his prejudice without any restraint

If I covered my transgressions

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Job 31:33–40, “If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom: Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence, and went not out of the door? Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book. Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a crown to me. I would declare unto him the number of my steps; as a prince would I go near unto him. If my land cry against me, or that the furrows likewise thereof complain; If I have eaten the fruits thereof without money, or have caused the owners thereof to lose their life: Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.”

Job wasn’t like Adam, who sinned against the Lord and then hid. Job didn’t blame other people for his sin like Adam. He wasn’t afraid of other people because he knew that he hadn’t done anything to hurt other people. He just wanted to be able to present his case to the Lord and show the Lord that he didn’t deserve the trouble he had been experiencing. He was happy to suffer for his sins but he didn’t believe that he should be suffering like this. After making his point, Job had said enough and stopped speaking.

If I have made gold my hope

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Job 31:24–32, “If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because mine hand had gotten much; If I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness; And my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand: This also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above. If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him: Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul. If the men of my tabernacle said not, Oh that we had of his flesh! we cannot be satisfied. The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller.”

Job continued to discuss his own attitudes and desires from life. He didn’t covet great wealth and he didn’t secretly sin against other people. He cared for the poor, the needy and the stranger. He certainly wasn’t the kind of man to take advantage of other people or bring harm to them.

If I have withheld the poor from their desire

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Job 31:16–23, “If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother’s womb;) If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate: Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.”

Job continued to list the sort of sins that would deserve such suffering as his and called on anyone to show him where he had done any of these things. He had a holy fear of the Lord and chose not to provoke the Lord no matter what happened to him.

If mine heart have been deceived by a woman

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Job 31:9–15, “If mine heart have been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbour’s door; Then let my wife grind unto another, and let others bow down upon her. For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges. For it is a fire that consumeth to destruction, and would root out all mine increase. If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb?”

Job continued with his complaint concerning his current situation. He called out to other people to show that he had, in fact, sinned against the Lord or against another person. If someone could show that he had done this then he would willingly submit to the torments he was suffering.

I made a covenant with mine eyes

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Job 31:1–8, “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? For what portion of God is there from above? and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? Doth not he see my ways, and count all my steps? If I have walked with vanity, or if my foot hath hasted to deceit; Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity. If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands; Then let me sow, and let another eat; yea, let my offspring be rooted out.”

Job was still convinced of his innocence and he refused to acknowledge that his friends were right when they told him that he deserved everything that he was suffering. He had lived a good life and said that he would happily accept any suffering that came his way if it could be proved that he had done something to deserve it.

Terrors are turned upon me

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(The views expressed in this blog are my own and should not be taken as inspired in any way.)

Job 30:15–31, “Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud. And now my soul is poured out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me. My bones are pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest. By the great force of my disease is my garment changed: it bindeth me about as the collar of my coat. He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes. I cry unto thee, and thou dost not hear me: I stand up, and thou regardest me not. Thou art become cruel to me: with thy strong hand thou opposest thyself against me. Thou liftest me up to the wind; thou causest me to ride upon it, and dissolvest my substance. For I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living. Howbeit he will not stretch out his hand to the grave, though they cry in his destruction. Did not I weep for him that was in trouble? was not my soul grieved for the poor? When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness. My bowels boiled, and rested not: the days of affliction prevented me. I went mourning without the sun: I stood up, and I cried in the congregation. I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls. My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat. My harp also is turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of them that weep.”

Job continued to talk about his situation. He was troubled with fear day and night as he saw all the good things from his life disappear. Pain had taken over his thoughts day and night because he couldn’t escape from it. The Lord had forced him out of his comfort zone and he longed to die so that he could escape all the terrors. Even though Job cared for other people when they suffered, there was no relief for him from his pain. He stopped enjoying his life and began to weep instead.

But now they that are younger than I have me in derision

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Job 30:1–14, “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. Yea, whereto might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age was perished? For want and famine they were solitary; fleeing into the wilderness in former time desolate and waste. Who cut up mallows by the bushes, and juniper roots for their meat. They were driven forth from among men, (they cried after them as after a thief;) To dwell in the clifts of the valleys, in caves of the earth, and in the rocks. Among the bushes they brayed; under the nettles they were gathered together. They were children of fools, yea, children of base men: they were viler than the earth. And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword. They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face. Because he hath loosed my cord, and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me. Upon my right hand rise the youth; they push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction. They mar my path, they set forward my calamity, they have no helper. They came upon me as a wide breaking in of waters: in the desolation they rolled themselves upon me.”

Job finished looking back and started to consider his current position. While he had been highly respected before and people were willing to listen to his opinion now everyone treated him as though he were an outcast. Even people who had been forced out of society because they were unable to live peacefully among normal people treated Job with disdain. They even sang songs about him that made him seem like an evil man. Young people pushed him out of the way and stopped him from doing what he wanted to do.

I shall die in my nest

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Job 29:18–25, “Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand. My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel. After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them. And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain. If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down. I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.”

Job continued to look back at his life. Before he suffered his setback everything seemed fine to him and he thought that nothing would ever change. He was satisfied with his life and was treated with respect wherever he went. Everyone treated him with respect and he comforted others even though no one wanted to really comfort him now.