April 26, 2024

Do Our Good Works Make Us Exempt from Suffering?

Job 35

Parker Primrose
Friday's Devo

April 26, 2024

Friday's Devo

April 26, 2024

Friday's Devo

April 26, 2024

Friday's Devo

April 26, 2024

Big Book Idea

God is at work even when we can't see it.

Key Verse | Job 35:6-7

If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him?
And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him? 
If you are righteous, what do you give to him?
Or what does he receive from your hand?

Job 35

Elihu Condemns Job

1 And Elihu answered and said:

2  “Do you think this to be just?
    Do you say, ‘It is my right before God,’
3  that you ask, ‘What advantage have I?
    How am I better off than if I had sinned?’
4  I will answer you
    and your friends with you.
5  Look at the heavens, and see;
    and behold the clouds, which are higher than you.
6  If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him?
    And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him?
7  If you are righteous, what do you give to him?
    Or what does he receive from your hand?
8  Your wickedness concerns a man like yourself,
    and your righteousness a son of man.

9  Because of the multitude of oppressions people cry out;
    they call for help because of the arm of the mighty. 1 35:9 Or the many
10  But none says, ‘Where is God my Maker,
    who gives songs in the night,
11  who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth
    and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?’
12  There they cry out, but he does not answer,
    because of the pride of evil men.
13  Surely God does not hear an empty cry,
    nor does the Almighty regard it.
14  How much less when you say that you do not see him,
    that the case is before him, and you are waiting for him!
15  And now, because his anger does not punish,
    and he does not take much note of transgression, 2 35:15 Theodotion, Symmachus (compare Vulgate); the meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
16  Job opens his mouth in empty talk;
    he multiplies words without knowledge.”

Footnotes

[1] 35:9 Or the many
[2] 35:15 Theodotion, Symmachus (compare Vulgate); the meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
Table of Contents
Introduction to Job

Introduction to Job

Timeline

Author and Date

The unknown Israelite author of this book presents Job as a person living in Uz (see note on 1:1). Job’s godliness (1:1) matches the ideals of Israelite wisdom literature. He clearly knows Yahweh (1:21). The events of the book seem to be set in the times of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

Theological Themes

The book of Job concerns itself with the question of faith in a sovereign God. Can God be trusted? Is he good and just in his rule of the world? The book shows that the reasons for human suffering often remain a secret to human beings.

In the book of Job, God seems both too close and too far away. On the one hand, Job complains that God is watching him every moment so that he cannot even swallow his spit (7:19). On the other hand, Job finds God elusive (9:11). Though God is greatly concerned about humans, he does not always answer their most agonizing questions.

At the same time, Job’s friends offer no real help. They come to “comfort” him (2:11), but Job ends up declaring them “miserable comforters” who would console him “with empty nothings” (21:34). These friends represent an oversimplified view of faith. They think that all human troubles are divine punishments for wrongdoing. Their “comfort” consists largely of urging Job to identify his sin and repent of it. These friends are negative examples of how to comfort those who are suffering.

The book illustrates that one does not need to fully understand God’s will in order to be faithful while suffering. Those who suffer need not be afraid to express to God their confusion and questions.

Purpose

The book of Job was written to those who struggle with the question of how God can be good when the world is filled with suffering.

The author does not provide a formal defense of God’s justice. Rather, as Job’s friends offer their inadequate answers, the author shows how their reasoning fails. Then, in chs. 38–41, the Lord speaks in his own defense, bringing Job to fuller understanding (ch. 42).

Even during his suffering and confusion, before God finally speaks, Job can triumphantly declare, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (19:25).

Outline

  1. Prologue: Job’s Character and the Circumstances of His Test (1:1–2:13)
  2. Dialogue: Job, His Suffering, and His Standing before God (3:1–42:6)
    1. Job: despair for the day of his birth (3:1–26)
    2. The friends and Job: can Job be right before God? (4:1–25:6)
      1. First cycle (4:1–14:22)
      2. Second cycle (15:1–21:34)
      3. Third cycle (22:1–25:6)
    3. Job: the power of God, place of wisdom, and path of integrity (26:1–31:40)
    4. Elihu: suffering as a discipline (32:1–37:24)
    5. Challenge: the Lord answers Job (38:1–42:6)
  3. Epilogue: The Vindication, Intercession, and Restoration of Job (42:7–17)
The Global Message of Job

The Global Message of Job

Universal Questions

With its story of one man’s life and suffering, the book of Job raises universal questions. Why do people suffer, especially godly people? Where is God in suffering? Can God be trusted amid suffering? Job’s friends try to answer such questions with superficial and simplistic solutions, eventually earning God’s rebuke (Job 42:7–9).

Ultimately we learn from Job that we can hope steadfastly in our sovereign God. Instead of providing easy answers to hard questions, this incomparably glorious, all-knowing, and almighty God presents to people in all places and in all times the simplest, most powerful, and most universal answer to these questions. God’s answer to human suffering has everything to do with his own infinite goodness and care for his creation.

Suffering in a Fallen World

In the life of Job we see the breadth and depth of human suffering. We see suffering in health (Job 2:7), suffering in the loss of property (1:14–17), and suffering in the tragic death of family members (1:18–19). In Job we also listen in on a discussion in the heavenly courtroom between God and Satan (1:6–12; 2:1–7), in which God delights in the upright life of Job. There we are given a window into the normally invisible reasons for our trials and suffering.

Sin and suffering. Suffering is universal, though the kind of suffering differs from circumstance to circumstance. Sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. There is no such thing as sin without consequences. Sometimes God himself directly chastises his people for their sins. However, Job’s friends are wrong to assume that his suffering is a direct result of disobedience (Job 8:4), and it would likewise be wrong to conclude that all or even most suffering in the world today is divine punishment for specific sins. The speeches of Eliphaz (chs. 4; 5; 15; 22), Bildad (chs. 8; 18; 25), and Zophar (chs. 11; 20) reflect such wrong assumptions.

Common suffering. Another type of suffering is what we might call “common suffering.” This is suffering that affects all people without distinction. It is simply the result of living in a fallen world. It includes health problems from colds to cancer. It includes bad weather, earthquakes, and typhoons. It includes financial struggles, and even death itself. Each tragic incident in Job’s life includes an element of this common suffering.

Godliness and suffering. Not only are godly people afflicted with suffering just as others are, but the godly experience some kinds of suffering due specifically to their godliness (Matt. 10:24–33; Acts 14:22; 2 Tim. 3:12). Faithfulness to Christ will bring insult and at times persecution—suffering that could be avoided if we were not disciples of Christ. We see this principle in Job, for it was precisely Job’s uprightness that prompted God to single him out to Satan and then led Satan to seek to afflict him (Job 1:8–12).

Devastating suffering. Job’s suffering is uniquely profound and painful. Some suffering, we learn, defies any category. We discover in Job that Satan has a hand in some of the suffering of God’s people (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7; compare 2 Cor. 12:1–10). But even such demonically instigated suffering is not outside of God’s sovereignty. Nor should our focus be on Satan when we suffer but rather on persisting in steadfast faith amid such God-ordained pain. At the very least a lesson to be learned from Job is that our vision and insight into suffering is severely limited. What is not limited, however, is God’s perfect understanding and sovereign control over every event in our lives. In the “Yahweh speeches” of Job (chs. 38–41), God does not engage Job in the details of his questions and complaints. Rather, God reminds Job that God is God and Job is not. God laid the foundation of the earth (38:4); he is God over the seas (38:8, 16), over the stars (38:31–33), and over every creature (39:1–30; 40:15–41:34).

A Global Message of Comfort and Hope

The almighty, all-good God. Despite its focus on challenges and sufferings, the book of Job speaks a message of great hope to the world. We live in a world longing for comfort and hope, and such hope is found in the sovereign God who sees, who is good, and who is faithful. We are not victims of random fate or uncontrolled circumstances. We are loved faithfully and passionately by a sovereign God who works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). The suffering global church can take comfort amid suffering, knowing that God is pleased with our faithfulness to him, even as God expressed delight in “my servant Job” (Job 1:6–8; 2:3). James 5:11 reminds us that God will fulfill his good purposes and is indeed compassionate and merciful toward his people.

No neat formulas. Living an upright life of faith in God does not exempt us from suffering. This was the fundamental misunderstanding of Job’s friends (Job 8:6) and the reason that their “comfort” was so “miserable” (16:2). Indeed, in Job and in all of Scripture we see that suffering is a part of the experience of godly people, and that suffering is also a means for our sanctification. Suffering is a blessing as through it we learn that God’s ways and purposes are much greater than we can know (chs. 40–41). His purposes and faithfulness are much greater than the achievement of ease and a comfortable life; the global church must not make an idol out of worldly comfort and earthly abundance.

The sufferings of the Savior. Job confessed faith in the living Redeemer (Job 19:25). That Redeemer would one day come and suffer for us on a cross. Here we have yet another kind of suffering, the atoning sufferings of Christ. He suffered for our salvation, bearing the penalty for our sin. It is also our great privilege to share in his suffering (2 Cor. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2:3; 1 Pet. 4:13). These are not the sufferings of health problems or bad weather or the consequences of our own folly. These are sufferings that flow from our union with and loyalty to Christ. There is a global attack on the righteous, but God will continue to provide sufficient grace to his people (2 Cor. 12:9).He will grow both his people and his kingdom through such suffering as it is endured in faith.

Our Intercession and Mission of Hope

Though God’s righteous anger burned against the three friends of Job, their folly was forgiven in response to the righteous intervention of Job’s prayers (Job 42:7–9). What then is the Christian response to those who suffer—and to those who cause suffering?

We are to intercede for the world, both in prayer and in life. We are to “comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:4). This comfort must find expression in our ministry and service to those in need both where we live as well as around the world—to orphans, widows, and all those who suffer.

This comfort is most gloriously and eternally known as the church ministers the gospel of new hope in Christ to the world—to the lost, to the downtrodden, and even to our enemies (Matt. 5:44). For the greatest suffering in this world is not the loss of property or even family; it is to be lost in sin, without the living Redeemer.

Proverbs Fact #1: Wisdom

Fact: Wisdom

Wisdom is a key term in Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. The word can mean “skilled at making sound decisions in life.” Proverbs 9:10 states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”

Job Fact #1: Comfort

Fact: Comfort

Comfort is a key word in the book of Job. When faced with personal tragedies, Job receives no comfort from his friends (16:2). But when God answers him (see chs. 38–41), he finds the comfort he needs.

Job Fact #7: Three cycles of conversations

Fact: Three cycles of conversations

The book of Job includes three cycles of conversations in which the friends of Job offer their comfort and advice, and then listen as Job responds. The first cycle covers chs. 4–14.

Job Fact #15: Elihu

Fact: Elihu

Elihu is the only character in the book of Job with a Hebrew name.

Job Fact #17: Songs in the night

Fact: Songs in the night

Songs in the night. Without the conveniences of modern streetlights or flashlights, nights in the ancient world were very dark and often frightening. People could easily hurt themselves at night or fall prey to animals or criminals. Songs of worship were a great comfort in those circumstances (35:10).

Elihu

Elihu

Elihu rebuked both Job and his three friends. He was angry at Job for defending himself rather than God, and he was angry at Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar for failing to provide an answer for Job. During his lengthy speech, Elihu shifted the focus away from Job to God as the only source of certainty and hope. At the same time, he seemed to overestimate his own understanding, even claiming to speak “on God’s behalf” (36:2). Actually, Elihu didn’t understand the reasons for Job’s suffering any more than the three friends did, and his statements were often similar to theirs. Although there was some truth in Elihu’s argument, his application of those truths and the conclusions he drew about Job were often incorrect. (Job 32:1–5)

Study Notes

Job 35:2 my right before God. Job had claimed that God had wronged him (19:6). In Elihu’s view, this meant Job was claiming that he was right, rather than God (see 32:2).

Study Notes

Job 35:6–8 Elihu repeats an aspect of Eliphaz’s final argument against Job—that God does not profit from Job’s righteousness (see 22:2–3). Neither Eliphaz nor Elihu understand that the motivation for Job’s complaint is his desire to see God glorified on earth in and through the lives of those who are faithful to him.

Study Notes
Job Fact #17: Songs in the night

Fact: Songs in the night

Songs in the night. Without the conveniences of modern streetlights or flashlights, nights in the ancient world were very dark and often frightening. People could easily hurt themselves at night or fall prey to animals or criminals. Songs of worship were a great comfort in those circumstances (35:10).

Study Notes

Job 35:12–13 Elihu says that God does not hear the empty cry of the oppressed, because of the pride of evil men. The context indicates that he is most likely referring to the oppressed themselves as “evil men.”

Study Notes

Job 35:1–16 Elihu thinks Job believes that his righteousness entitles him to God’s blessing, but Elihu believes that neither faithfulness nor wickedness influences God (vv. 1–8). Job had observed how the oppressed cry out and the wicked are not punished, but Elihu argues that the oppressed often cry out in pride, and thus God does not respond (vv. 9–16).

Job 35:14–16 Elihu argues that, if God does not regard the cries of the proud oppressed (vv. 9–13), how can Job expect an answer (v. 14)? Elihu assumes that Job is an even more obstinate person, who takes his lack of punishment as reason to speak foolishly (vv. 15–16). This is extraordinarily insensitive, considering Job’s actual situation.

S3:081 Job 35

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Dive Deeper | Job 35

Have you ever felt like God owed you? Like your good works or faithfulness have earned you something from Him? Those thoughts bubble up within me more often than I'd like, manifesting in self-righteous sentiments like "God, I deserve better than this situation" or "Lord, don't You see my faithfulness? Why do I suffer?" 

These momentary thoughts grossly mischaracterize my relationship with God, and they are why I so desperately need to be reminded of what Elihu shares with Job in today's chapter. Elihu reminds Job that his good works can't earn him anything, as God's will is often beyond the merits of our actions. 

Elihu describes God's scope with awesome imagery, telling Job: "Look at the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds, which are higher than you." (Job 35:5) In comparison to God's grandeur, Elihu rhetorically defines the smallness of man: "If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him? And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him? If you are righteous, what do you give to him? Or what does he receive from your hand?" (Job 35:6-7)

In short, Elihu outlines how God is greater than man. We can sin against God, but we cannot do anything to Him. We can behave righteously before God, but He doesn't gain from our behavior. He is beyond our sins and our services. Therefore, how can we claim to be owed anything by Him? He doesn't need or receive anything from us, so how can we demand any type of exchange from Him?

The only thing we're deserving of is death on account of our sins; but God, in His mercy and grace, offers us life (Romans 6:23). We can do nothing for Him, and yet He gave everything for us (John 3:16). Praise God! Who am I to think my behavior merits asking for anything more than He's already given?

Let us face today seeking not to do things for God, but instead to live in amazement of God's grace. He doesn't need our good works, but He is worthy of our praise!

This month's memory verse

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

– Galatians 5:22-23

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever felt like God "owed" you or that you "deserved" something from God? Why?

2. In Job 35:5, Elihu puts God's preeminence in perspective by describing the scale of God's creation in comparison to the smallness of man. What helps you remember God's grandeur compared to us?

3. Elihu makes clear how our good behavior doesn't benefit God (Job 35:7), and yet we know that God gave everything for our benefit (John 3:16). What does this say about the nature of God's love for us, and how should this affect the way we think about what we "deserve"?

Respond to Today's Passage

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MS

Michael Scaman

in chapter 35 Elihu continues defending God's justice and saying how inappropriate it was of Job to criticize God and cling to your rights before God in that. Motive for prayer and crying out matters. "...because of the multitude of oppressors people cry out ..." "... but none say where is my Maker, the God who gives songs in the night..." Job 35:9-13 The epic Ballad of Elihu on Criticizing God as if by Bob Dylan (Verse 1) "Job, oh Job," Elihu began to say, "Does your righteousness profit, in dismay? For God is just, beyond our sight, While you cling to your rights, He judges with might. (Verse 2) As Elihu spoke, with conviction and grace, He addressed Job's claims, face to face. For Job had asserted his innocence loud, Yet Elihu challenged, amid the crowd. (Transition) So ponder, oh Job, the mysteries profound, In God's justice, true faith is found. (Verse 3) And as the night surrenders to the dawn's first light, In God's presence, our fears take flight. For His ways are beyond our understanding, In the whirlwind's dance, His justice commanding. (Verse 4) Yet in the midst of trials, a truth does gleam, Delighting in God, the ultimate theme. For Job, take heed, in your darkest hour, Find joy in Him, and His mighty power. (Transition) For Elihu spoke of justice divine, In the tapestry of life, every design. God's righteousness shines, like the noonday sun, To the righteous, victory is won. (Verse 5) As he speaks, a whirlwind forms, God's presence felt in the raging storms. Not El, Elohim, or Eloah, But Yahweh, the name that silences awe. (Outro) God will continue with the mysteries of creation, Asking, "Were you there?" provoking humble contemplation. And so continues the very long Ballad of Elihu.
MS

Michael Sisson

Re: Job 35:10 Job 35:10 (NASB) “But no one says, ‘Where is God my Maker, >>>Who gives songs in the night,<<< See Acts 16:25
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Parker. Shout out to you and Watermark and the external-facing ministries you help to provide to the city. Elihu has a pretty high opinion of himself, (my opinion of course). He has a pretty low opinion Job. About Job he concludes the chapter that when Job speaks he: “opens his mouth in empty talk;     he multiplies words without knowledge.” Where as the chapter opens with: “And Elihu answered and said” It really helps if you go back and read some of Job’s earlier statements because that’s what Elihu seems to be addressing throughout his speeches. V5 Look at the heavens, and see;     and behold the clouds, which are higher than you. V6 If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against him?     And if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to him? V7 If you are righteous, what do you give to him?     Or what does he receive from your hand? V8 Your wickedness concerns a man like yourself,     and your righteousness a son of man. V4 Impressive God talk. Job and his friends have probably never looked at a sunset before and marveled at God’s majesty… V5 Elihu’s God approves of this question/message from his sponsor. V6 And this one too. Elihu is on a roll. V7 Therefore Job’s friends should be convinced this is true of Job. Concerning Elihu’s view within the book of Job I like the ESV study note you can click on at verse 7. Considering Elihu’s questions here in chapter 35 in the greater context of our Christian Bible. it’s almost as if Matthew 25:31-46 records Jesus answering Elihu’s questions with consideration of Job’s earlier thoughts (Job 23:2-14). Considering Elihu’s questions in the sense of Matthew 25 there is a direct correlation between what you accomplish against and what you give the One coming in his glory by your sin and by your righteousness. Concerning Job in chapter 23 I love how some of his statements would play out in Matthew 25. I would lay my case before him     and fill my mouth with arguments. Job 23:4 Job speaking Then the righteous (see and hear Job) will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we (I) see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we (I) see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did (I) see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ Matthew 25:37-39 as if Job were speaking I would know what he would answer me and understand what he would say to me. Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; he would pay attention to me. There an upright man could argue with him, and I would be acquitted forever by my judge. Job speaking chapter 25 And the King will answer them, (Job, Job’s friends, Elihu, Watermark’s city engagement team) ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Thanks again Parker for all that you are accomplishing.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks, Parker. I am glad to find this wisdom in Dr. Constable's commentary: “It is always possible to think of a reason for unanswered prayer. The trite explanation, which we hear all too often, is that ‘You didn’t have enough faith’, or ‘You prayed from the wrong motive’, or ‘You must have some hidden, unconfessed sin’. This diagnosis is always applicable. Everyone who prays is aware of the weakness of his faith; everyone with a scrap of self-knowledge knows that his motives are always mixed; everyone who searches his conscience can find no end of fresh sins to be dealt with. If no prayers could be offered and none answered, until all these conditions were satisfied, none would ever be offered and none answered. The Elihus of this world do not care about the cruelty of their perfectionist advice and its unreality. Their theory is saved; that is what matters.”
MS

Michael Scaman

Every person in the book will have imperfect advice. Elihu will defend God's righteousness but still be incomplete. Why do babies die? Why do some people have an inordinate amount of suffering? There can be larger things going on unknown to us as there were in this book with a lesson to angels. Sometimes God leads his children for His name's sake by still waters (Psalm 22) and sometimes they suffer persecution for his name's sake (Psalm 44). On the other hand, Elihu even with his limited understanding and incomplete advice, will give many reasons in the next chapter why a righteous person might suffer. Elihu gives the most nuanced advice, still incomplete, Part of the book might be to show there are people with good and bad advice intermingled and not easy to sort it out. Part of it is leaving suffering as partly a mystery not resolved by God but in God.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. When I was in elementary school, I always prayed for God to give me an A. As I have learned since then, it is best to pray to God for an A and then do things His way so I get the A. 2. The value that comes from applying what I learn from God in daily life helps me remember His grandeur. 3. God loves each of us unconditionally. We can understand more of what we “deserve” and get what we “deserve” if we use God’s ways and believe in Him. Parker - Thank you for sharing your ideas. Thank you for your honesty in saying, “Those thoughts bubble up within me more often than I'd like, manifesting in self-righteous sentiments”. As we learn a little bit about God everyday, our sentiments can be more sincere because we know about God versus just guessing.