May 1, 2024

God Puts Job in a Pretzel

Job 38

Scott Breedlove
Wednesday's Devo

May 1, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

May 1, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

May 1, 2024

Wednesday's Devo

May 1, 2024

Big Book Idea

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

Key Verse | Job 38:4

"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding."

Job 38

The LORD Answers Job

1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

2  “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
3  Dress for action 1 38:3 Hebrew Gird up your loins like a man;
    I will question you, and you make it known to me.

4  Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
    Tell me, if you have understanding.
5  Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
    Or who stretched the line upon it?
6  On what were its bases sunk,
    or who laid its cornerstone,
7  when the morning stars sang together
    and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

8  Or who shut in the sea with doors
    when it burst out from the womb,
9  when I made clouds its garment
    and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10  and prescribed limits for it
    and set bars and doors,
11  and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
    and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?

12  Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
    and caused the dawn to know its place,
13  that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth,
    and the wicked be shaken out of it?
14  It is changed like clay under the seal,
    and its features stand out like a garment.
15  From the wicked their light is withheld,
    and their uplifted arm is broken.

16  Have you entered into the springs of the sea,
    or walked in the recesses of the deep?
17  Have the gates of death been revealed to you,
    or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?
18  Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?
    Declare, if you know all this.

19  Where is the way to the dwelling of light,
    and where is the place of darkness,
20  that you may take it to its territory
    and that you may discern the paths to its home?
21  You know, for you were born then,
    and the number of your days is great!

22  Have you entered the storehouses of the snow,
    or have you seen the storehouses of the hail,
23  which I have reserved for the time of trouble,
    for the day of battle and war?
24  What is the way to the place where the light is distributed,
    or where the east wind is scattered upon the earth?

25  Who has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain
    and a way for the thunderbolt,
26  to bring rain on a land where no man is,
    on the desert in which there is no man,
27  to satisfy the waste and desolate land,
    and to make the ground sprout with grass?

28  Has the rain a father,
    or who has begotten the drops of dew?
29  From whose womb did the ice come forth,
    and who has given birth to the frost of heaven?
30  The waters become hard like stone,
    and the face of the deep is frozen.

31  Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades
    or loose the cords of Orion?
32  Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth 2 38:32 Probably the name of a constellation in their season,
    or can you guide the Bear with its children?
33  Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
    Can you establish their rule on the earth?

34  Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
    that a flood of waters may cover you?
35  Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go
    and say to you, ‘Here we are’?
36  Who has put wisdom in the inward parts 3 38:36 Or in the ibis
    or given understanding to the mind? 4 38:36 Or rooster
37  Who can number the clouds by wisdom?
    Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens,
38  when the dust runs into a mass
    and the clods stick fast together?

39  Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
    or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
40  when they crouch in their dens
    or lie in wait in their thicket?
41  Who provides for the raven its prey,
    when its young ones cry to God for help,
    and wander about for lack of food?

Footnotes

[1] 38:3 Hebrew Gird up your loins
[2] 38:32 Probably the name of a constellation
[3] 38:36 Or in the ibis
[4] 38:36 Or rooster
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 #19: Majesty

Fact: Majesty

God’s great majesty shines forth in poetic language in chs. 38–39. These are some of the Bible’s most awe-inspiring passages about God.

Study Notes

Job 38:1 the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind. God reveals himself to Job in a display of both majestic power and personal presence. What the Lord will now say to Job will be in the context of steadfast love, not as judgment for what the friends assumed was Job’s sin.

Study Notes

Job 38:2 Elihu had said that Job’s words were generally “without knowledge” (34:35; 35:16). The Lord does not reprove Job so extensively when he indicates that Job darkens counsel by words without knowledge. Job had drawn conclusions about the nature of God from what was revealed on earth. God will remind Job that, even in what is revealed about God and his creation, much is still hidden.

Study Notes

Job 38:7 The sons of God (compare 1:6 and note) are the heavenly beings surrounding God’s throne.

Study Notes

Job 38:4–11 Job had begun by lamenting his birth and the timing of his life (ch. 3). Using the same language of birth, the Lord now asks Job about the birth of the universe. Can Job explain how the origin of the cosmos could or should have been different?

Study Notes

Job 38:14 features stand out like a garment. The changing colors of sunrise (see v. 12) are compared to the dyeing of a garment.

Study Notes

Job 38:22–23 The reference to storehouses that are reserved for the time of trouble is another reminder to Job that the Lord’s rule over the earth takes into account things that are not known on earth (see vv. 13–15).

Study Notes

Job 38:31–32 Mazzaroth is a transliteration of an otherwise unknown Hebrew word. In the context, it must refer to one of the constellations. The Bear is also a constellation, as indicated by its connection with Orion and Pleiades in 9:9.

Study Notes

Job 38:12–38 The Lord reminds Job that he cannot see fully what the Lord is doing about justice and judgment (see vv. 13, 15, 17, 22–23).

S3:084 Job 38

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Job 38

This passage is one of my favorite biblical accounts. Beginning here in chapter 38 are four straight chapters of God speaking "out of the whirlwind," ironically posing 77 questions to the man who was seeking answers.

As a student of rhetoric and sarcasm, I've never seen them used so effectively, relentlessly, and righteously as when God Almighty finally interjects in Job's debate: "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know!" (Job 38:4-5a) Blown away yet? I didn't even exist until yesterday. And I'm tempted for even a second to think I might have a better plan than the Holy God who formed me? Lord, save me from my doubt and conceit!

As a student of the science disproving evolution and pointing to design by an unfathomable intelligence, I'm moved by our Creator's reliance on nature to make His point: forming the earth; defining the ocean; commanding the dawn; comprehending the earth's expanse and the seas' depths; mastering light and darkness, wind, hail, lightning, and the world's ecosystems; establishing the stars in the heavens and the understanding of man's mind; managing lions and ravens alike. And the list goes on. No wonder Paul wrote to those who would question God's goodness, "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?'" (Romans 9:20)

Let's allow these chapters of Job to penetrate our souls in an act of worship. Then we can continue to go to God with our questions and doubts, but not as if we could debate Him.

Here are two more questions—these from the Son of God, "the image of the invisible God" in whom "all things hold together" (Colossians 1:15, 17):

  1. "[W]ho do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15b)
  2. "[D]o you love me?" (John 21:17b)

Unlike God's questions to Job, these questions were not rhetorical when Jesus asked them of His disciples. So, how do you answer them today?

This month's memory verse

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

– John 14:15

Discussion Questions

1. ChatGPT did not actually write my father-of-the-bride speech — at least not most of it. Nor was Job involved in the creation of the world, as God's questions might sarcastically suggest. What do you make of God's tone and rhetoric when He comes at Job and his friends out of the whirlwind?

2. What do the mysteries and miracles of the natural world have to do with the questions that Job and his friends were struggling with?

3. Here are a few more questions asked in the Bible. Review the Scripture around each, and discuss with your community group the questions that resonate most with you right now.

  • "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9)
  • "Why are you afraid . . . ?" (Matthew 8:26)
  • "Do you not yet perceive or understand? . . . When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?" (Mark 8:17, 19)
  • "[W]hy did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31)
  • "Do you want to go away as well?" (John 6:67)
  • "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6, NIV)
  • "What is written in the Scriptures?" (Luke 10:26, CEV)

4. When Jesus, after His resurrection, came to Peter and asked him three times "do you love me?," each time Peter answered affirmatively; and each time Jesus replied by telling Peter to feed or tend His sheep (John 21:15-17). 1 John 3:18 implores, "[L]et us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." Where do you need to take action to live out your love for Jesus? Where in your life is the gospel being choked out by "thorns" or by "the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches"? (Matthew 13:22)

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

Job cursed his birthday earlier and lamented it various ways. God will speak of the wonders of creation often using birth language Perhaps that's part of a rebuke and a comfort. God knew what he was doing when you were born as well God will even call the clouds swaddling cloths for the creation of the new oceans. Phrases and descriptions concerning womb, birth, swaddling, nurturing and gestation are all birth related ideas Definitely a massive birth of creation imagery going on. And maybe a comfort to Job who cursed the day he was born. God says every single day he opposed the wicked Job 38:12-13 Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? Title: God's wisdom and glory in your birth and creations birth (on Job 38 - 39) as if by Ken Ham (Verse 1) In the heart of ancient trials, Job cried out in pain, His voice, a lamentation, a melody of disdain. Cursed be the day that I was born, he bitterly did say, In anguish and in sorrow, his soul did sway. (Chorus) But amidst the whirlwind, Yahweh's voice did thunder, Speaking of wonders, His creations asunder. From the depths of despair to the heights of the sky, God's glory proclaimed, even from the broken earth tot he sky. (Verse 2) Job's words echoed in the darkness, a lamentation deep, His spirit weighed heavy, unable to find sleep. Why did I see the light? Why draw breath at all? In the silence of his suffering, he did call. (Chorus) But amidst the whirlwind, Yahweh's voice did thunder, Speaking of wonders, His creations asunder. From the depths of despair to the heights of the sky, God's glory proclaimed, even from the sin broken earth to the sky. (Verse 3) In Job's discourse, birth takes its form, From the sea's confines to creatures warm. From ice's womb to dawn's first light, Each birth proclaimed in creation's sight. (Bridge) In every birth, in every dawn, In every creature, great and small, God's handiwork, a symphony, A testament to His majesty. (Verse 4) Though Job cursed the day of his birth, God's voice did reply, With wonders beyond your control, reaching to the sky. Behold, the mighty wild ox, I brought forth, Not for a manger, but to roam the earth. (Verse 5) Though Job cursed the day of his birth, God's voice did reply, With wonders beyond your control, reaching to the sky. The mighty ox is beyond you, I declare, Now, imagine the great Behemoth and Leviathan's lairs. And even other types of unseen behemoth pride I will not abide. For in all of creation, My glory will reside. (Chorus) But amidst the whirlwind, Yahweh's voice did thunder, Speaking of wonders, His creations asunder. From the depths of despair to the heights of the sky, God's glory proclaimed, even from the broken earth tot he sky. (Bridge) In every birth of a day, a sunrise, in every sigh, In every tear that falls from the sky, God's mercy flows, a melody, A promise of redemption, forever free. (Verse 6) So let us heed the call of redemption's song, Amidst the chaos, where we belong. For in the midst of suffering, there's grace untold, In the arms of the Savior, we find our stronghold. (Outro) So let us join the chorus of creation's plea, For redemption's promise, for hearts set free. From Job's lament to God's eternal plan, In His love, we find our hope, our peace, God's wisdom stands. In both Job's lamentations and God's responses, there's a theme of questioning suffering, a recognition of God's supreme authority, and an emphasis on the complexity of creation, yet they differ in tone, with Job expressing anguish and seeking understanding, while God asserts His power and wisdom with majestic authority.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Scott. “As a student of rhetoric and sarcasm, I've never seen them used so effectively, relentlessly, and righteously as when God Almighty finally interjects.” Not really a student of rhetoric and sarcasm, probably more of a hobby in my case. I agree with the above statement. Since I know I’m reading a very ancient text I try to paint the pictures some of these old poems and stories are painting. So I see Job, his three friends, and Elihu. Who has been talking, and talking, and talking. As a matter of fact I commented Monday that he was through talking but I woke up yesterday morning and he was still talking. Today, I see and hear God show up. And one of the last things I heard Elihu say was: “The Almighty—we cannot find him.” Job 37:23a And “he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.” Job 37:24b Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: Job 38.1 So apparently God suddenly shows up interrupting Elihu saying. “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Job 38:2 So the picture is either 1-God has gone from “ha satan, in regard to my servant Job, there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil.” What say you? To “who is this idiot” “Oh it’s Job I didn’t recognize him covered in his boils” 2-Looking at Job whom he is very familiar with, and disregarding Elihu’s presence by doing so, God asks Job, “who the hell is he?” Dress for action like a man. Job 38:3a Insert a sarcastic youngsterrre after man and you get a picture. Or visualize Elihu’s description of Job’s dress in the middle of Job 37:14-18 to see a completely different picture. Listening and picturing back to Elihu humbling concluding with the faults he has found in Job. Teach us what we shall say to him;     we cannot draw up our case because of darkness. Job 37:19 Listening and picturing forward to God coming to his first conclusion. And the Lord said to Job: Job 40:1 Is he already in the middle of a conversation with Job? Or was he looking away talking to someone else, and now pausing, he looks at Job to ask him a question: “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Job 40:2a Does he then speak before Job can answer him. “He who argues with God, let him answer it.” Job 40:2b So Job is going to answer like this. “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.” Job 40:4-5 If, Job is answering for Elihu, that Elihu is a prophet. Shall it be told him that I would speak? Did a man ever wish that he would be swallowed up? Job 37:20
DD

david denney

*God has entered the chat.*
SB

Sue Bohlin

SCOTT!!! *Of course* you would write one of the best devos of the year!! Especially identifying yourself as a student of rhetoric and sarcasm, which is doubly funny coming from a lawyer, yes? So I guess being sarcastic is biblical . . . Ha! Two things stood out to me in this absolutely incredible speech. First, "Gird up your loins like a man." As I continue my search for a deeper biblical understanding of God's intention for the fullness of masculinity and femininity, I see here that God was the originator of the intention behind the phrase "You were made to do hard things." Which is probably more the challenge for boys and young men today than ever before in human history because so many of them are weakened and crippled because they are dominated by their phones. I also love v, 33, "Do you know the laws of the heavens?" We have recently been instructed on the exquisite design behind the creation of our solar system and how it moves to line up the just-right-sized sun, moon and earth to give us a total solar eclipse. To give an eclipse to the only body in the solar system (and most probably the universe) where there are image-bearing observers to behold the glory of the Creator! I'm fascinated by God's questions in scripture. I appreciated your list; let me add one of my very favorites, which He asked of Jonah: "Do you have any right to be angry?" That question helps me let go of unrighteous anger, even irritation (which is anger at 5 mph), early in the process.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. God wants Job and his friends doing their best. God wants respect from Job and his friends. 2. The mysteries and miracles are from God and move Job and his friends to consider things they may not be considering in resolving their struggles. 3. All of the questions are good and remind us to consider God’s Words while living everyday. 4. The gospel is very respected in my life. I always find something everyday that needs the love of Jesus. Scott - Thank you for sharing your ideas. Thank you for suggesting, “Let's allow these chapters of Job to penetrate our souls in an act of worship. Then we can continue to go to God with our questions and doubts, but not as if we could debate Him”. It is definitely important to trust and believe in God.
SB

Scott Breedlove

Thanks for your feedback and additional thoughts, all! May we know the true God more today than yesterday. Sue: “anger at 5 mph” 😁 … That’s rich. I need to use that.