May 2, 2024

What Is a Right View of Self?

Job 39-40

John Jeong
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May 2, 2024

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Big Book Idea

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

Key Verse | Job 40:4-5

"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 39-40

1  Do you know when the mountain goats give birth?
    Do you observe the calving of the does?
2  Can you number the months that they fulfill,
    and do you know the time when they give birth,
3  when they crouch, bring forth their offspring,
    and are delivered of their young?
4  Their young ones become strong; they grow up in the open;
    they go out and do not return to them.

5  Who has let the wild donkey go free?
    Who has loosed the bonds of the swift donkey,
6  to whom I have given the arid plain for his home
    and the salt land for his dwelling place?
7  He scorns the tumult of the city;
    he hears not the shouts of the driver.
8  He ranges the mountains as his pasture,
    and he searches after every green thing.

9  Is the wild ox willing to serve you?
    Will he spend the night at your manger?
10  Can you bind him in the furrow with ropes,
    or will he harrow the valleys after you?
11  Will you depend on him because his strength is great,
    and will you leave to him your labor?
12  Do you have faith in him that he will return your grain
    and gather it to your threshing floor?

13  The wings of the ostrich wave proudly,
    but are they the pinions and plumage of love? 1 39:13 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
14  For she leaves her eggs to the earth
    and lets them be warmed on the ground,
15  forgetting that a foot may crush them
    and that the wild beast may trample them.
16  She deals cruelly with her young, as if they were not hers;
    though her labor be in vain, yet she has no fear,
17  because God has made her forget wisdom
    and given her no share in understanding.
18  When she rouses herself to flee, 2 39:18 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
    she laughs at the horse and his rider.

19  Do you give the horse his might?
    Do you clothe his neck with a mane?
20  Do you make him leap like the locust?
    His majestic snorting is terrifying.
21  He paws 3 39:21 Hebrew They paw in the valley and exults in his strength;
    he goes out to meet the weapons.
22  He laughs at fear and is not dismayed;
    he does not turn back from the sword.
23  Upon him rattle the quiver,
    the flashing spear, and the javelin.
24  With fierceness and rage he swallows the ground;
    he cannot stand still at the sound of the trumpet.
25  When the trumpet sounds, he says ‘Aha!’
    He smells the battle from afar,
    the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.

26  Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars
    and spreads his wings toward the south?
27  Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up
    and makes his nest on high?
28  On the rock he dwells and makes his home,
    on the rocky crag and stronghold.
29  From there he spies out the prey;
    his eyes behold it from far away.
30  His young ones suck up blood,
    and where the slain are, there is he.”

1 And the LORD said to Job:

2  “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
    He who argues with God, let him answer it.”

Job Promises Silence

3 Then Job answered the LORD and said:

4  “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?
    I lay my hand on my mouth.
5  I have spoken once, and I will not answer;
    twice, but I will proceed no further.”

The LORD Challenges Job

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

7  “Dress for action 4 40:7 Hebrew Gird up your loins like a man;
    I will question you, and you make it known to me.
8  Will you even put me in the wrong?
    Will you condemn me that you may be in the right?
9  Have you an arm like God,
    and can you thunder with a voice like his?

10  Adorn yourself with majesty and dignity;
    clothe yourself with glory and splendor.
11  Pour out the overflowings of your anger,
    and look on everyone who is proud and abase him.
12  Look on everyone who is proud and bring him low
    and tread down the wicked where they stand.
13  Hide them all in the dust together;
    bind their faces in the world below. 5 40:13 Hebrew in the hidden place
14  Then will I also acknowledge to you
    that your own right hand can save you.

15  Behold, Behemoth, 6 40:15 A large animal, exact identity unknown
    which I made as I made you;
    he eats grass like an ox.
16  Behold, his strength in his loins,
    and his power in the muscles of his belly.
17  He makes his tail stiff like a cedar;
    the sinews of his thighs are knit together.
18  His bones are tubes of bronze,
    his limbs like bars of iron.

19  He is the first of the works 7 40:19 Hebrew ways of God;
    let him who made him bring near his sword!
20  For the mountains yield food for him
    where all the wild beasts play.
21  Under the lotus plants he lies,
    in the shelter of the reeds and in the marsh.
22  For his shade the lotus trees cover him;
    the willows of the brook surround him.
23  Behold, if the river is turbulent he is not frightened;
    he is confident though Jordan rushes against his mouth.
24  Can one take him by his eyes, 8 40:24 Or in his sight
    or pierce his nose with a snare?

Footnotes

[1] 39:13 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
[2] 39:18 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
[3] 39:21 Hebrew They paw
[4] 40:7 Hebrew Gird up your loins
[5] 40:13 Hebrew in the hidden place
[6] 40:15 A large animal, exact identity unknown
[7] 40:19 Hebrew ways
[8] 40:24 Or in his sight
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.

Job Fact #20: Behemoth

Fact: Behemoth

Behemoth can refer to cattle. In 40:15 it is probably a hippopotamus.

Study Notes

Job 39:9 Hunting the wild ox was a sport of royalty.

Study Notes

Job 39:15 foot may crush them. The ostrich lays her eggs in a shallow nest on the ground. She sometimes scatters some of them, or deliberately destroys them if the nest is discovered.

Study Notes

Job 39:18 rouses herself to flee. The ostrich easily outruns the fearless warhorse. As it flees, the ostrich takes strides of over 15 feet (4.6 m) in length and reaches speeds of more than 40 miles (64 km) an hour.

Study Notes

Job 38:39–39:30 The Lord now turns from describing his rule over all creation to his rule over specific creatures.

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 38:1–40:2 After telling Job to prepare himself (38:1–3), the Lord asks Job whether he knows how creation was established (38:4–11) and if he has the knowledge or ability to govern it (38:12–38) or to shape the lives of its wonderful variety of creatures (38:39–40:2).

Job 40:1–2 The Lord asks Job to answer, but the questions of chs. 38–39 have helped Job see that some things are beyond the reach of human power or understanding.

Study Notes

Job 40:3–5 In response to the Lord’s questions, Job puts his hand over his mouth, just as princes had previously done in Job’s presence (see 29:9). He pledges silence.

Study Notes

Job 40:13 Hide them . . . in the dust is a euphemism for “bury.”

Study Notes

Job 40:6–14 Will you even put me in the wrong? . . . that you may be in the right? Job has tried to defend his own integrity in a way that seems to imply that God is acting against his own character (v. 8).

Study Notes

Job 40:15 Behemoth is probably a hippopotamus. Verses 16–18 can be read as poetic exaggeration.

Job Fact #20: Behemoth

Fact: Behemoth

Behemoth can refer to cattle. In 40:15 it is probably a hippopotamus.

S3:085 Job 39-40

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Job 39-40

In the midst of suffering, we often do not see what we should be seeing because we are so focused on our pain. As soon as God answers Job with questions, Job immediately forgets his suffering and is reminded of how great God is and how insignificant he is. 

In this passage, God simply presents Himself as the answer to Job's frustrations. Many times, I've asked God why I suffer certain things, and God answers the same—by presenting Himself. When God does this, things tend to become clearer to us. God answered Job perfectly and personally. 

When God shows that He has been listening and remembers our sufferings, we get a glimpse of how much He actually pays attention to us. God knows everything about Job and has been present throughout his entire life. Job was also reminded that he is not capable of performing God's works; therefore, he has absolutely no right to question God's ways (Romans 9:20-21). 

Just as the natural order is beyond our comprehension, so is the moral order. Before God, we cannot justify ourselves. God calls us to trust His higher purposes that we cannot fully understand. We will never be satisfied if we let circumstances dictate our joy. No matter what happens, will you continue to look for the kindness of God? We must be quick to fix our eyes upon God rather than things we cannot control. We must look to God and the deliverance through Christ to help us see beyond our sufferings. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13)

This month's memory verse

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

– John 14:15

Discussion Questions

1. Just like Job, there may be times when God doesn't answer our prayers in the way we asked or hoped for. Matthew 26:39 says, "And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'" Jesus came to a point where He asked to have pass from Him the cup of the cross that would require being separated from God; but knowing the Father's will, Jesus accepted God's "no" and fulfilled God's will by dying on the cross for us. What have you been praying for? Are you prepared to receive an answer that is different than you ask or hope for?

2. Read Isaiah 45:7 with Isaiah 41:10. In times of suffering, how does the truth of God's sovereignty bring comfort?

3. What higher purpose could God be fulfilling in the biggest challenge you face today?

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

God asks Job 70 questions. The answer is in the person asking the questions. Many phrases and imaged are birth of things, eggs, birth of goats, baby eagles, womb, swaddling, etc... strong birth theme underlying these chapters. Title: God's wisdom and glory in your birth and creations birth (on Job 38 - 39) as if by Ken Ham (of Answers in Genesis) (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 to the 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. 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. (Verse 6) At your birth, your family's song did ring, But at creation's dawn, angelic voices sing. Wonders above and wonders below in the stars, earth and sea, Marvels of my hand, for all to see. (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 7) 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 creation's resounding plea, For redemption's promise, for hearts set free. Did Job ever stroll through the stars or the ocean's depths below, Or traverse the earth's core, does he truly know? In His glory and love, we find our hope, our peace, Guided by God's wisdom, His eternal hands. Elihu and God's responses to Job both emphasize the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and wisdom, they both speak to Job's need for humility and submission before the divine, and they both address the limitations of human understanding in comprehending the complexities of existence. One thing for sure He makes the deep boil like a pot; he makes the sea like a pot of ointment. Behind him he leaves a shining wake; saying this is an elephant, hippo or rhino is problematic. But I respect people's conscience. Also unusual is someone from the middle east coming up with a legend such as in Job 38:29-30, God speaks to Job about freezing the deep: "From whose womb did the ice emerge, And the frost of the heavens, who has given birth? The waters become hard like stone, And the surface of the deep is frozen." Which sounds like a cultural memory of the ice age.
MS

Michael Scaman

And after God speaks the first time to Job about the birth of animals oceans and stars, Job's repented with his hand on his mouth. God was STILL not done with Job and goes on Ya know Job, about that wild ox that eats grass in the wild.... ... another animal that eats grass is THE BEHEMOTH ! and God puts down a pair of dinosaur cards for 35 verses with BEHEMOTH and LEVIATHON. God is in control of unimaginable things in the universe and history. Check mate pride. Title: When God plays His Dinosaur Cards as if by Buddy Davis (of Answers in Genesis) (Verse 1) In the land of Uz, Job once stood strong, But trials came, and everything went wrong. He questioned God, his heart filled with doubt, But then God questioned him 70 ways, and turned his heart about. (Chorus) Oh, Job, hear the voice from on high, God's wisdom deeper than the sea and sky. With hand on mouth, Job humbly bowed, For God's answer to Job, He avowed. (Verse 2) God had 70 questions about creatures and things, majestic and grand, From the soaring eagle to the ocean's vast expanse. Job listened in awe, his spirit now stirred, As God revealed His power in every word. (Chorus) Job has heard the voice from on high, God's wisdom is deeper than the sea and sky. With hand on mouth, Job humbly bowed, But God's not done, two big things coming now.. (Bridge) That wild Ox sure is strong though is eats grass. "Job, have you seen the wild ox in its domain? It's nothing compared to the grass eating Behemoth, with its strength untamed?" (Verse 3) Behemoth roams though 10 verses in chapter 40, munching grass so green, A creature of wonder with a tail like a cedar, like none ever seen. And Leviathan swims tough 19 verses in chapter 41, ruler of the deep, With scales gleaming, in ocean's keep. (Bridge) You won't put him on a leash for your girls You won't sell him in a pet store You could surf in his wake But don't try for goodness sake (Chorus) Oh, Job, hear the voice from on high, God's wisdom deeper than the sea and sky. With hand on mouth, Job humbly bowed, For God's answer to Job, He avowed. (Outro) Who have I not given to first that I would be in their debt! Job learn humility, in God's mighty plan! Your pride defeated by the Creator's hand.
GJ

greg jones

I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.” Job 40:5 Who likes riddles? Who has spoken once, will not answer twice, and proceed no further? Hint, it’s not Job but Elihu checks all the boxes. Job 40:6-7 now God is addressing Job. Will you even put me in the wrong?     Will you condemn me that you may be in the right? Have you an arm like God,     and can you thunder with a voice like his? Job 40:8-9 That sounds like an accusation. I see and hear some purposeful ambiguity here. Read verse 8 as God questioning what Job will do next rather than how he has defended himself and it changes the view of what’s going on here. Adorn yourself with majesty and dignity;     clothe yourself with glory and splendor. Pour out the overflowings of your anger,     and look on everyone who is proud and abase him. Look on everyone who is proud and bring him low     and tread down the wicked where they stand. Hide them all in the dust together;     bind their faces in the world below. Job 40:10-13 That sounds like a plan to me. Then will I also acknowledge to you     that your own right hand can save you. Job 40:14 Adding verse 14 to the end and the plan sounds like a trap. Will you even put me in the wrong? . . . that you may be in the right? Job has tried to defend his own integrity in a way that seems to imply that God is acting against his own character (v. 8). The study note looks backwards when God speaks here. You can hear the translators struggling a little bit with the narrative Job has tried to defend his own integrity (past tense) in a way that seems (has he or has he not) to imply that God is acting against his own character (v. 8). Up to this point Job’s friends and Elihu have gotten a lot of things right about God but haven’t gotten anything right about Job. This is the place where the story is sitting at this point. Behold, Behemoth,     which I made as I made you… I’m thinking Job better not miss where this is going. “When God shows that He has been listening and remembers our sufferings, we get a glimpse of how much He actually pays attention to us.” Good morning John. I love your above quote.
MS

Michael Scaman

Stranglely, Eliphaz is quoted in the New Testament 1 Corinthians 3:19: "For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness,'" The quote "For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness,'" is actually a reference to Job 5:13 in the Old Testament, which says, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end." And so... the apostle Paul did not discount all the friends sayings. One statement God makes is quoted in Romans "Who has first given to Me that it should be repaid.?" “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them? ” (Romans 11:34-35, NIV) quoting from Job 41:11 I don't see Elihu as mostly wrong. Zophar, Bildad and ELiphaz will told to bring animals for Job to sacrifice..... no sacrifice asked of Elihu... no explicit criticism of Elihu.... I see Elihu as a mostly good buffer between Job demanding God show up and talk and God actually speaking. However, People may in good conscience have a big range of opinions about Elihu.ld be repaid?" And the most famous reference to Job is in the book of James. The book of James references Job in James 5:11 where the outcome past the suffering was compassion and mercy.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks, John. It is so wonderful to read how God shares His delight in His creation of the animals (as well as other parts of His creation like weather). I'm reminded of Revelation 4:11 in KJV: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." In these concluding chapters of Job, we get to see the pleasure God takes in the animals He crafted. Since we're all about Intelligent Design at our house, we've learned some fascinating things about other animals that God made for His own pleasure. Like the fish who live at the bottom of the very deep sea where there's no light, but God gave them eyes and superpowered vision. And the mantis shrimp, whose front legs pack the strongest punch in the animal kingdom, at the speed of a bullet and strong enough to break aquarium glass. God had fun creating and caring for His animals, and we get just the tip of the iceberg in these chapters of Job. Today I'm celebrating and worshiping God as Creator!
AL

Amy Lowther

1. I pray that I am obedient to God in everything I do in daily life. I pray for others to do their best and to receive assistance if they are struggling. Yes, because God helps us see and think about things we may not have considered on our own. 2. God is resourceful. God is a friend, and He is a good helper. 3. God provides unconditional love for everyone in everything done good and done not so good. John - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make an excellent point in saying, “We must be quick to fix our eyes upon God rather than things we cannot control”. God can help us succeed and feel good with everything in life.