Archive for November 2022

Ezekiel 38-39, Job 14, John 11:17-37, 1 John 3:19-24 Job 14: At least there is hope for a tree! In this continued reply to his “comforters,” Job interweaves deep despair with sudden questioning, hope, and then returns to deep despair again. The waves of suffering and mourning wash over him, and he is hanging on in the storm…

Ezekiel 35-37, Job 13, John 11:1-16, 1 John 3:11-18 Job 13: Job continues his defense against his comforters by arguing that his insight, information, and wisdom is no less than theirs. He too has insight. What is more, he has done nothing wrong to deserve what is happening to him. “Can anyone bring charges against me? If so…

Ezekiel 33-34, Job 12, John 10:22-42, 1 John 3:1-10  Job 12:  Job’s reply to these false comforters is only growing in strength and—indeed—sarcasm. “Doubtless you are the only people who matter, and wisdom will die with you!” (Job 12:2). What a great reply to someone who is lecturing, who is assuming they are right and that you don’t…

Ezekiel 31-32, Job 11, John 10:11-21, 1 John 2:24-29   Job 11:   Now comes Zophar. We have just seen Bildad, the second of “Job’s comforters.” Bildad had argued that Job had done something wrong; otherwise, why would the good God have caused Job to suffer as he was suffering? Job had replied that though he was a sinner in…

Ezekiel 29-30, Job 10, John 10:1-10, 1 John 2:18-23   Job 10:   Job finishes his reply to Bildad on a note of deep depression and raw despair. Remember that Bildad, one of “Job’s comforters,” has been offering Job comfort in his suffering. This comfort has been anything but helpful; indeed, his counsel has been quite damaging. Job has replied…

Ezekiel 27-28, Job 9:21-35, John 9:26-41, 1 John 2:12-17   Job 9:21-35:  Job continues his reply to Bildad. Bildad has advised Job that he is suffering because Job has done something wrong. What other conclusion could there be, Bildad thinks. After all, God is holy. Job is suffering. Therefore, Job must have done something to deserve the suffering that…

Ezekiel 24-26, Job 9:1-20, John 9:13-25, 1 John 2:1-11   Job 9:1-20:  Bildad has been lecturing Job. Finding Job in great suffering, Bildad and Job’s other “comforters” first do the right thing by merely listening. But then one by one they go on the verbal offensive and criticize Job for his attitude towards his suffering. According to Bildad, Job…

Ezekiel 22-23, Job 8, John 9:1-12, 1 John 1   Job 8:   Bildad now takes his turn to speak, and immediately begins by rebuking Job. The way Job has been speaking has, in Bildad’s view, discredited God. “How long will you say such things? Your words are a blustering wind? Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what…

Ezekiel 20-21, Job 7, John 8:48-59, 2 Peter 3:10-18   Job 7:   Job continues in his response to Eliphaz’s words in chapter 5. First, he has argued that Eliphaz is not much of a friend for accusing Job of having done something wrong to deserve his suffering. Now Job turns his attention from Eliphaz to God. There are some…

Ezekiel 17-19, Job 6, John 8:31-47, 2 Peter 3:1-9   Job 6:   Job’s reply to Eliphaz’s uncomforting words are a lesson in what people who are experiencing unjust suffering often feel—even if they cannot give their feelings such eloquent voice as does Job. Job begins by outlining the length and breadth, height and depth, of his misery. He describes it…