Posts by Josh Moody

Daniel 3-4, Job 19, John 12:37-40, 2 John 1-13 Job 19: Job now replies to Bildad, though his reply is also in general to the mounting accusations from all his so-called “comforters.” Job’s point in this reply begins with the logical proposition that even if he were at fault, it would not be their role to find him guilty. “If…

Daniel 1-2, Job 18, John 12:20-36, 1 John 5:13-21 Job 18: Bildad now returns with further rebukes for Job. The theme is still the same: Job has done wrong that is why he is suffering. This time, though, Bildad simply begins with a note of aspiration: “When will you end these speeches? Be sensible, and then we can talk.…

Ezekiel 48, Job 17, John 12:12-19, 1 John 5:6-12 Job 17: Oh the sadness! Job continues with his lament. What can we say about these words that wrench the soul and speak of the ruin of the hope of man? Here is Job: he was doing so well, and then he was cut down. His beloved are dead. His…

Ezekiel 45-47, Job 16, John 12:1-11, 1 John 5:1-5 Job 16: You sense that Job’s frustration with his so-called “comforters” is only growing. He has heard one lecture after another—one lengthy lecture after another. Over and over again, so far, they have been accusing him of being in the wrong. They have told him in no uncertain terms that…

Ezekiel 42-44, Job 15:17-35, John 11:45-57, 1 John 4:7-21 Job 15:17-35: Eliaphaz continues with his firm rebuttal to Job’s sensitive complaint. Job is suffering deeply. Extraordinarily. And in his suffering, he is surrounded by the famous “Job’s comforters” who give not just poor advice but make his situation worse by attempting to shame into feeling guilty: The reason why…

Ezekiel 40-41, Job 15:1-16, John 11:38-44, 1 John 4:1-6 Job 15:1-16: Job’s rebuttal of the previous “comforters” prompts Eliphaz to coming storming back and rebuke Job in even stronger terms. “…you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God. Your sin prompts your mouth; you adopt the tongue of the crafty” (15:4-5). What Job had done so wrong, according to…

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…