Category: Biblical Reflections

"Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind..." is the opening line of this response of God's voice.  The awesomeness of God is described in terms of a storm, and then God's words continue in a way that puts all, especially Job, on their heels.  He says, "Now prepare yourself like a man; I … Continue reading God Challenges Job (Job 40:6 – 41:34)

Job 40:3–5 (NKJV) Job’s Response to God 3 Then Job answered the LORD and said: 4 “Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth. 5 Once I have spoken, but I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.” Job's brief response is replete with … Continue reading Job’s Response to God (Job 40:3 – 5)

Job 38:1–7 (NKJV) The LORD Reveals His Omnipotence to Job 38 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: 2 “Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge? 3 Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. 4 “Where were you when I … Continue reading The Lord Reveals Himself to Job (Job 38:1 – 40:2)

Elihu begins by once again encouraging those around him to recognize the greatness of God, pointing to the fact that God causes the rain, thunder, and lightning to occur.  He equates the voice of God with thunder, and extols the great things which God does.  God causes the snow, the rain, and helps animals know … Continue reading Elihu’s Final Speech (Job 36:24 – 37:24)

In chapter 35, Elihu again condemns Job's proclamations of righteousness as forced.  Elihu warns him against saying that God does not hear his cry, for God truly does hear the righteous, but ignores the evil.  He contends that Job's understanding of his plight is in error.  God's lack of response, His slowness to kill Job, … Continue reading Elihu: Down with Self-Righteous (Job 35:1 – 36:23)

Elihu again calls Job out as a man who accuses God wrongly, saying that God has taken away his justice.  He then turns his attention to defending the integrity of God: 10 “Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to commit iniquity. … Continue reading Elisha Defends God (Job 34)

Elihu begins his speech to Job with his own contention of righteousness.  He proclaims that his words come from an upright heart.  He challenges Job to set his words in order before him and take his stand.  Elihu says that Job's contention that God is punishing him without cause is sinful, that Job should not … Continue reading Elihu Scolds Job (Job 33)

Job begins by recounting how well-respected he was before the time he now suffers through.  He speaks of his influence and his benevolent acts.  He sat in the presence of kings, and comforted mourners.  But now he is mocked by the very people that he once served.  They even work against him, rejecting his needs. … Continue reading Job’s Summary Defense (Job 29 – 32)

Job begins his speech with a discourse on how men seek for gold and jewels in the earth and under the mountains.  He then turns his attention to the quest for wisdom.  Even though men can find gold and jewels in the earth, they have difficulty finding wisdom.  It is not in the sea, and … Continue reading Job on Wisdom (Job 28)

Job continues speaking by making a bold statement: 2 “As God lives, who has taken away my justice, And the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter, 3 As long as my breath is in me, And the breath of God in my nostrils, 4 My lips will not speak wickedness, Nor my tongue utter … Continue reading Job Maintains His Integrity (Job 27)