Tag Archives: Old Testament Poetry

Psalm 8 Meaning

Brothers and sisters, please turn with me in your Bibles to the eighth Psalm.

We’ll be considering Psalm 8 this evening.

So, please hear with me a reading of God’s word in Psalm 8.

TO THE CHOIRMASTER:
ACCORDING TO THE GITTITH.
A PSALM OF DAVID.

1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.

2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength
because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,

7 all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8:1-9 ESV

Thus far is the reading of God’s word.

Psalm 8 Meaning Structure

So, brothers and sisters, let’s begin by noticing the structure of this psalm.

From Heaven to Earth

This psalm begins and ends declaring God’s majestic character. And in between those two declarations, we have two movements from heaven to earth.

The first of these movements is in the last part of verse 1 and all of verse 2. We start in heaven when the psalmist says – “You have set your glory above the heavens.” And then we move in our minds to earth, where he says – “Out of the mouth of babies and infants…” So, our gaze starts in heaven (verse 1) and works its way down to earth (verse 2).

The second movement from heaven to earth is found in verses 3 through 8. It begins with heaven again – “When I look at your heavens…” And then the response to that “look” of the psalmist is focused once more on earth where he says – “what is man that you are mindful of him…” – man and everything else described in those verses of course being on earth.

And even the book end declarations of God’s majesty being seen in all the earth (vv 1, 9) – they too follow this pattern of moving from heaven to earth. We have the Lord in his heavenly majestic splendor. And that splendor is displayed not only in heaven – but also “in all the earth.”

So, we see in this psalm this threefold movement in the words and mind of the psalmist from heaven to earth…

And this reminds us of the “Son of Man” spoken of later in this psalm who descended from heaven to earth so that his name might be marveled at through all the earth as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

Psalm 8 Meaning Verses 1a and 9

Well, let’s then consider in more depth the declarations of God’s majestic name that appear at the beginning and ending of this psalm…

O LORD, our Lord

As we read this psalm with understanding, we’re praising in song the covenant-making and covenant-keeping God – the LORD.

We are personally and directly related to him – he is our Lord, our Master.

And the way that we’re related to our Lord is through the gracious New Covenant. In that covenant we’ve been united to Christ in a spiritual and living and eternal union. In this union, our sins have been forgiven – having been transferred to and paid-for by Christ with his blood. And his perfect righteousness has been imputed to us – so that it’s as if we had never sinned nor been a sinner.

Now, David – the human author of this psalm – knew of this blessedness (Rom 4 / Psa 32) and so do we – who have entered into this New Covenant of grace.

This Lord truly then is our Lord.

how majestic is your name in all the earth

Now, through this psalm we extol the name of the Lord – his character and actions.

We confess that God’s character and action are majestic and marvelous.

We declare that this is the case – not in a geographically-isolated sense – but rather in all the earth…

So, how exactly is our Lord’s name majestic in all the earth?

Psalm 8 Meaning Outline

How is Our Lord’s Name Majestic in All the Earth?

That’s what the rest of this psalm guides us to consider and confess for ourselves.

To summarize it – the Lord’s name is majestic in these two ways (and these will be our two points).

1) God uses the weakest of human creatures to confound his enemies (that’s the first two verses of this psalm) and …

2) God especially favors and cares for man despite our relative insignificance (verses 3-8).

Or more succinctly, Point #1 is Confounding and Point #2 is Caring.

Psalm 8 Meaning Confounding Enemies (verses 1b-2)

So, let’s focus first on our Lord’s universally majestic name… in his using the weakest of human creatures in order to confound his enemies – in verses 1 and 2…

You have set your glory above the heavens

We’re told that our Lord has “set [his] glory above the heavens.”

set your glory

So, whatever we can see as we look up into the night sky – and whatever exists beyond that sky and into the heavens – beyond and above all of that is where God’s glory is set.

And beyond perhaps what David may have fully understood, we know now that God the Father has set his Son above the heavens when he raised him from the dead.

Jesus, the glory of the Father

Psalm 24 calls Jesus the “King of glory.” Isaiah 40 and 60 speak of him as “the glory of the Lord.”

James calls the Son of God “the Lord of glory.” Hebrews speaks of Jesus as “the radiance of the glory of God.”

John the evangelist tells us that the Old Testament prophet Isaiah saw Christ’s glory and spoke of him when he recorded the events of Isaiah 6. That’s where Isaiah sees YAHWEH sitting on a throne in the temple with seraphim praising him constantly. Those angelic beings declare that “the whole earth is full of [Christ’s] glory.”

above the heavens

And this glory – that is our Lord Jesus Christ – was set above the heavens when he – after his crucifixion and resurrection – was raised from the dead and at last ascended above the heavens.

Paul says in Ephesians 4 that Christ who descended has also ascended “far above all the heavens.”

Our Lord passed through the heavens and is now exalted above those heavens according to Hebrews (4 & 7).

And because that’s where Christ – our exalted head – is currently, so too have we been “raised … up with him and seated … with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:6)

Out of the mouth of babies and infants…

Now, it’s from that highly exalted position that our Lord exerts his power on earth in the sense of what we’ve read in verse 2.

Certainly, the Lord can and does silence his enemies through physical babies and infants. The intricate way that they’re formed in the womb and how they’re sustained in their earliest years all speaks volumes as a testimony to God’s awesome power as we see it in the development and care of the smallest and most insignificant human creatures.

Did Jesus quote Psalm 8?

But we’re also reminded that our Lord quoted this exact verse when he entered Jerusalem for the final time in his earthly ministry.

You recall that the chief priests and scribes reacted against the praise that was being given to the “Son of David” by little children. Those men actually saw what the psalmist is praising the Lord for here in Psalm 8. They saw the wonderful or marvelous or majestic things that the Lord did in cleansing the temple and healing the blind and lame. He was confounding his enemies and caring for man even then.

But the response of those hard-hearted men was not praise – but indignation.

And in response to their criticism of him, Jesus quoted this very verse (Mat 21).

You might remember how those chief priests and scribes responded to Jesus’ quoting this verse…

It was exactly what this psalm says – stillness. They didn’t answer a word.

babies and infants

And brothers and sisters, we are those little children.

Jesus thanked the Father that he has revealed the things of the kingdom of heaven to us little children and not to the “wise and understanding” of this world (Mat 11).

Not many of us were wise or powerful or noble when God called us through the Gospel. And yet he uses us weak feeble creatures to shame and confound those who are wise and strong in this world. (1Co 1)…

to still the enemy and the avenger

Now, what is the impact of us praising the Lord even in the presence of his enemies?

They are stilled ultimately. The word there is Sabbath. They are caused to rest or to cease.

So, as the Church proclaims God’s law in this world, the result is that “every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God” (Rom 3). God causes the majority of his enemies to “cease” in this way.

But as we also proclaim the glorious gospel, God sees fit to give his elect rest – spiritual Sabbath rest – as those who were once formerly Christ’s enemies – laboring and heavy-laden as we were – come to him and take his yoke upon us (Mat 11).

Isaiah even says that “Kings shall shut their mouths because of [him/my servant] for that which has not been told them [the gospel] they see, and that which they have not heard they understand” (Isa 52:15).

And so, brothers and sisters, let’s not be ashamed to open our mouths and proclaim law and gospel as God gives opportunity – even and especially in the presence of God’s enemies. God will use that proclamation according to his will – whether to condemn the reprobate who have no desire to pursue Christ – or to gloriously save his elect. And he’ll do all of that through the means of our stammering and stuttering tongues…

So, we’ve meditated on our Lord’s universally majestic name – first, in his using the weakest of human creatures to confound his enemies in verses 1 and 2.

Psalm 8 Meaning Caring for Man (verses 3-8)

And now secondly – and lastly – we’ll consider our Lord’s universally majestic name – in his special care for man despite our relative insignificance – in verses 3-8…

Verses 3-4

We see once more the movement from heaven to earth as the psalmist’s contemplation of the heavens leads him to consider man’s place in God’s earthly creation – as we saw in verses 3 and 4.

Compared to the awesome work of God in the creation of the vast expansive heavens – mankind seems so insignificant. Why would God care for man when he’s created other things that are so much larger and more impressive and glorious?

Verses 5-8

And yet our God is mindful of us, and he does care for us. He demonstrated that in how he originally created us – according to verses 5-8.

What is meant by a little lower than the angels?

Despite us being nothing compared to the glory of heavenly bodies, yet God has made mankind just below the heavenly beings.

dominion over the works of your hands

Mankind has been put in the position of ruling over all of God’s good creation. How glorious that is!

… And yet, man fell in Adam – our original covenant head – when he sinned against God and broke the covenant which God had made with him in the garden.

Is Psalm 8 talking about man or Jesus?

And so now concerning all of these things that God had originally put under our feet – we have to admit as the author of Hebrews does, “At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him” – to man (Heb 2).

In other words, if you’re looking at this part of Psalm 8 and then you turn your gaze to our current world, the two don’t perfectly match up.

But that’s because Psalm 8 isn’t just about us. It’s not just about the first Adam and his posterity. It actually was intended by God to point forward to the last Adam and those whom he represents.

Who is the son of man in Psalm 8?

This is one reason why the Lord Jesus in his earthly ministry took to himself this title “Son of Man” from this very psalm. He’s the one in whom this psalm finds ultimate fulfillment.

How does Jesus fulfill Psalm 8?

The first Adam was indeed created a little lower than the heavenly beings – like this psalm says.

So was our last Adam, according to his human nature in the incarnation.

What does it mean to be crowned with glory and honor?

Was Adam crowned with glory and honor? Indeed he was!

The first Adam was crowned by God with glory and honor… by being created as the pinnacle of the creation week. And he was given authority to rule over God’s first and earthly creation.

But our last Adam was also crowned with glory and honor… in his being raised from the dead after suffering for our sins to pay in full the penalty due our sins.

under his feet

The first Adam had all of God’s creation put under his feet… And he lost it all through his sin.

But our last Adam through his obedience is now sitting at God the Father’s right hand until his enemies are made a footstool for his feet – as he currently rules in the midst of those very enemies (Psa 110).

Our last Adam must continue to reign until he has finally put all of those enemies under his feet (1Co 15).

And the glorious reality is that we are those who once were God’s enemies. And now, God the Father has put even us in subjection to Christ and made him our new covenant head – the head of the Church (Eph 1) – replacing the covenant headship of the first Adam over us.

More and better to come!

And so, these realities are what God has done for us in our last Adam.

But there’s of course even more to come for God’s blood-bought saints. “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, … God has prepared for those who love him” (1Co 2).

You might think that Adam had it good when he was granted dominion over the works of God’s hands in this first and earthly creation. But what about what lies in store for us in the new creation? With no sin or death or Devil! All things made new! Every enemy subdued! No crying or pain!

What will that be like?!

Application

So, brothers and sisters, what’s troubling you about your present situation? What part of this first and earthly and fallen creation is causing you distress?

Be of good cheer – your sins are forgiven in Christ! Comfort one another with these words – the Lord is reigning right now and he’s sovereign over all of your afflictions. And he will return for you – as he comes to finally still all of his enemies and put them under his feet… and to give us eternal rest.

You and I now reign in this spiritual kingdom of Christ where all things are being made new – and will be finally and perfectly renewed when our Lord – the Son of Man – that last Adam – returns at last to fully restore his entire creation.

Conclusion

And so, we exclaim with the psalmist to end this psalm, “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

Brothers and sisters, let’s together lift up our hearts in prayer and praise to our majestic Lord as we pray to him now.

Job 30 Summary

Job 30 Summary

But it’s as if those times never happened with how miserable an existence Job currently experiences. And so, for 31 verses in chapter 30, Job catalogs – for all of us to see – his present misery.

Job 30 Summary of Verses 1-14

The children of worthless men disrespect Job now | Job 30:1-14

To begin – remember how Job said young people used to respond to him back in chapter 29? With respect.

Job 30 Summary of Verses 1-8

Job describes the children now (1a) and their fathers in the old days (1b-8) | Job 30:1-8

But now, young people show him shameful disrespect.

And the ultimate insult to Job is that – not only are these young people showing themselves to be worthless people – but their fathers – and their fathers’ fathers – were worthless, too! – verses 1-8…

KJV Job 30:1 But now they that are younger than I [have me in derision/mock me],

whose fathers I would have disdained [too much…] to have [set/put] with [the dogs of my flock/my sheep dogs].

Job 30:2 [Yea/Indeed/Moreover], [whereto/how even] might the strength of their hands profit me,
in whom [old age/vigor/strength] [was/had] perished? {these fathers were too weak to work…}

Job 30:3 [For/From] want and [famine/hunger] {they/the fathers} were [solitary/gaunt];
[fleeing into/who gnaw/they would gnaw] the [wilderness/dry ground/parched land] in former time desolate and waste.

Job 30:4 Who [cut up/pluck] mallows by the bushes, [by the brush they would gather herbs from the salt marshes…]
and [juniper roots/the root of the broom shrub] [for/was]their [meat/food].

Job 30:5 They were [driven forth from among/driven from/banished from] [men/the community],
([they/people] [cried after/shout against/shouted after] them as [after/against/they would shout at]a thief;)

Job 30:6 [To/So that they] [dwell/had to live] in [the clifts of the valleys/dreadful valleys/the dry stream beds],
 in [caves/holes] of the [earth/ground], and [in/of/among]the rocks.

Job 30:7 Among the bushes they brayed [i.e., like animals…];
under the nettles they [were/are] [gathered/huddled] together.

Job 30:8 {They/the fathers of these worthless children} were [children/sons] of [fools/senseless], [yea/and], [children of base men/nameless people]:
they were [viler than/scourged from/driven out of] the [earth/land]. [i.e., with whips…]

So, these young people who are now disrespecting Job had fathers who were also disgraceful castaways from society. And those fathers themselves had fathers of the same dishonorable nature.

Job 30 Summary of Verses 9-14

Job returns to considering the children’s’ disgraceful behavior toward him | Job 30:9-14

And with that pedigree in mind, Job returns to the disgraceful children of the disgraceful children of disgraceful men – and Job consider how these youngsters are now acting toward him in a most disgraceful manner – verses 9-14… 

Job 30:9 And now [am I/I have become] their [song/taunt song],
yea, I [am/have become] their byword.

Job 30:10 They [abhor/detest] me, they [flee/stand] [far/aloof] from me, [i.e., maintaining their distance…]
and [spare/refrain/hesitate] not to spit in my face.

Job 30:11 Because {he/God} hath [loosed/untied] my [i.e., tent…] cord, and afflicted me,
[they/people] [have also let loose the bridle before me/throw off all restraint in my presence].

Job 30:12 [Upon/On] my right hand rise [the youth/their brood/the young rabble];
they [push away/thrust aside] my feet, [they drive me from place to place…]
and [they raise up/build up] against me [the ways of their/their ways of] destruction. [siege ramps…]

Job 30:13 They [mar/break up/destroy] my path,
they [set forward/profit from/succeed in] [my calamity/destroying me],
[they have/with] no [helper/assistant]. {they do it themselves…}

Job 30:14 They [came upon me/come in] as a wide [breaking in of waters/breach]:
[in/amid] the [desolation/tempest/crash] they [rolled themselves upon me/roll on/come rolling in].

And we wouldn’t know about this happening in Job’s life unless he had told us right here.

Job 30 Summary of Verses 15-17

Job reviews his physical and emotional turmoil | Job 30:15-17

Well, Job turns from considering these disrespectful and violent youth – to lament the current physical and emotional turmoil that he’s experiencing – verses 15-17…

Job 30:15 Terrors are turned [upon/against/loose on] me:
{they/the terrors} [pursue/drive away] my [soul/honor] [as/like] the wind:
and my [welfare/prosperity/deliverance] passeth away as a cloud.

Job 30:16 And now my soul [is poured/pours itself] out [upon/within] me;
the days of [affliction/suffering] have taken hold upon me.

Job 30:17 My bones are pierced in me [in/by] the night season:
and my [sinews/gnawing pains] [take no rest/never cease].

Job 30 Summary of Verses 18-22

God is the powerful and unresponsive cause of Job’s misery | Job 30:18-22

And where does Job place the blame for all of this happening to him? Job places the blame on God – whom Job perceives to be both powerful – and yet, unresponsive – when it comes to Job’s present misery – verses 18-22…

Job 30:18 [By/With] [the great force/great power] of my disease [is my garment changed/my garment is distorted/my garment is grasped by God]:
[it/he/God] bindeth me about as the collar of my [coat/tunic].

Job 30:19 {He/God} hath [cast/flung] me into the [mire/mud],
and I [am become like/have come to resemble] dust and ashes.

Job 30:20 I cry [unto/out to] {thee/God} [i.e., for help…],
and thou dost not [hear/answer] me:

I stand up,
and thou [regardest me not/turn your attention against me/only look at me].

Job 30:21 [Thou art/You have] become cruel to me:
with [thy strong hand/the might of your hand/the strength of your hand] thou [opposest thyself against/persecute/attack] me.

Job 30:22 Thou [liftest/pick] me up [to/on] the wind; thou [causest/make] me to ride upon it,
and [dissolvest/toss me about] [my substance/me in the storm].

Job 30 Summary of Verse 23

God is going to kill Job, and Job can hardly believe it | Job 30:23

And Job thinks – with all of God’s power directed against him – that God will surely put an end to his life soon – verse 23… 

Job 30:23 For I know that thou [wilt bring/are bringing] me to death,
and to the [house appointed/house of meeting/meeting place] for all [the…] living.

So, God – in Job’s mind – has determined to kill him and will not change his mind about that.

Job 30 Summary of Verses 24-26

Job was kind to the suffering, but he’s not experiencing any kindness in his suffering | Job 30:24-26

But this strikes Job as utterly unfair. Because Job used to be kind to the suffering – and yet he himself now is not experiencing any sort of that kindness from God or others in his suffering – verses 24-26…

Job 30:24 [Howbeit/Yet/Surely] [he will/one does] not stretch out his hand [to the grave/in a heap of ruins/against a broken man], {“heap” 4/5x in KJV…}
though [they/he] cry [out for help…] in his [destruction/disaster/distress]. {Maybe, God isn’t reaching out to me as I’m going to the grave, but as for me…}

Job 30:25 [Did/Have] not I [weep/wept] for [him that was in trouble/the one whose life is hard/the unfortunate]?
was not my soul grieved for the [poor/needy]?

Job 30:26 {But…} When I [looked for/expected/hoped for] good,
[then evil/trouble] came unto me:

and when I [waited for/expected] light,
[there/then] came darkness.

Job 30 Summary of Verses 27-31

Physical pain, deep sorrow, and ostracism | Job 30:27-31

An Job finishes this chapter expressing his physical pain, his deep sorrow, and the ostracism that he’s experiencing – verses 27-31 to finish the chapter…

Job 30:27 My [bowels/innards/heart] [boiled/are seething/is in turmoil], [and rested not/and cannot relax/unceasingly]:
the days of [my…] affliction [prevented/confront] me.

Job 30:28 I [went/go about] [mourning/blackened] [without the sun/without comfort/but not by the sun]:
I [stood/stand] up, and I [cried/cry out] [for help…] in the [congregation/assembly].

Job 30:29 I [am/have become] a brother to [dragons/jackals],
and a companion [to owls/of ostriches].

Job 30:30 My skin [is/turns/has turned] [black/dark] [upon/on] me,
and my [bones/body] [are burned/burn/is hot] with [heat/fever].

Job 30:31 My harp [also/therefore] is [turned to/used for] mourning,
and my [organ/flute] [into/to/for] the [voice/sound] of them that weep.

So, Job’s life used to be good – chapter 29. But now it’s miserable – chapter 30.

And next time – in chapter 31 – Job will give a vindication of his life and argue vehemently that he doesn’t deserve the suffering that he’s receiving.

God’s ways in Job’s life don’t make sense to him. He needs to come to the point of trusting that God is dealing wisely in his life. But that will require nothing less than a word from God – which is coming in just a few chapters.

So, may the Lord help us – who have a word from him – to trust his wisdom when we can’t understand his ways in our lives.

Job 29 Summary

Job 29 Summary

And that confusing and painful reality leads Job in chapters 29-31 to do three things.

First, in chapter 29 he’s going to review his past blessed circumstances. Then in chapter 30 he’s going to lament his current painful circumstances. And lastly in chapter 31 we’ll see him vouch for the fact that none of the pain from chapter 30 is a result of his being personally wicked.

So, let’s allow Job to review for us – over 25 verses – his past blessed circumstances in chapter 29.

Job 29 Summary of Verses 1-7

Job wants to return to a time when God took care of him | Job 29:1-7

And he begins by wishing that he could return to his former days when God seemed near to him – verses 1-7…

KJV Job 29:1 [Moreover/And/Then] Job [continued/took up] his [parable/discourse/speech], and said,

Job 29:2 Oh that I were as in months [past/gone by/now gone],
as in the days when God [preserved/watched over] me;

Job 29:3 When his [candle/lamp] shined upon my head,
 and when by his light I walked through darkness;

Job 29:4 As I was in [the days of my youth/the prime of my days/my most productive time],
when the [secret/intimate friendship] of God was [upon/experienced in] my [tabernacle/tent];

Job 29:5 When the Almighty was [yet/still] with me,
 when my children were [about/around] me;

Job 29:6 When [I washed my steps/my steps were bathed] with butter,
and the rock poured me out rivers of [olive…] oil;

Job 29:7 When I went out to the gate [through/of] the city,
 when I [prepared/took/secured] my seat in the [street/public square]!

So, Job used to experience unparalleled blessings from God.

Job 29 Summary of Verses 8-10

Job was respected by all | Job 29:8-10

And as a result of God’s blessings, Job was respected by everyone – verses 8-10…

Job 29:8 The young men saw me, and hid themselves:
and the [aged/old men] [arose, and stood up/would get up and remain standing].

Job 29:9 The [princes/chief men] [refrained/stopped] talking,
and laid their hand on their mouth.

Job 29:10 The nobles [held their peace/voices were hushed/voices fell silent],
and their tongue [cleaved/stuck] to [the roof of their mouth/their palate].

Well, what earned Job this respect in the eyes of everyone?

Job 29 Summary of Verses 11-17

Job was blessed as an enforcer of justice for the needy | Job 29:11-17

It’s this – that Job was blessed as an enforcer of justice for the needy – verses 11-17…

Job 29:11 When the ear heard [me/these things], then it blessed me;
and when the eye saw [me/them], it [gave/bore] witness to me: {why?…}

Job 29:12 [Because/For] I delivered the poor that cried [for help…],
and the fatherless, [and him/(blank)] that had none to help him.

Job 29:13 The blessing of [him that was ready to perish/the dying man] came upon me:
and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. {because of how he treated the widow’s dying husband and/or the widow herself…}

Job 29:14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me:
my [judgment/justice] was as a robe and a [diadem/turban].

Job 29:15 I was eyes to the blind,
and feet was I to the lame.

Job 29:16 I was a father to the [poor/needy]:
and the [cause/case] [of the person…] which I knew not I [searched out/investigated].

Job 29:17 And I [brake/broke] the [jaws/fangs] of the wicked,
and [plucked/snatched away/made him drop] the spoil [out of/from] his teeth.

So, Job both fought for the needy and fought against the wicked who would abuse and oppress those needy individuals.

Job 29 Summary of Verses 18-20

Job thought he’d always be blessed | Job 29:18-20

And Job admits that he came to the point where – because things were so good in his life – he thought it would always be this way – verses 18-20… 

Job 29:18 Then I [said/thought],

I shall die in my [nest/own home],
and I shall multiply my days as the sand.

Job 29:19 My root [was spread out by/is spread out to/reaches] the waters,
and the dew [lay/lies] all night upon my [branch/branches].

Job 29:20 My glory [was/is ever/will always be]fresh in me,
and my bow [was renewed/ever new] in my hand.

Job 29 Summary of Verses 21-23

People actually used to listen to Job | Job 29:21-23

Now, we’ve seen up to this point in this book that Job’s friends have not really listened to him. But that’s so different from what Job used to experience – as Job goes on to point out. People actually used to listen to him! – verses 21-23…

Job 29:21 Unto me men [gave ear/listened], and waited [silently…],
and kept silence [at/for] my [counsel/advice].

Job 29:22 After [my words/I had spoken] they [spake not again/did not respond];
and my [speech/words] [dropped/fell drop by drop] upon them.

Job 29:23 And they waited for me as [people wait…] for the rain;
and they opened their mouth wide as for the [latter/spring] rain.

Job 29 Summary of Verses 24-25

People used to welcome Job’s attention and leadership | Job 29:24-25

And not only did people wait longingly to hear what Job had to say – they also greatly desired Job’s attention and leadership – verses 24 and 25…

Job 29:24 If I [laughed on/smiled at] them, they believed it [not/hardly];
and the light of my countenance they [cast not down/did not cause to darken].

Job 29:25 I chose out [their way/the way for them], and sat [as their…] chief,
and dwelt as a king [in the army/among his troops],
[as/I was like] one that comforteth the mourners.

So, Job remembers with great fondness this former time in his life when God was blessing him in ways that he could see and perceive naturally and tangibly.

Job 28 Summary

Job 28 Summary

And that leads Job to crave wisdom. He wants to see reality as God sees it and understand God’s ways in his life.

And so, for 28 verses in chapter 28, Job is going to speak of this wisdom that he needs so badly right now.

To summarize chapter 28, Job observes three realities. First, mankind is able to find all sort of precious hidden treasures. But, second, no one is able to naturally find wisdom. And third, God alone gives the wisdom that we all so desperately need.

Job 28 Summary of Verses 1-11

Mankind can find all sorts of precious hidden treasures | Job 28:1-11

So, to begin, Job takes 11 verses describing all sorts of things that mankind is able to find in this earth – verses 1-11…

KJV Job 28:1 Surely there is a [vein/mine] for [the silver/silver],
and a place for gold [where they fine/to refine] it.

Job 28:2 Iron is taken [out of/from] the [earth/dust/ground],
and [brass/copper] is [molten/smelted] [out of the/from] [stone/rock].

Job 28:3 [He/Man] [setteth/puts] an end to darkness,
and searcheth out [all perfection/to the farthest limit/the farthest recesses]:

the [stones/rock/ore] [of darkness/in gloom],
and [the shadow of death/deep shadow/the deepest darkness].

Job 28:4 [The flood breaketh/He sinks a shaft] {i.e., someone breaks a channel down into the ground… } [out/far] from [the inhabitant/habitation/where people live];
 [even the waters forgotten of the foot/in places forgotten by travelers]:

they [are dried up/hang and swing to and fro/dangle and sway], {1x in OT…}
[they are gone away/far] from men. {or, men move back and forth far from mankind in the caves…}

Job 28:5 [As for the earth/The earth], [out of/from] [it/which] cometh [bread/food]:
and under it is [turned up/overturned] as it were [by…] fire.

Job 28:6 [The stones of it/Its rocks] are the [place/source] of sapphires:
and it [hath/contains] dust of gold.

Job 28:7 [There is a path/The path/A hidden path] which no [fowl/bird of prey] knoweth,
and which the [vulture’s/falcon’s] eye hath not seen:

Job 28:8 [The lion’s whelps/Proud beasts] have not [trodden/set foot on] it,
nor the fierce lion passed [by/over/along] it.

Job 28:9 {He/Mankind} putteth forth his hand upon the [rock/flint] [to work…];
he overturneth the mountains [by/at] the [roots/bases].

Job 28:10 He [cutteth/hews/has cut] out [rivers/channels] [among/through] the rocks;
and his eye [seeth/have spotted] every precious thing.

Job 28:11 He [bindeth/dams up/has searched] the [floods from overflowing/streams from flowing/sources of the rivers];
and [the thing that is hid/what was (is) hidden] bringeth he [forth to/out into the] light.

So, there’s all sorts of activities by mankind to discover the precious materials that are inside of the earth – and even the animals, along with most humans beings – don’t know about those activities.

Job 28 Summary of Verses 12-19

But mankind cannot find wisdom | Job 28:12-19

But what a contrast there is between finding hidden earthly treasures – and finding real wisdom. Job says that mankind is unable in-and-of-ourselves to find wisdom – verses 12-19…

Job 28:12 But where [shall/can] wisdom be found?
and where is the place of understanding?

Job 28:13 [Man/Mankind] knoweth not [the price thereof/its value/its place];
neither [is/can] it found in the land of the living. {i.e., naturally…}

Job 28:14 The [depth/deep] saith,
It is not [in/with] me:

and the sea saith,
 It is not with me.

Job 28:15 It cannot be [gotten/given] [for/in exchange for] [pure/fine…] gold,
neither [shall/can] silver be weighed for the price thereof.

Job 28:16 It cannot be [valued/measured out for purchase] with the gold of Ophir,
with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

Job 28:17 The gold and the crystal cannot [equal/be compared with] it:
and the exchange of it shall not be for [jewels/articles/a vase] of fine gold.

Job 28:18 No mention shall be made of coral, or of [pearls/crystal/jasper]:
for the price of wisdom is above [rubies/pearls].

Job 28:19 The topaz of Ethiopia [shall/cannot] [not equal/be compared with] it,
neither shall it be [valued/purchased] with pure gold.

So, wisdom is infinitely more valuable – and more elusive – than any earthly treasure. So elusive and valuable is it – that mankind is utterly unable to find or obtain it naturally with our own resources.

Job 28 Summary of Verses 20-28

God alone has and can give access to wisdom | Job 28:20-28

So, how can anyone get this precious commodity? That’s what Job goes on to ask – and then answer.

It’s God who alone gives wisdom to mankind – he is the only true source of wisdom – verses 20-28 to end the chapter….

Job 28:20 [Whence/From where] then cometh wisdom?
and where is the place of understanding? {a refrain repeated from verse 12…}

Job 28:21 [Seeing/Thus/For] it [is hid/has been hidden] from the eyes of [all/every] living [creature…],
and [kept close/concealed] from the fowls of the air.

Job 28:22 [Destruction/Abaddon] and death say,
We have heard [the fame thereof/a report of it/a rumor about where it can be found] with our ears.

Job 28:23 {but here’s how to get it…} God understandeth the way [thereof/to it],
and he [alone…] knoweth the place thereof.

Job 28:24 For he looketh to the ends of the earth,
 and [seeth/observes] [everything…] under the [whole heaven/heavens];

Job 28:25 [To/When he] [make/imparted/made] [the weight/weight/the force] [for/to/of] the winds;
and he [weigheth/meted out/measured] the waters [by measure/with a gauge].

Job 28:26 When he [made a decree/set a limit/imposed a limit] for the rain,
and a [way/course/path] for the [lightning of the thunder/thunder bolt]:

Job 28:27 Then did he see [it/wisdom], and [declare/assessed the value of] it;
he [prepared/established] it, yea, and [searched it out/examined it closely].

Job 28:28 And unto [man/mankind] he said,

Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;
and to [depart/turn away] from evil is understanding.

So, those guys back in chapter 27 – the wicked – they don’t have this wisdom and they never will. Even though God is telling them all to fear him and to turn from their evil, they are set in their ways and will die that way.

But Job is different. He hasn’t found wisdom by his own cleverness or natural resourcefulness. He says that he has been given wisdom by God. He does fear the Lord – he fears displeasing God. And he turns from evil and has been doing so for a long time.

And yet, that wisdom hasn’t seemed to help him very much. Because he seems to be receiving punishment from God in the form of suffering.

Job 27 Summary

Job 27 Summary

Let’s turn to Job chapter 27.

We’re picking up in this book right after we saw last time the last speech given by one of Job’s so-called friends. Bildad spoke for just 6 short verses last time and now Job has had enough of his friends’ speeches.

And so, Job has entered into a very long monologue that extends from chapter 26 through to the end of chapter 31. We’re going to endeavor to understand chapters 27-30 this morning.

Probably the first two chapters today – chapters 27 and 28 – are Job’s response to his friends. But then in chapters 29 and 30, Job seems to not have his friends in mind at all as he gives more of a soliloquy where he wouldn’t care if no other human could hear him. He just wants God to hear.

All the while we’ll see Job struggle to try to understand God’s ways in his life. And since he’s not able to do that, he ought to just come to the place where he trusts God’s wisdom. But he’s not going to get to that point yet.

Job Continues | Job 27

So, Job picks up from last time in chapter 27 where – for 23 – verses he asserts his own innocence of any supposed wickedness that his friends have accused him of. And then he goes on to state what he really thinks happens to the wicked in this life.

Job 27 Summary Verses 1-6

I will not lie about my righteousness | Job 27:1-6

Job begins in verses 1 through 6 declaring that he will not lie about his own righteousness and personal integrity…

KJV Job 27:1 [Moreover/Then/And] Job [continued/took up] his [parable/discourse (again)], and said,

Job 27:2 As God liveth, who hath [taken away/denied] [my judgment/my right/me justice];
and the Almighty, who hath [vexed my soul/embittered my soul/made my life bitter];

Job 27:3 [All the while/For as long as/For while] my [breath/life/spirit] is [still…] in me,
and the [spirit/breath] [of/from] God is in my nostrils;

Job 27:4 {for as long as that’s the case…} My lips shall not speak wickedness,
nor my tongue [utter/mutter/whisper] deceit.

Job 27:5 [God forbid/Far be it from me] that I should [justify you/declare you to be in the right]: [I will never do it!…]
till I die I will not [remove/put away/set aside] mine integrity from me.

Job 27:6 My righteousness I [hold fast/maintain],
and will not let it go:

my heart [shall/does/will] not reproach me
 so long as I live.

In other words, Job’s friends have been completely wrong in labeling Job as an unrighteous man in order to explain why bad things are happening in his life. That’s not the correct interpretation of God’s ways in Job’s life.

Job 27 Summary Verses 7-10

Job utters a curse against the friends | Job 27:7-10

And Job feels so strongly about this that he’s now going to utter a curse against these wicked friends of his – verses 7-10…

Job 27:7 Let mine enemy be as the wicked,
and [he that riseth up against me/my opponent/my adversary] as the unrighteous.

Job 27:8 For what is the hope of the [hypocrite/godless], [though/when] he [hath gained/is cut off],
when God taketh away his [soul/life]?

Job 27:9 Will God [hear/listen to] his cry
when [trouble/distress] [cometh upon/overtakes] him?

Job 27:10 Will he [delight himself/take delight/find delight] in the Almighty?
will he [always/at all times] call [upon/out to] God?

So, you know that your attempts to comfort someone else have completely failed when you’ve said all you have to say to comfort that person – and he turns around and utters a curse against you!

Job 27 Summary Verses 11-12

Job generally agrees with the friends about the wicked | Job 27:11-12

But actually, Job is going to finally admit that he does agree with the friends – generally speaking – about the typical fate of the wicked – verses 11 and 12…

Job 27:11 I will teach you [by/about] the [hand/power] of God:
 that which is [with/on the mind of] the Almighty will I not conceal.

Job 27:12 Behold, all [ye yourselves/of you/of this you have] have seen it;
[why then/why in the world] [are ye thus altogether vain/do you act foolishly/do you continue this meaningless talk]?

Job 27 Summary Verses 13-23

The ultimate fate of the wicked | Job 27:13-23

So, what do these friends already know that Job also knows – and yet, which Job also needs to teach to – and not conceal from – them? It’s the ultimate and typical fate of the wicked in this world. Job states it in verse 13 and then elaborates on this point for the rest of this chapter…

Job 27:13 This is the portion of a wicked man [with/from/allotted by] God,
and the [heritage/inheritance] of [oppressors/tyrants/evildoers], which they shall receive of the Almighty.

And it breaks down like this – the families of the wicked suffer, the hoarded wealth of the wicked departs from him, the wicked man is temporary and his departure is sudden, he can’t escape from God, and all of this causes men to react against him.

Job 27 Summary Verses 14-15

His family suffers | Job 27:14-15

First, Job says, typically the families of the wicked suffer – verses 14 and 15…

Job 27:14 [If/Though] his children [be multiplied/are many/increase], [it is/they are destined]for the sword:
and his offspring [shall not be satisfied with bread/never have enough to eat].

Job 27:15 Those that [remain of/survive] him shall be buried [in death/because of the plague]:
and [his/their] widows shall not [will not/are not able to…] weep [for them…].

Job 27 Summary Verses 16-17

His hoarded wealth departs from him | Job 27:16-17

The wicked hoard wealth in this life, but it typically and ultimately is given to others – verses 16 and 17…

Job 27:16 [Though/If] he [heap/piles] up silver as the dust,
and prepare [raiment/garments] as [the/mounds of] clay;

Job 27:17 He may prepare it,

but [the just/a righteous man] shall [put it on/wear it],
and the innocent shall [divide the/inherit his] silver.

Job 27 Summary Verses 18-19

The wicked is temporary | Job 27:18-19

The wicked man is temporary in this life – verses 18 and 19…

Job 27:18 He buildeth his house as a moth[‘s cocoon…],
and as a [booth/hut] that the [keeper/watchman] maketh.

Job 27:19 The rich man shall lie down, [he goes to bed rich…]
but he shall not be gathered: [and will never do so again…]

he openeth his eyes,
and [he/it] is [not/all gone].

So, his house and his wealth can disappear overnight.

Job 27 Summary Verses 20-21

His departure is sudden | Job 27:20-21

And just like his wealth departs suddenly, so does the wicked man himself – typically – verses 20 and 21… 

Job 27:20 Terrors [take hold on/overtake/overwhelm] him as [waters/a flood],
a [tempest/whirlwind] stealeth him away in the night.

Job 27:21 The east wind carrieth him away, and he [departeth/is gone]:
and as a storm [hurleth/it whirls/it sweeps] him out of his place.

So, the departure of the wicked from this world can be sudden, unexpected, and violent.

Job 27 Summary Verse 22

He can’t escape from God | Job 27:22

The wicked meet with all of this disaster because ultimately they can’t escape from God – verse 22…

Job 27:22 For [God shall cast upon/it will hurl at(against)] him, [and not spare/without pity]:
he would [fain/try to] flee [out of/from] [his hand/its power].

Job 27 Summary Verse 23

Man’s reaction | Job 27:23

So, that’s been all God’s doing in the life of a wicked man. And here’s the reaction from fellow humans – verse 23 to end the chapter…

Job 27:23 [Men/It]shall clap their hands at him [in derision…],
and shall hiss him out of his place.

So, Job has – in this chapter – given his opinion about what tends to happen to wicked people in this life. But that’s why he started off the chapter by defending his own personal integrity. Job acknowledges that God does tend to deal with the wicked in this life. But that’ what’s so confusing to Job – because he knows himself to be a righteous man!  And he’s having a hard time trying to reconcile these two realities of … 1) a righteous man … 2) supposedly being punished by God. Really, it’s an impossible feat for Job.

Job 26 Summary

Job 26 Summary

What we saw Bildad say in Job 25 summary is maybe all that Job would allow that man to say.

Because in chapter 26, Job begins the lengthiest response he’s given in this book to this point.

Bildad’s speech was unusually short and Zophar doesn’t even get to speak a third time. Instead, Job speaks for 161 verses over 6 chapters from chapter 26 to chapter 31. We’ll deal with only 14 of those verses this time in chapter 26.

Job 26 Summary of Verses 1-4

Sarcastic questions to Bildad | Job 26:1-4

Job begins his speech – in which he’s probably cutting off Bildad because he doesn’t want to hear any more from him or the other friends. And Job asks several sarcastic questions of Bildad – verses 1-4…

KJV Job 26:1 [But/Then] Job [answered and said/responded/replied],

Job 26:2 [How hast thou helped/What a help you are to/How you have helped] [him that is without power/the weak/the powerless] [?/!]
[how savest thou/How you have saved] [the arm/the person] that hath no strength [?/!]

Job 26:3 [How hast thou counselled/What counsel you have given to/How you have advised] him that hath no wisdom [?/!]
[and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is/what helpful insight you have abundantly provided] [?/!] {which is kind of humorous because Bildad’s speech was so short…}

Job 26:4 To whom hast thou uttered words?
and whose spirit [came from/was expressed through/has come forth from the mouth of] thee?

In other words, you don’t really know me and you don’t even know what you’re saying.

Job 26 Summary of Verses 5-14

God is incredibly powerful | Job 26:5-14

And Job is going to take the rest of this chapter to declare that God is incredibly powerful. He’s not at all denying God’s power. And some of what Job starts declaring sounds an awful lot like what God is going to say when he comes at the end of this book.

Job 26 Summary of Verses 5-6

God has power over death | Job 26:5-6

First, God has power over the dead and death itself – verses 5 and 6…

Job 26:5 [Dead things/The departed spirits/The dead][are formed from/tremble/fear/shake]
[under/those beneath] the waters, and [the inhabitants thereof/all that live in them].

Job 26:6 [Hell/Sheol/The underworld] is naked before [him/God],
and [destruction/Abaddon/the place of destruction] [hath no covering/lies uncovered].

Job 26 Summary of Verses 7-9

God’s power is in the heavens | Job 26:7-9

God shows his power in how he deals with the sky above us – verses 7-9…

Job 26:7 [He/God] [stretcheth/spreads] out the [north/northern skies] over [the empty place/empty space],
 and [hangeth/He suspends] the earth upon nothing.

Job 26:8 He [bindeth up/wraps up/locks] the waters in his thick clouds;
and the cloud [is not rent/does not burst] [under/with the weight of] them.

Job 26:9 He [holdeth back/obscures/conceals] the face of [his throne/the full moon], {כִסֵּה vs. כֵּסֶה}
 and spreadeth his cloud [upon/over] it. [thereby shrouding it…]

Job 26 Summary of Verse 10

God has power over day and night | Job 26:10

God’s power determines on this earth where night ends and day begins – verse 10…

Job 26:10 He [hath compassed the waters with bounds/has inscribed a circle on the surface of the waters/marks out the horizon on the surface of the waters],
[until the day and night come to an end/at (or as) the boundary of (or between) light and darkness].

Job 26 Summary of Verses 11-13

God’s power is multi-faceted in its effect | Job 26:11-13

And Job points out how God’s power is multifaceted in its effect. It can be destructive and dangerous. Or it can be beautiful and calming – verses 11-13…

Job 26:11 The pillars of heaven tremble {i.e., mountains…}
and are [astonished/amazed] at his [reproof/rebuke].

Job 26:12 He [divideth/quieted/stills] the sea [with/by] his power,
and by his [understanding/wisdom] he [smiteth through/shattered/cut to pieces] [the proud/Rahab/the great sea monster].

Job 26:13 By his [spirit/breath] he hath [garnished/cleared/made fair] the [heavens/skies];
his hand hath [formed/pierced] the [crooked/fleeing] serpent.

The references to “the proud” and to “the crooked serpent” some people think is Job declaring that God – the true God – has power over mythical pagan deities.

At any rate, Job is declaring that God’s power is multifaceted – able to destroy and able to create beauty.

Job 26 Summary of Verse 14

Just the beginning | Job 26:14

And Job says that this is just the beginning of considering God’s awesome and powerful ways – verse 14…

Job 26:14 [Lo/Behold/Indeed], these are [parts/the fringes/the outer fringes] of his ways:
[but how/and how/how] [little/faint] a [portion/word/whisper] is heard of him [?/!]
but [the thunder of his power/his mighty thunder] who can understand?

So, Job is getting close to truly learning the message of this book – which is When You Can’t Understand God’s Ways, You Must Trust His Wisdom. Job just acknowledged that God’s ways are ultimately beyond our fathoming.

And that’s fine enough to observe in the natural world around us. But it’s an entirely different matter to acknowledge this in your own life where the rubber meets the road, so to speak.

And that’s exactly what we’ll see next time as Job transitions from admiring God’s powerful ways in nature … to lamenting God’s painful ways in his own life.

Job 24 Summary

Job 24 Summary

After Job 23 summary, Job continues speaking in the 24th chapter for 25 verses before he allows his friends to speak one last time.

Job 24 Summary of Verse 1

Why doesn’t God always punish the wicked immediately? | Job 24:1

And Job pivots the conversation to get back to what really is the case for the wicked. The friends say that God pretty much always punishes the wicked immediately in this life. So then, why does Job see instances where that doesn’t happen? – verse 1…

KJV Job 24:1 Why, [seeing times are not/are times not] [hidden {as a treasure}/stored up/appointed] [from/by] the Almighty, [why does the Almighty not punish?…]
[and why…] do they that know him not see his [own…] days?

Why doesn’t God store up times of recompense for the wicked and of deliverance for those who know him? Job’s not seeing that happen in his life.

Job 24 Summary of Verses 2-4

The wicked abuse the powerless | Job 24:2-4

And even though that verse was a bit difficult to translate and interpret, the message becomes very clear in the next several verses – as Job declares that the wicked abuse the powerless – and go unpunished! – verses 2-4…

Job 24:2 [Some/Men][remove/move] [the landmarks/boundary stones];
they [violently take away/seize] flocks, and [feed thereof/devour them/pasture them].

Job 24:3 They drive away the [ass/donkey] of the [fatherless/orphan],
they take the widow’s ox for a pledge.

Job 24:4 They [turn/push] the needy [out of/aside from/from] the [way/road/pathway]:
the poor of the [earth/land] [hide/are made to hide] themselves [together/altogether].

Job 24 Summary of Verses 5-6

The powerless people’s plight | Job 24:5-6

And then Job reviews the plight of the powerless who are abused by the wicked – verses 5 and 6…

Job 24:5 Behold, [as/like]wild [asses/donkeys] in the [desert/wilderness], go {they/the powerless} forth to their work;
[rising betimes/seeking diligently] for [a prey/food]: {because they’re not getting paid by their wicked master…}

the [wilderness/desert/wasteland] yieldeth food for them
 and for their children.

Job 24:6 They [reap/harvest] [every one his corn/their fodder] in the field:
and they gather [the/in the] [vintage/vineyard] of the wicked.

In other words, the powerless serve the wicked but they themselves go unpaid from the harvest they’re helping to reap for the wicked.

Job 24 Summary of Verses 7-8

The wicked don’t clothe those without necessary clothing | Job 24:7-8

So, the wicked don’t feed the powerless who serve them. They also don’t clothe or house them – verses 7 and 8…

Job 24:7 They [cause the naked to lodge/spend the night naked] [without/because they lack] clothing,
[that they have/and they have]no covering [in/against] the cold.

Job 24:8 They are [wet with/soaked by] [the showers of the mountains/mountain rains],
and [embrace the rock/hug the rock/huddle in the rocks] [for want of a/because they lack] shelter.

Job 24 Summary of Verses 9-11

More abuse from the wicked against the powerless | Job 24:9-11

And Job continues to review the abuse of the powerless at the hands of the wicked – verses 9-11…

Job 24:9 [They/Others] [pluck/snatch] the [fatherless/orphan/fatherless child] from the breast, {maybe as a pledge or surety…}
and take a pledge [of/against] the poor.

Job 24:10 They [cause him to go/cause the poor to go about/go about] naked without clothing,
and they take away the sheaf from the hungry; [or, someone goes hungry while carrying sheaves…]

Job 24:11 [Which/They][make/produce/press out] oil [within/between] [their walls/the rows of olive trees],
 and tread their winepresses, [and suffer thirst/but thirst/while they are thirsty].

They are carrying sheaves but don’t get to eat the grain. They press wine but don’t get to drink.

Job 24 Summary of Verse 12

But where is God as this is all happening? | Job 24:12

And if we’ve understood what Job has been arguing here, we ought to be outraged at what the wicked does to the powerless in this life. And our response will probably be like Job’s – where is God as all of this is happening? – verse 12…

Job 24:12 [Men/Dying men] groan [from out of/from] the city,
and the soul of the wounded crieth out [for help…]:

yet God [layeth not folly to them/does not pay attention to folly/charges no one with wrongdoing].

Job 24 Summary of Verses 13-17

The wicked clothe themselves in darkness | Job 24:13-17

Now, in Eliphaz’s last speech, he accused Job of assuming that physical darkness would hide his presumed evil deeds from God. And of course, Job denies that. But he doesn’t deny the fact that the wicked do engage in their evil behaviors in the dark – verses 13-17…

Job 24:13 [They are of/Others have been with/There are] those that rebel against the light;
they know not the ways thereof, [and don’t want to …]
nor [abide/stay] in the paths thereof. {here are two or three examples of these people…}

Job 24:14 The murderer rising [with the light/at dawn/before daybreak]
killeth the poor and needy,
and in the night is as a thief.

Job 24:15 The eye also of the adulterer [waiteth/watches] for the twilight,
saying, No eye [shall/will/can] see me:
and [disguiseth/covers with a mask] his face.

Job 24:16 In the dark [they/robbers] [dig through/dig into/breaks into] houses,
which they [had marked for themselves/shut themselves in] in the daytime:
they know not the light.

Job 24:17 For the morning is to them [even/the same] as [the shadow of death/thick darkness/deep darkness]:
[if one know them, they are in/he knows/they are friends with]the terrors of [the shadow of death/thick darkness].

Job 24 Summary of Verses 18-24

Yet the friends make facile claims about the wicked | Job 24:18-24

And yet, despite these realities that Job is pointing to, Job is amazed that these friends of his keep making facile claims about the wicked that just aren’t true – verses 18-24…

Job 24:18 [You say…] He is [swift/insignificant/foam] [as/on] the waters;
their portion is cursed [in the earth/of land]: {i.e. Job isn’t all of a sudden agreeing with the friends. He’s saying that this is what they are saying…}
[he beholdeth not/they do not turn toward/so that no one goes] the way of [the/their] vineyards.

Job 24:19 Drought and heat [consume/carry away] the snow waters:
so doth the grave those which have sinned.

Job 24:20 [The womb/A mother] shall forget him;
the worm shall [feed sweetly/feast] on him;

he shall be no more remembered; [because of the worm’s work…]
and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.

Job 24:21 He [evil entreateth/wrongs/preys on] the barren that beareth not:
and doeth not good to the widow.

Job 24:22 [He/The wicked] [draweth/drags off] [also/but] the [mighty/valiant] [with/by] his power:
[he/the wicked] riseth up, and no man is sure of life.

Job 24:23 Though it be given [him/the wicked] [by God…] to be in safety, whereon [he/the wicked] resteth;
[yet/but] [his/God’s] eyes are upon [their/the wicked’s] ways.

Job 24:24 They are exalted for a little while,
but are gone and brought low;

they are [taken out of the way/gathered up/gathered in] as all other,
and cut off as the tops of the [ears of corn/heads of grain].

So, this is how Job draws his response to a close. Despite much evidence to the contrary, the friends continue giving their debunked theories as to how God deals swiftly with the wicked in this life.

Job 24 Summary of Verse 25

A challenge for the friends to consider what Job said | Job 24:25

And Job ends with a challenge to the friends to prove him wrong – verse 25…

Job 24:25 And if it be not so now, who will [make/prove] me a liar,
and make my speech [nothing worth/worthless]?

So, Job has reviewed his inability to find God and to dispute with him concerning how God is treating him. He’s also overviewed the reality of how God works with the wicked in this life – and that reality doesn’t line up with what his friends have so adamantly claimed.

Job 25 Summary

Job 25 Summary

Job did lay down a challenge for his friends to prove him wrong in Job 24 summary. And so the next friend – Bildad – will try just that for a mere 6 verses in chapter 25. And this will be the last response of any of these friends that we see in this book.

Job 25 Summary of Verses 1-3

God’s martial rule establishes peace in heaven | Job 25:1-3

Bildad begins by asserting that God’s martial rule establishes peace in heaven – verses 1-3…

KJV Job 25:1 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,

Job 25:2 Dominion and [fear/awe/awesome might] [are with/belong to] [him/God],
[he maketh/who establishes/he establishes] peace in his [high places/heights].

Job 25:3 Is there any number of his armies? [Can his armies be numbered?…]
and upon whom doth not his light arise?

Job 25 Summary of Verses 4-6

God’s not impressed with heaven nor mankind | Job 25:4-6

And this God who imposes his military rule over heaven isn’t all that impressed with heaven – or with mankind – verses 4-6…

Job 25:4 How then can man be [justified/just/righteous] [with/before] God?
or how can he be [clean/pure] that is born of a woman?

Job 25:5 Behold even [to the moon, and it shineth not/the moon has no brightness/the moon is not bright]; [in God’s sight…]
yea, the stars are not pure [in his sight/as far as he is concerned].

Job 25:6 How much less man, [that is a/that/who is but a] [worm/maggot]?
[and the/a] son of man, [which is a/that/who is only a] worm?

So, if God dominates heaven – which is so apparently beautiful and perfect – then how could he ever accept a worm like mankind as being righteous?

This presupposition that Bildad is expressing is what fuels his Retribution Theology. You have to impress God with your good deeds and maybe then he’ll bless you. Bildad’s theology has no place for a man being truly righteous in God’s eyes.

And that’s all that Bildad has to say.

Job 23 Summary

Job 23 Summary

So, in response to what Eliphaz said in Job 22 summary, Job is going to respond with 17 verses in chapter 23 and with 25 verses in chapter 24.

But I’m not sure that you can classify it as much of a “response”.  At least, it’s not as direct of a response as what we’ve seen him do thus far. The only time he seems to directly address his friends is at the very end of chapter 24.

Job is more and more focused on God and on getting a hearing with him.

Job 23 Summary of Verses 1-2

Job briefly laments his situation generally | Job 23:1-2

And so, we see Job open chapter 23 with a very brief lament concerning his situation – verses 1 and 2…

KJV Job 23:1 Then Job answered and said,

Job 23:2 Even to day is my complaint [bitter/rebellion]:
[my stroke/his hand] is [heavier than/heavy despite] my groaning.

Job 23 Summary of Verses 3-7

Job fantasizes pleading his case before God | Job 23:3-7

And because Job feels like God is striking him, he goes on and starts to fantasize about him being able to plead his case before God – verses 3-7…

Job 23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him!
 that I might come even to his [seat/place of residence]! {What would Job do if he could find God?…}

Job 23:4 I would [order/present/lay out] my [cause/case] before him,
and fill my mouth with arguments.

Job 23:5 I would [know/learn] the words which he would answer me,
and [understand/perceive] what he would say unto me.

Job 23:6 [Will/Would] he [plead against/contend with] me with his great power?
No; [but/surely/only] he would [put strength/pay attention][in/to] me.

Job 23:7 There [the righteous/the upright/an upright person] [might/would/could] [dispute with/reason with/present his case before] him;
[so/and] [should/would] I be delivered for ever from my judge.

Because in the mind of these men, God punishes the wicked and blesses the righteous, and God seems to be punishing the righteous Job. So Job has come to the point where he feels that perhaps God is a little mistaken – and all that God needs is for Job to argue the case to him that Job is righteous.

Job 23 Summary of Verses 8-9

Currently Job can’t find God | Job 23:8-9

But one big problem with that is that Job can’t seem to find God anywhere – verses 8 and 9…

Job 23:8 Behold, I go [forward/to the east], but he is not there;
and [backward/to the west], but I [cannot/do not] perceive him:

Job 23:9 [On the left hand/In the north], [where he doth work/when he acts/when he is at work], but I [cannot behold/do not see] him:
he [hideth/turns] himself [on/to] the [right hand/south], that I cannot see him:

Job 23 Summary of Verses 10-12

God knows that Job is innocent | Job 23:10-12

And yet, though Job doesn’t know where God is, Job is convinced that God knows that Job is innocent – verses 10-12…

Job 23:10 But he knoweth the [way/pathway] that I take:
[when/if]he [hath tried/tested] me, I [shall/would] come forth as gold.

Job 23:11 My foot hath [held/held fast to/followed closely] his [steps/path],
his way have I kept, and not [declined/turned aside].

Job 23:12 Neither have I [gone back/departed] from the commandment of his lips;
I have [esteemed/treasured] the words of his mouth more than my [necessary food/allotted portion].

So, this is in contrast to Eliphaz’s accusations against Job back in chapter 22 to the effect that Job doesn’t love God’s word. Job says that he loves it more than the food that’s necessary for him to physically survive.

Job 23 Summary of Verses 13-14

God is unchangeable and unstoppable | Job 23:13-14

And yet, though Job loves God’s word, and he’s not acting wickedly, yet God seems to be unchangeable and unstoppable in his determination to wrongfully punish Job – verses 13 and 14…

Job 23:13 But he is [in one mind/unique/unchangeable], and who can [turn/change] him?
and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

Job 23:14 For he [performeth/fulfills] [the thing that is appointed/his decree] [for/against] me:
and many such [things/decrees] are [with him/his plans].

And I’ve heard that last verse used as a comfort for people. The general truth that God is sovereign in our lives is comforting, but it wasn’t comforting to Job, considering his circumstances.

Job 23 Summary of Verses 15-17

God’s ways in Job’s life are fearful and dark | Job 23:15-17

And that’s because God’s ways in Job’s life are fearful and dark – verses 15-17…

Job 23:15 [Therefore/That is why] [am/would be] I [troubled/dismayed/terrified] [at/in] his presence:
when I consider, I am [afraid/terrified] [of/because of] him.

Job 23:16 [For/It is/Indeed] God maketh my heart [soft/faint],
and the Almighty [troubleth/who has dismayed/has terrified] me:

Job 23:17 [Because/But/Yet] I [was not cut off/am not silenced/have not been silent] [before/by/because of] the darkness,
[neither/(blank)]hath [he/(the darkness)] covered [the darkness/deep gloom/thick darkness] [from/(blank)] my face.

Job 22 Summary

Job 22 Summary

Let’s open our Bibles to the 22nd chapter of the book of Job.

At this point in the book, Job and his friends are all trying to understand God’s ways without a direct message from God himself. As a result they’re all getting it wrong. What they need to do – and what we need to do – is to trust his wisdom when we can’t understand God’s ways.

Job is getting closer and closer to that point – but he’s not there yet.

As for Job’s friends, we’ll see in this last of three cycles of arguments between Job and his friends – that Eliphaz is not at all closer to trusting God’s wise workings in Job’s life.

Eliphaz Speaks | Job 22

So, Eliphaz speaks for 30 verses in chapter 22 – where he accuses Job of secret unrighteousness – and urges him to get right with God.

Job 22 Summary of Verses 1-3

Even if Job is righteous, God doesn’t care | Job 22:1-3

To begin, Eliphaz says that even if Job were righteous – and that’s a very big “if” in Eliphaz’s mind – well, God wouldn’t even care – verses 1-3…

KJV Job 22:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite [answered and said/responded/answered],

Job 22:2 Can a [man/vigorous man/strong man] be [profitable/of use/of benefit] unto God,
[as/or] he that is wise may be [profitable/useful] unto [himself/him]?

Job 22:3 Is it any [pleasure/special benefit] to the Almighty, that thou art righteous?
or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways [perfect/blameless]?

So, it’s not like Job is doing God any favors by being righteous. God’s not impressed.

Job 22 Summary of Verses 4-5

Job really isn’t righteous | Job 22:4-5

But three verses is all the time that Eliphaz will allow himself to pretend like Job is hypothetically righteous. Because in reality, Eliphaz knows without a doubt that Job isn’t really righteous – verses 4 and 5…

Job 22:4 [Will/Does] he [reprove/rebuke] thee for [fear of thee/your reverence/your piety]?
[i.e., and…] [will he enter/enters] with thee into judgment? {i.e., is your righteousness what’s causing God to rebuke and judge you like he’s doing? On the contrary…}

Job 22:5 Is not thy wickedness great?
and thine iniquities [infinite/without end]?

That’s why God is rebuking and judging Job – for his great wickedness.

Job 22 Summary of Verses 6-9

Examples of Job’s alleged unrighteousness | Job 22:6-9

And Eliphaz has fabricated in his mind a few examples of Job’s alleged unrighteousness – verses 6-9…

Job 22:6 For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother [for nought/without cause/for no reason],
and stripped the naked of their clothing.

Job 22:7 Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink,
and thou hast withholden [bread/food] from the hungry.

Job 22:8 [But as for/Although you were]the mighty man {i.e., Job…}, [he/and] [had/owned] [the earth/land];
and [i.e., you were…] the honourable man {i.e., Job…} [i.e., who…] dwelt in it.

Job 22:9 Thou hast sent widows away empty[-handed],
and the [arms/strength] of the [fatherless/orphans] have been [broken/crushed] [by you…].

So, Job used his power and position to abuse those who were helpless.

Job 22 Summary of Verses 10-11

Job is being punished for his unrighteousness | Job 22:10-11

Certainly that’s why God is punishing you! – says Eliphaz – verses 10 and 11…

Job 22:10 [Therefore/That is why] snares [are round about/surround] thee,
and [why…] sudden [fear/dread] [troubleth/terrifies] thee;

Job 22:11 Or [why…]darkness [surrounds you…], [that/so that]thou canst not see;
and [abundance/why a flood] of waters cover thee.

It’s surely not because Job is righteous that God is punishing him. He must be wicked. Because according to the thinking of the three friends – wickedness is always punished swiftly in this life. If Job is being punished, therefore, he must be wicked.

Job 22 Summary of Verses 12-14

Job thinks God is ignorant of his unrighteous deeds | Job 22:12-14

And Eliphaz goes on to accuse Job of assuming that God is ignorant of all of his secret wickedness – verses 12-14…

Job 22:12 Is not God in the height of heaven?
and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!

Job 22:13 [And/But/Because of that distance] thou sayest,

[How/What] doth God know?
can he judge through [the dark cloud/such deep darkness]?

Job 22:14 Thick clouds are a [covering to/veil for] him, that he seeth not [us…];
and he [walketh/goes back and forth] in the [circuit/vault] of heaven.

So, Eliphaz slanderously imagines Job saying to himself, “God’s up there and I’m down here doing my secret wickedness. God won’t see what I’m up to.”

Job 22 Summary of Verses 15-17

Will Job repeat the error of wicked men of old? | Job 22:15-17

But Eliphaz wants Job to know that if he continues in these wicked ways of his, he’ll end up just like all the wicked people down through the ages whom God punished – just like he’s punishing Job – verses 15-17…

Job 22:15 [Hast/Will] thou [marked/keep to] the [old/ancient] [way/path]
which wicked men have trodden?

Job 22:16 Which were [cut down/snatched away/carried off] [out of/before their] time,
whose foundation was overflown with [a/the] flood: {i.e., could be a reference to Noah’s flood…}

Job 22:17 Which said unto God,

[Depart/Turn away] from us:
and what can the Almighty do for [them/us]?

Job 22 Summary of Verses 18-20

God was good to those wicked men and the righteous mock their demise | Job 22:18-20

And Eliphaz starts showing some willingness to admit that God is sometimes good to the wicked – but after a few words of that he’ll revert back to the thought of the righteous mocking the demise of the wicked in this life – verses 18-20…

Job 22:18 Yet he filled their houses with good things:
but the counsel of the wicked is far from me. {like Job said earlier – this seems to be a pivot away from this thought and back toward his typical message…}

Job 22:19 The righteous see [it/their destruction], and [are glad/rejoice]:
and the innocent [laugh/mock] them [to scorn/scornfully] [saying…].

Job 22:20 [Whereas/Truly/Surely] our [substance/adversaries/enemies] [is not cut down/are cut off/are destroyed],
but [the remnant of them/their abundance/their wealth] the fire consumeth.

So, the righteous end up being fine in this life. But not so for the wicked – of whom Job is surely one – according to Eliphaz.

Job 22 Summary of Verses 21-24

Return to God | Job 22:21-24

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Eliphaz is going to once again hold out to Job hope. There’s still time for Job to return to God from his supposed secret wickedness – verses 21-24…

Job 22:21 [Acquaint now/Yield now/Reconcile] thyself with [him/God], and be at peace:
thereby good shall come unto thee.

Job 22:22 [Receive/Accept], I pray thee, [the law/instruction] from his mouth,
and [lay up/establish/store up] his words in thine heart.

Job 22:23 If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be [built up/restored],
[thou shalt/if you] [put away/remove] [iniquity/unrighteousness/wicked behavior] far from thy tabernacles.

Job 22:24 [Then shalt thou lay up/and place your/and throw your] gold [as/in the] dust,
and the gold of Ophir [as/among] the stones of the brooks.

So, return all that money you stole and stop relying on it as your idol, Job!

Job 22 Summary of Verses 25-30

Promised blessings for returning to God | Job 22:25-30

And of course, Eliphaz promises Job wonderful blessings for him once he stops all of his secret wickedness and returns to God – verses 25-30…

Job 22:25 [Yea/Then], the Almighty shall be thy [defence/gold],
and thou shalt have [him as…] [plenty of/choice] silver.

Job 22:26 For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty,
and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

Job 22:27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him,
and he shall hear thee,
and thou shalt [pay/fulfill to him] thy vows.

Job 22:28 [Whatever…] Thou shalt also [decree/decide on] a [thing/matter], and it shall be established [unto/for] thee:
and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

Job 22:29 When men are [cast down/brought low], then thou shalt say, [There is lifting up/Lift them up!];
and he shall save the [humble/downcast] person.

Job 22:30 He shall deliver the [island of the/one who is not/someone who is not] innocent:
and [it is/he will be] delivered [by/through] the [pureness/cleanness] of thine hands.

So, once Job gets on the Retribution Theology bandwagon, he’ll be able to pray for other people who are in his current situation – and God will hear him and restore them – like Job is in need of currently…

And that’s the end of Eliphaz’s speech. Job is wicked. That’s the only explanation as to why he’s suffering so much at God’s hands. But if he turns from his wickedness, then God will bless him once more.

Eliphaz has come to completely and fully understand God’s ways in Job’s life… Or has he? (No, of course he hasn’t.)