“Humans are born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7 NIV). These are the astute words of
Eliphaz, one of Job’s well-meaning friends. The observation is on target; as long as a fire continues, sparks blaze upward, are extinguished, and a new shower appears. Likewise, as long as life continues, it is fraught with difficulties. In Job’s case, however, it was not a matter of a cloud of sparks; his life itself resembled a blazing inferno.
Here we encounter Job coming to grips with the nature of his God who, in Job’s experience, attacked him without cause and then maintained a stony silence. We also encounter him in the unenviable position of rejecting the well-meaning advice of three notable men who had come a good distance to comfort him through his ordeal and …show more content…
“Where Shall Wisdom Be Found?” (ch 28)
At this juncture, there is an interlude. Either it was Job’s taking a deep breath to regain his perspective after the torrent of words and thoughts, or the narrator has called for a needed pause in the drama. The quest is for wisdom, recognized as exceedingly valuable, but eluding all attempts to package it.
Job’s Self-Vindication and Self-Incriminating Oaths (chs 29-31)
Likely in response to Eliphaz’s harsh accusation (ch 22), Job set the record straight in terms of his socially responsible actions prior to plummeting to his current circumstances. Then, in a daring move, he took a series of oaths against himself, all following the pattern, “if I have done….. then let me suffer the appropriate deserved consequences for that action.” In effect, although he did not call on the name of the LORD, this was his summons; God would have to respond.
Elihu Entered the Fray (chs 32-37)
We are, however, kept in suspense for six chapters as a new voice entered – and it was not a
Eliphaz, one of Job’s well-meaning friends. The observation is on target; as long as a fire continues, sparks blaze upward, are extinguished, and a new shower appears. Likewise, as long as life continues, it is fraught with difficulties. In Job’s case, however, it was not a matter of a cloud of sparks; his life itself resembled a blazing inferno.
Here we encounter Job coming to grips with the nature of his God who, in Job’s experience, attacked him without cause and then maintained a stony silence. We also encounter him in the unenviable position of rejecting the well-meaning advice of three notable men who had come a good distance to comfort him through his ordeal and …show more content…
“Where Shall Wisdom Be Found?” (ch 28)
At this juncture, there is an interlude. Either it was Job’s taking a deep breath to regain his perspective after the torrent of words and thoughts, or the narrator has called for a needed pause in the drama. The quest is for wisdom, recognized as exceedingly valuable, but eluding all attempts to package it.
Job’s Self-Vindication and Self-Incriminating Oaths (chs 29-31)
Likely in response to Eliphaz’s harsh accusation (ch 22), Job set the record straight in terms of his socially responsible actions prior to plummeting to his current circumstances. Then, in a daring move, he took a series of oaths against himself, all following the pattern, “if I have done….. then let me suffer the appropriate deserved consequences for that action.” In effect, although he did not call on the name of the LORD, this was his summons; God would have to respond.
Elihu Entered the Fray (chs 32-37)
We are, however, kept in suspense for six chapters as a new voice entered – and it was not a