Today's readings from the Chronological Plan are from Job 35-37. Click here to read online.
Today we are continuing with Elihu's speech. As I still find the book of Job hard to understand, I did a little reading on what some commentaries had to say about these chapters. One was John Piper and the other was from Bible.org.
Both articles thought that Elihu was adding something new to the mix. The other 3 had run out of arguments to give to Job and their speeches were getting shorter and shorter. And then suddenly we have 6 chapters devoted to Elihu's speech - likely indicating it is significant.
Elihu's argument starts off similarly to the other 3, but with a significant difference. He says that when man sins God can deal with him in two ways - speaking to him in dreams or visions (33:16-18) or through suffering (33:19-22) in order to redeem him from the pit and to restore him (33:30). Elihu says that it is intolerable for Job to charge God with injustice as that is impossible (34:11-12). He directs Job's attention to his present sinful attitude due to his intense suffering (34:36-37, 36:21).
Elihu's point is that when the righteous suffer it is not for punishment reasons (like the wicked) but for refinement. The Lord teaches through suffering (36:13-16), but Job has not listened to God's instruction (36:17).
Elihu also says that God is not bound or limited by our expectations of Him. God is sovereign and He can do whatever He likes (34:29, 36:23).
Elihu states that because we cannot fathom God's ways, we cannot accuse Him of injustice and we need to wait patiently (36:26).
It is noteworthy that, later on, God does not chastise Elihu like He does the other 3 friends and even Job - so he obviously did have more wisdom to offer than the other friends in Job's distress - and yet even he was not quite on the mark.
Can't wait to read about God's response to Job coming up tomorrow and the day after! Tomorrow's readings are Job 38-40:5. Click here to read online.
2 comments:
I am looking forward to it as well. I can't wait to see Job restored again, and rewarded for his faithfulness!
yeah, I think these are important reflections. Piper really helped me break the scripture down too. Today i'm going to listen to part 5 (the next segment), the final part of his sermons on Job. I'm hoping it will help with the rest of the book.
I thought the part at the end of Job was so key to understanding this as well becuase God has the final say on who gave the right message despite their possible faults in presenting it. Perhaps God knew Job needed a man to be agressive and shake up his thinking a bit.
One thing I'm going to talk about on Sunday is the importance of the ears and eyes. Elihu does one for Job (though through the wisdom given him by God still) and God does the other and the result is his restoration. I'm also going to point out some delightful hidden emotions in the end of Job pertaining to God.
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