Page 94 - Advanced OT Survey Student Textbook

19), complaining about God questioning why God sustains him, and hedging him into such suffering (20-
26).

Chapters 4-27 are cycles. His friends’ rebuke him and Job responds (4-27) to them. In three speech
cycles, Job and his friends trade insults and engage in a war of wisdom. With the wisdom of tradition,
observation and pseudo revelation, Job’s friends defend divine justice as well as a theology of
retribution: Sin leads to suffering, so suffering is a sign of sin! Placing Job with the wicked, they
repeatedly call for him to repent and be restored. In contrast to Job’s devotion in the prologue, these
chapters show Job’s doubt! His steadfast hope here is not in God but in his innocence! His theology of
retribution and his confidence in his own righteousness leads to a repeated denigration of divine justice
(7:20, 9:22, 10:7, 12:4, 16:7, 19:6, 21:7, 24:12, 27:2). Ultimately, man’s wisdom is futile!

Chapter 28 is a wisdom hymn whether Job or narrator, this chapter isn’t a spark of hope! If we assume it
is the narrator, then this hymn is a stark contrast to the wisdom of man (4-27). If we assume that it is Job
speaking. It is a parody of traditional wisdom. In contrast to precious gems, man cannot find the path to
wisdom (1-12), and no price can buy it (13-20), for it comes only from God through fear Ps 111:10, Prov.
1:7, Eccl 12:13. Yet, Job is unable to find God or discover His ways!
Job: Closing Monologue (29-31) In his final defense, Job again declares God’s injustice and defends his
own innocence. He contrasts purity and prosperity of his former life (29) with current poverty and
shame (30). Again affirming retribution Job seeks divine justice, defending himself against the friends’
charges. No longer fearful of meeting God, he concludes with a demand to be answered- Let the
Almighty answer me. “Oh, that I had an indictment written by my adversary, with bold confidence of his
innocence I would give Him an account of all my steps; like a prince I would approach!”

Job 32-37 focuses on Elihu’s monologue (32-37) Angry that Job and friends made God guilty, young Elihu
claims God-given wisdom! Though Job is frustrated by God’s silence, Elihu argues that God uses
suffering to correct and to save from pride (33). Defending God’s justice and goodness, Elihu calls Job to
repent (34). He rebukes Job’s empty belief that God is indebted to him because of his virtue (35). With
scenes of cosmic grandeur Elihu prepares Job for encounter with YHWH, calling him to bow before God’s
majesty, trusting in power and justice (36-37).

Job 38:1-42:6 is a monologue focused on YHWH. When Job’s request for an audience with God is finally
answered YHWH appears in a whirlwind, but rather than crushing Job (9:17), He uses a tour of creation
to reassure and rebuke him. In His first speech (38:1-40:2), YHWH highlights His wise rule of world
cosmogony, meteorology zoology, resulting in Job’s silence (40:3-5). In YHWH’s second speech He
focuses on His justice (40:6-41:34), compelling Job’s repentance (42:1-6). A proper focus on God’s
wisdom and justice will provide more clarity and comfort than grasping at reason for suffering. The
solution to Job’s suffering didn’t come by explanation but deeper experience with God!

Epilogue (42:7-17) Angry, God rebukes Job’s friends for not speaking rightly. He praises Job for
acknowledging sovereign wisdom, confessing his arrogant ignorance! He intercedes and God accepts his
prayer. God restores Job and gives him children, possessions and full life! BUT, restoration was NOT
retribution! Job repented of sin in the suffering, not for its cause. Restoration was God’s unmerited
grace!

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