Page 68 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook

Chapters 4-27 are cycles: Friends’ Rebuke and Job Responds (4-27). 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, 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, 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) w/ 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, w/ 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, to save from pride (33). Defending God’s justice and goodness, Elihu calls Job to
repent- sin amidst his suffering (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 w/ 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 1st speech (38:1-40:2), YHWH highlights His wise rule of world
nd
cosmogony, meteorology zoology, resulting in Job’s silence (40:3-5), whereas YHWH’s 2 speech
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
acknowledges sovereign wisdom, confesses his arrogant ignorance! He intercedes, God accepts his
prayer. God restores Job: kids, possessions and full life! BUT, restoration was NOT retribution! Job
repented of sin in the suffering, not for its cause. Restoration unmerited grace from God!

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