Page 118 - Job

whether he likes it or not, Job is back in the debate. He answers Bildad in
chapter 19. I do not think Bildad appreciated the answer. His answer goes
something like this. Okay, says Job to Bildad, let’s take your unchanging
principle of God – the wicked suffer, I am suffering, therefore I am wicked.
Here is how it comes across to me. The wicked suffer. I suffer.
I am innocent. Therefore, verse 6,

“Know then that God has wronged me and has closed His net around
me.”
God goofed. The principle is not true. The wicked suffer. I suffer. I am
innocent. Therefore, there is only one conclusion, and that is God is to be
blamed. Job is angry and frustrated with Bildad. He is deeply pained that
they think he is a hypocrite harboring some sin in his life, and he knows it is
futile to keep explaining his position, and besides, his real problem is too
deep to express. All Job wants is an answer from God. He knows God is
real, and he knows God is up there, and he knows God is listening. But God
will not answer! Look at verse 7,
“Behold, I cry, ‘Violence!’ but I get no answer; I shout for help, but
there is no justice. He has walled up my way so that I cannot pass, and
He has put darkness on my paths. He has stripped my honor from me
and removed the crown from my head. He breaks me down on every
side, and I am gone; and He has uprooted my hope like a tree. He has
also kindled His anger against me and considered me as His enemy.
His troops come together, and build up their way against me and camp
around my tent.”
He does not understand why God gives him the deaf ear. Job says, only God
can solve my problem, not you. I only want one thing from you men and it is
not answers. Verse 21 and 22
“Pity me, pity me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has struck
me.”
He says, all I want from you is a little pity. How about some understanding.
Maybe a little sympathy. I am not asking you to help me out of my problem.
There is only one who can do that. And then he sinks back again in despair,
and in verse 23 through 29 he says, “What’s the use?”

“Oh that my words were written! Oh that they were inscribed in a
book! That with an iron stylus and lead they were engraved in the rock
forever! As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives.”
You see he believes in God with all his heart. He says, “Though He slay
me, I will trust Him!” But he expects to die. He says:

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