I Know that My Redeemer Lives
Comments for Study 7
Pick to read this Bible passage in a separate window.
Job 15-21 is the second round of exchange.
The following are key points of the chapters.
Job 15
In his first speech, Eliphaz was manipulative but spoke with the courtesy of a diplomat. Now he administers a verbal slap on the mouth to Job. He repeats the catalog of terrors which are sure to fall upon the wicked, intending that Job see himself and his situation in every line.
Eliphaz says nothing new. He amplifies previous horror stories in an attempt to use fear to manipulate Job to repent. With the final slash of his scholarly tongue Eliphaz points out how the wicked lose their children! Job's children are all dead. He is to understand that it is because of his sin.
Job 16-17
Job calls his friends "comforters of trouble" or "painful comforters". He says God has warn him out and is his advisory and described what God has done to him.
In verses 18-22 Job speaks of his witness in heaven, his intercessor. In chapter 9 he had spoken of this mediator as well. In chapter 19 he uses two words for this indispensable person. "Sahed" which is an Aramaic word meaning witness or advocate. And "Melis" which is a Hebrew word meaning interpreter, mediator, spokesman.
Job 18
Bildad says nothing new. In more poisonous language than that of Eliphaz, he lists Job's sufferings as evidence of what happens to a man who does not know God. He personalizes the pronouncements of retribution theology.
Job 19
Job, in verses 1-6, expresses his disheartening dissatisfaction and loneliness because of his "friends" continual attacks. In verses 7-12 he again says how God has come against him. In verses 13-20 Job he speaks of how others have alienated him. And in verses 21-22 he asks his friends why the are acting as they are his enemies.
Job is at such a critical threshold. He is as low as he can go, feeling as alienated and lonely and tired of it all as at any point in the story of his struggle. There at "bottom," he has a flash of insight that will ultimately carry him out of these depths into a new sense of purpose, a new level of faith, a renewed relationship with God, and the restoration of his life. Ironically, his three ministers of torment have unwittingly helped to push him this point. What is revealed to Job is in verses 23-29.
Job 19:23-27 "Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever! I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!"
POINTS TO PONDER
I
A. When have you "hit bottom" or crossed a "critical threshold" in you life? What was the situation? What helpful or hopeful insights, if any, came to you about yourself, your situation, or God? How has your life changed since then?
B. Which role best describes the image of God you had as you were growing up; grandfather, executioner, benefactor, politician, coach, lifeguard, spy, mean guy, other? Today what roles would you use to describe God to a non-Christian friend? How would your friend depict God?
II
Consider: "I know", "my Redeemer", "lives", "in the end he will stand upon the earth", verse 26-27a and, "How my heart yearns within me!"
Job 20
Zophar is not only insensitive to Job's pain, he is also completely lacking in sensitivity to the Holy Spirits activity just displayed through Job. Instead Zophar attacks Job's prophetic insight as evidence of pride that needs to be brought down. He tells Job of how he will be and has been struck by God. Then he concludes, "Such is the fate God allots the wicked..." (29). Again Zophar has nothing new to say.
Job 21
Job again states that the wicked do not always suffer for their sins (7-21); thus saying, "Your insinuations about me my "friends" are based on a pack of doctrinal lies!" (34) Job had believed what they believed, but now realizes the imperfections of that thinking and the need for revaluations and insights, which he points out, they should have done earlier (27-33).
1 Corinthians 8:1-3 "Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God."
1 Corinthians 13:9-12 "For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
Ephesians 4:14-15 "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."
POINTS TO PONDER
I
Why don't the wicked suffer? And, why do the righteous suffer?
II
When have personal questions or circumstances driven you back to the Bible for fresh answers and insights?
Job 22-27
Job 22-27 is the third round of exchange. No points will be made, except Zophar remains silent in this round of exchange.
Job 28
Man can mine the earth for precious metals, but cannot find wisdom.
Job 29
Past memories.
Job 30
Present Grief.
Job 31
|
