After reading chapter 34:
*Elihu is speaking. He's going to set everyone straight. Job says he's innocent, but he's really in league with the wicked because he claims that there is no profit from trying to please God. It is unthinkable that God would do anything wrong or pervert Justice. He's the head guy, the one who is in charge of everything. He brought the earth into existence, he can take it out. God is the Just and Mighty One. He shows no partiality to the rich and powerful over the poor. He will snuff out any one of them in an instant. He can see everything everyone is doing(Mass surveillance). No one can hide from him. He's quite capable of punishing the wicked and the oppressors. On the other hand, if he wants to stay silent or hide his face, who can condemn him? It's his prerogative as ruler over man and nation. God's government is totalitarian.
*Elihu goes on: Suppose someone says, "Okay, I must have messed up. Tell me what I did wrong and I won't do it again." Is that real repentance? Should Job get a prize for saying that? A few people who are pretty smart told Elihu that Job's speech was ignorant and shallow. Job needs to be tested even more for talking like a wicked man, and for the sin of rebellion against God by being scornful to his friends, who were only trying to get him to see the truth.
After reading chapter 35:
*Elihu continues. He accuses Job of saying he will be cleared by God and at the same time asking what he will gain by not sinning. Elihu asks Job to gaze way up into the sky, presumably where God is. How does Job's righteousness or sinfulness affect God? What does God get out of it? According to Elihu, the only ones it has a direct effect on are humans. No one says,"Where is God, my maker?" (Except Job). God doesn't answer when men cry out because of the arrogance of the wicked. He doesn't pay attention to their empty pleas. Of course he's not going to listen to Job when he says he cannot see God, and that he's waiting for an answer to his case, and that God doesn't punish the wicked, but ignores them. That's just foolish talk.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Job 33
After reading Job 33:
*Elihu is speaking. In verses 1-7 he prepares us for his awesome words. They are on the tip of his tongue. Get ready, because he is about to lay it on the line. First, Elihu heard Job say that he was without sin, yet God (El) has found fault with him. That's just not right. Who is Job to complain that God doesn't answer men's words? God is greater than men. Besides, God does speak in various ways, people just might not recognize it when it happens. He can speak in dreams, visions, little whispers of conscience, even pain and near death experiences. Here you go folks, the classic "god works in mysterious ways" apologetic argument.
*If a man ...women seem to be mostly absent from social consideration in the book of Job...if a man who is being chastised by God is lucky, he gets an angel to mediate for him. Then he will be spared and restored. After that, he goes to other men and tells them that he was a sinner after all, and thankfully he didn't get what he deserved, presumably death. He gets to live a little longer. And by the way, this kind of thing might happen to a man two or three times in his life. That's to "turn back his soul from the pit that the light of life might shine upon him." My study bible seems to think this is a reference to resurrection and eternal life. I think that is a stretch.
*In the last three verses, Elihu tells Job to be quiet and listen, or speak up if he has anything to say, or listen and be silent. Elihu is there to teach Job wisdom.
*Elihu is speaking. In verses 1-7 he prepares us for his awesome words. They are on the tip of his tongue. Get ready, because he is about to lay it on the line. First, Elihu heard Job say that he was without sin, yet God (El) has found fault with him. That's just not right. Who is Job to complain that God doesn't answer men's words? God is greater than men. Besides, God does speak in various ways, people just might not recognize it when it happens. He can speak in dreams, visions, little whispers of conscience, even pain and near death experiences. Here you go folks, the classic "god works in mysterious ways" apologetic argument.
*If a man ...women seem to be mostly absent from social consideration in the book of Job...if a man who is being chastised by God is lucky, he gets an angel to mediate for him. Then he will be spared and restored. After that, he goes to other men and tells them that he was a sinner after all, and thankfully he didn't get what he deserved, presumably death. He gets to live a little longer. And by the way, this kind of thing might happen to a man two or three times in his life. That's to "turn back his soul from the pit that the light of life might shine upon him." My study bible seems to think this is a reference to resurrection and eternal life. I think that is a stretch.
*In the last three verses, Elihu tells Job to be quiet and listen, or speak up if he has anything to say, or listen and be silent. Elihu is there to teach Job wisdom.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Job 31 and 32
After reading chapter 31:
*Job is still speaking. This chapter recounts all the wicked things Job has Not done, with poetic embellishments. He hasn't looked lustfully at a girl. He hasn't been decietful, or been enticed by a woman, or denied Justice to his servants, or denied the desires of the poor, or put his trust in gold, or been unfaithful to God, or rejoiced at his enemies' misfortune, or concealed secret sin, or misused his land. If he has done these things, he calls down particular curses upon his head for each offence. Now he signs his defense. Let his accuser put his indictment in writing. "The words of Job are ended." He's done talking. He lets his case rest. If only we were done with the book of Job.
After reading chapter 32:
*Now Job's "friends" are angry because Job justified himself, not God. Job is angry with his friends for continuing to condemn him, despite being unable to refute him. Elihu, the youngest of the men, angrily spoke up. He told how he had waited till everyone else was done talking, out of respect for their age. However, says he, not only the old are wise and understanding. Therefore, it is his turn to give them an earful. He has listened and has seen that no one was able to refute Job. Well he's got something to say and cannot be contained. He's going to speak without partiality or flattery. So there.
Stay tuned.
*Job is still speaking. This chapter recounts all the wicked things Job has Not done, with poetic embellishments. He hasn't looked lustfully at a girl. He hasn't been decietful, or been enticed by a woman, or denied Justice to his servants, or denied the desires of the poor, or put his trust in gold, or been unfaithful to God, or rejoiced at his enemies' misfortune, or concealed secret sin, or misused his land. If he has done these things, he calls down particular curses upon his head for each offence. Now he signs his defense. Let his accuser put his indictment in writing. "The words of Job are ended." He's done talking. He lets his case rest. If only we were done with the book of Job.
After reading chapter 32:
*Now Job's "friends" are angry because Job justified himself, not God. Job is angry with his friends for continuing to condemn him, despite being unable to refute him. Elihu, the youngest of the men, angrily spoke up. He told how he had waited till everyone else was done talking, out of respect for their age. However, says he, not only the old are wise and understanding. Therefore, it is his turn to give them an earful. He has listened and has seen that no one was able to refute Job. Well he's got something to say and cannot be contained. He's going to speak without partiality or flattery. So there.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Job 29 and 30
After reading chapter 29:
*Job is still talking. He is poetically remembering the good old days when his "path was drenched with cream." He was god's friend then. He was well respected by other people. He performed many acts of benevolence for the needy. He fought against the wicked. He was sooo good. People were awed by his wisdom. He believed his life would continue along this vein until he died of old age peacefully in his own home. He was kind of like a king.
After reading chapter 30:
*Job continues. Now he talks of the present and the changes in his life. He says young men from worthless, indigent fathers are disrespectful to him. They mock him, spit in his face, they lay siege against him. Now Job lives in fear and pain. He has no more dignity or safety. He says God has used his great power to take hold of Job, throw him in the mud, then ruthlessly attack him. God will take him down to death, the place appointed for all the living. (See, everyone goes to the same place.)
*Verses 24-31 are a poetic list of Job's current ailments and emotional state. They emphasize his bodily suffering, despair, and isolation. In verse 24 he says,"Surely no one lays a hand on a broken man when he cries for help in his distress."
*As usual, a close parallel comparison of different versions gives you different interpretations of these chapters. Some are more confusing than others. Two things I found interesting: In verse 27 of chapter 30, the KJV says Job's bowels were boiling, which is a more vivid alliterative description than what the NIV calls churning insides. Plus, in verse 29, Job is either a brother of jackals or dragons, and a companion of ostriches or owls, depending upon which version you prefer.
Edited for mistakes which I should have caught before I hit the publish button.
*Job is still talking. He is poetically remembering the good old days when his "path was drenched with cream." He was god's friend then. He was well respected by other people. He performed many acts of benevolence for the needy. He fought against the wicked. He was sooo good. People were awed by his wisdom. He believed his life would continue along this vein until he died of old age peacefully in his own home. He was kind of like a king.
After reading chapter 30:
*Job continues. Now he talks of the present and the changes in his life. He says young men from worthless, indigent fathers are disrespectful to him. They mock him, spit in his face, they lay siege against him. Now Job lives in fear and pain. He has no more dignity or safety. He says God has used his great power to take hold of Job, throw him in the mud, then ruthlessly attack him. God will take him down to death, the place appointed for all the living. (See, everyone goes to the same place.)
*Verses 24-31 are a poetic list of Job's current ailments and emotional state. They emphasize his bodily suffering, despair, and isolation. In verse 24 he says,"Surely no one lays a hand on a broken man when he cries for help in his distress."
*As usual, a close parallel comparison of different versions gives you different interpretations of these chapters. Some are more confusing than others. Two things I found interesting: In verse 27 of chapter 30, the KJV says Job's bowels were boiling, which is a more vivid alliterative description than what the NIV calls churning insides. Plus, in verse 29, Job is either a brother of jackals or dragons, and a companion of ostriches or owls, depending upon which version you prefer.
Edited for mistakes which I should have caught before I hit the publish button.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Job 27 and 28
After reading chapter 27:
*Job continues talking to his friends. He continues to deny any wrong doing and insists he has a clear conscience. Then he goes on a rant about the fate of his enemies, may it be like the fate of the wicked. Verses 13-23 are a poetic description of the horrid things that will happen to the wicked and their descendents. It makes no sense to me, because in previous chapters Job has made a point that bad things don't always happen to the wicked. In fact they often prosper. Now he seems to be saying the same kinds of things his friends have said, the things they used as evidence against him.
After reading 28:
*Supposedly Job is still talking. However, this next passage has a very different feel to it. It's like something you might find in the book of Proverbs or Ecclesiastes, and seems to haven nothing to do with Job's current situation. The theme starts with the hidden qualities of wisdom, using the extended metaphor of a mine. We are told of the toil of men who tunnel through rock and lay bare the roots of mountains to uncover the hidden treasures that cannot be seen from above. Silver, gold, copper, iron, and sapphires are brought to light, but where can wisdom be found?
*The next theme is the worth of wisdom and man's inability to understand its value because it is so rare. It can't be found in the land or the sea. Its price cannot be compared to gold, silver, onyx, sapphires, crystal, coral, jasper, rubies, and topaz.
* Verse 21 repeats verse 12 like a refrain, giving this passage a more poetic quality. Verse 22 repeats a sentiment from verse 7. They introduce another stanza. Now we are told even "Destruction (abaddon) and Death" have only heard rumors of wisdom. God, however, is the only one who knows where to find it, because he sees everything. He looked at wisdom and tested it, then he said, "the fear of The lord (Adonai) is wisdom. To shun evil is understanding."
*This is one of the times lord is translated from the word Adonai, not Yahweh. Now I am officially confused. Apparently When Yahweh is translated LORD it is in all capital letters, when Adonai is translated Lord, just the first letter is capitalized. Adonai is not an official name of God it is a regal title that is applied to him. It is another plural used as a singular and originally meant "my lords." You can read more about it and the other supposed names of God here. I learned something new today.
*The unusual way this passage seems to digress from the surrounding text, leads me to wonder if it was a later insertion. I personally think it has beautiful imagery and is a nice change from all the moaning and whining, even if it isn't true. Wisdom comes from acquiring a wide base of knowledge and experience and applying it to become your best self and a teacher of others.
*Job continues talking to his friends. He continues to deny any wrong doing and insists he has a clear conscience. Then he goes on a rant about the fate of his enemies, may it be like the fate of the wicked. Verses 13-23 are a poetic description of the horrid things that will happen to the wicked and their descendents. It makes no sense to me, because in previous chapters Job has made a point that bad things don't always happen to the wicked. In fact they often prosper. Now he seems to be saying the same kinds of things his friends have said, the things they used as evidence against him.
After reading 28:
*Supposedly Job is still talking. However, this next passage has a very different feel to it. It's like something you might find in the book of Proverbs or Ecclesiastes, and seems to haven nothing to do with Job's current situation. The theme starts with the hidden qualities of wisdom, using the extended metaphor of a mine. We are told of the toil of men who tunnel through rock and lay bare the roots of mountains to uncover the hidden treasures that cannot be seen from above. Silver, gold, copper, iron, and sapphires are brought to light, but where can wisdom be found?
*The next theme is the worth of wisdom and man's inability to understand its value because it is so rare. It can't be found in the land or the sea. Its price cannot be compared to gold, silver, onyx, sapphires, crystal, coral, jasper, rubies, and topaz.
* Verse 21 repeats verse 12 like a refrain, giving this passage a more poetic quality. Verse 22 repeats a sentiment from verse 7. They introduce another stanza. Now we are told even "Destruction (abaddon) and Death" have only heard rumors of wisdom. God, however, is the only one who knows where to find it, because he sees everything. He looked at wisdom and tested it, then he said, "the fear of The lord (Adonai) is wisdom. To shun evil is understanding."
*This is one of the times lord is translated from the word Adonai, not Yahweh. Now I am officially confused. Apparently When Yahweh is translated LORD it is in all capital letters, when Adonai is translated Lord, just the first letter is capitalized. Adonai is not an official name of God it is a regal title that is applied to him. It is another plural used as a singular and originally meant "my lords." You can read more about it and the other supposed names of God here. I learned something new today.
*The unusual way this passage seems to digress from the surrounding text, leads me to wonder if it was a later insertion. I personally think it has beautiful imagery and is a nice change from all the moaning and whining, even if it isn't true. Wisdom comes from acquiring a wide base of knowledge and experience and applying it to become your best self and a teacher of others.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Job 26
After reading chapter 26:
*Job replies to Bildad. The first few verses are very sarcastic. Job declares Bildad to be so helpful and wise (not). The dead are still dead.
*Starting in verse 6, things get interesting. First we see "death is naked before God." Death here is the hebrew sheol. Then we see "destruction lies uncovered." Destruction here is abaddon. This is the first time we have encountered Abaddon. Sheol and Abaddon are somehow connected. According to references, Abaddon is a deep pit in or near sheol, or the name of the angel in charge of the pit of destruction. What is Abaddon's purpose? Who knows. What is worse than being dead, being really, really dead? Is this passage figurative or literal? Does Abaddon actually exist?
*The passage goes on to tell how God is responsible for the sky, the suspension of the earth over nothing, the clouds, the horizon, earthquakes, tsunamis, and fair weather. It is the epitome of the "look at the trees" argument, but more poetic. I've heard these verses used as proof that religion and science are compatible because these things are true: the earth does appear to be suspended over nothing, water is stored in clouds. It's science!
*There is a huge difference between what a scientist would say about these natural phenomena and what Job says. He says,"God does it." He says God "spreads" the sky. God "suspends" the earth. He "wraps up" water in clouds. He "covers" the face of the moon by "spreading" clouds over it. He "marks out" the horizon. He "churns up" the sea. His rebuke shakes the earth. (How many times have we heard that earthquakes are punishment from God?) His breath makes the skies fair. This is not science. It is poetry. Science never takes invisible, unquantifiable beings into account when making statements about how nature works.
*Lets look at verse 12:
NIV- he churned up the sea
KJV- he divideth the sea
NAS-he quieted the sea
JPS- he stilled the sea
Those are all quite different, aren't they? Not to mention that the sea in this verse is yam, which happens to be the name of the canaanite sea God. In this same verse god also cuts Rahab to pieces. Apparently this word Rahab is a Jewish mythological sea monster that also symbolically represents Egypt. So it would make sense if the author was referring to the exodus, parting the sea and killing Egyptians. Verse 13 says god's hand pierced the gliding serpent. Is this serpent referring to Rahab the sea monster?
*Last, Bildad is told these things are just whispers and fringes of god's works. Who can understand the full extent of his power?
*Job replies to Bildad. The first few verses are very sarcastic. Job declares Bildad to be so helpful and wise (not). The dead are still dead.
*Starting in verse 6, things get interesting. First we see "death is naked before God." Death here is the hebrew sheol. Then we see "destruction lies uncovered." Destruction here is abaddon. This is the first time we have encountered Abaddon. Sheol and Abaddon are somehow connected. According to references, Abaddon is a deep pit in or near sheol, or the name of the angel in charge of the pit of destruction. What is Abaddon's purpose? Who knows. What is worse than being dead, being really, really dead? Is this passage figurative or literal? Does Abaddon actually exist?
*The passage goes on to tell how God is responsible for the sky, the suspension of the earth over nothing, the clouds, the horizon, earthquakes, tsunamis, and fair weather. It is the epitome of the "look at the trees" argument, but more poetic. I've heard these verses used as proof that religion and science are compatible because these things are true: the earth does appear to be suspended over nothing, water is stored in clouds. It's science!
*There is a huge difference between what a scientist would say about these natural phenomena and what Job says. He says,"God does it." He says God "spreads" the sky. God "suspends" the earth. He "wraps up" water in clouds. He "covers" the face of the moon by "spreading" clouds over it. He "marks out" the horizon. He "churns up" the sea. His rebuke shakes the earth. (How many times have we heard that earthquakes are punishment from God?) His breath makes the skies fair. This is not science. It is poetry. Science never takes invisible, unquantifiable beings into account when making statements about how nature works.
*Lets look at verse 12:
NIV- he churned up the sea
KJV- he divideth the sea
NAS-he quieted the sea
JPS- he stilled the sea
Those are all quite different, aren't they? Not to mention that the sea in this verse is yam, which happens to be the name of the canaanite sea God. In this same verse god also cuts Rahab to pieces. Apparently this word Rahab is a Jewish mythological sea monster that also symbolically represents Egypt. So it would make sense if the author was referring to the exodus, parting the sea and killing Egyptians. Verse 13 says god's hand pierced the gliding serpent. Is this serpent referring to Rahab the sea monster?
*Last, Bildad is told these things are just whispers and fringes of god's works. Who can understand the full extent of his power?
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Job 24 And 25
After reading chapter 24:
*Job is still speaking.He talks of the wicked who don't recieve their just deserts. They steal and oppress the poor and needy in various ways. In spite of that God doesn't set a day of judgement for them nor charges them with wrongdoing. (No judgement day???) Job talks about people who take advantage of the cover of darkness to do wicked or shameful things. He calls them friends of darkness, rebels against the light, figuratively and literally. In the end, the sinners will die too. No one will remember them. They may feel secure and attain reknown while alive, but they will be brought low and gathered in by the grim reaper, just like all the rest. Who can prove Job is wrong? Not I.
*After reading chapter 25:
Bildad replies. He says no person can be righteous or pure before God. Even the moon and stars don't measure up. We are just worms and maggots. Speak for yourself, Bildad!
It's a good thing I am not feeling depressed right now. I once bought into the worm theory of human existence. It did wonders for my self esteem.
Edited for spelling
*Job is still speaking.He talks of the wicked who don't recieve their just deserts. They steal and oppress the poor and needy in various ways. In spite of that God doesn't set a day of judgement for them nor charges them with wrongdoing. (No judgement day???) Job talks about people who take advantage of the cover of darkness to do wicked or shameful things. He calls them friends of darkness, rebels against the light, figuratively and literally. In the end, the sinners will die too. No one will remember them. They may feel secure and attain reknown while alive, but they will be brought low and gathered in by the grim reaper, just like all the rest. Who can prove Job is wrong? Not I.
*After reading chapter 25:
Bildad replies. He says no person can be righteous or pure before God. Even the moon and stars don't measure up. We are just worms and maggots. Speak for yourself, Bildad!
It's a good thing I am not feeling depressed right now. I once bought into the worm theory of human existence. It did wonders for my self esteem.
Edited for spelling
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Job chapter 22 and 23
After reading chapter 22:
*Eliphaz speaks. He asks what benefit is a man to God, even a wise man. (Good question.) Is Job being rebuked for his piety? Or maybe it's because he was wicked, selfish, unsympathetic and ruthless. That's why terrible things are happening to him. Isn't God looking down from the vaulted heavens? Does Job think god's view is obscured by the clouds? Then Eliphaz tells Job to submit to God so he will have peace and prosperity. Then surely God will hear his prayers and Job will be so tight with God that even the guilty will be delivered when Job asks for it.
After reading chapter 23:
*Job replies, of course. He's complaining bitterly. If he could find God, he would plead his case. However, Job hasn't found God in the east, west, north or south. But he believes God still knows about Job and how Job has kept God's commands. Even so, God does whatever he pleases and has plans, which is why Job is terrified. The darkness is not going to silence Job though.
*Eliphaz speaks. He asks what benefit is a man to God, even a wise man. (Good question.) Is Job being rebuked for his piety? Or maybe it's because he was wicked, selfish, unsympathetic and ruthless. That's why terrible things are happening to him. Isn't God looking down from the vaulted heavens? Does Job think god's view is obscured by the clouds? Then Eliphaz tells Job to submit to God so he will have peace and prosperity. Then surely God will hear his prayers and Job will be so tight with God that even the guilty will be delivered when Job asks for it.
After reading chapter 23:
*Job replies, of course. He's complaining bitterly. If he could find God, he would plead his case. However, Job hasn't found God in the east, west, north or south. But he believes God still knows about Job and how Job has kept God's commands. Even so, God does whatever he pleases and has plans, which is why Job is terrified. The darkness is not going to silence Job though.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Job chapter 20 and 21
After reading chapter 20:
*Now Zophar speaks. He is greatly disturbed by hearing a rebuke that dishonors him. His understanding causes him to reply. His reply is another poetic tirade of all the bad things that will happen to the wicked. That man's guilt will be exposed by the fate that God allots to the wicked.
After reading chapter 21:
*Job replies. He asks his " friends" to listen to his words, at least that would be some consolation. His complaint is not directed to men, presumably to God. In poetic language he asks why the wicked prosper, in his experience, even if they ignore God. This is in contrast to his friends' assertions that the wicked recieve what they deserve in this life. How often do they actually reap god's anger that has been said to be their fate?
*Then Job reminds them of a saying,"God stores up a man's punishment for his sons." Why doesn't he punish the man himself? God has the knowledge and the power to judge, but one man dies in ease, another dies in bitterness. They both end up the same place, in the grave.
*Next Job says he knows what they are thinking and they are wrong. They want to know where these wicked men who prosper live. He tells them to ask the people who travel through. Travellers will tell stories of evil men who are spared divine retribution and have numerous followers. So Job's friends' words are nonsense and falsehoods.
*Now Zophar speaks. He is greatly disturbed by hearing a rebuke that dishonors him. His understanding causes him to reply. His reply is another poetic tirade of all the bad things that will happen to the wicked. That man's guilt will be exposed by the fate that God allots to the wicked.
After reading chapter 21:
*Job replies. He asks his " friends" to listen to his words, at least that would be some consolation. His complaint is not directed to men, presumably to God. In poetic language he asks why the wicked prosper, in his experience, even if they ignore God. This is in contrast to his friends' assertions that the wicked recieve what they deserve in this life. How often do they actually reap god's anger that has been said to be their fate?
*Then Job reminds them of a saying,"God stores up a man's punishment for his sons." Why doesn't he punish the man himself? God has the knowledge and the power to judge, but one man dies in ease, another dies in bitterness. They both end up the same place, in the grave.
*Next Job says he knows what they are thinking and they are wrong. They want to know where these wicked men who prosper live. He tells them to ask the people who travel through. Travellers will tell stories of evil men who are spared divine retribution and have numerous followers. So Job's friends' words are nonsense and falsehoods.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Job chapter 18 and 19
After reading chapter 18:
*Bildad is talking. He berates Job for his speech making and for insinuating his friends are stupid. Is Job a special snowflake? Then in verses he goes on to poetically describe horrible things that happen to a wicked person. He gets what he deserves. Presumably, he is referring to Job as well.
After reading chapter 19
*Job replies. He says he is being tormented and attacked by words. Then he notes that if he has gone astray, that's his business, not anyone else's. Before they keep thinking they are so high and mighty, he wants to say that God has mistreated him. Even though he cries out to God that he has been wronged, he gets no answer. He feels god's anger through the things that are happening to him, but he is powerless to do anything about it.
*Next Job talks about how he has been deserted and detested by the people closest to him, his relatives, guests, servants, wife and friends. He asks for nothing but pity. Why should they pursue him the way God currently is?
*Verses 23-27 have a different feel than the surrounding passages. I'm no expert but they seem to be inserted into the text. I say this because verse 28 naturally appears to continue where 22 left off, with the the idea of Job's friend pursuing him. (In some translations it is persecute not pursue.) then Job ends with a warning that they may get divine payback themselves.
*I can tell you it is a relief to know that no invisible person has any responsibility for any of the bad things that happen in my life. It's either consequences of living in nature, my own actions, or the actions of others acting in nature. Sometimes stuff just happens and there is nothing anyone can do about it. It is human to want to assign blame somewhere. We rarely look at catastrophic and life changing events as morally neutral, but very often they are. Natural disasters and disease don't care how good a person is.
*Now let us look at those odd verses that appear to be added to the text. They say, "Oh that my words were recorded." Looky there, Job's wish came true! We are supposedly reading his recorded words right now. Next, Job says, "I know that my redeemer lives." This is a statement that has been coopted by christians and used to refer to Jesus. A redeemer would be someone who might pay another's debt to release that person from bondage, usually a relative. However, this passage sounds suspiciously like the concept of a spiritual redeemer, which we have not encountered before in the Old Testament writings. Then Job supposedly goes on to talk hopefully of being restored to his body and seeing God with his own eyes! This is definitely not a concept that has occurred in our previous readings. In fact Job has been quite pessimistic about his own death and eternal sleep in the grave.
*Bildad is talking. He berates Job for his speech making and for insinuating his friends are stupid. Is Job a special snowflake? Then in verses he goes on to poetically describe horrible things that happen to a wicked person. He gets what he deserves. Presumably, he is referring to Job as well.
After reading chapter 19
*Job replies. He says he is being tormented and attacked by words. Then he notes that if he has gone astray, that's his business, not anyone else's. Before they keep thinking they are so high and mighty, he wants to say that God has mistreated him. Even though he cries out to God that he has been wronged, he gets no answer. He feels god's anger through the things that are happening to him, but he is powerless to do anything about it.
*Next Job talks about how he has been deserted and detested by the people closest to him, his relatives, guests, servants, wife and friends. He asks for nothing but pity. Why should they pursue him the way God currently is?
*Verses 23-27 have a different feel than the surrounding passages. I'm no expert but they seem to be inserted into the text. I say this because verse 28 naturally appears to continue where 22 left off, with the the idea of Job's friend pursuing him. (In some translations it is persecute not pursue.) then Job ends with a warning that they may get divine payback themselves.
*I can tell you it is a relief to know that no invisible person has any responsibility for any of the bad things that happen in my life. It's either consequences of living in nature, my own actions, or the actions of others acting in nature. Sometimes stuff just happens and there is nothing anyone can do about it. It is human to want to assign blame somewhere. We rarely look at catastrophic and life changing events as morally neutral, but very often they are. Natural disasters and disease don't care how good a person is.
*Now let us look at those odd verses that appear to be added to the text. They say, "Oh that my words were recorded." Looky there, Job's wish came true! We are supposedly reading his recorded words right now. Next, Job says, "I know that my redeemer lives." This is a statement that has been coopted by christians and used to refer to Jesus. A redeemer would be someone who might pay another's debt to release that person from bondage, usually a relative. However, this passage sounds suspiciously like the concept of a spiritual redeemer, which we have not encountered before in the Old Testament writings. Then Job supposedly goes on to talk hopefully of being restored to his body and seeing God with his own eyes! This is definitely not a concept that has occurred in our previous readings. In fact Job has been quite pessimistic about his own death and eternal sleep in the grave.
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