This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 34:13
13 Who hath given him a charge [paqad] over the earth ['erets]? or who hath disposed [suwm] the whole world [tebel]? KJV-Interlinear
13 'Who gave Him authority over the earth? And who has laid on Him the whole world? NASB
Anyone who has an authority over them, has an obligation to their superior. All of humanity has to report to someone - children to parents, wives to husbands, privates to officers, employees to employers, automobile drivers to the rules of the road, etc., etc., etc.
The concept of authority is as broad as you can imagine. Anyone who rejects or rebels against authority has a major problem with orientation to reality and life.
Authority is a good principle. All of life balances on the proper function of authority. Authority teaches you humility, responsibility, orientation to reality and so forth. The authority concept is never intended to define superiority or inferiority as seen through arrogance.
But, as with anything in life, any good thing can be abused or ignored, and that leads to disruption, instability, and ultimately suffering. That is always the result when good principles are rejected, abused or modified.
Elihu's point here is that God can do no wrong. God is incapable of doing wrong. God is beholding and obligated to no one.
God is the source and the origin of His own authority, and this comes to define His sovereign essence.
This principle also leads us to the concept of our security in Him.
Since God is sovereign, and immutable, then regardless of the state of this world, we need not lose hope when life falls apart for us.
Never give up. Never give up hope. Hope being that realm beyond which you can go no further. Hope does not eliminate responsibility, but serves to enhance it.
We will always face evil in its many forms, but we are to never give up.
God gives us all support, but He also obligates us to think and act responsibly in life. We will always be faced with challenges, and life will not go well for us on many occasions, but always remember - Jesus Christ controls history.
I mentioned the other day that this election season does not appear too promising as far as the quality of the candidates. But not to worry. The world may rise and fall like a roller coaster. The economy will have its bumps in the road. Most all politicians believe that they can do the things necessary to control life, but they cannot.
Governments do not control life, and certainly politicians cannot. Everything comes courtesy of Jesus Christ.
But too, Christ will allow many difficult times come to pass. We have already studied this in Revelation. As the Church Age nears its close, that close being the Rapture, the spiritual quality of the population will decline. With that decline trouble will rise at alarming rates.
We do not know the timing of the Rapture, and we cannot project its date simply because of the existence of world trouble. History has already recorded plagues, world wars, famines and such that have been extremely severe. We may go through many more worldwide difficulties before the Rapture. But, the point here is, Jesus Christ controls history and it is His plan, the plan of the Father, which will proceed and prevail, not mans.
Evil will rise up and celebrate what it believes to be its victory. So what. Evil, negative spiritual volition, disregard of God and doctrine, indifference, apathy, arrogance and more will never escape its ultimate face-to-face meeting with Jesus. Then the celebration of evil will cease.
Jesus Christ is God. Jesus Christ received His authority from no man, from no angel, from no created thing. He is able not to sin, and not able to sin. He is incapable of unfair treatment toward anyone.
In Christ, there is safety and security, and confidence.
No matter what your circumstances in life, you will never fall out of His controlling hands.
The world may toss you about humiliatingly, but that should be of no concern to you. Let evil have its day. It will be short lived anyway. Your destiny will extend into eternity, and your life now will be transformed into an adventure rather than a burden.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Job 34:11-12
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 34:11-12
11 For the work [po`al] of a man ['adam] shall he render [shalam] unto him, and cause every man ['iysh] to find [matsa'] according to his ways ['orach].
12 Yea, surely ['omnam] God ['el] will not do wickedly [rasha`], neither will the Almighty [Shadday] pervert [`avath] judgment [mishpat]. KJV-Interlinear
11 'For He pays a man according to his work, And makes him find it according to his way. 12 'Surely, God will not act wickedly, And the Almighty will not pervert justice. NASB
Elihu keeps his comments within the realm of true principles. Indeed, man reaps from what he sows. And God cannot do any wrong.
As perfect deity, God is 'not able' to sin, and 'able to not' sin. God is perfect righteousness. He is the state of sinless perfection. In Him there is no flaw, no blemish, no taint of any kind.
Unlike the gods of folklore or mythology, gods which possess human flaws, probably because it was humans who invented these gods, the one true God is not imperfect as they are. People who lack perfection (which includes us all) will invent higher powers, but not so high that we cannot be equal with them in logic, or reason, or argument. After all man wants to believe that he is quite the charm of the universe and capable of conquering everything if given enough time and resources.
We are currently involved in a national election and we have three major but very disappointing candidates at the top of the list. One is ego driven, one is clueless regarding the real world, and the third acts without thought. What will become of us???
It would seem that the results of the past two elections, close as they were, have taught the vast majorities of the people, nothing. And, the candidates, as well as the people selecting them, have drifted further away from where courage, reason, integrity and truth reside.
You reap from what you sow. That is a truth on the individual level and it certainly is a truth on the national level. The big difference between the two, is that for the individual the problems that accompany a bad thinking process generally affect just him and those who are immediately around him.
On the national scale, when the vast majority of the people rush down the path of stupidity, then the entire nation suffers. And, a national suffering is not easy to escape. It is compounded suffering from the individual level as well as the national level. It is very difficult to change the thinking of an entire nation.
Jesus Christ controls history. When man drifts away from truth, then trouble soon follows. God assigns man his wages, and mans wages are based on the pattern of his life, which follows the pattern of his thinking.
God is righteousness and God is justice. Right is blessed. Wrong is cursed. God is consistent with the application of His policy to humanity, both on the individual scale as well as the national scale.
Hos. 10:12
12 Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord Until He comes to rain righteousness on you. NASB
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 34:11-12
11 For the work [po`al] of a man ['adam] shall he render [shalam] unto him, and cause every man ['iysh] to find [matsa'] according to his ways ['orach].
12 Yea, surely ['omnam] God ['el] will not do wickedly [rasha`], neither will the Almighty [Shadday] pervert [`avath] judgment [mishpat]. KJV-Interlinear
11 'For He pays a man according to his work, And makes him find it according to his way. 12 'Surely, God will not act wickedly, And the Almighty will not pervert justice. NASB
Elihu keeps his comments within the realm of true principles. Indeed, man reaps from what he sows. And God cannot do any wrong.
As perfect deity, God is 'not able' to sin, and 'able to not' sin. God is perfect righteousness. He is the state of sinless perfection. In Him there is no flaw, no blemish, no taint of any kind.
Unlike the gods of folklore or mythology, gods which possess human flaws, probably because it was humans who invented these gods, the one true God is not imperfect as they are. People who lack perfection (which includes us all) will invent higher powers, but not so high that we cannot be equal with them in logic, or reason, or argument. After all man wants to believe that he is quite the charm of the universe and capable of conquering everything if given enough time and resources.
We are currently involved in a national election and we have three major but very disappointing candidates at the top of the list. One is ego driven, one is clueless regarding the real world, and the third acts without thought. What will become of us???
It would seem that the results of the past two elections, close as they were, have taught the vast majorities of the people, nothing. And, the candidates, as well as the people selecting them, have drifted further away from where courage, reason, integrity and truth reside.
You reap from what you sow. That is a truth on the individual level and it certainly is a truth on the national level. The big difference between the two, is that for the individual the problems that accompany a bad thinking process generally affect just him and those who are immediately around him.
On the national scale, when the vast majority of the people rush down the path of stupidity, then the entire nation suffers. And, a national suffering is not easy to escape. It is compounded suffering from the individual level as well as the national level. It is very difficult to change the thinking of an entire nation.
Jesus Christ controls history. When man drifts away from truth, then trouble soon follows. God assigns man his wages, and mans wages are based on the pattern of his life, which follows the pattern of his thinking.
God is righteousness and God is justice. Right is blessed. Wrong is cursed. God is consistent with the application of His policy to humanity, both on the individual scale as well as the national scale.
Hos. 10:12
12 Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord Until He comes to rain righteousness on you. NASB
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Job 34:10
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 34:10
10 Therefore hearken [shama`] unto me, ye men ['enowsh] of understanding [lebab]: far be it [chaliylah] from God ['el], that he should do wickedness [resha`]; and from the Almighty [Shadday], that he should commit iniquity [`evel]. KJV-Interlinear
10 'Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to do wrong. NASB
'Men of understanding' means 'men of heart.' The Bible always refers to the heart as the mechanism of the circulation of information in the soul. The Bible does not refer to the head or the mind as the seat of that function. The heart presents a clear and better reference to the pumping, the circulation action of using what one knows, rather than just being a storehouse of 'mindless' details.
Now Elihu has stated that he has been listening to everything that has been said by the four men. That he wants to look at things objectively and not take sides. And to that end, he has misquoted Job and misinterpreted Jobs words. And, now he will seemingly go off into a stream of principles, which really have nothing to do with Job or this conversation.
Most of what he has to say will be said correctly. But the relevance of his statements to the current discussion isn't really there.
Kind of like the current political scene. Words are spoken in generalities, but lacking substance and more often lacking relevance to anything in reality. They just sound good to anyone who listens to them with mindless wonderment, instead of with discerning thought.
This is part of why the four men do not respond to Elihu. He is simply itemizing scriptural principles, but never making any point.
Elihu has misspoken Job. Now he asks a rhetorical question, 'Can God do wrong? Can God pursue wickness? Is God a God of 'Do anything to anyone at anytime?' '
And the answer to those questions is, 'Of course not.'
God is perfect. Gods is omnipotent. God is omniscient. God is sovereign. God is veracity. God is righteous. God is justice. God is immutable. God is omnipresent. God is love. God is eternal life.
Most folks get the 'love' part mixed up with the emotion, but 'love' is a reference to the source and content of truth. Review the study in 1, 2, 3 Jn.
So the question. Is God a god of haphazard thought and action? Is God a god of spontaneous reaction? Is God a god of reaction? Is God a god of indifference? Does God consider man as an inconvenience to His existence? Does God do things arbitrarily? Can God do anything wrong? Does God cause harm to man for no reason? And that last question is really Elihu's point, and his subtle jab at Job.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 34:10
10 Therefore hearken [shama`] unto me, ye men ['enowsh] of understanding [lebab]: far be it [chaliylah] from God ['el], that he should do wickedness [resha`]; and from the Almighty [Shadday], that he should commit iniquity [`evel]. KJV-Interlinear
10 'Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to do wrong. NASB
'Men of understanding' means 'men of heart.' The Bible always refers to the heart as the mechanism of the circulation of information in the soul. The Bible does not refer to the head or the mind as the seat of that function. The heart presents a clear and better reference to the pumping, the circulation action of using what one knows, rather than just being a storehouse of 'mindless' details.
Now Elihu has stated that he has been listening to everything that has been said by the four men. That he wants to look at things objectively and not take sides. And to that end, he has misquoted Job and misinterpreted Jobs words. And, now he will seemingly go off into a stream of principles, which really have nothing to do with Job or this conversation.
Most of what he has to say will be said correctly. But the relevance of his statements to the current discussion isn't really there.
Kind of like the current political scene. Words are spoken in generalities, but lacking substance and more often lacking relevance to anything in reality. They just sound good to anyone who listens to them with mindless wonderment, instead of with discerning thought.
This is part of why the four men do not respond to Elihu. He is simply itemizing scriptural principles, but never making any point.
Elihu has misspoken Job. Now he asks a rhetorical question, 'Can God do wrong? Can God pursue wickness? Is God a God of 'Do anything to anyone at anytime?' '
And the answer to those questions is, 'Of course not.'
God is perfect. Gods is omnipotent. God is omniscient. God is sovereign. God is veracity. God is righteous. God is justice. God is immutable. God is omnipresent. God is love. God is eternal life.
Most folks get the 'love' part mixed up with the emotion, but 'love' is a reference to the source and content of truth. Review the study in 1, 2, 3 Jn.
So the question. Is God a god of haphazard thought and action? Is God a god of spontaneous reaction? Is God a god of reaction? Is God a god of indifference? Does God consider man as an inconvenience to His existence? Does God do things arbitrarily? Can God do anything wrong? Does God cause harm to man for no reason? And that last question is really Elihu's point, and his subtle jab at Job.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Job 34:7-9
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 34:7-9
7 What man [geber] is like Job ['Iyowb], who drinketh up [shathah] scorning [la`ag] like water [mayim]?
8 Which goeth ['arach] in company [chebrah] with the workers [pa`al] of iniquity ['aven], and walketh [yalak] with wicked [resha`] men ['enowsh].
9 For he hath said ['amar], It profiteth [cakan] a man [geber] nothing that he should delight [ratsah] himself with God ['elohiym]. KJV-Interlinear
7 'What man is like Job, Who drinks up derision like water, 8 Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, And walks with wicked men? 9 'For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing When he is pleased with God.' NASB
Back in our study in Job 9:22, Job made these similar remarks, but again, Elihu quotes them incorrectly. Elihu has already stated that he has listened closely to all that has been said by all of these older men, but clearly by now it should be obvious that Elihu did not recall the words correctly nor the context of them, and therefore not their meaning.
God has a policy, which treats everyone the same. Whether you are among the good and decent people in history, or whether you are among the lowest of the low, it makes no difference.
All have sinned, and therefore all are treated according to the requirements of Gods righteousness and justice first, and then love and grace second.
The nicest of people will go to the Lake of Fire if they refuse to believe in the savior, Jesus Christ. The most ruthless of villains will go to heaven if they have believed in the savior, Jesus Christ. So, whether a person is guiltless, so to speak, or wicked, their life style is irrelevant. Gods policy is what is important, not mans thoughts and actions.
Any person can imitate evil patterns of life. Whether you are saved or unsaved, makes no difference. Gods policy is clear. Believe in Christ and be saved. That is the only way of being saved. The Bible presents no other alternative. So the nicest of people cannot enter into heaven, just because they have the most pleasant personality ever. By rejecting Christ, the arrogance of rejecting Gods plan is still the stumbling block deciding ones future.
Now Elihu gets a little derisive or snooty, by suggesting that Job drinks in insults as his pattern of life, that Job seeks out the company of lesser than righteous people (the wrong side of the track crowd) and tries to live a life of hypocrisy. Acting and saying the righteous words of doctrine while simultaneously living among the bad crowd.
But then, didn’t Christ do this same thing? Wasn't he accused of consorting with sinners, prostitutes, and tax collectors? And who made those accusations? The righteous crowd, the chiefs of the priesthood, those who should have understood the principles of doctrine taught by the scriptures.
And so here we have an accidental (so far as Elihu is concerned) comparison of Jesus, who is the most perfect man ever, and Job. With an accusation coming from Elihu, who was greatly knowledgeable in doctrine, but still missing some of the subtleties of its principles, and therefore missing the point entirely.
People can know a lot of the scriptures, and still miss the point. Only a daily study combined with an open mind (fellowship) will allow you to be able to sort out the truth of a matter.
Only sinners, only people who are not advancing in their spiritual life, only people who seize hold of their old thoughts (prior to doctrine) will sooner or later be overwhelmed by the pressures of this world.
Only these people, who lack patience, will begin to have there doubts about the benefits of the spiritual life. Spiritually weak people will question the value of doctrine. Thy will question the value of faith. They will be the 'Why me,' crowd. They will be the, 'How can a loving God …,' crowd.
They will begin to believe that it makes no difference whether you live a life as a sinner or a non-sinner, because everything turns out either good or sour anyway.
But then, did God put you here in this world to remain here forever? Or, is there some other purpose?
Do we look to God with thanks, only when things go well, and whine when things fall apart?
What is the objective of our Bible study anyway?
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 34:7-9
7 What man [geber] is like Job ['Iyowb], who drinketh up [shathah] scorning [la`ag] like water [mayim]?
8 Which goeth ['arach] in company [chebrah] with the workers [pa`al] of iniquity ['aven], and walketh [yalak] with wicked [resha`] men ['enowsh].
9 For he hath said ['amar], It profiteth [cakan] a man [geber] nothing that he should delight [ratsah] himself with God ['elohiym]. KJV-Interlinear
7 'What man is like Job, Who drinks up derision like water, 8 Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, And walks with wicked men? 9 'For he has said, 'It profits a man nothing When he is pleased with God.' NASB
Back in our study in Job 9:22, Job made these similar remarks, but again, Elihu quotes them incorrectly. Elihu has already stated that he has listened closely to all that has been said by all of these older men, but clearly by now it should be obvious that Elihu did not recall the words correctly nor the context of them, and therefore not their meaning.
God has a policy, which treats everyone the same. Whether you are among the good and decent people in history, or whether you are among the lowest of the low, it makes no difference.
All have sinned, and therefore all are treated according to the requirements of Gods righteousness and justice first, and then love and grace second.
The nicest of people will go to the Lake of Fire if they refuse to believe in the savior, Jesus Christ. The most ruthless of villains will go to heaven if they have believed in the savior, Jesus Christ. So, whether a person is guiltless, so to speak, or wicked, their life style is irrelevant. Gods policy is what is important, not mans thoughts and actions.
Any person can imitate evil patterns of life. Whether you are saved or unsaved, makes no difference. Gods policy is clear. Believe in Christ and be saved. That is the only way of being saved. The Bible presents no other alternative. So the nicest of people cannot enter into heaven, just because they have the most pleasant personality ever. By rejecting Christ, the arrogance of rejecting Gods plan is still the stumbling block deciding ones future.
Now Elihu gets a little derisive or snooty, by suggesting that Job drinks in insults as his pattern of life, that Job seeks out the company of lesser than righteous people (the wrong side of the track crowd) and tries to live a life of hypocrisy. Acting and saying the righteous words of doctrine while simultaneously living among the bad crowd.
But then, didn’t Christ do this same thing? Wasn't he accused of consorting with sinners, prostitutes, and tax collectors? And who made those accusations? The righteous crowd, the chiefs of the priesthood, those who should have understood the principles of doctrine taught by the scriptures.
And so here we have an accidental (so far as Elihu is concerned) comparison of Jesus, who is the most perfect man ever, and Job. With an accusation coming from Elihu, who was greatly knowledgeable in doctrine, but still missing some of the subtleties of its principles, and therefore missing the point entirely.
People can know a lot of the scriptures, and still miss the point. Only a daily study combined with an open mind (fellowship) will allow you to be able to sort out the truth of a matter.
Only sinners, only people who are not advancing in their spiritual life, only people who seize hold of their old thoughts (prior to doctrine) will sooner or later be overwhelmed by the pressures of this world.
Only these people, who lack patience, will begin to have there doubts about the benefits of the spiritual life. Spiritually weak people will question the value of doctrine. Thy will question the value of faith. They will be the 'Why me,' crowd. They will be the, 'How can a loving God …,' crowd.
They will begin to believe that it makes no difference whether you live a life as a sinner or a non-sinner, because everything turns out either good or sour anyway.
But then, did God put you here in this world to remain here forever? Or, is there some other purpose?
Do we look to God with thanks, only when things go well, and whine when things fall apart?
What is the objective of our Bible study anyway?
Monday, February 25, 2008
Job 34:5-6
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 34:5-6
5 For Job ['Iyowb] hath said ['amar], I am righteous [tsadaq]: and God ['el] hath taken away [cuwr] my judgment [mishpat].
6 Should I lie [kazab] against my right [mishpat]? my wound [chets] is incurable ['anash] without transgression [pesha`]. KJV-Interlinear
5 'For Job has said, 'I am righteous, But God has taken away my right; 6 Should I lie concerning my right? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.' NASB
Even though Elihu has spoken some truthful concepts, here he departs from Jobs words and begins putting his (Elihu's) own words in Jobs mouth as though Job had spoken them. Elihu does this by making interpretations of what he has heard Job say, paraphrasing rather than quoting correctly.
But in so doing, Elihu will set himself up for a remarkable comparison between Job and Christ, and without realizing it. But more on that later.
Job made these similar comments in Job 13:18, 23:10-11, and 27:2. You can refer to those specific studies for the details of those verses.
Job has been under a siege of accusations from his three friends, that his suffering was an obvious indication and a result of his evil or sinful life.
Job has responded that this is not the case. Job has stated that he is a sinner and not perfect, but with respect to his relationship with God, he is righteous, perfect, and sinless as it were. But this is a result of his consistency in confession and in his maintaining, to the best of his ability, his spiritual life.
In verse six, Elihu puts words in Jobs mouth, words which Job did not say, nor even mean.
Elihu suggests that Jobs wounds, his suffering, is an incurable wound from a deep penetrating arrow. A wound which is fatal, and that this wound or suffering is not a result of sins because he is without sins. And Elihu's words here, placed in Jobs mouth, is a distortion of what Job has been saying throughout this entire conversation.
Even a person who has strong doctrinal understanding, can have flaws in his spiritual life because he heard the words but not their meaning. Therefore, Elihu's conclusions are in error.
Man is born physically alive but spiritually dead. In this state, man has 'forever life' for the soul never ceases to exist, but he has no relationship with God. That makes mans destiny one of forever separated from God. Since God is life, God is order, God is the sole support of all that exists, then when one lacks this relationship then ones life in eternity will be one of chaos, disorder, disaster, total aloneness, complete and horrible terror - forever.
God provides the gospel and that gives man the opportunity to terminate his eternal separation status.
But while spiritually dead, man by default is unrighteous.
When we believe in Christ, then all of our unrighteousness is erased. We become by default, righteous.
Did we change at all, in that moment of time when we believed in Christ? Did our body suddenly change? No. But God imputed His own righteousness as well as His justice into our account as it were.
We still are made of flesh and blood. We still commit sins. We still get angry and worry and do all the things we did before being saved. The only difference in our life now is that God has elevated us to a new plane of existence. He made us younger than a childs skin. He created us into a new spiritual species.
Not that we can see any of this, and certainly no one else can see the changes in us either, but Gods changes are spiritual and therefore undetectable by any human means.
Physically we have not changed, but spiritually we have been transformed into something totally new. Something which does not come from this earth, but from God alone.
We sin and we confess. God takes us into fellowship when we confess, because that is His procedure for training us in our spiritual life.
Those who agree with this plan, conform to it and comply with His rules. Those who disagree with Gods plan, refuse to conform to His rules. And that is the whole idea of Christianity verses any other system of belief.
Christ is the center piece of Christianity and a relationship with God. You either agree with this or you try making up your own rules.
Now, Job complied with Gods rules. Back in his day, the sacrifices were a teaching mechanism for instruction in Bible doctrine. He sinned, just as everyone did, and he made his confessional offerings. In fellowship, he was 'perfect,' 'righteous,' 'free' from sin as it were, because that is how the spiritual life works.
Job never stated that he was absolutely perfect, but only perfect as determined and defined by Gods rules concerning fellowship.
We all live in this devils world and as such will suffer the punishments (sufferings) of an enemy of God. And in a way, that is a good thing because we can then learn that being Gods enemy, or taking any position which is opposite of God, is a really bad place to exist.
So, salvation will not make you perfect as far as this world is concerned. Life goes on. Confessing your sins will not create a fortress of walls around you such that you will be safe from the sufferings of this world.
What these things do are to advance you in your spiritual life, which is preparation for the next life and serves to stabilize this current life. The world will hurl difficulties at you throughout your life, but with God in your life, the world can never defeat you. That is to say, the world can never separate you from God, from heaven, from your eternal relationship with God, so long as you have believed in Christ, of course.
But then, Elihu most likely knows all of this, and yet he slips away from sound doctrine and logic with his accusations of subjectively defining the meaning of Jobs words. So even Elihu is not perfect!
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 34:5-6
5 For Job ['Iyowb] hath said ['amar], I am righteous [tsadaq]: and God ['el] hath taken away [cuwr] my judgment [mishpat].
6 Should I lie [kazab] against my right [mishpat]? my wound [chets] is incurable ['anash] without transgression [pesha`]. KJV-Interlinear
5 'For Job has said, 'I am righteous, But God has taken away my right; 6 Should I lie concerning my right? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.' NASB
Even though Elihu has spoken some truthful concepts, here he departs from Jobs words and begins putting his (Elihu's) own words in Jobs mouth as though Job had spoken them. Elihu does this by making interpretations of what he has heard Job say, paraphrasing rather than quoting correctly.
But in so doing, Elihu will set himself up for a remarkable comparison between Job and Christ, and without realizing it. But more on that later.
Job made these similar comments in Job 13:18, 23:10-11, and 27:2. You can refer to those specific studies for the details of those verses.
Job has been under a siege of accusations from his three friends, that his suffering was an obvious indication and a result of his evil or sinful life.
Job has responded that this is not the case. Job has stated that he is a sinner and not perfect, but with respect to his relationship with God, he is righteous, perfect, and sinless as it were. But this is a result of his consistency in confession and in his maintaining, to the best of his ability, his spiritual life.
In verse six, Elihu puts words in Jobs mouth, words which Job did not say, nor even mean.
Elihu suggests that Jobs wounds, his suffering, is an incurable wound from a deep penetrating arrow. A wound which is fatal, and that this wound or suffering is not a result of sins because he is without sins. And Elihu's words here, placed in Jobs mouth, is a distortion of what Job has been saying throughout this entire conversation.
Even a person who has strong doctrinal understanding, can have flaws in his spiritual life because he heard the words but not their meaning. Therefore, Elihu's conclusions are in error.
Man is born physically alive but spiritually dead. In this state, man has 'forever life' for the soul never ceases to exist, but he has no relationship with God. That makes mans destiny one of forever separated from God. Since God is life, God is order, God is the sole support of all that exists, then when one lacks this relationship then ones life in eternity will be one of chaos, disorder, disaster, total aloneness, complete and horrible terror - forever.
God provides the gospel and that gives man the opportunity to terminate his eternal separation status.
But while spiritually dead, man by default is unrighteous.
When we believe in Christ, then all of our unrighteousness is erased. We become by default, righteous.
Did we change at all, in that moment of time when we believed in Christ? Did our body suddenly change? No. But God imputed His own righteousness as well as His justice into our account as it were.
We still are made of flesh and blood. We still commit sins. We still get angry and worry and do all the things we did before being saved. The only difference in our life now is that God has elevated us to a new plane of existence. He made us younger than a childs skin. He created us into a new spiritual species.
Not that we can see any of this, and certainly no one else can see the changes in us either, but Gods changes are spiritual and therefore undetectable by any human means.
Physically we have not changed, but spiritually we have been transformed into something totally new. Something which does not come from this earth, but from God alone.
We sin and we confess. God takes us into fellowship when we confess, because that is His procedure for training us in our spiritual life.
Those who agree with this plan, conform to it and comply with His rules. Those who disagree with Gods plan, refuse to conform to His rules. And that is the whole idea of Christianity verses any other system of belief.
Christ is the center piece of Christianity and a relationship with God. You either agree with this or you try making up your own rules.
Now, Job complied with Gods rules. Back in his day, the sacrifices were a teaching mechanism for instruction in Bible doctrine. He sinned, just as everyone did, and he made his confessional offerings. In fellowship, he was 'perfect,' 'righteous,' 'free' from sin as it were, because that is how the spiritual life works.
Job never stated that he was absolutely perfect, but only perfect as determined and defined by Gods rules concerning fellowship.
We all live in this devils world and as such will suffer the punishments (sufferings) of an enemy of God. And in a way, that is a good thing because we can then learn that being Gods enemy, or taking any position which is opposite of God, is a really bad place to exist.
So, salvation will not make you perfect as far as this world is concerned. Life goes on. Confessing your sins will not create a fortress of walls around you such that you will be safe from the sufferings of this world.
What these things do are to advance you in your spiritual life, which is preparation for the next life and serves to stabilize this current life. The world will hurl difficulties at you throughout your life, but with God in your life, the world can never defeat you. That is to say, the world can never separate you from God, from heaven, from your eternal relationship with God, so long as you have believed in Christ, of course.
But then, Elihu most likely knows all of this, and yet he slips away from sound doctrine and logic with his accusations of subjectively defining the meaning of Jobs words. So even Elihu is not perfect!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Job 34:4
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 34:4
4 Let us choose [bachar] to us judgment [mishpat]: let us know [yada`] among ourselves what is good [towb]. KJV-Interlinear
4 'Let us choose for ourselves what is right; Let us know among ourselves what is good. NASB
Elihu lays the foundation for what we read in 1 Thess. 5.
1 Thess. 5:21-22
21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil. NASB
We do not choose what we wish to be right and to be wrong. That is what the world does already. Making everything relative such that anything can be justified in mans eyes.
But we have to remain within the context of the Book of Job and within the context of the Bible. We study to show ourselves approved, which means that we study in order to learn, in order to understand, in order to grow up spiritually to maturity. From our studies, we examine everything we learn. This helps us to be able to discern between that which is true and that which is false.
Often times we will come to a confrontation between what we have been brought up believing, and what the Bible teaches. And in that case, our biases, our prejudices, our personal feelings will interfere with our objectivity.
But with continued study, with regular study, with daily study, then the Holy Spirit, who reveals all truth to your inner soul through your human spirit, will eventually make all things of truth, clear to your mind.
And when truth becomes clear, then you face a second challenge, and that challenge is your letting go of your former beliefs. That can be a tough one in many cases, and depending on the subject in question.
For example, if you have been brought up believing that chewing gum on Sunday is a sin, then when you come to realize that is not the case, it may be easy to dismiss the former belief.
But when your former belief deals with marriage, with divorce, with homosexuality, with abortion, with global warming, with politics and so forth, then these beliefs can tend to bring anxiety, even revolt if you come to the understanding that your former beliefs are wrong, and yet you want to hang on to them.
Again, time will solve it all. That is, time will solve your understanding if you keep on with your Bible studies.
If you run into a conflict between the Bible and what you believe and then turn away from the Bible, or align yourself with a study that teaches things the way you want them to be taught, then your understanding of truth will take longer.
But then, Elihu has already indicated that truth is clear to us all, it is our acceptance of it that really is the crux of our failure to grow up spiritually. And, it is this stubbornness that prevents our spiritual blessings from becoming a reality in our lives.
You can be your own worst enemy.
People who reject doctrine will have a tendency to withdraw from society, they will have a tendency in trying to control those around them, they will have a tendency to make unimportant things into mountains, and important things into molehills. They will think more of themselves, and be more than willing to embarrass or give up others in order to alleviate or satisfy their own hate or selfish interest.
And more than this, rejection of truth will always end up in self delusion and ultimate disaster for ones own life.
Therefore, Elihu gives good advice. Keep on studying, keep on evaluating, keep on testing everything you hear or learn in life. But most important of all, keep on with your daily Bible studies, for without that standard, you will have no way to gauge the accuracy of everything you hear or learn.
Through doctrine, you will eventually know, with certainty, what is true and what is false in life.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 34:4
4 Let us choose [bachar] to us judgment [mishpat]: let us know [yada`] among ourselves what is good [towb]. KJV-Interlinear
4 'Let us choose for ourselves what is right; Let us know among ourselves what is good. NASB
Elihu lays the foundation for what we read in 1 Thess. 5.
1 Thess. 5:21-22
21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil. NASB
We do not choose what we wish to be right and to be wrong. That is what the world does already. Making everything relative such that anything can be justified in mans eyes.
But we have to remain within the context of the Book of Job and within the context of the Bible. We study to show ourselves approved, which means that we study in order to learn, in order to understand, in order to grow up spiritually to maturity. From our studies, we examine everything we learn. This helps us to be able to discern between that which is true and that which is false.
Often times we will come to a confrontation between what we have been brought up believing, and what the Bible teaches. And in that case, our biases, our prejudices, our personal feelings will interfere with our objectivity.
But with continued study, with regular study, with daily study, then the Holy Spirit, who reveals all truth to your inner soul through your human spirit, will eventually make all things of truth, clear to your mind.
And when truth becomes clear, then you face a second challenge, and that challenge is your letting go of your former beliefs. That can be a tough one in many cases, and depending on the subject in question.
For example, if you have been brought up believing that chewing gum on Sunday is a sin, then when you come to realize that is not the case, it may be easy to dismiss the former belief.
But when your former belief deals with marriage, with divorce, with homosexuality, with abortion, with global warming, with politics and so forth, then these beliefs can tend to bring anxiety, even revolt if you come to the understanding that your former beliefs are wrong, and yet you want to hang on to them.
Again, time will solve it all. That is, time will solve your understanding if you keep on with your Bible studies.
If you run into a conflict between the Bible and what you believe and then turn away from the Bible, or align yourself with a study that teaches things the way you want them to be taught, then your understanding of truth will take longer.
But then, Elihu has already indicated that truth is clear to us all, it is our acceptance of it that really is the crux of our failure to grow up spiritually. And, it is this stubbornness that prevents our spiritual blessings from becoming a reality in our lives.
You can be your own worst enemy.
People who reject doctrine will have a tendency to withdraw from society, they will have a tendency in trying to control those around them, they will have a tendency to make unimportant things into mountains, and important things into molehills. They will think more of themselves, and be more than willing to embarrass or give up others in order to alleviate or satisfy their own hate or selfish interest.
And more than this, rejection of truth will always end up in self delusion and ultimate disaster for ones own life.
Therefore, Elihu gives good advice. Keep on studying, keep on evaluating, keep on testing everything you hear or learn in life. But most important of all, keep on with your daily Bible studies, for without that standard, you will have no way to gauge the accuracy of everything you hear or learn.
Through doctrine, you will eventually know, with certainty, what is true and what is false in life.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Job 34:1-3
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 34:1-3
1 Furthermore Elihu ['Eliyhuw] answered [`anah] and said ['amar],
2 Hear [shama`] my words [millah], O ye wise [chakam] men; and give ear ['azan] unto me, ye that have knowledge [yada`].
3 For the ear ['ozen] trieth [bachan] words [millah], as the mouth [chek] tasteth [ta`am] meat ['akal]. KJV-Interlinear
1 Then Elihu continued and said, 2 'Hear my words, you wise men, And listen to me, you who know. 3 'For the ear tests words, As the palate tastes food. NASB
In the last chapter, Elihu summarizes the commonness of mankind, and the thoroughness and attention which God gives to the details of life. He summarizes the nature of mans relationship with God from salvation to the ongoing fellowship nature of mans spirituality. And the universal nature throughout the world which God has made truth known to all of humanity.
Now, Elihu will address how it is impossible to deal with God on mans level of unrighteousnss, the power of God, and how God should be addressed by humanity.
Elihu begins with mans testing of the words of truth.
The world is full of false concepts. They were all originated by Satan, but they are perpetuated by mans indifference toward truth.
Just as we all test foods, by tasting them, before we decide they are either good or bad, so too, we should all examine everything we hear and learn from this world.
Doctrine is no different in so far as we should test its every detail.
But truth will always stand on its own without any need for support. The lies of this world require much more support, much more in the way of deception, much more in the way of convincing everyone of their importance.
If a thing is truth then it will make itself obvious. If a thing is not truth, then it has to create a web of bureaucracy in order to give itself the appearance of truth.
The world is full of subtleties, and everything in life must be tested in order to determine, in order to discern whether it is truth or not. 'Study to show thyself approved unto God … rightly dividing (discerning) the word of truth.'
Truth can only be revealed by truth. Lies can only be revealed by truth. Lies will never reveal themselves. Lies will never reveal truth.
The only means of access to truth is through consistent residency within the fellowship sphere.
Outside of fellowship with God and absent a strong daily diet of Bible doctrine, the deceptions of the world are powerful, and on ones own, you cannot discern your way out of the darkness, the deep darkness of the opinions (religions, beliefs, philosophies, etc.) of this world. They are a strong delusion which can only be overcome by Bible doctrine.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 34:1-3
1 Furthermore Elihu ['Eliyhuw] answered [`anah] and said ['amar],
2 Hear [shama`] my words [millah], O ye wise [chakam] men; and give ear ['azan] unto me, ye that have knowledge [yada`].
3 For the ear ['ozen] trieth [bachan] words [millah], as the mouth [chek] tasteth [ta`am] meat ['akal]. KJV-Interlinear
1 Then Elihu continued and said, 2 'Hear my words, you wise men, And listen to me, you who know. 3 'For the ear tests words, As the palate tastes food. NASB
In the last chapter, Elihu summarizes the commonness of mankind, and the thoroughness and attention which God gives to the details of life. He summarizes the nature of mans relationship with God from salvation to the ongoing fellowship nature of mans spirituality. And the universal nature throughout the world which God has made truth known to all of humanity.
Now, Elihu will address how it is impossible to deal with God on mans level of unrighteousnss, the power of God, and how God should be addressed by humanity.
Elihu begins with mans testing of the words of truth.
The world is full of false concepts. They were all originated by Satan, but they are perpetuated by mans indifference toward truth.
Just as we all test foods, by tasting them, before we decide they are either good or bad, so too, we should all examine everything we hear and learn from this world.
Doctrine is no different in so far as we should test its every detail.
But truth will always stand on its own without any need for support. The lies of this world require much more support, much more in the way of deception, much more in the way of convincing everyone of their importance.
If a thing is truth then it will make itself obvious. If a thing is not truth, then it has to create a web of bureaucracy in order to give itself the appearance of truth.
The world is full of subtleties, and everything in life must be tested in order to determine, in order to discern whether it is truth or not. 'Study to show thyself approved unto God … rightly dividing (discerning) the word of truth.'
Truth can only be revealed by truth. Lies can only be revealed by truth. Lies will never reveal themselves. Lies will never reveal truth.
The only means of access to truth is through consistent residency within the fellowship sphere.
Outside of fellowship with God and absent a strong daily diet of Bible doctrine, the deceptions of the world are powerful, and on ones own, you cannot discern your way out of the darkness, the deep darkness of the opinions (religions, beliefs, philosophies, etc.) of this world. They are a strong delusion which can only be overcome by Bible doctrine.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Job 33:31-33
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 33:31-33
31 Mark well [qashab], O Job ['Iyowb], hearken [shama`] unto me: hold thy peace [charash], and I will speak [dabar].
32 If thou hast [yesh] any thing to say [millah], answer [shuwb] me: speak [dabar], for I desire [chaphets] to justify [tsadaq] thee.
33 If not, hearken [shama`] unto me: hold thy peace [charash], and I shall teach ['alph] thee wisdom [chokmah]. KJV-Interlinear
31 'Pay attention, O Job, listen to me; Keep silent and let me speak. 32 'Then if you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you. 33 'If not, listen to me; Keep silent, and I will teach you wisdom.' NASB
Of all of the chapters in the Old Testament, this chapter is perhaps the most revealing as to just how folks in the Old Testament understood the concept of salvation.
According to Elihu, a much younger man than those elders present, and therefore from a younger generation, much younger than the older generations from the time of Noah. It is from his own mouth that we learn of his understanding of salvation and of the role of God, all three members of the Trinity, with respect to mans relationship with Him.
He referenced to being in the spirit, and from that venue only, truth can be expressed. The state of fellowship is one which is under the control of the Holy Spirit. And that state once one has been saved, is attained and maintained through confession.
Job offered confessional sacrifices for himself and his family way back in the first chapters of this book.
Job himself, referenced to God as His redeemer, his advocate, being both equal with himself, a man, and equal with God as advocate (the Son), making intercession with God (the Father).
Elihu referred to mans hearing the message of truth, from a unique messenger (the Son), which after hearing that message and believing in it, the man will be made anew with skin younger than that of a child, being born all over again into the spiritual realm, from which he could then have a relationship with God (all three members of the Trinity).
That once born anew, could clean himself up over and over, again and again through confession, in which God would redeem (forgive) mans flaws and restore His (Gods) righteousness to man, thus restoring mans access to God.
Elihu and Job alike, both refer to multiple roles within the Godhead. Roles, which we have come to know from our later New Testament books as salvation, fellowship and the functions within our spiritual life.
Now Elihu, still with great respect, asks Job for his silence, so that he can continue his discourse of truth (wisdom). He allows a pause such that Job as well as the others present could challenge his comments, but is met with silence.
It is that silence, which speaks the loudest among all present, in that they all agree with Elihu's descriptions and his understanding of doctrine.
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Job 33:31-33
31 Mark well [qashab], O Job ['Iyowb], hearken [shama`] unto me: hold thy peace [charash], and I will speak [dabar].
32 If thou hast [yesh] any thing to say [millah], answer [shuwb] me: speak [dabar], for I desire [chaphets] to justify [tsadaq] thee.
33 If not, hearken [shama`] unto me: hold thy peace [charash], and I shall teach ['alph] thee wisdom [chokmah]. KJV-Interlinear
31 'Pay attention, O Job, listen to me; Keep silent and let me speak. 32 'Then if you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you. 33 'If not, listen to me; Keep silent, and I will teach you wisdom.' NASB
Of all of the chapters in the Old Testament, this chapter is perhaps the most revealing as to just how folks in the Old Testament understood the concept of salvation.
According to Elihu, a much younger man than those elders present, and therefore from a younger generation, much younger than the older generations from the time of Noah. It is from his own mouth that we learn of his understanding of salvation and of the role of God, all three members of the Trinity, with respect to mans relationship with Him.
He referenced to being in the spirit, and from that venue only, truth can be expressed. The state of fellowship is one which is under the control of the Holy Spirit. And that state once one has been saved, is attained and maintained through confession.
Job offered confessional sacrifices for himself and his family way back in the first chapters of this book.
Job himself, referenced to God as His redeemer, his advocate, being both equal with himself, a man, and equal with God as advocate (the Son), making intercession with God (the Father).
Elihu referred to mans hearing the message of truth, from a unique messenger (the Son), which after hearing that message and believing in it, the man will be made anew with skin younger than that of a child, being born all over again into the spiritual realm, from which he could then have a relationship with God (all three members of the Trinity).
That once born anew, could clean himself up over and over, again and again through confession, in which God would redeem (forgive) mans flaws and restore His (Gods) righteousness to man, thus restoring mans access to God.
Elihu and Job alike, both refer to multiple roles within the Godhead. Roles, which we have come to know from our later New Testament books as salvation, fellowship and the functions within our spiritual life.
Now Elihu, still with great respect, asks Job for his silence, so that he can continue his discourse of truth (wisdom). He allows a pause such that Job as well as the others present could challenge his comments, but is met with silence.
It is that silence, which speaks the loudest among all present, in that they all agree with Elihu's descriptions and his understanding of doctrine.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Job 33:29-30
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 33:29-30
29 Lo, all these things worketh [pa`al] God ['el] oftentimes [pa`am] [shalowsh] with man [geber],
30 To bring back [shuwb] his soul [nephesh] from the pit [shachath], to be enlightened ['owr] with the light ['owr] of the living [chay]. KJV-Interlinear
29 'Behold, God does all these oftentimes with men, 30 To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of life. NASB
God does all of these things, oftentimes, many times. He does them once, twice, three times and more, over and over and over again.
God communicates to the consciousness of humanity, within their deepest of dreams, to their innermost thoughts, to the very foundation of mans thoughts. God brings afflictions, trials, tests, barriers, into the paths, the daily lives of men. God brings a message, from a unique messenger. Unique so that the message is lucid and clear and cannot be confused with any other message offered by any other messenger from this world.
And why does God do all of this, in this world, in this life? In order to save a person from destruction.
God does not coerce anyone into believing anything He says. But God does make it very clear what the truth of His word is, and what the alternative opinion from this world is.
God shows the clear differences between truth and the lies of life. And, God allows man to make up his own mind, even if man elects to destroy himself.
There are two types of destruction.
The first applies to unbelievers only. Rejection of Christ, the unique messenger, will lead to the eternal Lake of Fire, to the pit from which there is no return.
The second applies to believers only. Since all believers will go to heaven, there is no further condemnation or risk of the Lake of Fire, which would apply to them, but in going to heaven there will be significant additional blessings they might receive in heaven. Blessings, which will last forever.
Rejection of Gods doctrine, failure to advance in ones spiritual life, will result in the loss of those additional blessings in heaven. Since they are eternal and since they are blessings that exist beyond mans thinking or imagination, then they are phenomenal blessings indeed and their loss will be a vast loss.
So, God warns us repeatedly in order that we might not lose out on our eternal life and eternal blessings, neither of which can even be measured by any earthly standard, they are so vast.
Psa. 56:13
13 For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the living. NASB
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Job 33:29-30
29 Lo, all these things worketh [pa`al] God ['el] oftentimes [pa`am] [shalowsh] with man [geber],
30 To bring back [shuwb] his soul [nephesh] from the pit [shachath], to be enlightened ['owr] with the light ['owr] of the living [chay]. KJV-Interlinear
29 'Behold, God does all these oftentimes with men, 30 To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of life. NASB
God does all of these things, oftentimes, many times. He does them once, twice, three times and more, over and over and over again.
God communicates to the consciousness of humanity, within their deepest of dreams, to their innermost thoughts, to the very foundation of mans thoughts. God brings afflictions, trials, tests, barriers, into the paths, the daily lives of men. God brings a message, from a unique messenger. Unique so that the message is lucid and clear and cannot be confused with any other message offered by any other messenger from this world.
And why does God do all of this, in this world, in this life? In order to save a person from destruction.
God does not coerce anyone into believing anything He says. But God does make it very clear what the truth of His word is, and what the alternative opinion from this world is.
God shows the clear differences between truth and the lies of life. And, God allows man to make up his own mind, even if man elects to destroy himself.
There are two types of destruction.
The first applies to unbelievers only. Rejection of Christ, the unique messenger, will lead to the eternal Lake of Fire, to the pit from which there is no return.
The second applies to believers only. Since all believers will go to heaven, there is no further condemnation or risk of the Lake of Fire, which would apply to them, but in going to heaven there will be significant additional blessings they might receive in heaven. Blessings, which will last forever.
Rejection of Gods doctrine, failure to advance in ones spiritual life, will result in the loss of those additional blessings in heaven. Since they are eternal and since they are blessings that exist beyond mans thinking or imagination, then they are phenomenal blessings indeed and their loss will be a vast loss.
So, God warns us repeatedly in order that we might not lose out on our eternal life and eternal blessings, neither of which can even be measured by any earthly standard, they are so vast.
Psa. 56:13
13 For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, Indeed my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of the living. NASB
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Job 33:25-28
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 33:25-28
25 His flesh [basar] shall be fresher [ruwtaphash] than a child's [no`ar]: he shall return [shuwb] to the days [yowm] of his youth [`aluwm]:
26 He shall pray [`athar] unto God ['elowahh], and he will be favourable [ratsah] unto him: and he shall see [ra'ah] his face [paniym] with joy [taruw`ah]: for he will render [shuwb] unto man ['enowsh] his righteousness [tsadaqah].
27 He looketh [shuwr] upon men ['enowsh], and if any say ['amar], I have sinned [chata'], and perverted [`avah] that which was right [yashar], and it profited [shavah] me not;
28 He will deliver [padah] his soul [nephesh] from going [`abar] into the pit [shachath], and his life [chay] shall see [ra'ah] the light ['owr]. KJV-Interlinear
25 Let his flesh become fresher than in youth, Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor; 26 Then he will pray to God, and He will accept him, That he may see His face with joy, And He may restore His righteousness to man. 27 'He will sing to men and say, 'I have sinned and perverted what is right, And it is not proper for me. 28 'He has redeemed my soul from going to the pit, And my life shall see the light.' NASB
Given that there is a unique person in this universe, that is, the one in a thousand previously mentioned, who is both the messenger from God, an advocate before God in our behalf, a redeemer and the one who has paid the ransom for mans imprisonment in order to gain mans release, and, is also equal with God, then these next verses describe the results of mans acceptance of this fact and principle of life.
Then let his flesh become newer than that of a baby. How is that so? He must be reborn, or born all over again into a new creature. And that is the meaning of this expression. To be born all over again, to return to ones childhood, to start life fresh and anew, then this is the description of salvation for all who suffer (unbelievers) in this life, who hear the message of the messenger, or the gospel of Christ as we know it, and believe in it.
Then, the person who has been born again, shall pray 'continually,' which means shall have a new relationship with God, and will function within his spiritual life. The life which he did not have before (as an unbeliever lacking a spiritual life), but now possesses because he has been born anew and now possesses a life which gives him access to God.
In the spiritual life, man has access to God, man can see His face (in principle) through the scriptures and truths which God has spread throughout history.
It is he, the believer who has been born again, who God accepts and restores (provides something which man did not have before) His righteousness, Gods righteousness, to man.
And man will sing his song of freedom, function in his spiritual life, confessing his sins and failures in life as he admits to God his flaws (sins). Things which the man has pursued in life. Things which are not right for humanity, such as untruths, false beliefs, false principles, deceitfulness, lusts, greeds, indifference, apathy, and so forth.
And for this, God 'continually' redeems man out from the bondage of sin, or from his 'out of fellowship' status, back into fellowship, back into Gods righteousness, back from the destructive life of a failed relationship. And into a life of light, or one of spiritual growth, of prosperity, of wealth, of a continuation of ones relationship with God and all of the positives that accompany it both now in time and in the next life in eternity.
In these last few verses, Elihu has described salvation by means of belief in the one and only unique messenger from God, the spiritual life, failure in ones spiritual life, restoration to ones fellowship status through confession, and the many benefits of advancing in ones spiritual life.
The primary benefit of salvation is deliverance from eternal destruction.
The primary benefit of ones spiritual life is deliverance from loss of benefit or the destruction of blessings. Blessings which are reserved for spiritually advancing believers only.
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Job 33:25-28
25 His flesh [basar] shall be fresher [ruwtaphash] than a child's [no`ar]: he shall return [shuwb] to the days [yowm] of his youth [`aluwm]:
26 He shall pray [`athar] unto God ['elowahh], and he will be favourable [ratsah] unto him: and he shall see [ra'ah] his face [paniym] with joy [taruw`ah]: for he will render [shuwb] unto man ['enowsh] his righteousness [tsadaqah].
27 He looketh [shuwr] upon men ['enowsh], and if any say ['amar], I have sinned [chata'], and perverted [`avah] that which was right [yashar], and it profited [shavah] me not;
28 He will deliver [padah] his soul [nephesh] from going [`abar] into the pit [shachath], and his life [chay] shall see [ra'ah] the light ['owr]. KJV-Interlinear
25 Let his flesh become fresher than in youth, Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor; 26 Then he will pray to God, and He will accept him, That he may see His face with joy, And He may restore His righteousness to man. 27 'He will sing to men and say, 'I have sinned and perverted what is right, And it is not proper for me. 28 'He has redeemed my soul from going to the pit, And my life shall see the light.' NASB
Given that there is a unique person in this universe, that is, the one in a thousand previously mentioned, who is both the messenger from God, an advocate before God in our behalf, a redeemer and the one who has paid the ransom for mans imprisonment in order to gain mans release, and, is also equal with God, then these next verses describe the results of mans acceptance of this fact and principle of life.
Then let his flesh become newer than that of a baby. How is that so? He must be reborn, or born all over again into a new creature. And that is the meaning of this expression. To be born all over again, to return to ones childhood, to start life fresh and anew, then this is the description of salvation for all who suffer (unbelievers) in this life, who hear the message of the messenger, or the gospel of Christ as we know it, and believe in it.
Then, the person who has been born again, shall pray 'continually,' which means shall have a new relationship with God, and will function within his spiritual life. The life which he did not have before (as an unbeliever lacking a spiritual life), but now possesses because he has been born anew and now possesses a life which gives him access to God.
In the spiritual life, man has access to God, man can see His face (in principle) through the scriptures and truths which God has spread throughout history.
It is he, the believer who has been born again, who God accepts and restores (provides something which man did not have before) His righteousness, Gods righteousness, to man.
And man will sing his song of freedom, function in his spiritual life, confessing his sins and failures in life as he admits to God his flaws (sins). Things which the man has pursued in life. Things which are not right for humanity, such as untruths, false beliefs, false principles, deceitfulness, lusts, greeds, indifference, apathy, and so forth.
And for this, God 'continually' redeems man out from the bondage of sin, or from his 'out of fellowship' status, back into fellowship, back into Gods righteousness, back from the destructive life of a failed relationship. And into a life of light, or one of spiritual growth, of prosperity, of wealth, of a continuation of ones relationship with God and all of the positives that accompany it both now in time and in the next life in eternity.
In these last few verses, Elihu has described salvation by means of belief in the one and only unique messenger from God, the spiritual life, failure in ones spiritual life, restoration to ones fellowship status through confession, and the many benefits of advancing in ones spiritual life.
The primary benefit of salvation is deliverance from eternal destruction.
The primary benefit of ones spiritual life is deliverance from loss of benefit or the destruction of blessings. Blessings which are reserved for spiritually advancing believers only.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Job 33:23-24
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 33:23-24
23 If there [yesh] be a messenger [mal'ak] with him, an interpreter [luwts], one ['echad] among a thousand ['eleph], to shew [nagad] unto man ['adam] his uprightness [yosher]:
24 Then he is gracious [chanan] unto him, and saith ['amar], Deliver [pada`] him from going down [yarad] to the pit [shachath]: I have found [matsa'] a ransom [kopher]. KJV-Interlinear
23 'If there is an angel as mediator for him, One out of a thousand, To remind a man what is right for him, 24 Then let him be gracious to him, and say, 'Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom'; NASB
If there is someone suffering a great hardship?
And if there is someone who might be able to mediate between that one suffering, and God? Someone, a messenger, who might turn out to be the one blessing in a thousand (today we would say one in a gazillion, because such a person is a rare find, therefore extremely, extremely valuable).
That someone who is able to show, to that suffering person, the reasons behind their sufferings, the way out of their sufferings, and therefore save the suffering person from a destiny of ultimate doom and disaster.
Then, if that suffering person responds in a positive fashion to Gods message, then God Himself will respond in kind with relief for that suffering person. And Why? Because God already has a ransom for that person.
Someone who has already stepped forward to pay the price of suffering in behalf of the suffering person.
And here Elihu adds to what Job has already referred to as his mediator, his redeemer, his advocate to God the Father. His advocate, redeemer, mediator who himself too is God and man. Now Elihu describes this intermediary as the one who is the messenger (an equal with God and man), relaying the message from God to man, and who has provided a ransom, paying the price demanded for suffering.
Therefore, since life in this world is one of suffering, regardless of your circumstances, since we all face a destiny of doom and gloom if we do not discover a way out of it. Then by discovering or recognizing Gods Savior, Gods messenger, sent into this world for the very purpose of purchasing our worthless lives out of the bondage of sin and death, then we will be the recipients of delivery from our condition of suffering.
The question is posed as if it were true, and the rhetorical aspect of it is that it is true, then anyone who finds themselves in a difficult predicament, need only respond to Gods message and thereby all of their difficulties will be removed.
This is a long-term solution. This does not mean that your problems will instantly go away, but what it does mean is that you now have the opportunity to see and understand why suffering exists in this world.
This is the devils world. Jesus Christ had to go to the Cross and suffer in order for you to be relieved from your suffering. Your suffering is, in a fashion, symbolic of your identification with Christ in His suffering.
To feel the pains and pressures, and anxieties, even the hopelessness's of life, then you should be able to better appreciate that which has been done for you by Christ, that one in a gazillion, who through all of the angels, through all of the children of Adam, through all things that have and do and will exist, no other messenger can be found.
Elihu understood this. Job understood this. The question now is, 'Do you really comprehend it?' And then, 'What will you do about it?'
When will your spiritual life (your one in a gazillion possessions) become more important to you than all of the other things you embrace in this world?
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Job 33:23-24
23 If there [yesh] be a messenger [mal'ak] with him, an interpreter [luwts], one ['echad] among a thousand ['eleph], to shew [nagad] unto man ['adam] his uprightness [yosher]:
24 Then he is gracious [chanan] unto him, and saith ['amar], Deliver [pada`] him from going down [yarad] to the pit [shachath]: I have found [matsa'] a ransom [kopher]. KJV-Interlinear
23 'If there is an angel as mediator for him, One out of a thousand, To remind a man what is right for him, 24 Then let him be gracious to him, and say, 'Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom'; NASB
If there is someone suffering a great hardship?
And if there is someone who might be able to mediate between that one suffering, and God? Someone, a messenger, who might turn out to be the one blessing in a thousand (today we would say one in a gazillion, because such a person is a rare find, therefore extremely, extremely valuable).
That someone who is able to show, to that suffering person, the reasons behind their sufferings, the way out of their sufferings, and therefore save the suffering person from a destiny of ultimate doom and disaster.
Then, if that suffering person responds in a positive fashion to Gods message, then God Himself will respond in kind with relief for that suffering person. And Why? Because God already has a ransom for that person.
Someone who has already stepped forward to pay the price of suffering in behalf of the suffering person.
And here Elihu adds to what Job has already referred to as his mediator, his redeemer, his advocate to God the Father. His advocate, redeemer, mediator who himself too is God and man. Now Elihu describes this intermediary as the one who is the messenger (an equal with God and man), relaying the message from God to man, and who has provided a ransom, paying the price demanded for suffering.
Therefore, since life in this world is one of suffering, regardless of your circumstances, since we all face a destiny of doom and gloom if we do not discover a way out of it. Then by discovering or recognizing Gods Savior, Gods messenger, sent into this world for the very purpose of purchasing our worthless lives out of the bondage of sin and death, then we will be the recipients of delivery from our condition of suffering.
The question is posed as if it were true, and the rhetorical aspect of it is that it is true, then anyone who finds themselves in a difficult predicament, need only respond to Gods message and thereby all of their difficulties will be removed.
This is a long-term solution. This does not mean that your problems will instantly go away, but what it does mean is that you now have the opportunity to see and understand why suffering exists in this world.
This is the devils world. Jesus Christ had to go to the Cross and suffer in order for you to be relieved from your suffering. Your suffering is, in a fashion, symbolic of your identification with Christ in His suffering.
To feel the pains and pressures, and anxieties, even the hopelessness's of life, then you should be able to better appreciate that which has been done for you by Christ, that one in a gazillion, who through all of the angels, through all of the children of Adam, through all things that have and do and will exist, no other messenger can be found.
Elihu understood this. Job understood this. The question now is, 'Do you really comprehend it?' And then, 'What will you do about it?'
When will your spiritual life (your one in a gazillion possessions) become more important to you than all of the other things you embrace in this world?
Monday, February 18, 2008
Job 33:19-22
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 33:19-22
19 He is chastened [yakach] also with pain [mak'ob] upon his bed [mishkab], and the multitude [rob] [riyb] of his bones [`etsem] with strong ['eythan] pain:
20 So that his life [chay] abhorreth [zaham] bread [lechem], and his soul [nephesh] dainty [ta'avah] meat [ma'akal].
21 His flesh [basar] is consumed away [kalah], that it cannot be seen [ro'iy]; and his bones [`etsem] that were not seen [ra'ah] stick out [shaphah] [shaphiy].
22 Yea, his soul [nephesh] draweth near [qarab] unto the grave [shachath], and his life [chay] to the destroyers [muwth]. KJV-Interlinear
19 'Man is also chastened with pain on his bed, And with unceasing complaint in his bones; 20 So that his life loathes bread, And his soul favorite food. 21 'His flesh wastes away from sight, And his bones which were not seen stick out. 22 'Then his soul draws near to the pit, And his life to those who bring death. NASB
Providence, fate, chance, external circumstances, luck, outside influences, all of these and more from our daily lives, will have an impact on our lives. All of which point to Gods message to us which we can either consider or ignore.
Here Elihu's example is that of a man who is deathly sick. Illness can fall upon each one of us. None of us are exempt from the many illnesses that this world has to offer. Sometimes it may be a simple cold. Other times we may succumb to something far more deadly.
And in our illness, our education, our intellect, our far advanced logic concerning life, do us no good. Our treatments may vary from throughout the ages. Instead of rubbing leaves and ointments on ourselves as in ancient times, we may take medicines, get shots, undergo surgical treatments and such. But there are still many illnesses for which we have no cure. Even a simply cold can turn into pneumonia and then sudden death if untreated.
But the treatments which have changed over the centuries are not the issue, it is our exposure to illness which has never been defeated, even in these times of advanced medical science.
The common cold, the flu, cancers of various types, genetic disorders and so forth, all pose a very real threat to each one of us.
And often times it takes a real tough illness, one that lays us on our back, sicker than a dog, as it goes, in order to get us to realize that we are not invincible, that we are not the one in ultimate control over our life.
Even death can come knocking, pushing us right up to its edge, before some folks get the message.
Life is not confined to this world alone, but extends on into the next life. And, it is that next life which will last far longer than this one. And, it is that next life for which we should prepare ourselves while we are living in this one.
Ageing and illness, these two characteristics of life are two things over which we have no control.
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Job 33:19-22
19 He is chastened [yakach] also with pain [mak'ob] upon his bed [mishkab], and the multitude [rob] [riyb] of his bones [`etsem] with strong ['eythan] pain:
20 So that his life [chay] abhorreth [zaham] bread [lechem], and his soul [nephesh] dainty [ta'avah] meat [ma'akal].
21 His flesh [basar] is consumed away [kalah], that it cannot be seen [ro'iy]; and his bones [`etsem] that were not seen [ra'ah] stick out [shaphah] [shaphiy].
22 Yea, his soul [nephesh] draweth near [qarab] unto the grave [shachath], and his life [chay] to the destroyers [muwth]. KJV-Interlinear
19 'Man is also chastened with pain on his bed, And with unceasing complaint in his bones; 20 So that his life loathes bread, And his soul favorite food. 21 'His flesh wastes away from sight, And his bones which were not seen stick out. 22 'Then his soul draws near to the pit, And his life to those who bring death. NASB
Providence, fate, chance, external circumstances, luck, outside influences, all of these and more from our daily lives, will have an impact on our lives. All of which point to Gods message to us which we can either consider or ignore.
Here Elihu's example is that of a man who is deathly sick. Illness can fall upon each one of us. None of us are exempt from the many illnesses that this world has to offer. Sometimes it may be a simple cold. Other times we may succumb to something far more deadly.
And in our illness, our education, our intellect, our far advanced logic concerning life, do us no good. Our treatments may vary from throughout the ages. Instead of rubbing leaves and ointments on ourselves as in ancient times, we may take medicines, get shots, undergo surgical treatments and such. But there are still many illnesses for which we have no cure. Even a simply cold can turn into pneumonia and then sudden death if untreated.
But the treatments which have changed over the centuries are not the issue, it is our exposure to illness which has never been defeated, even in these times of advanced medical science.
The common cold, the flu, cancers of various types, genetic disorders and so forth, all pose a very real threat to each one of us.
And often times it takes a real tough illness, one that lays us on our back, sicker than a dog, as it goes, in order to get us to realize that we are not invincible, that we are not the one in ultimate control over our life.
Even death can come knocking, pushing us right up to its edge, before some folks get the message.
Life is not confined to this world alone, but extends on into the next life. And, it is that next life which will last far longer than this one. And, it is that next life for which we should prepare ourselves while we are living in this one.
Ageing and illness, these two characteristics of life are two things over which we have no control.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Job 33:18
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 33:18
18 He keepeth back [chasak] his soul [nephesh] from the pit [shachath], and his life [chay] from perishing [`abar] by the sword [shelach]. KJV-Interlinear
18 He keeps back his soul from the pit, And his life from passing over into Sheol. NASB
There are four key words in this verse - soul, pit, life, and sword. Each has a specific reference to your existence or the quality of your existence in this world.
What you think is what you really are. Your thinking processes exists within your soul. The real you is your human life which resides within your soul. Neither are a part of your biological self.
Life, is a reference to your physical being. It is your body, flesh and bones and such, which acts as a vessel or platform where your soul can reside during you time on this earth.
Pit, is a reference to the potential destruction which threatens your soul. And the sword is a reference to the potential destruction which threatens your physical self - your flesh and bones, etc.
And so God speaks to you once, and twice. The first time he speaks is a reference to all of the many times the scriptures, or truth in whatever form, are communicated to you during your life. You have ample opportunities to listen and learn, or not.
God speaks to you a second time. That is a reference to the may times throughout your life whereby your day-to-day experiences serve as teaching platforms, intended to get you on the right track back in your spiritual life.
You can look up at the sky at night and see its vastness and consider your smallness. You can see the order of this world through authority, family life, right and wrong, etc., and see the foundations for truth in those concepts. You can witness violence in many forms on the news, in the weather, in accidents, in birth defects, in employment, and so forth, and see the many limitations that mankind has in his life.
In fact, there isn't anywhere in life that you can look and not see the influence of God or his principles in life.
The truth is everywhere in some form or another. The only place which will prevent your seeing it is within your own mental attitude.
And in the last verse, that is why God attempts to keep your arrogance to a minimum. It is your arrogance, which can prove to be extremely subtle, which will prevent your seeing truth, and consequently send your life in its entirety, both body and soul, into the pit of self-destruction or failure, both now and in eternity.
No one has any excuse in life. You do not have any excuse in life for not advancing in your spiritual life.
The only thing that can prevent you from advancing is your own self. There is no power, set of circumstances, environment, nothing in this world, which can prevent God from getting you to spiritual maturity, if you genuinely desire it.
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Job 33:18
18 He keepeth back [chasak] his soul [nephesh] from the pit [shachath], and his life [chay] from perishing [`abar] by the sword [shelach]. KJV-Interlinear
18 He keeps back his soul from the pit, And his life from passing over into Sheol. NASB
There are four key words in this verse - soul, pit, life, and sword. Each has a specific reference to your existence or the quality of your existence in this world.
What you think is what you really are. Your thinking processes exists within your soul. The real you is your human life which resides within your soul. Neither are a part of your biological self.
Life, is a reference to your physical being. It is your body, flesh and bones and such, which acts as a vessel or platform where your soul can reside during you time on this earth.
Pit, is a reference to the potential destruction which threatens your soul. And the sword is a reference to the potential destruction which threatens your physical self - your flesh and bones, etc.
And so God speaks to you once, and twice. The first time he speaks is a reference to all of the many times the scriptures, or truth in whatever form, are communicated to you during your life. You have ample opportunities to listen and learn, or not.
God speaks to you a second time. That is a reference to the may times throughout your life whereby your day-to-day experiences serve as teaching platforms, intended to get you on the right track back in your spiritual life.
You can look up at the sky at night and see its vastness and consider your smallness. You can see the order of this world through authority, family life, right and wrong, etc., and see the foundations for truth in those concepts. You can witness violence in many forms on the news, in the weather, in accidents, in birth defects, in employment, and so forth, and see the many limitations that mankind has in his life.
In fact, there isn't anywhere in life that you can look and not see the influence of God or his principles in life.
The truth is everywhere in some form or another. The only place which will prevent your seeing it is within your own mental attitude.
And in the last verse, that is why God attempts to keep your arrogance to a minimum. It is your arrogance, which can prove to be extremely subtle, which will prevent your seeing truth, and consequently send your life in its entirety, both body and soul, into the pit of self-destruction or failure, both now and in eternity.
No one has any excuse in life. You do not have any excuse in life for not advancing in your spiritual life.
The only thing that can prevent you from advancing is your own self. There is no power, set of circumstances, environment, nothing in this world, which can prevent God from getting you to spiritual maturity, if you genuinely desire it.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Job 33:14-17
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 33:14-17
14 For God ['el] speaketh [dabar] once ['echad], yea twice [shanayim], yet man perceiveth [shuwr] it not.
15 In a dream [chalowm], in a vision [chizzayown] of the night [layil], when deep [tardemah] sleep falleth [naphal] upon men ['enowsh], in slumberings [tanuwmah] upon the bed [mishkab];
16 Then he openeth [galah] the ears ['ozen] of men ['enowsh], and sealeth [chatham] their instruction [mocar],
17 That he may withdraw [cuwr] man ['adam] from his purpose [ma`aseh], and hide [kacah] pride [gevah] from man [geber]. KJV-Interlinear
14 'Indeed God speaks once, Or twice, yet no one notices it. 15 'In a dream, a vision of the night, When sound sleep falls on men, While they slumber in their beds, 16 Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction, 17 That He may turn man aside from his conduct, And keep man from pride; NASB
God speaks to each one of us, not once but twice, so that we can know for certain what our choices are and what the repercussions of our decisions will be.
But God does not come to us in dreams and visions in our present day as He did from time to time in ancient times. God speaks to us through the scriptures, through our day-to-day experiences, through providences, through the various afflictions we might encounter.
God makes us rich and He makes us poor, He makes us sick and He makes us well. God exposes us to our own conscience, to the thoughts and activities of other people, to bureaucracies, to disasters and ordeals in this world.
God speaks to us once through His teaching instruction through the scriptures.
He speaks to us twice through the many worldly activities we will face during our life.
In the first course, God gives us doctrine. Doctrine can come to us through various means. It can come to us from our parents, from other people, from teachers, coaches, employers, from television, from written media and so forth. Truth saturates our environment and influences all social standards and morals of society.
Even if you had never heard of the Bible, you would still be thoroughly exposed to Gods teaching through His doctrinal influences on society. All principles of honor, of authority, of parenthood, of honesty, of due process and so forth, originate from the scriptures.
The dreams and visions back in Jobs day, are references to deep sleep states, whereby a person is sleeping beyond the surface or semi-conscious dream state.
When we daydream, or when we lie in bed thinking or dreaming of our fantasies or activities and such, we are not processing wisdom. But when we slip deeper into the unconscious, such that our conscious activities are not in control of our dreams, then this is a reference to our pondering, our considering, to our deeper thought process where we are actually considering the meanings and intents of Gods Word.
The nighttime is a good time for reflection and deep thought.
Back ins Jobs day, this deep sleep communication process seems to have been more common, though not universal. One cannot think his way to maturity, however. But the content of thought does require scriptural content before spiritual growth can occur.
But Elihu is not suggesting that you can grow up by means of sleep. He is beginning a discourse on the how's and why's of mans inability to learn doctrine.
And those how's and why's are summarized easily. Man simply does not listen. 'No one notices.'
And why is this? Because people do not take Gods Word or their spiritual life seriously.
So God repeats His doctrine. He repeats it by means of the many influences truth has on society. He repeats it by means of our everyday activities.
Some learn quickly and some refuse to learn, even in disaster.
By far the best environment to learning, pondering, wondering, is in the quiet of your own thoughts while you lay in bed at night. The lights are out and there are no distractions that might break your concentration.
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Job 33:14-17
14 For God ['el] speaketh [dabar] once ['echad], yea twice [shanayim], yet man perceiveth [shuwr] it not.
15 In a dream [chalowm], in a vision [chizzayown] of the night [layil], when deep [tardemah] sleep falleth [naphal] upon men ['enowsh], in slumberings [tanuwmah] upon the bed [mishkab];
16 Then he openeth [galah] the ears ['ozen] of men ['enowsh], and sealeth [chatham] their instruction [mocar],
17 That he may withdraw [cuwr] man ['adam] from his purpose [ma`aseh], and hide [kacah] pride [gevah] from man [geber]. KJV-Interlinear
14 'Indeed God speaks once, Or twice, yet no one notices it. 15 'In a dream, a vision of the night, When sound sleep falls on men, While they slumber in their beds, 16 Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction, 17 That He may turn man aside from his conduct, And keep man from pride; NASB
God speaks to each one of us, not once but twice, so that we can know for certain what our choices are and what the repercussions of our decisions will be.
But God does not come to us in dreams and visions in our present day as He did from time to time in ancient times. God speaks to us through the scriptures, through our day-to-day experiences, through providences, through the various afflictions we might encounter.
God makes us rich and He makes us poor, He makes us sick and He makes us well. God exposes us to our own conscience, to the thoughts and activities of other people, to bureaucracies, to disasters and ordeals in this world.
God speaks to us once through His teaching instruction through the scriptures.
He speaks to us twice through the many worldly activities we will face during our life.
In the first course, God gives us doctrine. Doctrine can come to us through various means. It can come to us from our parents, from other people, from teachers, coaches, employers, from television, from written media and so forth. Truth saturates our environment and influences all social standards and morals of society.
Even if you had never heard of the Bible, you would still be thoroughly exposed to Gods teaching through His doctrinal influences on society. All principles of honor, of authority, of parenthood, of honesty, of due process and so forth, originate from the scriptures.
The dreams and visions back in Jobs day, are references to deep sleep states, whereby a person is sleeping beyond the surface or semi-conscious dream state.
When we daydream, or when we lie in bed thinking or dreaming of our fantasies or activities and such, we are not processing wisdom. But when we slip deeper into the unconscious, such that our conscious activities are not in control of our dreams, then this is a reference to our pondering, our considering, to our deeper thought process where we are actually considering the meanings and intents of Gods Word.
The nighttime is a good time for reflection and deep thought.
Back ins Jobs day, this deep sleep communication process seems to have been more common, though not universal. One cannot think his way to maturity, however. But the content of thought does require scriptural content before spiritual growth can occur.
But Elihu is not suggesting that you can grow up by means of sleep. He is beginning a discourse on the how's and why's of mans inability to learn doctrine.
And those how's and why's are summarized easily. Man simply does not listen. 'No one notices.'
And why is this? Because people do not take Gods Word or their spiritual life seriously.
So God repeats His doctrine. He repeats it by means of the many influences truth has on society. He repeats it by means of our everyday activities.
Some learn quickly and some refuse to learn, even in disaster.
By far the best environment to learning, pondering, wondering, is in the quiet of your own thoughts while you lay in bed at night. The lights are out and there are no distractions that might break your concentration.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Job 33:12-13
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 33:12-13
12 Behold, in this thou art not just [tsadaq]: I will answer [`anah] thee, that God ['elowahh] is greater [rabah] than man ['enowsh].
13 Why dost thou strive [riyb] against him? for he giveth not account [`anah] of any of his matters [dabar]. KJV-Interlinear
12 'Behold, let me tell you, you are not right in this, For God is greater than man. 13 'Why do you complain against Him, That He does not give an account of all His doings? NASB
Elihu has taken a few of Jobs words out of context, ignoring many of Jobs other words, and has drawn a conclusion based on his own hearing. That conclusion being that Job has questioned Gods motives and methods.
And that could not be further from the truth.
Anyone who has been born from 'Adam,' is a sinner and therefore beneath Gods level. Being imperfect, we all fail from time to time. Some of us more often than others.
But the pattern of our life is not and should not be determined from a few isolated words and attitudes we might display during our life. Everyone fails, but everyone does not wallow in their failure. Some get back up and move on in their life.
And though these words of Elihu, with regard to God, are true, his application to Job is in error.
God is infinitely greater than man. God has a perfect character, a perfect essence. What He does in our individual lives should never be questioned, and of course, no one should presume that God does things against us just because He has nothing better to do.
Nothing in our life occurs by accident. Likewise, none of us should simply set back and do nothing for ourselves, thinking that God will do everything for us. That is irresponsible, obviously. God always provides us with resources and a way out of our predicament.
You can get an education, get a job, start a business, you can do almost anything in order to find solutions for your problems. What God does, is work within the mechanisms of this world to aid your efforts.
Need a doctor? God has provided lots of doctors for our generation. Need a loan? God has provided lots of lenders for our generation. Need a job? God has provided lots of employment opportunities out there in the world. Need an education? There are schools everywhere.
No one can complain that God has not provided help. Help is everywhere. You just have to become responsible.
But that is the physical world we live in. You still have to monitor your spiritual life too. Confess and remain in fellowship. Study and learn doctrine. Use the doctrine and grow up spiritually. In this, God provides you with that extra assistance, that the common person does not receive in life.
There is common grace, which applies to every living human being. There is Christian grace, which applies to believers only. And there is greater grace, which applies to those who are active within their spiritual lives. The third category is the best of the three.
On a world basis, none of us can know what events will occur next month or in six months or next year. We face yet another national election next fall and we can all shudder at the prospects if an incompetent President is elected.
And as for ourselves, none of us can know what God has planned for us in the future. Our tomorrows may not be much different from our today's. None of us has a clear crystal ball to see the future in detail.
But we can know that is we continue advancing in our spiritual lives, then no matter what happens in this world, Jesus Christ controls history and that is all we need be concerned with. That is where faith combined with responsibility enters into our individual lives.
Complaints are out. Those are for the immature only. Patience, persistence and consistency in ones spiritual life is what is important. God will take care of everything else.
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Job 33:12-13
12 Behold, in this thou art not just [tsadaq]: I will answer [`anah] thee, that God ['elowahh] is greater [rabah] than man ['enowsh].
13 Why dost thou strive [riyb] against him? for he giveth not account [`anah] of any of his matters [dabar]. KJV-Interlinear
12 'Behold, let me tell you, you are not right in this, For God is greater than man. 13 'Why do you complain against Him, That He does not give an account of all His doings? NASB
Elihu has taken a few of Jobs words out of context, ignoring many of Jobs other words, and has drawn a conclusion based on his own hearing. That conclusion being that Job has questioned Gods motives and methods.
And that could not be further from the truth.
Anyone who has been born from 'Adam,' is a sinner and therefore beneath Gods level. Being imperfect, we all fail from time to time. Some of us more often than others.
But the pattern of our life is not and should not be determined from a few isolated words and attitudes we might display during our life. Everyone fails, but everyone does not wallow in their failure. Some get back up and move on in their life.
And though these words of Elihu, with regard to God, are true, his application to Job is in error.
God is infinitely greater than man. God has a perfect character, a perfect essence. What He does in our individual lives should never be questioned, and of course, no one should presume that God does things against us just because He has nothing better to do.
Nothing in our life occurs by accident. Likewise, none of us should simply set back and do nothing for ourselves, thinking that God will do everything for us. That is irresponsible, obviously. God always provides us with resources and a way out of our predicament.
You can get an education, get a job, start a business, you can do almost anything in order to find solutions for your problems. What God does, is work within the mechanisms of this world to aid your efforts.
Need a doctor? God has provided lots of doctors for our generation. Need a loan? God has provided lots of lenders for our generation. Need a job? God has provided lots of employment opportunities out there in the world. Need an education? There are schools everywhere.
No one can complain that God has not provided help. Help is everywhere. You just have to become responsible.
But that is the physical world we live in. You still have to monitor your spiritual life too. Confess and remain in fellowship. Study and learn doctrine. Use the doctrine and grow up spiritually. In this, God provides you with that extra assistance, that the common person does not receive in life.
There is common grace, which applies to every living human being. There is Christian grace, which applies to believers only. And there is greater grace, which applies to those who are active within their spiritual lives. The third category is the best of the three.
On a world basis, none of us can know what events will occur next month or in six months or next year. We face yet another national election next fall and we can all shudder at the prospects if an incompetent President is elected.
And as for ourselves, none of us can know what God has planned for us in the future. Our tomorrows may not be much different from our today's. None of us has a clear crystal ball to see the future in detail.
But we can know that is we continue advancing in our spiritual lives, then no matter what happens in this world, Jesus Christ controls history and that is all we need be concerned with. That is where faith combined with responsibility enters into our individual lives.
Complaints are out. Those are for the immature only. Patience, persistence and consistency in ones spiritual life is what is important. God will take care of everything else.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Job 33:8-12
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 33:8-12
8 Surely thou hast spoken ['amar] in mine hearing ['ozen], and I have heard [shama`] the voice [qowl] of thy words [millah], saying,
9 I am clean [zak] without transgression [pesha`], I am innocent [chaph]; neither is there iniquity [`avon] in me.
10 Behold, he findeth [matsa'] occasions [tanuw'ah] against me, he counteth [chashab] me for his enemy ['oyeb],
11 He putteth [suwm] my feet [regel] in the stocks [cad], he marketh [shamar] all my paths ['orach].
12 Behold, in this thou art not just [tsadaq]: I will answer [`anah] thee, that God ['elowahh] is greater [rabah] than man ['enowsh]. KJV-Interlinear
8 'Surely you have spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the sound of your words: 9 'I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent and there is no guilt in me. 10 'Behold, He invents pretexts against me; He counts me as His enemy. 11 'He puts my feet in the stocks; He watches all my paths.' 12 'Behold, let me tell you, you are not right in this, For God is greater than man. NASB
In his attempted objectivity, Elihu is going to quote Jobs own words in order to prove Jobs error. And he says as much.
From his own hearing, Elihu has been present during the whole conversation. He has heard Job with his own ears. He did not hear anything second hand. He did not read about it in the news, nor see it on television. He did not receive these comments via hearsay or through any gossip sources.
The other three friends tried to use long standing experience, age, world wisdom to prove their points and to prove Jobs guilt. But, in his youth, Elihu will try being objective and use Jobs very own words to show Jobs error.
Unfortunately, this will be the flaw of Elihu's objectivity, because he will not quote Job exactly, he will take Jobs words out of context, he will ignore most of the bulk of Jobs discourse, and he will draw wrong inferences from Jobs words while ignoring almost everything else that Job had said.
These verses recite general and simple quotes, or near quotes from Jobs words. While the words in the English are almost exact, the words in the original are not.
Job did not say that he was 'clean,' or 'without transgression,' or 'innocent.' With respect to 'cleanness,' he had observed, 'Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?,' implying that all men were unclean, Job 14:4.
As for 'transgressions,' he said, 'I have sinned... Why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity?,' Job 7:20,21. 'Thou makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth,' Job 13:26.
Also, he asked the number of his sins, Job 13:23, and said that God kept his transgressions and iniquities sewn up and sealed in a bag, Job 14:17.
Concerning 'innocence,' the only observation that he had made was, 'I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent,' Job 9:28.
Job sorted out and distinguished his human characteristics from his spiritual characteristics with regard to his uprightness, his integrity, his righteousness, Job 12:4, 16:17, 23:7, 27:5-6, 31:5-40.
The quotes from verse ten and eleven are not exact quotes from Job 7:17-19, 10:3-6, 13:27, 16:9, and 19:11, and they also leave out all references to the context of those discourses of Jobs.
In short, Elihu began with eloquent words of respect and objectivity, and then settled down into a system of selectively harvesting comments of Jobs, isolating them from their context and then drawing conclusions as to Jobs present status.
Elihu overstated his case with micro-management of Jobs words and became just as unfair in his accusations of Job, as did the other three friends.
His combined youth and selectivity of Jobs words is a strong indication of his lack of spiritual maturity, and certainly his lack of objectivity.
In his attempt to act as a mediator, he failed merely because he did not listen to all that Job had said, nor did he fully understand the meaning of all that Job had said.
Anyone can go to church weekly, even daily, and sit there and listen and listen and listen, but if they lack fellowship status, if they lack concentration, if they are selective in what they agree to or in what they want to hear, then they will carry with them an inherent flaw in their spiritual life.
All too often we cover issues such as the illegal aliens, abortion, war, authority, politics and so forth, and generally I will get flooded with emails condemning me for such comments whatever they may be. By the way I also get numerous emails of thanks and appreciation too. So all is not bad.
But this just proves that people want to listen to only those things that they agree with. Unfortunately the Bible was not written to please you, but to condemn you and specifically, to condemn your thinking.
Whether you agree with it or not, is irrelevant. The Bible is here to train you in truth, and if given enough time, then the principles in the Bible (which are communicated by the Holy Spirit, by the way) will make themselves clear, and help you in your objectivity and thinking.
If I state something in error, then that will be apparent too, but that too is irrelevant. The Bible is here to train you in your thinking, and a part of that thinking is to listen, evaluate, test, and repeat it all again and again, for your entire life. Sooner or later, the truth will become apparent to you and that is the relevant objective of spiritual growth.
We all have opinions. The three friends had their opinions, Elihu had his opinions, Job had his opinions, and when we reach the conclusion of this book, then we will see that in the end, that all opinions become subordinate to those of God.
Jesus Christ controls history. We do not. We will make decisions everyday of our life. We will vote for candidates every so often. We will make good decisions and bad ones, but our will, when all is said and done, is irrelevant. What is important is that we continue to listen and learn and to keep an open mind regarding our own thoughts.
People will have an endless stream of opinions about us and what they think of us. That too is an area of testing for spiritual growth.
Note that, in all of these comments, Job is silent, polite and maintains his poise.
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Job 33:8-12
8 Surely thou hast spoken ['amar] in mine hearing ['ozen], and I have heard [shama`] the voice [qowl] of thy words [millah], saying,
9 I am clean [zak] without transgression [pesha`], I am innocent [chaph]; neither is there iniquity [`avon] in me.
10 Behold, he findeth [matsa'] occasions [tanuw'ah] against me, he counteth [chashab] me for his enemy ['oyeb],
11 He putteth [suwm] my feet [regel] in the stocks [cad], he marketh [shamar] all my paths ['orach].
12 Behold, in this thou art not just [tsadaq]: I will answer [`anah] thee, that God ['elowahh] is greater [rabah] than man ['enowsh]. KJV-Interlinear
8 'Surely you have spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the sound of your words: 9 'I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent and there is no guilt in me. 10 'Behold, He invents pretexts against me; He counts me as His enemy. 11 'He puts my feet in the stocks; He watches all my paths.' 12 'Behold, let me tell you, you are not right in this, For God is greater than man. NASB
In his attempted objectivity, Elihu is going to quote Jobs own words in order to prove Jobs error. And he says as much.
From his own hearing, Elihu has been present during the whole conversation. He has heard Job with his own ears. He did not hear anything second hand. He did not read about it in the news, nor see it on television. He did not receive these comments via hearsay or through any gossip sources.
The other three friends tried to use long standing experience, age, world wisdom to prove their points and to prove Jobs guilt. But, in his youth, Elihu will try being objective and use Jobs very own words to show Jobs error.
Unfortunately, this will be the flaw of Elihu's objectivity, because he will not quote Job exactly, he will take Jobs words out of context, he will ignore most of the bulk of Jobs discourse, and he will draw wrong inferences from Jobs words while ignoring almost everything else that Job had said.
These verses recite general and simple quotes, or near quotes from Jobs words. While the words in the English are almost exact, the words in the original are not.
Job did not say that he was 'clean,' or 'without transgression,' or 'innocent.' With respect to 'cleanness,' he had observed, 'Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?,' implying that all men were unclean, Job 14:4.
As for 'transgressions,' he said, 'I have sinned... Why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity?,' Job 7:20,21. 'Thou makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth,' Job 13:26.
Also, he asked the number of his sins, Job 13:23, and said that God kept his transgressions and iniquities sewn up and sealed in a bag, Job 14:17.
Concerning 'innocence,' the only observation that he had made was, 'I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent,' Job 9:28.
Job sorted out and distinguished his human characteristics from his spiritual characteristics with regard to his uprightness, his integrity, his righteousness, Job 12:4, 16:17, 23:7, 27:5-6, 31:5-40.
The quotes from verse ten and eleven are not exact quotes from Job 7:17-19, 10:3-6, 13:27, 16:9, and 19:11, and they also leave out all references to the context of those discourses of Jobs.
In short, Elihu began with eloquent words of respect and objectivity, and then settled down into a system of selectively harvesting comments of Jobs, isolating them from their context and then drawing conclusions as to Jobs present status.
Elihu overstated his case with micro-management of Jobs words and became just as unfair in his accusations of Job, as did the other three friends.
His combined youth and selectivity of Jobs words is a strong indication of his lack of spiritual maturity, and certainly his lack of objectivity.
In his attempt to act as a mediator, he failed merely because he did not listen to all that Job had said, nor did he fully understand the meaning of all that Job had said.
Anyone can go to church weekly, even daily, and sit there and listen and listen and listen, but if they lack fellowship status, if they lack concentration, if they are selective in what they agree to or in what they want to hear, then they will carry with them an inherent flaw in their spiritual life.
All too often we cover issues such as the illegal aliens, abortion, war, authority, politics and so forth, and generally I will get flooded with emails condemning me for such comments whatever they may be. By the way I also get numerous emails of thanks and appreciation too. So all is not bad.
But this just proves that people want to listen to only those things that they agree with. Unfortunately the Bible was not written to please you, but to condemn you and specifically, to condemn your thinking.
Whether you agree with it or not, is irrelevant. The Bible is here to train you in truth, and if given enough time, then the principles in the Bible (which are communicated by the Holy Spirit, by the way) will make themselves clear, and help you in your objectivity and thinking.
If I state something in error, then that will be apparent too, but that too is irrelevant. The Bible is here to train you in your thinking, and a part of that thinking is to listen, evaluate, test, and repeat it all again and again, for your entire life. Sooner or later, the truth will become apparent to you and that is the relevant objective of spiritual growth.
We all have opinions. The three friends had their opinions, Elihu had his opinions, Job had his opinions, and when we reach the conclusion of this book, then we will see that in the end, that all opinions become subordinate to those of God.
Jesus Christ controls history. We do not. We will make decisions everyday of our life. We will vote for candidates every so often. We will make good decisions and bad ones, but our will, when all is said and done, is irrelevant. What is important is that we continue to listen and learn and to keep an open mind regarding our own thoughts.
People will have an endless stream of opinions about us and what they think of us. That too is an area of testing for spiritual growth.
Note that, in all of these comments, Job is silent, polite and maintains his poise.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Job 33:6-7
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 33:6-7
6 Behold, I am according to thy wish [peh] in God's ['el] stead: I also am formed [qarats] out of the clay [chomer].
7 Behold, my terror ['eymah] shall not make thee afraid [ba`ath], neither shall my hand ['ekeph] be heavy [kabad] upon thee. KJV-Interlinear
6 'Behold, I belong to God like you; I too have been formed out of the clay. 7 'Behold, no fear of me should terrify you, Nor should my pressure weigh heavily on you. NASB
Earlier, Job had expressed his fear that if he had to appear before God, Gods overpowering presence would be so intimidating that he would lose all concentration. He would simply be overwhelmed by Gods essence. Life itself would overwhelm him.
But here Elihu, in his youth, modesty and humility, states that he will speak the words of God, though he is not God, but will not be so intimidating as God, because he is man, mere man, a mere pinch of clay as Job is.
Elihu takes the position of mediator stating that he will speak the truth, though he is mere man. The truth makes him equal with God in words, and the clay makes him equal with man in essence.
Where the age and experience and wisdom of man have failed in the three friends, now Elihu hopes to take up the slack with his youth and humility and truth of his own understanding.
Interesting enough, and though this representation is not actually stated in the context of the book, Elihu has placed himself in the position of the savior by implication. Being simultaneously both equal with God and man, as well as placing himself in front of man (Job in this case) such that man can have his say without fear, without being intimidated, feeling as though he is on the same level as those who are hearing him.
Being formed out of clay, Elihu makes it very clear that man should never fear man. This clay is actually a pinch out of the same batch. All of humanity came from the same origin. We did not evolve from separate historical batches or origins. We did not evolve out of unrelated origins.
All of humanity came from the same source. We are all clay vessels and we are all bound by the same constraints inherent with our physical limitations. One human being is not better nor worse than another, as far as their human characteristics are concerned. There are no super humans, no superior humans and so forth.
We are all conceived in the same manner, born in the same manner, assembled in accordance with the same template for life, grow up in the same manner, and of course we will all leave this world in death.
Only man invents or imagines himself as better than others.
Likewise, man should not fear God, as God gives everyone a fair and honest hearing.
Fear comes from the lack of confidence. Confidence comes from practice, preparation, experience, even education. When you lack these, then fear arises out of the uncertainties of the unknown or anticipated results of something.
Don't study, don't practice, don't prepare for something and the results you anticipate or hope for, tend to make you uneasy, fearful, filled with anxiety and so forth.
However, repeated studies, repeated training, repeated practice brings results that are consistent with your preparation and that produces confidence. You know it, you have done it, and therefore you become confident because you have already experienced it.
This principle applies to life and this principle also applies to your relationship with God.
Elihu tells Job, that he should not fear this confrontation, because he is an equal and truth cannot intimidate he who is on solid ground.
And so too, life should be viewed in the same way. Job is under tremendous suffering, but truth is on his side. His suffering is merely an experience, an adventure through which he is presently traveling. Man is on the one side and fear of man should be non-existent. On the other side is God and confidence in God is a result of spiritual preparation.
The Savior, Jesus Christ is equal with both God and man. Jesus Christ controls history.
Therefore, under these conditions, aligning ones self with Christ through a consistent daily Bible study, then there is nothing in existence that one should be afraid of, because training produces preparation, produces confidence.
With advancement to spiritual maturity then, the experiences of life eventually present themselves as proof of this truth.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 33:6-7
6 Behold, I am according to thy wish [peh] in God's ['el] stead: I also am formed [qarats] out of the clay [chomer].
7 Behold, my terror ['eymah] shall not make thee afraid [ba`ath], neither shall my hand ['ekeph] be heavy [kabad] upon thee. KJV-Interlinear
6 'Behold, I belong to God like you; I too have been formed out of the clay. 7 'Behold, no fear of me should terrify you, Nor should my pressure weigh heavily on you. NASB
Earlier, Job had expressed his fear that if he had to appear before God, Gods overpowering presence would be so intimidating that he would lose all concentration. He would simply be overwhelmed by Gods essence. Life itself would overwhelm him.
But here Elihu, in his youth, modesty and humility, states that he will speak the words of God, though he is not God, but will not be so intimidating as God, because he is man, mere man, a mere pinch of clay as Job is.
Elihu takes the position of mediator stating that he will speak the truth, though he is mere man. The truth makes him equal with God in words, and the clay makes him equal with man in essence.
Where the age and experience and wisdom of man have failed in the three friends, now Elihu hopes to take up the slack with his youth and humility and truth of his own understanding.
Interesting enough, and though this representation is not actually stated in the context of the book, Elihu has placed himself in the position of the savior by implication. Being simultaneously both equal with God and man, as well as placing himself in front of man (Job in this case) such that man can have his say without fear, without being intimidated, feeling as though he is on the same level as those who are hearing him.
Being formed out of clay, Elihu makes it very clear that man should never fear man. This clay is actually a pinch out of the same batch. All of humanity came from the same origin. We did not evolve from separate historical batches or origins. We did not evolve out of unrelated origins.
All of humanity came from the same source. We are all clay vessels and we are all bound by the same constraints inherent with our physical limitations. One human being is not better nor worse than another, as far as their human characteristics are concerned. There are no super humans, no superior humans and so forth.
We are all conceived in the same manner, born in the same manner, assembled in accordance with the same template for life, grow up in the same manner, and of course we will all leave this world in death.
Only man invents or imagines himself as better than others.
Likewise, man should not fear God, as God gives everyone a fair and honest hearing.
Fear comes from the lack of confidence. Confidence comes from practice, preparation, experience, even education. When you lack these, then fear arises out of the uncertainties of the unknown or anticipated results of something.
Don't study, don't practice, don't prepare for something and the results you anticipate or hope for, tend to make you uneasy, fearful, filled with anxiety and so forth.
However, repeated studies, repeated training, repeated practice brings results that are consistent with your preparation and that produces confidence. You know it, you have done it, and therefore you become confident because you have already experienced it.
This principle applies to life and this principle also applies to your relationship with God.
Elihu tells Job, that he should not fear this confrontation, because he is an equal and truth cannot intimidate he who is on solid ground.
And so too, life should be viewed in the same way. Job is under tremendous suffering, but truth is on his side. His suffering is merely an experience, an adventure through which he is presently traveling. Man is on the one side and fear of man should be non-existent. On the other side is God and confidence in God is a result of spiritual preparation.
The Savior, Jesus Christ is equal with both God and man. Jesus Christ controls history.
Therefore, under these conditions, aligning ones self with Christ through a consistent daily Bible study, then there is nothing in existence that one should be afraid of, because training produces preparation, produces confidence.
With advancement to spiritual maturity then, the experiences of life eventually present themselves as proof of this truth.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Job 33:4-5
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 33:4-5
4 The Spirit [ruwach] of God ['el] hath made [`asah] me, and the breath [nashamah] of the Almighty [Shadday] hath given me life [chayah].
5 If thou canst [yakol] answer [shuwb] me, set thy words in order [`arak] before [paniym] me, stand up [yatsab]. KJV-Interlinear
4 'The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life. 5 'Refute me if you can; Array yourselves before me, take your stand. NASB
Elihu states here that he is a man just like Job is. He was made in the womb and he received the breath of life when born, just as Job was.
The word for made, 'asah,' means to be made in accordance with a pattern. And in this case, the template for Elihu was being formed in the womb as a human male child. This is the same template for all males of the human race and has been for a very log time now.
Females have a template as well, which by the way is … female. Just so there is no confusion.
There are two separate phases to human construction. The first is the human biological construction and the second is the human life creation.
The first, the biological, begins with conception and takes about nine months to complete. Evidence of this life is the fetus growing in the womb.
The second is the imputation of human life into a human soul, which occurs instantaneously at the moment of birth. This second phase is often called receiving the breath of life or the spark of life, also referred to as 'nashamah,' in Genesis. In this, God exhales life and man inhales life. Evidence of this life is found in the first breath of the baby's life and in its cries. Stillborn babies never breathe and never cry. They never spring to life. When they exit the womb, their biological functions cease.
There is also a third construction of the human essence, which is called the rebirth, or being born again. This third creation occurs instantaneously also, and occurs at the moment when a person believes in Christ. In this, God creates a third vessel, the human spirit, and imputes eternal life into it. This third birth can occur at any time during ones life, but must occur prior to ones death. Evidence of this is found in faith. There is no physical evidence that man can measure or detect regarding the spiritual aspect of ones life.
Likewise, Elihu now challenges Job to allow him to speak and then answer him in a cordial and orderly manner. Elihu will not stoop to the low tactics of the other men, but will speak with respect and reason, from his own point of view. Elihu dos not wish to create controversy or an adversarial dispute.
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Job 33:4-5
4 The Spirit [ruwach] of God ['el] hath made [`asah] me, and the breath [nashamah] of the Almighty [Shadday] hath given me life [chayah].
5 If thou canst [yakol] answer [shuwb] me, set thy words in order [`arak] before [paniym] me, stand up [yatsab]. KJV-Interlinear
4 'The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life. 5 'Refute me if you can; Array yourselves before me, take your stand. NASB
Elihu states here that he is a man just like Job is. He was made in the womb and he received the breath of life when born, just as Job was.
The word for made, 'asah,' means to be made in accordance with a pattern. And in this case, the template for Elihu was being formed in the womb as a human male child. This is the same template for all males of the human race and has been for a very log time now.
Females have a template as well, which by the way is … female. Just so there is no confusion.
There are two separate phases to human construction. The first is the human biological construction and the second is the human life creation.
The first, the biological, begins with conception and takes about nine months to complete. Evidence of this life is the fetus growing in the womb.
The second is the imputation of human life into a human soul, which occurs instantaneously at the moment of birth. This second phase is often called receiving the breath of life or the spark of life, also referred to as 'nashamah,' in Genesis. In this, God exhales life and man inhales life. Evidence of this life is found in the first breath of the baby's life and in its cries. Stillborn babies never breathe and never cry. They never spring to life. When they exit the womb, their biological functions cease.
There is also a third construction of the human essence, which is called the rebirth, or being born again. This third creation occurs instantaneously also, and occurs at the moment when a person believes in Christ. In this, God creates a third vessel, the human spirit, and imputes eternal life into it. This third birth can occur at any time during ones life, but must occur prior to ones death. Evidence of this is found in faith. There is no physical evidence that man can measure or detect regarding the spiritual aspect of ones life.
Likewise, Elihu now challenges Job to allow him to speak and then answer him in a cordial and orderly manner. Elihu will not stoop to the low tactics of the other men, but will speak with respect and reason, from his own point of view. Elihu dos not wish to create controversy or an adversarial dispute.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Job 33:1-3
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 33:1-3
1 Wherefore ['uwlam], Job ['Iyowb], I pray thee, hear [shama`] my speeches [millah], and hearken ['azan] to all my words [dabar].
2 Behold, now I have opened [pathach] my mouth [peh], my tongue [lashown] hath spoken [dabar] in my mouth [chek].
3 My words ['emer] shall be of the uprightness [yosher] of my heart [leb]: and my lips [saphah] shall utter [malal] knowledge [da`ath] clearly [barar]. KJV-Interlinear
33 'However now, Job, please hear my speech, And listen to all my words. 2 'Behold now, I open my mouth, My tongue in my mouth speaks. 3 'My words are from the uprightness of my heart; And my lips speak knowledge sincerely. NASB
Thus far, Elihu has been introducing his speech. He has entered into the conversation with politeness and courtesy, and he has requested permission to speak out of respect for the elderly nature of the four men.
In this chapter, Elihu will address Job. In the next chapter, he will address the three friends.
Now Elihu explains the difference between his words and those of the three friends.
These words will be his words, out of his very own mouth, and his words alone. They will not be words spoken from clichés, out of life's taught principles, from long standing parables, from hearsay, and so forth.
Elihu states that he intends to speak clearly and plainly, and not in ambiguous or broad stated terms or phrases from which virtually any meaning or conclusion can be developed. He intends to speak clearly and from his own words, his intentions, his arguments, his conclusions can be well understood.
Elihu states that he will speak from knowledge, from knowledge of facts, and not from interpretations or conclusions from observations which lack the details of a situation.
Elihu will speak words that can be understood such that his message and his beliefs can be clearly understood.
He will not politicize his speech such that many words are said with no real or clear message, with the intent to disguise and confuse his position, leaving listeners with only his personality to decide their like or dislike of him.
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Job 33:1-3
1 Wherefore ['uwlam], Job ['Iyowb], I pray thee, hear [shama`] my speeches [millah], and hearken ['azan] to all my words [dabar].
2 Behold, now I have opened [pathach] my mouth [peh], my tongue [lashown] hath spoken [dabar] in my mouth [chek].
3 My words ['emer] shall be of the uprightness [yosher] of my heart [leb]: and my lips [saphah] shall utter [malal] knowledge [da`ath] clearly [barar]. KJV-Interlinear
33 'However now, Job, please hear my speech, And listen to all my words. 2 'Behold now, I open my mouth, My tongue in my mouth speaks. 3 'My words are from the uprightness of my heart; And my lips speak knowledge sincerely. NASB
Thus far, Elihu has been introducing his speech. He has entered into the conversation with politeness and courtesy, and he has requested permission to speak out of respect for the elderly nature of the four men.
In this chapter, Elihu will address Job. In the next chapter, he will address the three friends.
Now Elihu explains the difference between his words and those of the three friends.
These words will be his words, out of his very own mouth, and his words alone. They will not be words spoken from clichés, out of life's taught principles, from long standing parables, from hearsay, and so forth.
Elihu states that he intends to speak clearly and plainly, and not in ambiguous or broad stated terms or phrases from which virtually any meaning or conclusion can be developed. He intends to speak clearly and from his own words, his intentions, his arguments, his conclusions can be well understood.
Elihu states that he will speak from knowledge, from knowledge of facts, and not from interpretations or conclusions from observations which lack the details of a situation.
Elihu will speak words that can be understood such that his message and his beliefs can be clearly understood.
He will not politicize his speech such that many words are said with no real or clear message, with the intent to disguise and confuse his position, leaving listeners with only his personality to decide their like or dislike of him.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Job 32:21-22
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 32:21-22
21 Let me not, I pray you, accept [nasa'] any man's ['iysh] person [paniym], neither let me give flattering titles [kanah] unto man ['adam].
22 For I know [yada`] not to give flattering titles [kanah]; in so doing my maker [`asah] would soon [ma`at] take me away [nasa']. KJV-Interlinear
21 'Let me now be partial to no one; Nor flatter any man. 22 'For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away. NASB
To be partial means to be incomplete, to demonstrate some form of favor, to lean in one direction as opposed to another. It also means to tilt truth in favor of some form of courtesy or compliment, to compromise truth by means of flattery, to disregard truth such that no one will be insulted.
Elihu was going to call it like he saw it, and was not going to worry about anyone's feelings, nor favor anyone in order to gain their favor in return. In other words, no political correctness, no bias, no compromised principles. And, no made up principles such as the points the three friends leaned on in their statements.
When a thing is done in the wrong way and added to a wrong way, it is wrong. When a thing is done in a wrong way and added to a right way, it is still wrong. When a thing is done in a right way, but added to a wrong way, it is still wrong.
The only time a right thing becomes right is when it is done in a right way.
And so the result described by Elihu in the last verse. When something is not right, then God intervenes with suffering, punishment, discipline, judgment, loss and so forth, whichever is appropriate. 'Lest God take me away.'
Life must be lived inside the fellowship sphere.
You cannot have thoughts of lies and live in sin. That is a wrong combined with a wrong. The result is wrong.
You cannot think truth and live in sin. That is a right thing combined with a wrong. The result is wrong.
You cannot live in sin and preach truth. That is a wrong thing combined with a right. The result is wrong.
You must think truth and live truth. That is accomplished only while in fellowship. The result for your life is right.
Elihu is not going to compliment lies. Elihu is not going to address people with decorative addresses - 'Your excellency.' 'To the honorable ruler who knows all and sees all.' 'To the one and only wise king.'
Elihu will not use titles of honor for people who do not deserve them.
Furthermore, Elihu will not use Jobs words, since being younger, he has not known Job during Jobs long life. Likewise, Elihu will not use the arguments of the three friends, since they are shallow empty clichés which lack verifiable proofs.
And, Elihu will not subscribe to popular beliefs, merely because they happen to be popular, or perceived as popular.
The only way one can live their spiritual life, the only way one can advance in their spiritual life, the only way one can grow up spiritually, the only way one can maximize their relationship with God, is to first live inside the fellowship sphere, and second, be obedient to the mandates which God has laid out in the scriptures.
The primary mandate is to study, learn, utilize, and grow up spiritually, which is the circle of wisdom designed to make you successful in life, regardless of your circumstances.
With God nothing is impossible, and you gain access to that power while living inside the fellowship sphere.
Life is a battle. Life is an ongoing battle which continues all day long, day after day, throughout your entire life. Your 'arms raised high,' is your appeal and your surrender to God through obedience (confession, growth, etc) every moment of the day, every day of your life.
Lower your arms (become lax in your spiritual life) and the battle goes against you. Raise your arms (obedience to the mandates of God), and the battle goes well with you.
God does not need the instruments of man in order to accomplish His will. But if you remain positive and obedient to God through adherence and pursuit of your spiritual life, then God always honors your positive volition, and in that respect, He will never fail you. 'The battle is the Lords.'
'Arms raised high.' Live by this principle and breathe it.
'Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things.'
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Job 32:21-22
21 Let me not, I pray you, accept [nasa'] any man's ['iysh] person [paniym], neither let me give flattering titles [kanah] unto man ['adam].
22 For I know [yada`] not to give flattering titles [kanah]; in so doing my maker [`asah] would soon [ma`at] take me away [nasa']. KJV-Interlinear
21 'Let me now be partial to no one; Nor flatter any man. 22 'For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away. NASB
To be partial means to be incomplete, to demonstrate some form of favor, to lean in one direction as opposed to another. It also means to tilt truth in favor of some form of courtesy or compliment, to compromise truth by means of flattery, to disregard truth such that no one will be insulted.
Elihu was going to call it like he saw it, and was not going to worry about anyone's feelings, nor favor anyone in order to gain their favor in return. In other words, no political correctness, no bias, no compromised principles. And, no made up principles such as the points the three friends leaned on in their statements.
When a thing is done in the wrong way and added to a wrong way, it is wrong. When a thing is done in a wrong way and added to a right way, it is still wrong. When a thing is done in a right way, but added to a wrong way, it is still wrong.
The only time a right thing becomes right is when it is done in a right way.
And so the result described by Elihu in the last verse. When something is not right, then God intervenes with suffering, punishment, discipline, judgment, loss and so forth, whichever is appropriate. 'Lest God take me away.'
Life must be lived inside the fellowship sphere.
You cannot have thoughts of lies and live in sin. That is a wrong combined with a wrong. The result is wrong.
You cannot think truth and live in sin. That is a right thing combined with a wrong. The result is wrong.
You cannot live in sin and preach truth. That is a wrong thing combined with a right. The result is wrong.
You must think truth and live truth. That is accomplished only while in fellowship. The result for your life is right.
Elihu is not going to compliment lies. Elihu is not going to address people with decorative addresses - 'Your excellency.' 'To the honorable ruler who knows all and sees all.' 'To the one and only wise king.'
Elihu will not use titles of honor for people who do not deserve them.
Furthermore, Elihu will not use Jobs words, since being younger, he has not known Job during Jobs long life. Likewise, Elihu will not use the arguments of the three friends, since they are shallow empty clichés which lack verifiable proofs.
And, Elihu will not subscribe to popular beliefs, merely because they happen to be popular, or perceived as popular.
The only way one can live their spiritual life, the only way one can advance in their spiritual life, the only way one can grow up spiritually, the only way one can maximize their relationship with God, is to first live inside the fellowship sphere, and second, be obedient to the mandates which God has laid out in the scriptures.
The primary mandate is to study, learn, utilize, and grow up spiritually, which is the circle of wisdom designed to make you successful in life, regardless of your circumstances.
With God nothing is impossible, and you gain access to that power while living inside the fellowship sphere.
Life is a battle. Life is an ongoing battle which continues all day long, day after day, throughout your entire life. Your 'arms raised high,' is your appeal and your surrender to God through obedience (confession, growth, etc) every moment of the day, every day of your life.
Lower your arms (become lax in your spiritual life) and the battle goes against you. Raise your arms (obedience to the mandates of God), and the battle goes well with you.
God does not need the instruments of man in order to accomplish His will. But if you remain positive and obedient to God through adherence and pursuit of your spiritual life, then God always honors your positive volition, and in that respect, He will never fail you. 'The battle is the Lords.'
'Arms raised high.' Live by this principle and breathe it.
'Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things.'
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Job 32:18-20
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 32:18-20
18 For I am full [male'] of matter [millah], the spirit [ruwach] within [beten] me constraineth [tsuwq] me.
19 Behold, my belly [beten] is as wine [yayin] which hath no vent [pathach]; it is ready to burst [baqa`] like new [chadash] bottles ['owb].
20 I will speak [dabar], that I may be refreshed [ravach]: I will open [pathach] my lips [saphah] and answer [`anah]. KJV-Interlinear
18 'For I am full of words; The spirit within me constrains me. 19 'Behold, my belly is like unvented wine, Like new wineskins it is about to burst. 20 'Let me speak that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer. NASB
New wine skins hold new wine. When the wine is in its state of fermentation, it gives off vapors which when contained, create pressure. In bags made of skins, the bags can burst under the strain unless opened to release the pressure.
In his youth, Elihu is anxious, full of energy, full of words which will make him simply burst apart, as he uses the expression, if he is not allowed to speak and get the words out.
But the spirit within him, and this is the lesson of the day, constrains him such that he withholds himself until everyone has had their say and until he has an opportunity, and their permission, to speak.
When a person is born, he is born physically alive but spiritually dead. The body has biological life residing in the physical body, and the soul has human life residing within the soul.
When a person believes in the Savior (Christ), then he receives a new birth. This is often times called being reborn, or born again. At the instant of belief, God creates a human spirit and imputes eternal life within it. Now a person is body, soul, and spirit. Each are the respective vessels of their respective lives - biological, human, and eternal life.
During ones life, you will be under the control of the sin nature or the Holy Spirit depending on whether you have confessed your sins to the Father or not.
When you sin, or when you disregard the spiritual aspects of your life (you sin by default), then you are said to be out of fellowship. In this case you live your life as a slave to the sin nature.
When you confess your sins (this applies to believers only), then you are said to be in fellowship, and live your life under the control of the Holy Spirit. 'In the spirit,' is an expression for being in fellowship.
And so Elihu, though he is young, explains here that he is speaking while he is in fellowship, under the control of the spirit, while he applies self discipline to his own actions by respecting the elders, and by holding his tongue in their presence.
It is this self-discipline which he has trained himself in, by learning manners and respect and so forth, that constrains him.
Confession of sin, daily Bible study, and all of the repetition that occurs in this process, serve as excellent training devices and learning tools for spiritual growth.
And note, these methods apply only to believers. Unbelievers lack a human spirit, which is the critical link for having a relationship with God and the spiritual side of life. No human spirit (which comes only through faith in Christ), no spiritual life.
Elihu is itching to speak, and feels like he will explode if told to keep still. But he has great poise and self discipline restraining him despite his emotional feelings in the matter.
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Job 32:18-20
18 For I am full [male'] of matter [millah], the spirit [ruwach] within [beten] me constraineth [tsuwq] me.
19 Behold, my belly [beten] is as wine [yayin] which hath no vent [pathach]; it is ready to burst [baqa`] like new [chadash] bottles ['owb].
20 I will speak [dabar], that I may be refreshed [ravach]: I will open [pathach] my lips [saphah] and answer [`anah]. KJV-Interlinear
18 'For I am full of words; The spirit within me constrains me. 19 'Behold, my belly is like unvented wine, Like new wineskins it is about to burst. 20 'Let me speak that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer. NASB
New wine skins hold new wine. When the wine is in its state of fermentation, it gives off vapors which when contained, create pressure. In bags made of skins, the bags can burst under the strain unless opened to release the pressure.
In his youth, Elihu is anxious, full of energy, full of words which will make him simply burst apart, as he uses the expression, if he is not allowed to speak and get the words out.
But the spirit within him, and this is the lesson of the day, constrains him such that he withholds himself until everyone has had their say and until he has an opportunity, and their permission, to speak.
When a person is born, he is born physically alive but spiritually dead. The body has biological life residing in the physical body, and the soul has human life residing within the soul.
When a person believes in the Savior (Christ), then he receives a new birth. This is often times called being reborn, or born again. At the instant of belief, God creates a human spirit and imputes eternal life within it. Now a person is body, soul, and spirit. Each are the respective vessels of their respective lives - biological, human, and eternal life.
During ones life, you will be under the control of the sin nature or the Holy Spirit depending on whether you have confessed your sins to the Father or not.
When you sin, or when you disregard the spiritual aspects of your life (you sin by default), then you are said to be out of fellowship. In this case you live your life as a slave to the sin nature.
When you confess your sins (this applies to believers only), then you are said to be in fellowship, and live your life under the control of the Holy Spirit. 'In the spirit,' is an expression for being in fellowship.
And so Elihu, though he is young, explains here that he is speaking while he is in fellowship, under the control of the spirit, while he applies self discipline to his own actions by respecting the elders, and by holding his tongue in their presence.
It is this self-discipline which he has trained himself in, by learning manners and respect and so forth, that constrains him.
Confession of sin, daily Bible study, and all of the repetition that occurs in this process, serve as excellent training devices and learning tools for spiritual growth.
And note, these methods apply only to believers. Unbelievers lack a human spirit, which is the critical link for having a relationship with God and the spiritual side of life. No human spirit (which comes only through faith in Christ), no spiritual life.
Elihu is itching to speak, and feels like he will explode if told to keep still. But he has great poise and self discipline restraining him despite his emotional feelings in the matter.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Job 32:15-17
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 32:15-17
15 They were amazed [chathath], they answered [`anah] no more: they left off [`athaq] speaking [millah].
16 When I had waited [yachal], (for they spake [dabar] not, but stood still [`amad], and answered [`anah] no more;)
17 I said, I will answer [`anah] also my part [cheleq], I also will shew [chavah] mine opinion [dea`]. KJV-Interlinear
15 'They are dismayed, they answer no more; Words have failed them. 16 'And shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they stop and answer no more? 17 'I too will answer my share, I also will tell my opinion. NASB
The book of Job raises a controversy between Job and his three friends. Each of the three has their respective say, and Job answers each in turn. When all of their words have come to an end, the three reject Jobs views as Job rejects their accusations. But, they all come to a silence, with neither having anything further to say.
Job will not budge from his beliefs. His three friends do not leave, because they still believe that they are right and nothing has been yet accomplished. So, they all remain silent for a while.
Elihu is a bystander. He has heard all of the arguments and opinions, and he is furious and frustrated in that he expected that from four such old and presumably wise men, truth would prevail. Not so.
So, Elihu will begin to voice his beliefs and hope to resolve the controversy. He will also fail.
The God will enter into the picture and God will sit them all back on their respective haunches, setting their open mouths (speaking or thinking their opinions) in total silence.
Elihu, who is much younger, sat and listened. He did not hear the wisdom he expected to hear. The four men became silent and now Elihu is agitated and beside himself, as it were, just filled with energy and bursting with his own thoughts.
Elihu represents the young and knowledgeable, but still not quite mature individual. He shoud have remained silent until he could learn and keep learning from the experience. But as young people go, he bursts forth with impatience and the frustration of not seeing this controversy resolved. This is a generation gap situation.
And that is going to be a picture of life in this world. Controversies will come and go, and controversies will continue, and continue and seemingly never end. Get involved with any social group and you will have your eyes opened at the endless social stresses, gossiping, ostracisms, power plays and so forth, that never end.
No matter how you try to resolve an issue, there will be those who will never listen, will never change their minds, who will continue the controversy forever, or until you just plain quit. And of course that is what they want. For you to quite so they can continue dominating their little social club activity, or whatever it is that they want to control. And the young will be frustrated with the older generation.
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Job 32:15-17
15 They were amazed [chathath], they answered [`anah] no more: they left off [`athaq] speaking [millah].
16 When I had waited [yachal], (for they spake [dabar] not, but stood still [`amad], and answered [`anah] no more;)
17 I said, I will answer [`anah] also my part [cheleq], I also will shew [chavah] mine opinion [dea`]. KJV-Interlinear
15 'They are dismayed, they answer no more; Words have failed them. 16 'And shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they stop and answer no more? 17 'I too will answer my share, I also will tell my opinion. NASB
The book of Job raises a controversy between Job and his three friends. Each of the three has their respective say, and Job answers each in turn. When all of their words have come to an end, the three reject Jobs views as Job rejects their accusations. But, they all come to a silence, with neither having anything further to say.
Job will not budge from his beliefs. His three friends do not leave, because they still believe that they are right and nothing has been yet accomplished. So, they all remain silent for a while.
Elihu is a bystander. He has heard all of the arguments and opinions, and he is furious and frustrated in that he expected that from four such old and presumably wise men, truth would prevail. Not so.
So, Elihu will begin to voice his beliefs and hope to resolve the controversy. He will also fail.
The God will enter into the picture and God will sit them all back on their respective haunches, setting their open mouths (speaking or thinking their opinions) in total silence.
Elihu, who is much younger, sat and listened. He did not hear the wisdom he expected to hear. The four men became silent and now Elihu is agitated and beside himself, as it were, just filled with energy and bursting with his own thoughts.
Elihu represents the young and knowledgeable, but still not quite mature individual. He shoud have remained silent until he could learn and keep learning from the experience. But as young people go, he bursts forth with impatience and the frustration of not seeing this controversy resolved. This is a generation gap situation.
And that is going to be a picture of life in this world. Controversies will come and go, and controversies will continue, and continue and seemingly never end. Get involved with any social group and you will have your eyes opened at the endless social stresses, gossiping, ostracisms, power plays and so forth, that never end.
No matter how you try to resolve an issue, there will be those who will never listen, will never change their minds, who will continue the controversy forever, or until you just plain quit. And of course that is what they want. For you to quite so they can continue dominating their little social club activity, or whatever it is that they want to control. And the young will be frustrated with the older generation.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Job 32:14
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 32:14
14 Now he hath not directed [`arak] his words [millah] against me: neither will I answer [shuwb] him with your speeches ['emer]. KJV-Interlinear
14 'For he has not arranged his words against me; Nor will I reply to him with your arguments. NASB
Elihu states that this discussion has escalated into a controversy of words between the three friends and Job.
Job has taken the position that he is not the wicked person he has been made out to be. The three friends have taken disaster, the disaster of Jobs life, and have made it into some kind of controversy demanding an admission of guilt from Job before his problem will go away.
The friends have gone so far as to make accusations of culpability, fault, and guilt against Job, combined with their emotional retaliation against his personal defenses.
Elihu is now going to assume a role of an impartial and unbiased bystander. And here he states just that.
He has listened in silence as the friends have attacked Job and as Job has defended himself. Jobs words were not directed at Elihu, and likewise Elihu is not going to try to pick apart Jobs words.
Furthermore, the friends came out swinging with unfounded accusations and unproven society accepted principles. At least in their opinions. And Elihu states that he is not going to take up there arguments due to their weakness and inaccuracies.
Elihu's intent is to function as an impartial intermediary or a mediator between the two parties. But in his speech he will try to show both parties in error and that God is the only party who will be proven right in the matter. And God has not spoken yet, but Elihu is going to attempt to give a divine view from his impartial position.
So, Job and his three friends have sat down and argued and neither have come out the winner, from each of their own perspectives. Although, the friends gave up in their argument, they gave up while shaking their heads to what they perceived as Jobs stubbornness.
Job stood fast in his position of relative righteousness. That is, being as best a person can be in Gods sight, given the difficulties of the world.
Elihu will make his case over the course of the next several chapters, while Job will be polite and allow him, Elihu the youngster, to speak. Job will not respond to Elihu, despite the accusations Elihu will make, but this will only indicate Jobs courtesy in allowing Elihu to speak.
God will not make any comments directly to Elihu, indicating His courtesy in allowing the voice of innocent immaturity to speak its mind.
But as far as you and I are concerned, Elihu will still be able to teach us a great deal of doctrine.
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Job 32:14
14 Now he hath not directed [`arak] his words [millah] against me: neither will I answer [shuwb] him with your speeches ['emer]. KJV-Interlinear
14 'For he has not arranged his words against me; Nor will I reply to him with your arguments. NASB
Elihu states that this discussion has escalated into a controversy of words between the three friends and Job.
Job has taken the position that he is not the wicked person he has been made out to be. The three friends have taken disaster, the disaster of Jobs life, and have made it into some kind of controversy demanding an admission of guilt from Job before his problem will go away.
The friends have gone so far as to make accusations of culpability, fault, and guilt against Job, combined with their emotional retaliation against his personal defenses.
Elihu is now going to assume a role of an impartial and unbiased bystander. And here he states just that.
He has listened in silence as the friends have attacked Job and as Job has defended himself. Jobs words were not directed at Elihu, and likewise Elihu is not going to try to pick apart Jobs words.
Furthermore, the friends came out swinging with unfounded accusations and unproven society accepted principles. At least in their opinions. And Elihu states that he is not going to take up there arguments due to their weakness and inaccuracies.
Elihu's intent is to function as an impartial intermediary or a mediator between the two parties. But in his speech he will try to show both parties in error and that God is the only party who will be proven right in the matter. And God has not spoken yet, but Elihu is going to attempt to give a divine view from his impartial position.
So, Job and his three friends have sat down and argued and neither have come out the winner, from each of their own perspectives. Although, the friends gave up in their argument, they gave up while shaking their heads to what they perceived as Jobs stubbornness.
Job stood fast in his position of relative righteousness. That is, being as best a person can be in Gods sight, given the difficulties of the world.
Elihu will make his case over the course of the next several chapters, while Job will be polite and allow him, Elihu the youngster, to speak. Job will not respond to Elihu, despite the accusations Elihu will make, but this will only indicate Jobs courtesy in allowing Elihu to speak.
God will not make any comments directly to Elihu, indicating His courtesy in allowing the voice of innocent immaturity to speak its mind.
But as far as you and I are concerned, Elihu will still be able to teach us a great deal of doctrine.
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