This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 42:13
13 He had also seven [shib`anah] sons [ben] and three [shalowsh] daughters [bath]. KJV-Interlinear
13 And he had seven sons and three daughters. NASB
Job originally had seven sons and three daughters, prior to his suffering. We were never told their names, but only that they had regular parties and that Job had to hold regular confessional offering sacrifices in their behalf so as to keep them in good graces with the Lord (so to speak).
Then the disaster struck and all of the children were killed in one swift storm. Job lost his children along with nearly all of his assets on that single and fateful day. Shortly thereafter, his health turned south, and that is how he spent many weeks in suffering.
Job had his wife, but she too was not a happy camper with Job. Her best wishes for Job were that he simply curse God and then die. But despite his shortcomings and her bitter feelings, Jobs wife, who is never named, did not leave him, nor did she abandon him.
She hung in there, complete with her sadness over her family loss, the loss of her social status, and the loss of her lifestyle to which she had become accustomed. As Job was sneered at by family and friends, so too, she probably felt that same ostracism because she was his wife. She could have easily bailed out on him. But she did not.
But then came the whirlwind and everything changed.
God spoke. Jobs health was restored. Jobs family and friends came back. The restoration of their prosperity began. And all seemed to be getting better.
Without children, and starting life over, Job and his wife were reconciled and they had ten more children. Now common sense dictates that they got along pretty well.
Three is the number of deity and seven is the number of perfection or completeness. Job and his wife's life was made complete as symbolized by the number of their children - seven sons and three daughters. In everything they had, God was a part, and God was the foundation of their life - both of their lives.
Though they began life in prosperity, and that was interrupted, so now they will end their life, fully restored to the position they were in prior to the suffering, but of course much better off.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Job 42:12
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 42:12
12 So the LORD [Yahovah] blessed [barak] the latter end ['achariyth] of Job ['Iyowb] more than his beginning [re'shiyth]: for he had fourteen ['arba`] [`asar] thousand ['eleph] sheep [tso'n], and six [shesh] thousand ['eleph] camels [gamal], and a thousand ['eleph] yoke [tsemed] of oxen [baqar], and a thousand ['eleph] she asses ['athown]. KJV-Interlinear
12 And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning, and he had 14,000 sheep, and 6,000 camels, and 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. NASB
Now your first thought here is probably, 'If I be good and pray and eat my vegetables everyday, then God will be kind to me and give me a thousand camels!!!'
Just how far would you walk for a camel?
And now you probably think that, that is a bit of humor. Hummm?
Well it is, …. and it isn't.
Back in chapter one, we read that Job was the greatest man in the region. He was one of whom God would brag and was proud.
Job was a type, an illustration, an example of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in that Christ came into this world, a land foreign from heaven, suffered for us all, and then returned to heaven with an infinitely greater blessing than he had before. That is, by our observation, of the before and after, of His work on the Cross.
There are many lessons in this verse.
First, the doubling of the herds and flocks is symbolic of Gods work and not of Jobs unique effort in business. His wealth grew because God willed it to grow, not because of Jobs exceptional business abilities.
By mentioning his wealth, we can presume that his standing in the community and in the region was restored back to its original state, if not better, than before.
Likewise, since we know of Jobs character, and of how he deals with people, then Job recognized that God gave him this great wealth in order to help others, not just for his own pleasures. Job would have offered more loans at fair interest rates (not usurious ones), he would have employed more people, both in his household, and in the fields.
Of course, Job would have a higher standard of living as a result of his wealth. That is only natural. But God does not just give us things, for our selfish use and possession.
When God created the earth, He placed reservoirs of natural resources here on this planet, for our use. When God prospers someone, that is just another form of reservoir of resources for charity, employment or financing, or research, or innovation and so forth.
Some folks recognize this principle and pursue legitimate and honest investment of their God given wealth. And some folks pursue greed as though they did not have enough.
All wealth and prosperity comes from God and from no other source. No one has the right to claim their own superior abilities in acquiring whatever it is that they possess.
And of course there will be those who will try to destroy this principle of life. Persons charging high interest rates and fees that are based on pure greed, governments that assess tax rates that are beyond reason, inheritance laws that destroy estates, people in general who selfishly refuse to support, to help, or give to others, and so forth.
God provides wealth, and that is a very good goal for anyone. Wealth is a reservoir for growth and stability in a life and in an economy. Even if it gets abused by selfish people, it is their sin which is bad, not the wealth.
Now this principle of blessing does not mean that we will all become masters of camels, but it does mean that all adherences to Bible doctrine will be blessed with blessings that far exceed anything which we can gain on our own.
Pursue the world and you are only as good as the jungle is good to you. Eventually all jungle citizens lose.
Pursue God, Christ, doctrine and your spiritual life, and your life will end up successful, even if you do not receive it until you arrive in heaven.
Our ultimate goal is not earthly success in this life, but spiritual success for eternity. We may have to suffer to some extent, now, during our life here in this world, but all suffering ends when you lean on and place your life in Gods hands.
Now, how far are you willing to go for your vast herds of real blessings?
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Job 42:12
12 So the LORD [Yahovah] blessed [barak] the latter end ['achariyth] of Job ['Iyowb] more than his beginning [re'shiyth]: for he had fourteen ['arba`] [`asar] thousand ['eleph] sheep [tso'n], and six [shesh] thousand ['eleph] camels [gamal], and a thousand ['eleph] yoke [tsemed] of oxen [baqar], and a thousand ['eleph] she asses ['athown]. KJV-Interlinear
12 And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning, and he had 14,000 sheep, and 6,000 camels, and 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. NASB
Now your first thought here is probably, 'If I be good and pray and eat my vegetables everyday, then God will be kind to me and give me a thousand camels!!!'
Just how far would you walk for a camel?
And now you probably think that, that is a bit of humor. Hummm?
Well it is, …. and it isn't.
Back in chapter one, we read that Job was the greatest man in the region. He was one of whom God would brag and was proud.
Job was a type, an illustration, an example of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in that Christ came into this world, a land foreign from heaven, suffered for us all, and then returned to heaven with an infinitely greater blessing than he had before. That is, by our observation, of the before and after, of His work on the Cross.
There are many lessons in this verse.
First, the doubling of the herds and flocks is symbolic of Gods work and not of Jobs unique effort in business. His wealth grew because God willed it to grow, not because of Jobs exceptional business abilities.
By mentioning his wealth, we can presume that his standing in the community and in the region was restored back to its original state, if not better, than before.
Likewise, since we know of Jobs character, and of how he deals with people, then Job recognized that God gave him this great wealth in order to help others, not just for his own pleasures. Job would have offered more loans at fair interest rates (not usurious ones), he would have employed more people, both in his household, and in the fields.
Of course, Job would have a higher standard of living as a result of his wealth. That is only natural. But God does not just give us things, for our selfish use and possession.
When God created the earth, He placed reservoirs of natural resources here on this planet, for our use. When God prospers someone, that is just another form of reservoir of resources for charity, employment or financing, or research, or innovation and so forth.
Some folks recognize this principle and pursue legitimate and honest investment of their God given wealth. And some folks pursue greed as though they did not have enough.
All wealth and prosperity comes from God and from no other source. No one has the right to claim their own superior abilities in acquiring whatever it is that they possess.
And of course there will be those who will try to destroy this principle of life. Persons charging high interest rates and fees that are based on pure greed, governments that assess tax rates that are beyond reason, inheritance laws that destroy estates, people in general who selfishly refuse to support, to help, or give to others, and so forth.
God provides wealth, and that is a very good goal for anyone. Wealth is a reservoir for growth and stability in a life and in an economy. Even if it gets abused by selfish people, it is their sin which is bad, not the wealth.
Now this principle of blessing does not mean that we will all become masters of camels, but it does mean that all adherences to Bible doctrine will be blessed with blessings that far exceed anything which we can gain on our own.
Pursue the world and you are only as good as the jungle is good to you. Eventually all jungle citizens lose.
Pursue God, Christ, doctrine and your spiritual life, and your life will end up successful, even if you do not receive it until you arrive in heaven.
Our ultimate goal is not earthly success in this life, but spiritual success for eternity. We may have to suffer to some extent, now, during our life here in this world, but all suffering ends when you lean on and place your life in Gods hands.
Now, how far are you willing to go for your vast herds of real blessings?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Job 42:11
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 42:11
11 Then came [bow'] there unto him all his brethren ['ach], and all his sisters ['achowth], and all they that had been of his acquaintance [yada`] before [paniym], and did eat ['akal] bread [lechem] with him in his house [bayith]: and they bemoaned [nuwd] him, and comforted [nacham] him over all the evil [ra`] that the LORD [Yahovah] had brought [bow'] upon him: every man ['iysh] also gave [nathan] him a ['echad] piece of money [qasiytah], and every one ['iysh] an earring [nexem] of gold [zahab]. KJV-Interlinear
11 Then all his brothers, and all his sisters, and all who had known him before, came to him, and they ate bread with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought on him. And each one gave him one piece of money, and each a ring of gold. NASB
It is often said that when you are wealthy, there aren't enough numbers to count your friends. And when you are poor, then they are nowhere to be found.
Back in chapter 19, Job told us that his friends and family had abandoned him.
Now, since the whirlwind incident, they all seem to be pouring out of the woodwork, with gifts and money in hand. Some probably gave him financial assistance with genuine charity in mind, while others probably gave him gifts out of their own guilt and shame.
But now that Job is the recipient of Gods good graces, or so the shocked public perceived it, all of his friends and family came to his home in a steady stream, uninvited, nonetheless, and gave Job their best wishes.
The ring of gold demonstrates a gift of exceptional value. The term for money designates some form of coinage, perhaps silver, perhaps a lamb.
Back in Jobs ancient days, the term for money used here is a reference to a lamb or sheep, or something of similar value. The term, shekel was not used, but an ambiguous term was used in those days, as a medium of exchange. The lamb of sheep may well have been the benchmark upon which all monetary exchanges was based. And that was perhaps translated into a coin of equal value.
The terminology also helps us date Jobs life as very early in the ancient world. Not too many generations away from Noah and certainly prior to Abraham. There were common terms in use in Abraham's day, for money, terms which were not used in Jobs day.
Over the weeks and months to follow, this steady stream of visitors proved to be a blessing to Job, as his financial foundation was slowly being restored. This was an immediate restoration of blessings. The greater wealth will occur over several decades.
But, regardless of his wealth both before his suffering or after, it will all be temporary.
Jobs real wealth foundation, resides in his soul, and that will translate into greater wealth in heaven, in eternity.
Regardless of your situation in this world, if you place your life in Gods hands, then your life will always end up in blessing.
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Job 42:11
11 Then came [bow'] there unto him all his brethren ['ach], and all his sisters ['achowth], and all they that had been of his acquaintance [yada`] before [paniym], and did eat ['akal] bread [lechem] with him in his house [bayith]: and they bemoaned [nuwd] him, and comforted [nacham] him over all the evil [ra`] that the LORD [Yahovah] had brought [bow'] upon him: every man ['iysh] also gave [nathan] him a ['echad] piece of money [qasiytah], and every one ['iysh] an earring [nexem] of gold [zahab]. KJV-Interlinear
11 Then all his brothers, and all his sisters, and all who had known him before, came to him, and they ate bread with him in his house; and they consoled him and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought on him. And each one gave him one piece of money, and each a ring of gold. NASB
It is often said that when you are wealthy, there aren't enough numbers to count your friends. And when you are poor, then they are nowhere to be found.
Back in chapter 19, Job told us that his friends and family had abandoned him.
Now, since the whirlwind incident, they all seem to be pouring out of the woodwork, with gifts and money in hand. Some probably gave him financial assistance with genuine charity in mind, while others probably gave him gifts out of their own guilt and shame.
But now that Job is the recipient of Gods good graces, or so the shocked public perceived it, all of his friends and family came to his home in a steady stream, uninvited, nonetheless, and gave Job their best wishes.
The ring of gold demonstrates a gift of exceptional value. The term for money designates some form of coinage, perhaps silver, perhaps a lamb.
Back in Jobs ancient days, the term for money used here is a reference to a lamb or sheep, or something of similar value. The term, shekel was not used, but an ambiguous term was used in those days, as a medium of exchange. The lamb of sheep may well have been the benchmark upon which all monetary exchanges was based. And that was perhaps translated into a coin of equal value.
The terminology also helps us date Jobs life as very early in the ancient world. Not too many generations away from Noah and certainly prior to Abraham. There were common terms in use in Abraham's day, for money, terms which were not used in Jobs day.
Over the weeks and months to follow, this steady stream of visitors proved to be a blessing to Job, as his financial foundation was slowly being restored. This was an immediate restoration of blessings. The greater wealth will occur over several decades.
But, regardless of his wealth both before his suffering or after, it will all be temporary.
Jobs real wealth foundation, resides in his soul, and that will translate into greater wealth in heaven, in eternity.
Regardless of your situation in this world, if you place your life in Gods hands, then your life will always end up in blessing.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Job 42:10
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 42:10
10 And the LORD [Yahovah] turned [shuwb] the captivity [shabuwth] [shabuwth] of Job ['Iyowb], when he prayed [palal] for his friends [rea`]: also the LORD [Yahovah] gave [yacaph] Job ['Iyowb] twice as much [mishneh] as he had before. KJV-Interlinear
10 And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold. NASB
Captivity, is a reference to one who has been taken from his home and homeland, and forced into slavery or captivity, in a foreign and dangerous land.
Sin is our captivity, and the environment outside of Gods embrace is the foreign and dangerous land in which there is only pain, and suffering, and bitterness, and loss, and failure.
In this book, Job lived this life of suffering, as all of humanity does when outside of Gods will.
But through the grace of God and the work of the Savior, Jesus Christ, Job was restored from that foreign land, symbolically speaking, to his former home of safety, and truth, and security, and prosperity. A life within the spiritual realm of Gods will.
The players here are Job, the representative priest, or go-between, between man and God, and the three friends, who had slipped out of the grace of God through their own human views.
The men brought their offering to Job, and set about presenting the offering to God (the Father). Job prayed, to the Father, for the acceptance of the offering, and token, and symbol of the work of the Son, the Savior, Jesus Christ.
All prayer is directed to the Father and to no one, and to nothing else. Since the offering represents the work of Christ, the Father accepts the offering, for He accepts no other offering, which is not representative of the work of Christ.
Job was restored, progressively over the coming years, to his former health, prosperity, and family. Obviously, his health would have returned relatively quickly. Probably in a matter of days, his fever, his sores and skin wounds, his aches and pains, and such, would have faded away. He obviously recovered enough, immediately, to be able to perform the sacrifices of his friends.
Once Gods mandates had been complied with, then the blessings began to flow. Job was in full compliance and therefore his blessings were doubled. Over the years he would have children during the normal course of his life and marriage with his wife. I presume that you know how that sort of thing works.
As for the rest of his wealth, probably many things worked together toward his acquisition of his greater wealth, during the course of the next several decades of his life.
But, no matter how long it took, his recovered wealth and its doubling, began immediately after his prayer at the offering presented by his friends.
It was Jobs compliance, and not anything which his friends did, that brought Gods good favor to Job.
His friends continued in their life with little or no change. They complied with Gods mandates, certainly, but they had to be ordered to comply. Job voluntarily submitted himself to Gods will, without having to be ordered.
His blessings were magnified accordingly.
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Job 42:10
10 And the LORD [Yahovah] turned [shuwb] the captivity [shabuwth] [shabuwth] of Job ['Iyowb], when he prayed [palal] for his friends [rea`]: also the LORD [Yahovah] gave [yacaph] Job ['Iyowb] twice as much [mishneh] as he had before. KJV-Interlinear
10 And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold. NASB
Captivity, is a reference to one who has been taken from his home and homeland, and forced into slavery or captivity, in a foreign and dangerous land.
Sin is our captivity, and the environment outside of Gods embrace is the foreign and dangerous land in which there is only pain, and suffering, and bitterness, and loss, and failure.
In this book, Job lived this life of suffering, as all of humanity does when outside of Gods will.
But through the grace of God and the work of the Savior, Jesus Christ, Job was restored from that foreign land, symbolically speaking, to his former home of safety, and truth, and security, and prosperity. A life within the spiritual realm of Gods will.
The players here are Job, the representative priest, or go-between, between man and God, and the three friends, who had slipped out of the grace of God through their own human views.
The men brought their offering to Job, and set about presenting the offering to God (the Father). Job prayed, to the Father, for the acceptance of the offering, and token, and symbol of the work of the Son, the Savior, Jesus Christ.
All prayer is directed to the Father and to no one, and to nothing else. Since the offering represents the work of Christ, the Father accepts the offering, for He accepts no other offering, which is not representative of the work of Christ.
Job was restored, progressively over the coming years, to his former health, prosperity, and family. Obviously, his health would have returned relatively quickly. Probably in a matter of days, his fever, his sores and skin wounds, his aches and pains, and such, would have faded away. He obviously recovered enough, immediately, to be able to perform the sacrifices of his friends.
Once Gods mandates had been complied with, then the blessings began to flow. Job was in full compliance and therefore his blessings were doubled. Over the years he would have children during the normal course of his life and marriage with his wife. I presume that you know how that sort of thing works.
As for the rest of his wealth, probably many things worked together toward his acquisition of his greater wealth, during the course of the next several decades of his life.
But, no matter how long it took, his recovered wealth and its doubling, began immediately after his prayer at the offering presented by his friends.
It was Jobs compliance, and not anything which his friends did, that brought Gods good favor to Job.
His friends continued in their life with little or no change. They complied with Gods mandates, certainly, but they had to be ordered to comply. Job voluntarily submitted himself to Gods will, without having to be ordered.
His blessings were magnified accordingly.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Job 42:9
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 42:9
9 So Eliphaz ['Eliyphaz] the Temanite [Teymaniy] and Bildad [Bildad] the Shuhite [Shuchiy] and Zophar [Tsowphar] the Naamathite [Na`amathiy] went [yalak], and did [`asah] according as the LORD [Yahovah] commanded [dabar] them: the LORD [Yahovah] also accepted [nasa'] Job [paniym] ['Iyowb]. KJV-Interlinear
9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the Lord told them; and the Lord accepted Job. NASB
Remember our descriptions of these three friends of Job, from back in chapter two? Here they are repeated. Exactly.
Eliphaz was the first of the three friends. His name means 'God is fine gold,' or 'God of strength,' with emphasis on the earthly nature of these meanings. Eliphaz was the most prominent of the three friends. His speeches demonstrate greater weight and originality. He is a Temanite, which means southerner. His arguments represent the best wisdom of the world. His wisdom is described as the result of ages of thought and experience, Job 15:17-19, of long and ripened study, 5:27, and he claims the ability of revelation.
Bildad, was the second of the three friends. His name means, 'son of contention,' or 'Bel has loved.' Bel means, 'wisdom of the distant East.' Bildad's speeches generally echoed the words of Eliphaz, but were delivered with more severity and sternness.
The third friend was Zophar. Zophar means 'chirping' or 'to leap.' Naamah was place to the west of Arabia, near the place of the future Judah. He was the most impulsive and inflexible of the three. He spoke only twice. His words were intense and were somewhat reckless exaggerations.
These three men combined, represent the wisdom of humanity, or the views of mankind. Based on hearsay, experience, even observation, these men came up only with accusations based on nothing, and conclusions based also on nothing.
They exaggerated the nature of Jobs situation and magnified the seriousness of their accusations rather than examining their appropriate role in providing Job emotional relief.
Now a quick note for comparison. In this last chapter, Job has been examined and found to be free of defects. These men have had their say already, and God has manifested Himself before them all. Something that was not a common occurrence even in those ancient times. So having God present himself, was the news story of the century. It was a big deal, obviously.
Job repented and they did not.
And in the end, Job will be restored to his family, health and fortune. His wife will reconcile herself to Job and to God (by virtue of the names of her daughters as we will see later on).
But as for these three men, their description in name and home did not change. They remained exactly the same. But even though they held their prior views, they did have enough common sense to obey Gods verbal command.
They have already had knowledge of Gods will, through their prior spiritual education. They complied with the sacrificial offerings immediately. So they knew of and understood these rituals. Their biggest hindrance in their spiritual life was their failure to function properly within their spiritual life, thus allowing a great deal of human viewpoint into their souls.
They should have understood their obligation to God, from their education in doctrine, but they required an actual intervention from God before they did what they should have been doing on a daily basis (at least), throughout their lives - namely confession of sins regularly.
That is something that we do in our current day. We do not offer animals as sacrifices any more. But we do, or are supposed to, enter into a daily study for learning and sustained spiritual growth purposes. Just as back in Jobs day, the ritual sacrifices served as teaching aids for learning doctrine. Sacrifices were not performed daily by each individual, but were supposed to be performed several times a year, or when necessary, as ones life permitted.
If these men had fallen flat on their faces in confession and repentance, then these sacrifices would not have been required, but they did not do what was expected.
They went out, or ordered their servants most likely, to get the required animals. They brought them to Job, and complied with all of the ritual requirements. Job, as a part of this ritual, offered his prayer to God, which drifted up to God as a soothing aroma, just as the smoke of the burning sacrificial fire, and God accepted the offering.
God accepted the offering because it was precisely in conformance with His policy and plan for humanity.
And by accepting Jobs prayer, God also issued His forgiveness to these three men, because Gods policy is paramount, not these three men's efforts or actions.
They held their names, but they subordinated their names and reputations, to Gods will, and complied with Gods procedure, rather than pursuing their own approach to God.
Your attitude, your beliefs, your sincerity, mean nothing in life.
Your adoption of Gods will, and principles, and policies, and procedures, and mandates mean everything.
Without them (doctrine in the soul), you are in effect nothing - dust.
With them (doctrine in your soul - gold), you are everything, and more.
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Job 42:9
9 So Eliphaz ['Eliyphaz] the Temanite [Teymaniy] and Bildad [Bildad] the Shuhite [Shuchiy] and Zophar [Tsowphar] the Naamathite [Na`amathiy] went [yalak], and did [`asah] according as the LORD [Yahovah] commanded [dabar] them: the LORD [Yahovah] also accepted [nasa'] Job [paniym] ['Iyowb]. KJV-Interlinear
9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the Lord told them; and the Lord accepted Job. NASB
Remember our descriptions of these three friends of Job, from back in chapter two? Here they are repeated. Exactly.
Eliphaz was the first of the three friends. His name means 'God is fine gold,' or 'God of strength,' with emphasis on the earthly nature of these meanings. Eliphaz was the most prominent of the three friends. His speeches demonstrate greater weight and originality. He is a Temanite, which means southerner. His arguments represent the best wisdom of the world. His wisdom is described as the result of ages of thought and experience, Job 15:17-19, of long and ripened study, 5:27, and he claims the ability of revelation.
Bildad, was the second of the three friends. His name means, 'son of contention,' or 'Bel has loved.' Bel means, 'wisdom of the distant East.' Bildad's speeches generally echoed the words of Eliphaz, but were delivered with more severity and sternness.
The third friend was Zophar. Zophar means 'chirping' or 'to leap.' Naamah was place to the west of Arabia, near the place of the future Judah. He was the most impulsive and inflexible of the three. He spoke only twice. His words were intense and were somewhat reckless exaggerations.
These three men combined, represent the wisdom of humanity, or the views of mankind. Based on hearsay, experience, even observation, these men came up only with accusations based on nothing, and conclusions based also on nothing.
They exaggerated the nature of Jobs situation and magnified the seriousness of their accusations rather than examining their appropriate role in providing Job emotional relief.
Now a quick note for comparison. In this last chapter, Job has been examined and found to be free of defects. These men have had their say already, and God has manifested Himself before them all. Something that was not a common occurrence even in those ancient times. So having God present himself, was the news story of the century. It was a big deal, obviously.
Job repented and they did not.
And in the end, Job will be restored to his family, health and fortune. His wife will reconcile herself to Job and to God (by virtue of the names of her daughters as we will see later on).
But as for these three men, their description in name and home did not change. They remained exactly the same. But even though they held their prior views, they did have enough common sense to obey Gods verbal command.
They have already had knowledge of Gods will, through their prior spiritual education. They complied with the sacrificial offerings immediately. So they knew of and understood these rituals. Their biggest hindrance in their spiritual life was their failure to function properly within their spiritual life, thus allowing a great deal of human viewpoint into their souls.
They should have understood their obligation to God, from their education in doctrine, but they required an actual intervention from God before they did what they should have been doing on a daily basis (at least), throughout their lives - namely confession of sins regularly.
That is something that we do in our current day. We do not offer animals as sacrifices any more. But we do, or are supposed to, enter into a daily study for learning and sustained spiritual growth purposes. Just as back in Jobs day, the ritual sacrifices served as teaching aids for learning doctrine. Sacrifices were not performed daily by each individual, but were supposed to be performed several times a year, or when necessary, as ones life permitted.
If these men had fallen flat on their faces in confession and repentance, then these sacrifices would not have been required, but they did not do what was expected.
They went out, or ordered their servants most likely, to get the required animals. They brought them to Job, and complied with all of the ritual requirements. Job, as a part of this ritual, offered his prayer to God, which drifted up to God as a soothing aroma, just as the smoke of the burning sacrificial fire, and God accepted the offering.
God accepted the offering because it was precisely in conformance with His policy and plan for humanity.
And by accepting Jobs prayer, God also issued His forgiveness to these three men, because Gods policy is paramount, not these three men's efforts or actions.
They held their names, but they subordinated their names and reputations, to Gods will, and complied with Gods procedure, rather than pursuing their own approach to God.
Your attitude, your beliefs, your sincerity, mean nothing in life.
Your adoption of Gods will, and principles, and policies, and procedures, and mandates mean everything.
Without them (doctrine in the soul), you are in effect nothing - dust.
With them (doctrine in your soul - gold), you are everything, and more.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Job 42:8
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 42:8
8 Therefore take [laqach] unto you now seven [sheba`] bullocks [par] and seven [sheba`] rams ['ayil], and go [yalak] to my servant [`ebed] Job ['Iyowb], and offer up [`alah] for yourselves a burnt offering [`olah]; and my servant [`ebed] Job ['Iyowb] shall pray [palal] for you: for him [paniym] will I accept [nasa']: lest I deal [`asah] with you after your folly [nabalah], in that ye have not spoken [dabar] of me the thing which is right [kuwn], like my servant [`ebed] Job ['Iyowb]. KJV-Interlinear
8 'Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will pray for you. For I will accept him so that I may not do with you according to your folly, because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.' NASB
The sin offering is in view here. If you recall our study in Leviticus, there are five basic offerings. The first three deal with, or teach the principles of, the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Those are salvation offerings.
And the last two offerings deal with sin, or the confession offerings. One offering for confession of known sins and the other for unknown sins. These deal with the principles of the function of the spiritual life (after salvation), or living ones life in fellowship.
In the various offerings, several animals were used. A wealthy man would use a bull, because he would most likely own or have access to a herd. Poorer folks were allowed to use pigeons or doves, as fitting to their financial condition. No one was excluded from being able to make offerings because of their financial situation.
The first sacrifice took place when Adam and Eve sinned. You recall their answer to sin was to put on clothing of leaves. Later, they had clothes of animal skins, and we know that the animal did not give up their skin and walk away naked. That was the first instance of animal sacrifices.
The second instance of sacrifices was with Cain and Abel. Abel's sacrifice, the burnt offering of an animal depicting the work of Christ, was accepted, while Cain's was rejected. Cain's sacrifice was of the grain and the fruit of his own labor, not that of Christ.
In the centuries prior to Moses and the Exodus generation, sacrifices were common rituals. They taught principles of doctrine, both of salvation and fellowship.
Moses recorded the sacrifice rituals as well as the formal establishment of an earthly priesthood, the Levitical Priesthood.
The priest is simply a mediator, or a go-between, between God and man. He is a person who is acceptable by God, thus allowing one who is not acceptable, to be able to have access to God through an acceptable mediator.
Until we received out perfect High Priest and Mediator, Jesus Christ, others were allowed to symbolize His role in the spiritual life.
Prior to the Levitical Priesthood, the family head, the dad or the father, also held the role of the family priest or the go-between, between the family members and God.
In this case, the dad would have to make himself perfect through confession, and then he would be qualified to be the mediator for his family members. Recall that way back in chapter one, Job held regular sacrifice rituals in behalf of his partying children. He knew what went on when kids party!! Of course they would still have to be present for the offering. Each child would have to place their hands on the offering animal in order to symbolically transfer their sins to the animal (Christ).
As for the 'seven' numbers. This gives us an indication of two things. First these men were not poor. They were wealthy. In fact they were extremely wealthy, thus the number of animals was increased to seven, and then doubled to demonstrate the magnitude of their error.
To whom God gives much, God expects much.
This is not limited to worldly wealth. God has prepared a phenomenal wealth package for each one of us in heaven in eternity, thus this vast gift certainly qualifies as, 'much.' Therefore, God expects much from us in return. And our return obligation to God is our function and advancement to spiritual maturity.
Those who advance to maturity (much), will receive much (blessings beyond imagination) in eternity. Those who do not advance, will not receive much, if anything.
The three friends were most likely shocked when they heard the verdict against them. They had been condemning Job all this time by means of their subjective judgment against him, praising God through their shallow boastings and condemning Job through their self-righteous interpretations of truth.
They were sincere in their beliefs, but sincerity means nothing in the grand scheme of things. God does not bless due to sincerity. God blesses based on doctrine in the soul. And Job had that.
Jobs' pleading was that suffering was not an indication of evil in ones life, or cursing and/or judgment from God. Job was right.
His friends' position was that he must have been a secretly evil person in order to have incurred such suffering. They were wrong.
Job was hurting and in need of sympathetic help from his friends. His friends were not suffering and took advantage of Jobs situation in order to elevate and voice their opinions as wisdom, in a public setting. That is approbation lust.
Elihu, in his youth, was more of a speaker of principles, and did not really take sides, one way or another.
Now, the really big principle here. God manifested Himself to all of these folks. Job responded, and they, the three friends, did not. Thus their requirement of confession by means of the sin offering, magnified due to their entrenched arrogance. The number seven, which also represents perfection, also emphasizes Gods sovereignty and authority.
But, a person in need of confession may not represent himself before God, but must go through an acceptable (to God), mediator.
Job has already been identified as the most outstanding person in all of the land. See chapter one. Job pursued truth in his arguments and in his response to God.
Job adhered to truth, whereas the three friends adhered to their own views, took advantage of Jobs situation, demonstrated no empathy toward Job, and manufactured accusations that did not exist, in order to justify and advance their own views.
The three friends were ordered to secure the animals, and take them to Job. Job was placed in the role of the priest or mediator, between them and God. Just as Christ is between all of us and God.
Their confession, of their own energy, as demonstrated by the many views which they expressed, would not and would never, be accepted by God.
We must all approach God through our perfect mediator, Jesus Christ. There is no other mediator, no other doorway through which we may gain access to God.
If they refused to abide by Gods command, then their 'folly' would be dealt with, and here that dealing, suggests something more harsh than what Job had been enduring.
I noticed in the news the yesterday, that a survey was conducted regarding the role of religion in America. It appears that there is a growing population of folks that do not have any inkling of what the fundamental principles of their religion are. That far too many folks seem to believe that there are many paths to God, and that one only needs sincerity in their life in order to be accepted by God.
If the folks of today, do not get back to the basics of Christian doctrine, then what do you suppose the repercussions might be?
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Job 42:8
8 Therefore take [laqach] unto you now seven [sheba`] bullocks [par] and seven [sheba`] rams ['ayil], and go [yalak] to my servant [`ebed] Job ['Iyowb], and offer up [`alah] for yourselves a burnt offering [`olah]; and my servant [`ebed] Job ['Iyowb] shall pray [palal] for you: for him [paniym] will I accept [nasa']: lest I deal [`asah] with you after your folly [nabalah], in that ye have not spoken [dabar] of me the thing which is right [kuwn], like my servant [`ebed] Job ['Iyowb]. KJV-Interlinear
8 'Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will pray for you. For I will accept him so that I may not do with you according to your folly, because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.' NASB
The sin offering is in view here. If you recall our study in Leviticus, there are five basic offerings. The first three deal with, or teach the principles of, the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Those are salvation offerings.
And the last two offerings deal with sin, or the confession offerings. One offering for confession of known sins and the other for unknown sins. These deal with the principles of the function of the spiritual life (after salvation), or living ones life in fellowship.
In the various offerings, several animals were used. A wealthy man would use a bull, because he would most likely own or have access to a herd. Poorer folks were allowed to use pigeons or doves, as fitting to their financial condition. No one was excluded from being able to make offerings because of their financial situation.
The first sacrifice took place when Adam and Eve sinned. You recall their answer to sin was to put on clothing of leaves. Later, they had clothes of animal skins, and we know that the animal did not give up their skin and walk away naked. That was the first instance of animal sacrifices.
The second instance of sacrifices was with Cain and Abel. Abel's sacrifice, the burnt offering of an animal depicting the work of Christ, was accepted, while Cain's was rejected. Cain's sacrifice was of the grain and the fruit of his own labor, not that of Christ.
In the centuries prior to Moses and the Exodus generation, sacrifices were common rituals. They taught principles of doctrine, both of salvation and fellowship.
Moses recorded the sacrifice rituals as well as the formal establishment of an earthly priesthood, the Levitical Priesthood.
The priest is simply a mediator, or a go-between, between God and man. He is a person who is acceptable by God, thus allowing one who is not acceptable, to be able to have access to God through an acceptable mediator.
Until we received out perfect High Priest and Mediator, Jesus Christ, others were allowed to symbolize His role in the spiritual life.
Prior to the Levitical Priesthood, the family head, the dad or the father, also held the role of the family priest or the go-between, between the family members and God.
In this case, the dad would have to make himself perfect through confession, and then he would be qualified to be the mediator for his family members. Recall that way back in chapter one, Job held regular sacrifice rituals in behalf of his partying children. He knew what went on when kids party!! Of course they would still have to be present for the offering. Each child would have to place their hands on the offering animal in order to symbolically transfer their sins to the animal (Christ).
As for the 'seven' numbers. This gives us an indication of two things. First these men were not poor. They were wealthy. In fact they were extremely wealthy, thus the number of animals was increased to seven, and then doubled to demonstrate the magnitude of their error.
To whom God gives much, God expects much.
This is not limited to worldly wealth. God has prepared a phenomenal wealth package for each one of us in heaven in eternity, thus this vast gift certainly qualifies as, 'much.' Therefore, God expects much from us in return. And our return obligation to God is our function and advancement to spiritual maturity.
Those who advance to maturity (much), will receive much (blessings beyond imagination) in eternity. Those who do not advance, will not receive much, if anything.
The three friends were most likely shocked when they heard the verdict against them. They had been condemning Job all this time by means of their subjective judgment against him, praising God through their shallow boastings and condemning Job through their self-righteous interpretations of truth.
They were sincere in their beliefs, but sincerity means nothing in the grand scheme of things. God does not bless due to sincerity. God blesses based on doctrine in the soul. And Job had that.
Jobs' pleading was that suffering was not an indication of evil in ones life, or cursing and/or judgment from God. Job was right.
His friends' position was that he must have been a secretly evil person in order to have incurred such suffering. They were wrong.
Job was hurting and in need of sympathetic help from his friends. His friends were not suffering and took advantage of Jobs situation in order to elevate and voice their opinions as wisdom, in a public setting. That is approbation lust.
Elihu, in his youth, was more of a speaker of principles, and did not really take sides, one way or another.
Now, the really big principle here. God manifested Himself to all of these folks. Job responded, and they, the three friends, did not. Thus their requirement of confession by means of the sin offering, magnified due to their entrenched arrogance. The number seven, which also represents perfection, also emphasizes Gods sovereignty and authority.
But, a person in need of confession may not represent himself before God, but must go through an acceptable (to God), mediator.
Job has already been identified as the most outstanding person in all of the land. See chapter one. Job pursued truth in his arguments and in his response to God.
Job adhered to truth, whereas the three friends adhered to their own views, took advantage of Jobs situation, demonstrated no empathy toward Job, and manufactured accusations that did not exist, in order to justify and advance their own views.
The three friends were ordered to secure the animals, and take them to Job. Job was placed in the role of the priest or mediator, between them and God. Just as Christ is between all of us and God.
Their confession, of their own energy, as demonstrated by the many views which they expressed, would not and would never, be accepted by God.
We must all approach God through our perfect mediator, Jesus Christ. There is no other mediator, no other doorway through which we may gain access to God.
If they refused to abide by Gods command, then their 'folly' would be dealt with, and here that dealing, suggests something more harsh than what Job had been enduring.
I noticed in the news the yesterday, that a survey was conducted regarding the role of religion in America. It appears that there is a growing population of folks that do not have any inkling of what the fundamental principles of their religion are. That far too many folks seem to believe that there are many paths to God, and that one only needs sincerity in their life in order to be accepted by God.
If the folks of today, do not get back to the basics of Christian doctrine, then what do you suppose the repercussions might be?
Job 42:7
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 42:7
7 And it was so, that after ['achar] the LORD [Yahovah] had spoken [dabar] these words [dabar] unto Job ['Iyowb], the LORD [Yahovah] said ['amar] to Eliphaz ['Eliyphaz] the Temanite [Teymaniy], My wrath ['aph] is kindled [charah] against thee, and against thy two [shanayim] friends [rea`]: for ye have not spoken [dabar] of me the thing that is right [kuwn], as my servant [`ebed] Job ['Iyowb] hath. KJV-Interlinear
7 And it came about after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, 'My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has. NASB
The three friends spoke from their hearts. They spoke what they believed and they spoke in sincerity. However, when you speak falsely, your intentions, your beliefs, your sincerity are all irrelevant.
False is false is false, and no amount of good intentions can change that. Often times the liberal and conservative philosophies approach life from this perspective. People speak from their hearts and from their sincere beliefs, but most of the time, these beliefs are in error from truth. And therefore they are false, they are deceitful, they are misleading to any who might hear them.
Job was present in his home with his three visitors, a fourth visitor, and most likely there were others present and within hearing distance. Everyone heard the arguments and everyone could evaluate what they heard based on their own beliefs.
Some, from the privacy of their own thoughts, would agree with Eliphaz and some would agree with Job. That is only normal.
But here we know for certain that Eliphaz and his two friends spoke true doctrinal principles, but with false applications. We have already been through their arguments.
Likewise, Eliphaz and his two friends heard the voice out from the whirlwind, as they are hearing the voice of Gods condemnation, now. Job repented. They did not. Job took his own position and wholly laid it behind himself and submitted, in humility, to God. They did not.
After Gods silence, Job spoke. After Jobs silence, silence continued. No one else spoke up. No one else laid themselves face down in the dust in humble submission or repentance.
Regardless of what Job had said, regardless of what Job had thought, whether right or wrong, Job quickly reversed himself when confronted with God and truth.
Today we do not have face-to-face meetings with God, but we do have all of His thoughts and policies. They are one and the same. Our response should be as that of Job, and not as indifference or stubborn and silent resistance toward truth.
Far too often folks when not immediately confronted with a lightning bolt, will presume themselves to be right. If the book had concluded in the last verse, then Eliphaz and his friends might have presumed themselves right and Job wrong. Job repented and his issue with God ended immediately (not his suffering though). His three friends did not repent, and therefore their issue with God continued. And they did not even realize that they had an issue with God.
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Job 42:7
7 And it was so, that after ['achar] the LORD [Yahovah] had spoken [dabar] these words [dabar] unto Job ['Iyowb], the LORD [Yahovah] said ['amar] to Eliphaz ['Eliyphaz] the Temanite [Teymaniy], My wrath ['aph] is kindled [charah] against thee, and against thy two [shanayim] friends [rea`]: for ye have not spoken [dabar] of me the thing that is right [kuwn], as my servant [`ebed] Job ['Iyowb] hath. KJV-Interlinear
7 And it came about after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, 'My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has. NASB
The three friends spoke from their hearts. They spoke what they believed and they spoke in sincerity. However, when you speak falsely, your intentions, your beliefs, your sincerity are all irrelevant.
False is false is false, and no amount of good intentions can change that. Often times the liberal and conservative philosophies approach life from this perspective. People speak from their hearts and from their sincere beliefs, but most of the time, these beliefs are in error from truth. And therefore they are false, they are deceitful, they are misleading to any who might hear them.
Job was present in his home with his three visitors, a fourth visitor, and most likely there were others present and within hearing distance. Everyone heard the arguments and everyone could evaluate what they heard based on their own beliefs.
Some, from the privacy of their own thoughts, would agree with Eliphaz and some would agree with Job. That is only normal.
But here we know for certain that Eliphaz and his two friends spoke true doctrinal principles, but with false applications. We have already been through their arguments.
Likewise, Eliphaz and his two friends heard the voice out from the whirlwind, as they are hearing the voice of Gods condemnation, now. Job repented. They did not. Job took his own position and wholly laid it behind himself and submitted, in humility, to God. They did not.
After Gods silence, Job spoke. After Jobs silence, silence continued. No one else spoke up. No one else laid themselves face down in the dust in humble submission or repentance.
Regardless of what Job had said, regardless of what Job had thought, whether right or wrong, Job quickly reversed himself when confronted with God and truth.
Today we do not have face-to-face meetings with God, but we do have all of His thoughts and policies. They are one and the same. Our response should be as that of Job, and not as indifference or stubborn and silent resistance toward truth.
Far too often folks when not immediately confronted with a lightning bolt, will presume themselves to be right. If the book had concluded in the last verse, then Eliphaz and his friends might have presumed themselves right and Job wrong. Job repented and his issue with God ended immediately (not his suffering though). His three friends did not repent, and therefore their issue with God continued. And they did not even realize that they had an issue with God.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Job 42:6
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 42:6
6 Wherefore I abhor [ma'ac] myself, and repent [nacham] in dust [`aphar] and ashes ['epher]. KJV-Interlinear
6 Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes.' NASB
Dust and ashes are symbols of grieving and/or humiliation. Since man is formed physically from the dust of the earth, then symbolically reverting to ones fundamental components is an appropriate arrogance corrector.
Note that our soul, and human life which resides in our soul, does not come from the dust.
No matter how smart you might be, no matter how talented, witty, fashionable, or pretty, we all come from the same origin - dust.
And here Job teaches us a valuable lesson. When you consider the grand picture of life, we really amount to nothing. God is everything and the source of everything.
Far too often people, and we are all guilty of this at some point in our life, will consider God to be an equal. We pretend wisdom and intimate knowledge of His will. We presume to understand the grand plan of life. We presume that our views are at least, if not better, than those of God.
We tend to approach God with too much self-confidence and an over estimation of our own self-importance. We treat God with irreverence, disrespect, impertinence, mockery, making Him the target of jokes and snide challenging remarks. We hold God accountable to us, for His not performing up to our expectations.
And then …
Life becomes very real to us. We get hammered with some form of hardship or disaster, that puts us right in our place of helplessness, total helplessness. And only then, will we fall flat on our face in great humility.
This type of reaction can come very easy for some, and for those who are arrogant to an extreme, the hardship can be very, very nasty, before they fall flat on their faces before God, with little regard for how folks around them might be thinking of them.
It is too easy to fear the opinions of people more than the opinions of God. Peer pressure is typical and obvious in the lives for teenagers, but it also plays a role in all of our lives, even though it might be a bit more subtle.
Often times its takes a humiliating event in our lives before we learn that the beginning of wisdom, which is really the beginning of our learning experience, starts with our respect (fear) of God.
Dust and ashes is representative of the ultimate emotional reaction of humiliation or extreme grieving. Once you can attain that attitude in your life, without embarrassment because of what others might think of you, then you are beginning the greatest ever, phase of your life. All other things in your life become distant seconds if not much further behind.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 42:6
6 Wherefore I abhor [ma'ac] myself, and repent [nacham] in dust [`aphar] and ashes ['epher]. KJV-Interlinear
6 Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes.' NASB
Dust and ashes are symbols of grieving and/or humiliation. Since man is formed physically from the dust of the earth, then symbolically reverting to ones fundamental components is an appropriate arrogance corrector.
Note that our soul, and human life which resides in our soul, does not come from the dust.
No matter how smart you might be, no matter how talented, witty, fashionable, or pretty, we all come from the same origin - dust.
And here Job teaches us a valuable lesson. When you consider the grand picture of life, we really amount to nothing. God is everything and the source of everything.
Far too often people, and we are all guilty of this at some point in our life, will consider God to be an equal. We pretend wisdom and intimate knowledge of His will. We presume to understand the grand plan of life. We presume that our views are at least, if not better, than those of God.
We tend to approach God with too much self-confidence and an over estimation of our own self-importance. We treat God with irreverence, disrespect, impertinence, mockery, making Him the target of jokes and snide challenging remarks. We hold God accountable to us, for His not performing up to our expectations.
And then …
Life becomes very real to us. We get hammered with some form of hardship or disaster, that puts us right in our place of helplessness, total helplessness. And only then, will we fall flat on our face in great humility.
This type of reaction can come very easy for some, and for those who are arrogant to an extreme, the hardship can be very, very nasty, before they fall flat on their faces before God, with little regard for how folks around them might be thinking of them.
It is too easy to fear the opinions of people more than the opinions of God. Peer pressure is typical and obvious in the lives for teenagers, but it also plays a role in all of our lives, even though it might be a bit more subtle.
Often times its takes a humiliating event in our lives before we learn that the beginning of wisdom, which is really the beginning of our learning experience, starts with our respect (fear) of God.
Dust and ashes is representative of the ultimate emotional reaction of humiliation or extreme grieving. Once you can attain that attitude in your life, without embarrassment because of what others might think of you, then you are beginning the greatest ever, phase of your life. All other things in your life become distant seconds if not much further behind.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Job 42:5
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 42:5
5 I have heard [shama`] of thee by the hearing [shema`] of the ear ['ozen]: but now mine eye [`ayin] seeth [ra'ah] thee. KJV-Interlinear
5 'I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees Thee; NASB
Ultimately, one of the goals we all should have in our spiritual life, is to be able to apply what we know, to our daily life, such that the principles of doctrine become real and alive, practical and functional in our life.
In most things, unless you can translate something into a productive use, it really is of no use. That is generally where we see the terms 'street smart' vs. 'book smart.'
A person can know a whole lot about something, but if they cannot apply it to some practical or good use, then it is of no use.
Job grew up his whole life, in an environment of learning scriptural principles, of which he was able apply them through ritual activities, and advance in his spiritual life. He knew prosperity and wealth, but never knew hardship, even though he could observe it all around him.
He learned about life by listening. He learned about the spiritual life by listening. He pursued his education, both academic and spiritual, by seeking out those who knew the answers to his curiosity and questions. Job wanted to learn, and so he pursued his learning by his own initiative.
And although Job knew a great deal of doctrine, it is only now, through suffering, that a great deal of it all came together for him, in understanding.
Hearing is not learning. Learning is not comprehension. Comprehension is not understanding. Understanding is not wisdom. And it is wisdom that gives us the ability to apply what we know, to our real world situations, making things happen productively and practically for ourselves, our families, our work and so forth.
You can grow up in life with little or no difficulties, but that in turn can restrict your ability to learn and understand how the other half lives their life. This is why the so called 'elite' folks are said to be, detached from reality.
Having to much wealth or prosperity can be a disadvantage. Odd as that may seem.
Job got hammered as no one has ever been hammered in life. He fell from vast wealth into horrible adversity. As a result, he here states that his eyes have been opened as never before.
Job grew up seeing poverty and suffering. Job grew up hearing all of the principles of doctrine. But as we all probably know, or should know, often times you have to go through an experience before you can really understand it. And only then are you in a position to form reasonable opinions or advice for others, as well as being able to see life a bit more clearly.
God has the very best in mind for your life. But forewarned, He may just guide you through some hard times in order to help you in your spiritual education. And believe it or not, that is a good thing.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 42:5
5 I have heard [shama`] of thee by the hearing [shema`] of the ear ['ozen]: but now mine eye [`ayin] seeth [ra'ah] thee. KJV-Interlinear
5 'I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees Thee; NASB
Ultimately, one of the goals we all should have in our spiritual life, is to be able to apply what we know, to our daily life, such that the principles of doctrine become real and alive, practical and functional in our life.
In most things, unless you can translate something into a productive use, it really is of no use. That is generally where we see the terms 'street smart' vs. 'book smart.'
A person can know a whole lot about something, but if they cannot apply it to some practical or good use, then it is of no use.
Job grew up his whole life, in an environment of learning scriptural principles, of which he was able apply them through ritual activities, and advance in his spiritual life. He knew prosperity and wealth, but never knew hardship, even though he could observe it all around him.
He learned about life by listening. He learned about the spiritual life by listening. He pursued his education, both academic and spiritual, by seeking out those who knew the answers to his curiosity and questions. Job wanted to learn, and so he pursued his learning by his own initiative.
And although Job knew a great deal of doctrine, it is only now, through suffering, that a great deal of it all came together for him, in understanding.
Hearing is not learning. Learning is not comprehension. Comprehension is not understanding. Understanding is not wisdom. And it is wisdom that gives us the ability to apply what we know, to our real world situations, making things happen productively and practically for ourselves, our families, our work and so forth.
You can grow up in life with little or no difficulties, but that in turn can restrict your ability to learn and understand how the other half lives their life. This is why the so called 'elite' folks are said to be, detached from reality.
Having to much wealth or prosperity can be a disadvantage. Odd as that may seem.
Job got hammered as no one has ever been hammered in life. He fell from vast wealth into horrible adversity. As a result, he here states that his eyes have been opened as never before.
Job grew up seeing poverty and suffering. Job grew up hearing all of the principles of doctrine. But as we all probably know, or should know, often times you have to go through an experience before you can really understand it. And only then are you in a position to form reasonable opinions or advice for others, as well as being able to see life a bit more clearly.
God has the very best in mind for your life. But forewarned, He may just guide you through some hard times in order to help you in your spiritual education. And believe it or not, that is a good thing.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Job 42:4
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 42:4
4 Hear [shama`], I beseech thee, and I will speak [dabar]: I will demand [sha'al] of thee, and declare [yada`] thou unto me. KJV-Interlinear
4 'Hear, now, and I will speak; I will ask Thee, and do Thou instruct me.' NASB
We do not approach God as an equal. We do not approach God argumentatively. We do not approach God with a manner of presumed wisdom. We certainly do not approach God with disrespect, discourtesy, insolence, contempt, impertinence, controversy and such other similar attitudes.
There is only one way to approach God. And that is to approach Him as a student without portfolio, in humility, and silence of opinion.
There is nothing that we as humanity can offer God. All that we are, all that we possess, came from God and from no other source.
God does not sit back waiting to be impressed by our talent, ability, intellect, or anything we might have. He only expects us to submit to His will, which is truth. And in order to do that, we have to listen and learn, and then to believe what we have learned, by making it a part of our daily life.
Remember that man is but a speck of dust and nothing more. What can dust teach God? What can the pot teach the potter?
In order to communicate with God, we must be in His presence. In order to be in Gods presence, we must be in fellowship.
Fellowship is a privilege of believers only. So, one must first be saved, before any relationship with God is possible. All unbelievers lack this access.
Then once saved, the issue is forgiveness of sin in ones life. Confession obtains forgiveness and places you in fellowship, where all spiritual phenomena takes place.
All spiritual growth, all spiritual learning, all prayer, all of ones relationship with God, occurs while in fellowship. When you are out of fellowship, your spiritual life is off line so to speak, disabled, non-functional.
In order to have a productive relationship with God, then you must grow up spiritually. That means that you have to learn, and in order to learn you have to be willing to put away all of your attitudes, pre-conceived ideas, and opinions, and listen.
And, as we see here with Job, you really need the attitude that you, want, to learn.
Actions speak louder than words, so your actual actions of pursuing your spiritual life, really determine your real desire.
Saying all of the right things, even doing all of the right things, are not enough. Even Satan can do that. You have to function within the fellowship sphere before your spiritual life becomes real and productive.
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Job 42:4
4 Hear [shama`], I beseech thee, and I will speak [dabar]: I will demand [sha'al] of thee, and declare [yada`] thou unto me. KJV-Interlinear
4 'Hear, now, and I will speak; I will ask Thee, and do Thou instruct me.' NASB
We do not approach God as an equal. We do not approach God argumentatively. We do not approach God with a manner of presumed wisdom. We certainly do not approach God with disrespect, discourtesy, insolence, contempt, impertinence, controversy and such other similar attitudes.
There is only one way to approach God. And that is to approach Him as a student without portfolio, in humility, and silence of opinion.
There is nothing that we as humanity can offer God. All that we are, all that we possess, came from God and from no other source.
God does not sit back waiting to be impressed by our talent, ability, intellect, or anything we might have. He only expects us to submit to His will, which is truth. And in order to do that, we have to listen and learn, and then to believe what we have learned, by making it a part of our daily life.
Remember that man is but a speck of dust and nothing more. What can dust teach God? What can the pot teach the potter?
In order to communicate with God, we must be in His presence. In order to be in Gods presence, we must be in fellowship.
Fellowship is a privilege of believers only. So, one must first be saved, before any relationship with God is possible. All unbelievers lack this access.
Then once saved, the issue is forgiveness of sin in ones life. Confession obtains forgiveness and places you in fellowship, where all spiritual phenomena takes place.
All spiritual growth, all spiritual learning, all prayer, all of ones relationship with God, occurs while in fellowship. When you are out of fellowship, your spiritual life is off line so to speak, disabled, non-functional.
In order to have a productive relationship with God, then you must grow up spiritually. That means that you have to learn, and in order to learn you have to be willing to put away all of your attitudes, pre-conceived ideas, and opinions, and listen.
And, as we see here with Job, you really need the attitude that you, want, to learn.
Actions speak louder than words, so your actual actions of pursuing your spiritual life, really determine your real desire.
Saying all of the right things, even doing all of the right things, are not enough. Even Satan can do that. You have to function within the fellowship sphere before your spiritual life becomes real and productive.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Job 42:3
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 42:3
3 Who is he that hideth [`alam] counsel [`etsah] without knowledge [da`ath]? therefore have I uttered [nagad] that I understood [biyn] not; things too wonderful [pala'] for me, which I knew [yada`] not. KJV-Interlinear
3 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' 'Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.' NASB
God earlier asked the question, 'Who is it that offers counsel to the Almighty?'
And now Job answers the question rhetorically, 'Who am I that I should offer counsel? Who am I that I should pretend counsel? Who is in a position to speak wisely when knowledge is lacking?'
Job assumes the position of total humility and repentance, and total veneration for God. Note the lack of any similar action from the other folks that were present.
This is the proper attitude that we all should take when approaching God. We may be wise within our chosen profession. We may be pretty sharp when performing our daily work chores, but those are things we do within the jungle and Gods establishment environment here in this world. These are not wisdom, to be confused with Gods wisdom. These are only our ability to adapt within our own situation.
God created this world.
Satan imposed a system of rules which we call the law of the jungle, or cosmos-diabolicus, which incorporates his own devised system of government on the world.
Counteracting this system, God invented his laws of divine establishment, which serve to stabilize the functions of the world. For every rule which God has established, Satan has attempted to establish an opposite rule of his own.
And though God only gave Job a couple of examples of beast creations, did Job come to his humbled state based only on a couple of animals? No.
We will see later that Job combined all of his spiritual knowledge to stabilize himself and to recognize his own feeble limitations in this life and to recognize that God is infinitely superior to any and all in creation.
And so, as we view the world around us, we will see examples of politicians, of celebrities, of people from all walks of life, who will boast their views, who will express their wisdom, who will tell us all that they have a better idea, that they can make the changes necessary to get things done. And that we will all be better off for it.
Not so.
As we have learned many times before this, there are only two opinions in existence - Gods and everything else.
Likewise, there are only two systems of thought - Gods, which is truth, and Satan's, which is deception and lies.
Any opinions, which comply with the laws of establishment, comply with truth. Any opinions, which depart from this, even in the slightest way, are in compliance with Satan's views.
Gods wisdom is too wonderful for any of us to fully comprehend. Not one person can look at the world and know what God has in store for any of us, at any given point in time. Each one of us could choke and croak (so to speak) in the next five minutes. And once gone, then where are our opinions?
And it is from this viewpoint that Job truly humbles himself before God.
Man cannot control this world. The jungle will overwhelm him while God with His establishment rules are only a stabilizer for the world.
Mans life and future depend not on the temporal environment of this world, but on mans individual spiritual nature. That requires faith in Christ, to begin with. In Christ, we receive a new law, a new covenant, a new system of grace, which is far superior to anything within this world.
But even salvation is not enough. That only keeps us out of the Lake of Fire. The completeness of our whole future and function in life depends on our advancement in our spiritual life. And that study will wait for tomorrow.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 42:3
3 Who is he that hideth [`alam] counsel [`etsah] without knowledge [da`ath]? therefore have I uttered [nagad] that I understood [biyn] not; things too wonderful [pala'] for me, which I knew [yada`] not. KJV-Interlinear
3 'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' 'Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.' NASB
God earlier asked the question, 'Who is it that offers counsel to the Almighty?'
And now Job answers the question rhetorically, 'Who am I that I should offer counsel? Who am I that I should pretend counsel? Who is in a position to speak wisely when knowledge is lacking?'
Job assumes the position of total humility and repentance, and total veneration for God. Note the lack of any similar action from the other folks that were present.
This is the proper attitude that we all should take when approaching God. We may be wise within our chosen profession. We may be pretty sharp when performing our daily work chores, but those are things we do within the jungle and Gods establishment environment here in this world. These are not wisdom, to be confused with Gods wisdom. These are only our ability to adapt within our own situation.
God created this world.
Satan imposed a system of rules which we call the law of the jungle, or cosmos-diabolicus, which incorporates his own devised system of government on the world.
Counteracting this system, God invented his laws of divine establishment, which serve to stabilize the functions of the world. For every rule which God has established, Satan has attempted to establish an opposite rule of his own.
And though God only gave Job a couple of examples of beast creations, did Job come to his humbled state based only on a couple of animals? No.
We will see later that Job combined all of his spiritual knowledge to stabilize himself and to recognize his own feeble limitations in this life and to recognize that God is infinitely superior to any and all in creation.
And so, as we view the world around us, we will see examples of politicians, of celebrities, of people from all walks of life, who will boast their views, who will express their wisdom, who will tell us all that they have a better idea, that they can make the changes necessary to get things done. And that we will all be better off for it.
Not so.
As we have learned many times before this, there are only two opinions in existence - Gods and everything else.
Likewise, there are only two systems of thought - Gods, which is truth, and Satan's, which is deception and lies.
Any opinions, which comply with the laws of establishment, comply with truth. Any opinions, which depart from this, even in the slightest way, are in compliance with Satan's views.
Gods wisdom is too wonderful for any of us to fully comprehend. Not one person can look at the world and know what God has in store for any of us, at any given point in time. Each one of us could choke and croak (so to speak) in the next five minutes. And once gone, then where are our opinions?
And it is from this viewpoint that Job truly humbles himself before God.
Man cannot control this world. The jungle will overwhelm him while God with His establishment rules are only a stabilizer for the world.
Mans life and future depend not on the temporal environment of this world, but on mans individual spiritual nature. That requires faith in Christ, to begin with. In Christ, we receive a new law, a new covenant, a new system of grace, which is far superior to anything within this world.
But even salvation is not enough. That only keeps us out of the Lake of Fire. The completeness of our whole future and function in life depends on our advancement in our spiritual life. And that study will wait for tomorrow.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Job 42:2
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 42:2
2 I know [yada`] that thou canst do [yakol] every thing, and that no thought [mazimmah] can be withholden [batsar] from thee. KJV-Interlinear
2 'I know that Thou canst do all things, And that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted. NASB
Here are the verses that state that God is omnipotent, and that God controls history.
'All things,' is all inclusive. There is nothing that God cannot do, and there is nothing that can prevent Him from accomplishing His own purpose and plan.
Jer. 29:11
11 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord,' plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. NASB
God intends for every good thing to come to each person. Welfare, includes everything that will accomplish knowledge, wisdom, prosperity, wealth, security, and happiness for each individual.
The main reason that people do not accomplish these goals, is due to their own failure in pursuing their spiritual life.
But Gods plan is not limited to any one single person in any one single generation. He has a plan for the entirety of human history.
That history does not culminate until the end of the Millennium, and even then, as eternity begins, Gods plan will unfold continually and forever, before all believers who will be in heaven at that time.
As for now, we can only pursue our daily studies, advance in our spiritual lives, and sit back and watch as history unfolds right before our eyes.
Every generation in history has its tests. Our test is liberalism and the phenomenal stupidity that accompanies it. Liberalism is defined as any departure from truth.
Right before our eyes, fuel prices continue to rise, food prices will continue to rise, our economy will continue to have complications, disasters will become more numerous, larger in scope, and more dramatic.
And why? Not because of some type of global warming, but because of the failure of far too many folks in their spiritual lives. This is not something that any election will solve. This is not something that you will be able to solve. Only God can solve these things.
And how will God solve them? Well, usually the solution is accompanied with hardship. Hardship that is intended to open up people's eyes. For example, when gas prices were under one dollar a gallon, folks empathized with environmentalists and did not want to drill for oil. But as prices go over four dollars, and continue to rise, that sympathy is fading and being replaced with the attitude that more drilling is better. Why pay for foreign oil when we have our own right here in our own back yard?
That is just an example of how change can come about. Pain in the pocketbook. But then, God has many more mechanisms of pain with which He can bring folks to their senses. Perhaps the pocketbook is a better one to endure for the moment.
The real question is, will it be enough to bring folks back to the reality of life and Bible doctrine? Or, will it simply be one of many issues in an election and not really bring change to the minds of folks?
In any case, anything man does or tries to do, will not counter Gods overall plan for humanity. Inevitably all of mans plans lead to failure, unless of course they are consistent with Gods plan.
How so? Well, take yourself. Ignore God and your life will end up a total failure. That is an example of mans plans.
But then if you pursue Gods plan for your life, then your life will end up with great success. That is incorporating Gods plan into your life.
You as an individual can succeed, regardless of how this world functions.
On our horizon looms higher fuel prices, perhaps the beginning of water shortages or famine, food shortages as we have already seem in vegetables, rice, and other commodities. And who knows what else.
But, regardless of mans failed management of the world, with God in your life, you will be able to get by, though you will be cringing from time to time, just as Job has suffered with his disease.
But you know what? The suffering always ends, and blessings are always at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes suffering is short, and sometimes it is extended for long time. Look back at our own history. From the beginning of the great depression until some semblance of a recovery came along, well over sixteen years passed (from 1929 to 1945). We had to go through a massive war before things in the world settled down.
Far worse is in store for humanity as time advances forward in our dispensation until the next. All we can do is pray that our generation will not experience it, and that our children will somehow escape it.
But again, regardless of what will occur in history or when, our priority is to advance in our spiritual life, now, and wait on the Lord. He controls history and He does everything possible to give each one of us a great life.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 42:2
2 I know [yada`] that thou canst do [yakol] every thing, and that no thought [mazimmah] can be withholden [batsar] from thee. KJV-Interlinear
2 'I know that Thou canst do all things, And that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted. NASB
Here are the verses that state that God is omnipotent, and that God controls history.
'All things,' is all inclusive. There is nothing that God cannot do, and there is nothing that can prevent Him from accomplishing His own purpose and plan.
Jer. 29:11
11 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord,' plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. NASB
God intends for every good thing to come to each person. Welfare, includes everything that will accomplish knowledge, wisdom, prosperity, wealth, security, and happiness for each individual.
The main reason that people do not accomplish these goals, is due to their own failure in pursuing their spiritual life.
But Gods plan is not limited to any one single person in any one single generation. He has a plan for the entirety of human history.
That history does not culminate until the end of the Millennium, and even then, as eternity begins, Gods plan will unfold continually and forever, before all believers who will be in heaven at that time.
As for now, we can only pursue our daily studies, advance in our spiritual lives, and sit back and watch as history unfolds right before our eyes.
Every generation in history has its tests. Our test is liberalism and the phenomenal stupidity that accompanies it. Liberalism is defined as any departure from truth.
Right before our eyes, fuel prices continue to rise, food prices will continue to rise, our economy will continue to have complications, disasters will become more numerous, larger in scope, and more dramatic.
And why? Not because of some type of global warming, but because of the failure of far too many folks in their spiritual lives. This is not something that any election will solve. This is not something that you will be able to solve. Only God can solve these things.
And how will God solve them? Well, usually the solution is accompanied with hardship. Hardship that is intended to open up people's eyes. For example, when gas prices were under one dollar a gallon, folks empathized with environmentalists and did not want to drill for oil. But as prices go over four dollars, and continue to rise, that sympathy is fading and being replaced with the attitude that more drilling is better. Why pay for foreign oil when we have our own right here in our own back yard?
That is just an example of how change can come about. Pain in the pocketbook. But then, God has many more mechanisms of pain with which He can bring folks to their senses. Perhaps the pocketbook is a better one to endure for the moment.
The real question is, will it be enough to bring folks back to the reality of life and Bible doctrine? Or, will it simply be one of many issues in an election and not really bring change to the minds of folks?
In any case, anything man does or tries to do, will not counter Gods overall plan for humanity. Inevitably all of mans plans lead to failure, unless of course they are consistent with Gods plan.
How so? Well, take yourself. Ignore God and your life will end up a total failure. That is an example of mans plans.
But then if you pursue Gods plan for your life, then your life will end up with great success. That is incorporating Gods plan into your life.
You as an individual can succeed, regardless of how this world functions.
On our horizon looms higher fuel prices, perhaps the beginning of water shortages or famine, food shortages as we have already seem in vegetables, rice, and other commodities. And who knows what else.
But, regardless of mans failed management of the world, with God in your life, you will be able to get by, though you will be cringing from time to time, just as Job has suffered with his disease.
But you know what? The suffering always ends, and blessings are always at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes suffering is short, and sometimes it is extended for long time. Look back at our own history. From the beginning of the great depression until some semblance of a recovery came along, well over sixteen years passed (from 1929 to 1945). We had to go through a massive war before things in the world settled down.
Far worse is in store for humanity as time advances forward in our dispensation until the next. All we can do is pray that our generation will not experience it, and that our children will somehow escape it.
But again, regardless of what will occur in history or when, our priority is to advance in our spiritual life, now, and wait on the Lord. He controls history and He does everything possible to give each one of us a great life.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Job 42:1
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 42:1
1 Then Job ['Iyowb] answered [`anah] the LORD [Yahovah], and said ['amar], KJV-Interlinear
1 Then Job answered the Lord, and said, NASB
God concluded what He had to say by means of the examples of the Behemoth and the Leviathan. In Jobs day, when technology and science was not as well known as it is today, these examples were quite enough for convincing folks of Gods immense wisdom.
Today where scientific knowledge is far greater than at any time in all of human history, if God were to appear before us in a whirlwind, He would no doubt give us examples that would equally blow our minds with far superior illustrations. Ones that perhaps even science has not yet discovered or cannot yet explain.
With Gods conclusion, Job immediately drops into full submission and humility of Gods superior knowledge and wisdom.
Job does not challenge Gods words, doesn't test Gods knowledge, doesn't question God in any way, doesn't go defensive and try to explain or justify himself before God. And that is the nature of the first half of this chapter. Jobs humility and confession.
Note, that Job alone confessed, while the rest of those present did not.
In the latter half of this chapter, God will accept Jobs confession, condemn the others and demand they seek penance through a sacrifice, and promises them forgiveness only if another (Job) intercedes for them in their behalf.
Then the book will resume from where it began, and conclude with Jobs blessings and long life.
Thus far we have studied this book in 590 lessons. We have spent a little more than a year and a half on this study. But Job has given us a great deal of doctrine for thought. Just one chapter to go and then we will probably go to the New Testament. I am thinking of the Book of James. But we'll see. The request line is open - so to speak.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 42:1
1 Then Job ['Iyowb] answered [`anah] the LORD [Yahovah], and said ['amar], KJV-Interlinear
1 Then Job answered the Lord, and said, NASB
God concluded what He had to say by means of the examples of the Behemoth and the Leviathan. In Jobs day, when technology and science was not as well known as it is today, these examples were quite enough for convincing folks of Gods immense wisdom.
Today where scientific knowledge is far greater than at any time in all of human history, if God were to appear before us in a whirlwind, He would no doubt give us examples that would equally blow our minds with far superior illustrations. Ones that perhaps even science has not yet discovered or cannot yet explain.
With Gods conclusion, Job immediately drops into full submission and humility of Gods superior knowledge and wisdom.
Job does not challenge Gods words, doesn't test Gods knowledge, doesn't question God in any way, doesn't go defensive and try to explain or justify himself before God. And that is the nature of the first half of this chapter. Jobs humility and confession.
Note, that Job alone confessed, while the rest of those present did not.
In the latter half of this chapter, God will accept Jobs confession, condemn the others and demand they seek penance through a sacrifice, and promises them forgiveness only if another (Job) intercedes for them in their behalf.
Then the book will resume from where it began, and conclude with Jobs blessings and long life.
Thus far we have studied this book in 590 lessons. We have spent a little more than a year and a half on this study. But Job has given us a great deal of doctrine for thought. Just one chapter to go and then we will probably go to the New Testament. I am thinking of the Book of James. But we'll see. The request line is open - so to speak.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Job 41:34
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 41:34
34 He beholdeth [ra'ah] all high [gaboahh] things: he is a king [melek] over all the children [ben] of pride [shachats]. KJV-Interlinear
34 'He looks on everything that is high; He is king over all the sons of pride.' NASB
God here concludes His description of a creature, marvelously made, undefeatable and nearly indestructible. One who stirs up turmoil into a muddy murky sea of seemingly boiling water. One who cruises his domain without regard to the secrecy of his own movements, but can lurk beneath the water and spring on its prey with terrible speed and confidence of its kill.
And now we are told that this creature is a proud creature. A characteristic that does not exist in animals. And not only proud, but the king of all that are proud. So now, we know that this creature, the crocodile which we have been studying, is only a symbol, representing Satan the proudest of them all.
Throughout ancient history, the crocodile head has long been a symbol used for the Pharaohs, as well as devil worshipers.
Satan who is the father of lies, the author of sin, and the master of deceit and confusion, has longed to rise to levels of power and authority above the most high, namely God.
Satan cruises this world, which he thinks belongs to him, stirring up trouble and promoting confusion, just as we have seen throughout this book of Job.
And while people see and know of his antics and mannerisms and have known throughout all of history, they still ignore the warnings from heaven and flirt with the danger out from this world every day of their lives. And not only flirt with danger, but embrace it, making it their chosen pattern of life.
Lost in the fog of life, unable to see clearly anything because of lack of truth in their souls, people disregard the dangers of Leviathan (the evils of the world), the stubbornness of the Behemoth (refusal to change), and pursue one bizarre idea after another.
We all have our Behemoth and Leviathan. We all view life from different perspectives. We all face challenges of one sort or another. To some the challenges are physical, to others they are mental, but regardless of your situation in life, there is only one person who can reign in all of the madness of confusion and suffering of this world, and bring something better, and that person is Jesus Christ.
God controls history. The world is nothing more than an ego gone astray from reality, and it offers nothing more than just that. Bible doctrine is the only path back to truth and reality, and the hope (confidence) of a better life both now, and in the life to come.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:34
34 He beholdeth [ra'ah] all high [gaboahh] things: he is a king [melek] over all the children [ben] of pride [shachats]. KJV-Interlinear
34 'He looks on everything that is high; He is king over all the sons of pride.' NASB
God here concludes His description of a creature, marvelously made, undefeatable and nearly indestructible. One who stirs up turmoil into a muddy murky sea of seemingly boiling water. One who cruises his domain without regard to the secrecy of his own movements, but can lurk beneath the water and spring on its prey with terrible speed and confidence of its kill.
And now we are told that this creature is a proud creature. A characteristic that does not exist in animals. And not only proud, but the king of all that are proud. So now, we know that this creature, the crocodile which we have been studying, is only a symbol, representing Satan the proudest of them all.
Throughout ancient history, the crocodile head has long been a symbol used for the Pharaohs, as well as devil worshipers.
Satan who is the father of lies, the author of sin, and the master of deceit and confusion, has longed to rise to levels of power and authority above the most high, namely God.
Satan cruises this world, which he thinks belongs to him, stirring up trouble and promoting confusion, just as we have seen throughout this book of Job.
And while people see and know of his antics and mannerisms and have known throughout all of history, they still ignore the warnings from heaven and flirt with the danger out from this world every day of their lives. And not only flirt with danger, but embrace it, making it their chosen pattern of life.
Lost in the fog of life, unable to see clearly anything because of lack of truth in their souls, people disregard the dangers of Leviathan (the evils of the world), the stubbornness of the Behemoth (refusal to change), and pursue one bizarre idea after another.
We all have our Behemoth and Leviathan. We all view life from different perspectives. We all face challenges of one sort or another. To some the challenges are physical, to others they are mental, but regardless of your situation in life, there is only one person who can reign in all of the madness of confusion and suffering of this world, and bring something better, and that person is Jesus Christ.
God controls history. The world is nothing more than an ego gone astray from reality, and it offers nothing more than just that. Bible doctrine is the only path back to truth and reality, and the hope (confidence) of a better life both now, and in the life to come.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Job 41:33
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 41:33
33 Upon earth [`aphar] there is not his like [moshel], who is made [`asah] without [baliy] fear [chath]. KJV-Interlinear
33 'Nothing on earth is like him, One made without fear. NASB
Bible Study Note: I added a video to the Bible Study Index Page and to the Ebook opening page. You might find it interesting.
Now, these last two verses will make the lesson clear if you have been paying attention. First we have been studying the crocodile, or as the Bible has described him, the Leviathan, a very large and dangerous creature.
But we know from our overall studies of the Bible, that all these things are meant to teach us instruction in righteousness.
'All scripture is God breathed, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God might be mature, rightly dividing the word of truth.'
The Bible was not placed here with us in order to entertain us. The Bible was not placed here for us to figure out for ourselves, what we need to do to get ourselves through this life.
The Bible was given to us, in order to provide for us a means, of growing up spiritually to spiritual maturity.
Our life here in this world is temporary. Our permanent life will not occur until eternity begins, and eternity does not begin until all of human history reaches its conclusion at the end of the Millennium.
The crocodile, or Leviathan, is a horrendous beast, capable of destroying anything within its grasp.
The crocodile is a picture of the world in many respects. It is powerful, self-centered, and cares nothing for anything but itself.
Just as there is no beast similar to the crocodile, so too, this earth is unique. There is nothing in this universe like this earth. The crocodile lives within the community of animals and the earth exists within a community of the universe.
Here we are unique. There is no other earth, no other civilization anywhere in the universe. And if there were other planets who held animal life prior to the creation of humanity, just as the dinosaurs existed prior to the creation of Adam and Eve, then they were destroyed by Satan, leaving earth the last remaining planet which holds life and setting the stage for Satan's last stand before God.
Personally, I don't think that life ever existed anywhere but on this earth. But hey, we could easily go to Mars and find a bone of two, and then people would challenge Christianity, God and everything we have come to hold for granted. But then wasn't the earth flat once? Did that former belief destroy Christianity or Christ, once the truth became known?
Anyway, the beast was made without fear. The world was made without fear, without feelings, without empathy, without any concern for truth or our existence. And that is what we are up against in this life.
On the one hand, we have the world, sponsored by Satan who is determined to ruin our life both now and in eternity. And on the other hand, we have God, who is determined to give us everything.
We will face difficulties galore. Some face more hardships than others, but to God, mans circumstances are never a handicap or even an advantage.
God is greater than anything and everything put together. Jesus Christ controls history. God does not depend on the abilities of man. He works His will without regard to human means. The battle is the Lords!
Perhaps one day you will learn this.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:33
33 Upon earth [`aphar] there is not his like [moshel], who is made [`asah] without [baliy] fear [chath]. KJV-Interlinear
33 'Nothing on earth is like him, One made without fear. NASB
Bible Study Note: I added a video to the Bible Study Index Page and to the Ebook opening page. You might find it interesting.
Now, these last two verses will make the lesson clear if you have been paying attention. First we have been studying the crocodile, or as the Bible has described him, the Leviathan, a very large and dangerous creature.
But we know from our overall studies of the Bible, that all these things are meant to teach us instruction in righteousness.
'All scripture is God breathed, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God might be mature, rightly dividing the word of truth.'
The Bible was not placed here with us in order to entertain us. The Bible was not placed here for us to figure out for ourselves, what we need to do to get ourselves through this life.
The Bible was given to us, in order to provide for us a means, of growing up spiritually to spiritual maturity.
Our life here in this world is temporary. Our permanent life will not occur until eternity begins, and eternity does not begin until all of human history reaches its conclusion at the end of the Millennium.
The crocodile, or Leviathan, is a horrendous beast, capable of destroying anything within its grasp.
The crocodile is a picture of the world in many respects. It is powerful, self-centered, and cares nothing for anything but itself.
Just as there is no beast similar to the crocodile, so too, this earth is unique. There is nothing in this universe like this earth. The crocodile lives within the community of animals and the earth exists within a community of the universe.
Here we are unique. There is no other earth, no other civilization anywhere in the universe. And if there were other planets who held animal life prior to the creation of humanity, just as the dinosaurs existed prior to the creation of Adam and Eve, then they were destroyed by Satan, leaving earth the last remaining planet which holds life and setting the stage for Satan's last stand before God.
Personally, I don't think that life ever existed anywhere but on this earth. But hey, we could easily go to Mars and find a bone of two, and then people would challenge Christianity, God and everything we have come to hold for granted. But then wasn't the earth flat once? Did that former belief destroy Christianity or Christ, once the truth became known?
Anyway, the beast was made without fear. The world was made without fear, without feelings, without empathy, without any concern for truth or our existence. And that is what we are up against in this life.
On the one hand, we have the world, sponsored by Satan who is determined to ruin our life both now and in eternity. And on the other hand, we have God, who is determined to give us everything.
We will face difficulties galore. Some face more hardships than others, but to God, mans circumstances are never a handicap or even an advantage.
God is greater than anything and everything put together. Jesus Christ controls history. God does not depend on the abilities of man. He works His will without regard to human means. The battle is the Lords!
Perhaps one day you will learn this.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Job 41:30-32
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 41:30-32
30 Sharp [chadduwd] stones [cheres] are under him: he spreadeth [raphad] sharp pointed things [charuwts] upon the mire [tiyt].
31 He maketh the deep [matsowlah] to boil [rathach] like a pot [ciyr]: he maketh [suwm] the sea [yam] like a pot of ointment [merqachah].
32 He maketh a path [nathiyb] to shine ['owr] after ['achar] him; one would think [chashab] the deep [tahowm] to be hoary [seybah]. KJV-Interlinear
30 'His underparts are like sharp potsherds; He spreads out like a threshing sledge on the mire. 31 'He makes the depths boil like a pot; He makes the sea like a jar of ointment. 32 'Behind him he makes a wake to shine; One would think the deep to be gray-haired. NASB
The Leviathan, the beast, the crocodile as we have been calling him, fears none of the weapons that man or nature can hurl against him.
Even his soft underbelly is not sensitive to broken glass or potsherds. He is as comfortable resting on sharp objects as he is on soft soil. His is oblivious to the nature of his circumstances, indifferent to everything, interested only in his immediate wants and needs.
When he swims through the waters, he moves with such force, that he stirs up the mud and water, leaving a wake of bubbles and mud, which are easy to follow, if one were to track and pursue such a beast. But, the water would be so filled with mud and debris that you could not swim in it or see anything if you were in the water.
Because he fears nothing, he does not even attempt to conceal his tracks or the motion of his movements.
And so it is with the world. It conceals nothing, but mingles its deceit and terror out in the open where any discerning person can recognize its muddy mire and character.
But unfortunately, there are many who see the state of the world and yet they pursue it anyway, to their own demise.
Like the crocodile, the world is huge and powerful, but its power comes not from truth, but from its own God given strength.
But unlike the crocodile, who uses its attributes to function in a manner for its own survival, the world uses or rather misuses its attributes for deception and destruction of anything and everything. The crocodile wants to perpetuate its own life. The world wants to destroy everything.
God is the author of the world and the crocodile, which by the way, were not created destructive. Satan is the author of the destructive nature of the world and all things.
Both the world and the crocodile became destructive when sin entered into the world, in the Garden.
Just as one cannot see the light of day when the crocodile stirs up the muddy waters, so too, humanity cannot see the light of truth when sin stirs up our view of life and when humanity chooses to swim within that muddy realm.
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Job 41:30-32
30 Sharp [chadduwd] stones [cheres] are under him: he spreadeth [raphad] sharp pointed things [charuwts] upon the mire [tiyt].
31 He maketh the deep [matsowlah] to boil [rathach] like a pot [ciyr]: he maketh [suwm] the sea [yam] like a pot of ointment [merqachah].
32 He maketh a path [nathiyb] to shine ['owr] after ['achar] him; one would think [chashab] the deep [tahowm] to be hoary [seybah]. KJV-Interlinear
30 'His underparts are like sharp potsherds; He spreads out like a threshing sledge on the mire. 31 'He makes the depths boil like a pot; He makes the sea like a jar of ointment. 32 'Behind him he makes a wake to shine; One would think the deep to be gray-haired. NASB
The Leviathan, the beast, the crocodile as we have been calling him, fears none of the weapons that man or nature can hurl against him.
Even his soft underbelly is not sensitive to broken glass or potsherds. He is as comfortable resting on sharp objects as he is on soft soil. His is oblivious to the nature of his circumstances, indifferent to everything, interested only in his immediate wants and needs.
When he swims through the waters, he moves with such force, that he stirs up the mud and water, leaving a wake of bubbles and mud, which are easy to follow, if one were to track and pursue such a beast. But, the water would be so filled with mud and debris that you could not swim in it or see anything if you were in the water.
Because he fears nothing, he does not even attempt to conceal his tracks or the motion of his movements.
And so it is with the world. It conceals nothing, but mingles its deceit and terror out in the open where any discerning person can recognize its muddy mire and character.
But unfortunately, there are many who see the state of the world and yet they pursue it anyway, to their own demise.
Like the crocodile, the world is huge and powerful, but its power comes not from truth, but from its own God given strength.
But unlike the crocodile, who uses its attributes to function in a manner for its own survival, the world uses or rather misuses its attributes for deception and destruction of anything and everything. The crocodile wants to perpetuate its own life. The world wants to destroy everything.
God is the author of the world and the crocodile, which by the way, were not created destructive. Satan is the author of the destructive nature of the world and all things.
Both the world and the crocodile became destructive when sin entered into the world, in the Garden.
Just as one cannot see the light of day when the crocodile stirs up the muddy waters, so too, humanity cannot see the light of truth when sin stirs up our view of life and when humanity chooses to swim within that muddy realm.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Job 41:26-29
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 41:26-29
26 The sword [chereb] of him that layeth [nasag] at him cannot hold [quwm]: the spear [chaniyth], the dart [macca`], nor the habergeon [shiryown].
27 He esteemeth [chashab] iron [barzel] as straw [teben], and brass [nachuwshah] as rotten [riqqabown] wood [`ets].
28 The arrow [ben] [qesheth] cannot make him flee [barach]: slingstones ['eben] [qela`] are turned [haphak] with him into stubble [qash].
29 Darts [towthach] are counted [chashab] as stubble [qash]: he laugheth [sachaq] at the shaking [ra`ash] of a spear [kiydown]. KJV-Interlinear
26 'The sword that reaches him cannot avail; Nor the spear, the dart, or the javelin. 27 'He regards iron as straw, Bronze as rotten wood. 28 'The arrow cannot make him flee; Slingstones are turned into stubble for him. 29 'Clubs are regarded as stubble; He laughs at the rattling of the javelin. NASB
Though the nature of the beast is real and obvious. Though the outcome of any confrontation is certain. There are many who will defy the repercussions of their actions and take on the monster, head to head.
The beast is the Leviathan mentioned in the Bible. We don't have any animal named as such in our current day, so we use the term beast or monster or crocodile, the large kind, to make these descriptions more real and understandable to us. The croc in this case is twenty feet long, six feet high and weighing over 2000 pounds.
But the Word of God is here for our instruction in life. We may be learning of the real dread of a croc, but the real lesson is of the dangers of the world and a life without God.
The world of the jungle is one of no rules. That is to say, no rules that benefit any human being.
But when God is ignored, then people will try as they may, to take on the jungle with whatever tools, weapons, innovation, or imagination they have at their disposal.
And so we examine the weapons used to fight against the monster of the jungle.
The sword, the spear, the dart, the javelin, or arrows, all of these provide offensive combat weapons for fights close in, at medium distances, or at longer ranges. The iron and bronze refer to the defensive weapons, such as the shield or breastplate. Anything that a soldier might use to protect himself.
What attitude does the monster take toward these weapons? He laughs. They are as useless as straw in a battle to the death. Mans attitude, mans shouting, mans boasting of superiority or sovereignty over his own destiny, are but jokes to the beast.
And that is the attitude of the world toward humanity. Man is nothing more than a speck of dust. How can dust rule anything? How can dust control anything? And that is the ultimate lesson.
Without God in your life, without God in your life in the right way, and not in some way which you conveniently define for yourself, then your life is no better off than if you were standing right in front of a huge angry, hungry crocodile. You lose. You will always lose. You will never win.
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Job 41:26-29
26 The sword [chereb] of him that layeth [nasag] at him cannot hold [quwm]: the spear [chaniyth], the dart [macca`], nor the habergeon [shiryown].
27 He esteemeth [chashab] iron [barzel] as straw [teben], and brass [nachuwshah] as rotten [riqqabown] wood [`ets].
28 The arrow [ben] [qesheth] cannot make him flee [barach]: slingstones ['eben] [qela`] are turned [haphak] with him into stubble [qash].
29 Darts [towthach] are counted [chashab] as stubble [qash]: he laugheth [sachaq] at the shaking [ra`ash] of a spear [kiydown]. KJV-Interlinear
26 'The sword that reaches him cannot avail; Nor the spear, the dart, or the javelin. 27 'He regards iron as straw, Bronze as rotten wood. 28 'The arrow cannot make him flee; Slingstones are turned into stubble for him. 29 'Clubs are regarded as stubble; He laughs at the rattling of the javelin. NASB
Though the nature of the beast is real and obvious. Though the outcome of any confrontation is certain. There are many who will defy the repercussions of their actions and take on the monster, head to head.
The beast is the Leviathan mentioned in the Bible. We don't have any animal named as such in our current day, so we use the term beast or monster or crocodile, the large kind, to make these descriptions more real and understandable to us. The croc in this case is twenty feet long, six feet high and weighing over 2000 pounds.
But the Word of God is here for our instruction in life. We may be learning of the real dread of a croc, but the real lesson is of the dangers of the world and a life without God.
The world of the jungle is one of no rules. That is to say, no rules that benefit any human being.
But when God is ignored, then people will try as they may, to take on the jungle with whatever tools, weapons, innovation, or imagination they have at their disposal.
And so we examine the weapons used to fight against the monster of the jungle.
The sword, the spear, the dart, the javelin, or arrows, all of these provide offensive combat weapons for fights close in, at medium distances, or at longer ranges. The iron and bronze refer to the defensive weapons, such as the shield or breastplate. Anything that a soldier might use to protect himself.
What attitude does the monster take toward these weapons? He laughs. They are as useless as straw in a battle to the death. Mans attitude, mans shouting, mans boasting of superiority or sovereignty over his own destiny, are but jokes to the beast.
And that is the attitude of the world toward humanity. Man is nothing more than a speck of dust. How can dust rule anything? How can dust control anything? And that is the ultimate lesson.
Without God in your life, without God in your life in the right way, and not in some way which you conveniently define for yourself, then your life is no better off than if you were standing right in front of a huge angry, hungry crocodile. You lose. You will always lose. You will never win.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Job 41:24-25
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 41:24-25
24 His heart [leb] is as firm [yatsaq] as a stone ['eben]; yea, as hard [yatsaq] as a piece [pelach] of the nether [tachtiy] millstone.
25 When he raiseth up [sa'eth] himself, the mighty ['ayil] are afraid [guwr]: by reason of breakings [sheber] they purify [chata'] themselves. KJV-Interlinear
24 'His heart is as hard as a stone; Even as hard as a lower millstone. 25 'When he raises himself up, the mighty fear; Because of the crashing they are bewildered. NASB
The heart is the muscle which pumps the blood through the body of living creatures. You have a heart, birds have hearts, animals, even fish have hearts that constantly pump the blood they have, throughout their physical systems.
The heart also refers to the attitude or mind set of the creature. And through this symbolism we can understand the attitude of the beast.
He is steadfast in his purpose. His heart is as a millstone, or namely immovable in its purpose, once set in its place.
Stories of old are filled with the fear that people felt, and even the avoidance of going near a river for fear of becoming a victim to the crocodile. They hide so quietly such that, and even in our current day, many folks fall victim to croc's. No one dares even go after them unless they have a very large cannon strapped to themselves.
And even then, the croc's can launch out of the water with such ferociousness and speed, that the best of hunters can become their victim.
But also remember that these crocodiles represent the jungle environment of this world. As the croc's are immovable, ferocious, uncaring, powerful, destructive, unsympathetic, without conscience in their purpose, so too the world is likewise.
You cannot defeat the crocodile with your hands and likewise your life, with everything you possess, is nothing more than symbolically by means of your own hands. You cannot defeat the world. You cannot change the world's inherent nature. You cannot defeat the world. Without God in your life, you are already the doomed victim.
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Job 41:24-25
24 His heart [leb] is as firm [yatsaq] as a stone ['eben]; yea, as hard [yatsaq] as a piece [pelach] of the nether [tachtiy] millstone.
25 When he raiseth up [sa'eth] himself, the mighty ['ayil] are afraid [guwr]: by reason of breakings [sheber] they purify [chata'] themselves. KJV-Interlinear
24 'His heart is as hard as a stone; Even as hard as a lower millstone. 25 'When he raises himself up, the mighty fear; Because of the crashing they are bewildered. NASB
The heart is the muscle which pumps the blood through the body of living creatures. You have a heart, birds have hearts, animals, even fish have hearts that constantly pump the blood they have, throughout their physical systems.
The heart also refers to the attitude or mind set of the creature. And through this symbolism we can understand the attitude of the beast.
He is steadfast in his purpose. His heart is as a millstone, or namely immovable in its purpose, once set in its place.
Stories of old are filled with the fear that people felt, and even the avoidance of going near a river for fear of becoming a victim to the crocodile. They hide so quietly such that, and even in our current day, many folks fall victim to croc's. No one dares even go after them unless they have a very large cannon strapped to themselves.
And even then, the croc's can launch out of the water with such ferociousness and speed, that the best of hunters can become their victim.
But also remember that these crocodiles represent the jungle environment of this world. As the croc's are immovable, ferocious, uncaring, powerful, destructive, unsympathetic, without conscience in their purpose, so too the world is likewise.
You cannot defeat the crocodile with your hands and likewise your life, with everything you possess, is nothing more than symbolically by means of your own hands. You cannot defeat the world. You cannot change the world's inherent nature. You cannot defeat the world. Without God in your life, you are already the doomed victim.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Job 41:21-23
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 41:21-23
21 His breath [nephesh] kindleth [lahat] coals [gechel], and a flame [lahab] goeth out [yatsa'] of his mouth [peh].
22 In his neck [tsavva'r] remaineth [luwn] strength [`oz], and sorrow [da'abah] is turned into joy [duwts] before [paniym] him.
23 The flakes [mappal] of his flesh [basar] are joined together [dabaq]: they are firm [yatsaq] in themselves; they cannot be moved [mowt]. KJV-Interlinear
21 'His breath kindles coals, And a flame goes forth from his mouth. 22 'In his neck lodges strength, And dismay leaps before him. 23 'The folds of his flesh are joined together, Firm on him and immovable. NASB
God continues with His description of the fierceness of the beast, which we have been using the huge crocodile as our example.
When coming face to face with such an animal, the sheer size of his appearance should send terror throughout ones entire being. But there is more than just size.
The breathing, snorting, and mannerisms of the animal spell nothing other than your certain doom, or the doom of its intended victim.
The strength of its neck, implying that the animal cannot be dealt with in any fashion. You cannot wrestle with it. You cannot take it down and make it surrender. You cannot defeat it.
There is but one outcome, and that is your own destruction (your sorrow), and the croc's victory (his joy).
Except for the underbelly, which you as the victim will never see, the crocodile has no penetrable points on him. His hide is coarse and tough, tightly held together such that the victim is totally defenseless and without any opportunity of turning the battle against the crocodile.
All muscle and all power, all aggressiveness, and merciless the croc will care nothing for you, your feelings or anything but his own certain outcome in the battle. In his mind, you the victim are already his meal.
Now, God is not just giving us a lesson regarding crocodiles. He is giving us a lesson regarding the jungle life that everyone is exposed to, if they do not have God in their life.
You have only two possible life environments in which you can live - the jungle and the spiritual.
In the jungle, God allows you, by your own choice, to exist within the jungle environment, and there you lose - always. The world is like the crocodile and you are the helpless victim, just as the ancients were when they faced such an animal. Regardless of the make up of the world, the jungle (life without God) is always greater than the person.
In the spiritual life, God is in control, and the jungle, though it still swirls around you, is rendered helpless by the superior spiritual resources that you possess (Christ in you). In the spiritual life, God will always lead you to certain victory. And though you will still be exposed to the jaws of violence, which is the only thing that the world knows, God uses those circumstances to help you grow up (mature) in your spiritual life.
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Job 41:21-23
21 His breath [nephesh] kindleth [lahat] coals [gechel], and a flame [lahab] goeth out [yatsa'] of his mouth [peh].
22 In his neck [tsavva'r] remaineth [luwn] strength [`oz], and sorrow [da'abah] is turned into joy [duwts] before [paniym] him.
23 The flakes [mappal] of his flesh [basar] are joined together [dabaq]: they are firm [yatsaq] in themselves; they cannot be moved [mowt]. KJV-Interlinear
21 'His breath kindles coals, And a flame goes forth from his mouth. 22 'In his neck lodges strength, And dismay leaps before him. 23 'The folds of his flesh are joined together, Firm on him and immovable. NASB
God continues with His description of the fierceness of the beast, which we have been using the huge crocodile as our example.
When coming face to face with such an animal, the sheer size of his appearance should send terror throughout ones entire being. But there is more than just size.
The breathing, snorting, and mannerisms of the animal spell nothing other than your certain doom, or the doom of its intended victim.
The strength of its neck, implying that the animal cannot be dealt with in any fashion. You cannot wrestle with it. You cannot take it down and make it surrender. You cannot defeat it.
There is but one outcome, and that is your own destruction (your sorrow), and the croc's victory (his joy).
Except for the underbelly, which you as the victim will never see, the crocodile has no penetrable points on him. His hide is coarse and tough, tightly held together such that the victim is totally defenseless and without any opportunity of turning the battle against the crocodile.
All muscle and all power, all aggressiveness, and merciless the croc will care nothing for you, your feelings or anything but his own certain outcome in the battle. In his mind, you the victim are already his meal.
Now, God is not just giving us a lesson regarding crocodiles. He is giving us a lesson regarding the jungle life that everyone is exposed to, if they do not have God in their life.
You have only two possible life environments in which you can live - the jungle and the spiritual.
In the jungle, God allows you, by your own choice, to exist within the jungle environment, and there you lose - always. The world is like the crocodile and you are the helpless victim, just as the ancients were when they faced such an animal. Regardless of the make up of the world, the jungle (life without God) is always greater than the person.
In the spiritual life, God is in control, and the jungle, though it still swirls around you, is rendered helpless by the superior spiritual resources that you possess (Christ in you). In the spiritual life, God will always lead you to certain victory. And though you will still be exposed to the jaws of violence, which is the only thing that the world knows, God uses those circumstances to help you grow up (mature) in your spiritual life.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Job 41:18-20
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 41:18-20
18 By his neesings [`atiyshah] a light ['owr] doth shine [halal], and his eyes [`ayin] are like the eyelids [`aph`aph] of the morning [shachar].
19 Out of his mouth [peh] go [halak] burning lamps [lappiyd], and sparks [kiydowd] of fire ['esh] leap out [malat].
20 Out of his nostrils [nachiyr] goeth [yatsa'] smoke [`ashan], as out of a seething [naphach] pot [duwd] or caldron ['agmown]. KJV-Interlinear
18 'His sneezes flash forth light, And his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. 19 'Out of his mouth go burning torches; Sparks of fire leap forth. 20 'Out of his nostrils smoke goes forth, As from a boiling pot and burning rushes. NASB
In ancient times, the crocodile eyes or eye, was portrayed in art and drawings quite often. Especially in Egyptian artwork.
The eyes of the crocodile though small when compared to the rest of the animal, portray a feeling of mystery and stealth, of intimidation, even a sort of hypnotizing beauty to a degree. That is where the 'morning eyes' phrase comes from.
It is sort of poetic, if you have ever looked at someone in the eyes in the early morning. There is a unique beauty and character, and inquisitiveness about them.
But the beast is a combination of beauty, inspiring awe from the point of view of an onlooker, while also presenting itself as a beast of terror and death. One with whom no one should mess with or even take for granted.
The symbolism of fire and smoke continues to describe the crocodile while in its aggressive mode.
Coming to the surface after being under water for a long spell, the croc exhales its long held air with a blast or snorting that thunders. To an observer, the exhale of breath and water spray seem as though the animal is shooting our fire and smoke.
When in pursuit of its prey, the beast works its jaws, its teeth, its breathing becomes hyper, with the noises of the pursuit shooting terror in its intended victim.
The sounds of the pursuit from the point of view of the pursued, make their world seem like it is falling apart in blasts of fire and smoke, with no escape possible. All perceptions in those few moments are exaggerated as the victim is seized with the terror and the horrors of their impending demise, as well as the actual process of their horrible death.
The crocodile has no mercy, no empathy, no remorse, no concern for the feelings of its victim. The croc has but one purpose and that is to win this pursuit and then eat its prey.
And such is a brief description of life in the jungle, and such is the description of life in a life without God. All people who attempt to live their lives without God, without Christ, without doctrine, indifferent to their spiritual life, have only the jungle as an alternative to the spiritual life. There, all people become victims with the above described result. Awed by the beauty, overwhelmed by the terror.
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Job 41:18-20
18 By his neesings [`atiyshah] a light ['owr] doth shine [halal], and his eyes [`ayin] are like the eyelids [`aph`aph] of the morning [shachar].
19 Out of his mouth [peh] go [halak] burning lamps [lappiyd], and sparks [kiydowd] of fire ['esh] leap out [malat].
20 Out of his nostrils [nachiyr] goeth [yatsa'] smoke [`ashan], as out of a seething [naphach] pot [duwd] or caldron ['agmown]. KJV-Interlinear
18 'His sneezes flash forth light, And his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. 19 'Out of his mouth go burning torches; Sparks of fire leap forth. 20 'Out of his nostrils smoke goes forth, As from a boiling pot and burning rushes. NASB
In ancient times, the crocodile eyes or eye, was portrayed in art and drawings quite often. Especially in Egyptian artwork.
The eyes of the crocodile though small when compared to the rest of the animal, portray a feeling of mystery and stealth, of intimidation, even a sort of hypnotizing beauty to a degree. That is where the 'morning eyes' phrase comes from.
It is sort of poetic, if you have ever looked at someone in the eyes in the early morning. There is a unique beauty and character, and inquisitiveness about them.
But the beast is a combination of beauty, inspiring awe from the point of view of an onlooker, while also presenting itself as a beast of terror and death. One with whom no one should mess with or even take for granted.
The symbolism of fire and smoke continues to describe the crocodile while in its aggressive mode.
Coming to the surface after being under water for a long spell, the croc exhales its long held air with a blast or snorting that thunders. To an observer, the exhale of breath and water spray seem as though the animal is shooting our fire and smoke.
When in pursuit of its prey, the beast works its jaws, its teeth, its breathing becomes hyper, with the noises of the pursuit shooting terror in its intended victim.
The sounds of the pursuit from the point of view of the pursued, make their world seem like it is falling apart in blasts of fire and smoke, with no escape possible. All perceptions in those few moments are exaggerated as the victim is seized with the terror and the horrors of their impending demise, as well as the actual process of their horrible death.
The crocodile has no mercy, no empathy, no remorse, no concern for the feelings of its victim. The croc has but one purpose and that is to win this pursuit and then eat its prey.
And such is a brief description of life in the jungle, and such is the description of life in a life without God. All people who attempt to live their lives without God, without Christ, without doctrine, indifferent to their spiritual life, have only the jungle as an alternative to the spiritual life. There, all people become victims with the above described result. Awed by the beauty, overwhelmed by the terror.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Job 41:15-17
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 41:15-17
15 His scales [magen] ['aphiyq] are his pride [ga`avah], shut up together [cagar] as with a close [tsar] seal [chowtham].
16 One ['echad] is so near [nagash] to another ['echad], that no air [ruwach] can come [bow'] between them.
17 They are joined [dabaq] one ['iysh] to another ['ach], they stick together [lakad], that they cannot be sundered [parad]. KJV-Interlinear
15 'His strong scales are his pride, Shut up as with a tight seal. 16 'One is so near to another, That no air can come between them. 17 'They are joined one to another; They clasp each other and cannot be separated. NASB
Pride here means confidence, reliability, dependability, consistency, steadfastness, stability. In human terms, pride would be thought of as conceit, arrogance, and pleasure in ones self and so forth.
Animals do not think in those terms.
Of all of their attributes, the animals strength, their agility, their instincts, are all interconnected to their physical characteristics.
Their tough skin, their coat, their colors, their scales, their camouflage, all of these things along with their water tightness, or toughness or ability to hide within their surroundings, gives the animal an ability to function for survival and to avoid their own demise when being hunted.
God, in His wisdom, in His genius, gave all animals some sort of outer skin, or hide, or scales, or fur with which to survive and function within their environment.
These things did not come about by accident. These things came by design.
The odds against life accidentally occurring on its own are great.
The odds against so many different life forms occurring by accident are infinitely greater.
The odds against so many different life forms with so many different attributes are infinitely, infinitely greater.
And guess what? The odds against all of these things occurring by accident, being destroyed by several extinctions on planet earth, and then repeating themselves, is way beyond infinity.
But there will be those who will just not believe in anything other than the accident of evolution.
Maybe that is why so many are jumping on the global warming bandwagon. Interesting enough by the way, I heard on the news this evening (Tues., June 10, 2008), that there is a significant reduction of sunspot activity. Hasn't been so low in almost 400 years, and what happened back then? The planet went through what was termed as a mini ice-age (1645-1705 A.D.). That low sunspot activity lasted sixty years. Cold and famines affected the entire planet. And now we are in our second year in a row for record cold temperatures. Where's the heat? No extra charge for this tidbit. But you might want to invest in long underwear!
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Job 41:15-17
15 His scales [magen] ['aphiyq] are his pride [ga`avah], shut up together [cagar] as with a close [tsar] seal [chowtham].
16 One ['echad] is so near [nagash] to another ['echad], that no air [ruwach] can come [bow'] between them.
17 They are joined [dabaq] one ['iysh] to another ['ach], they stick together [lakad], that they cannot be sundered [parad]. KJV-Interlinear
15 'His strong scales are his pride, Shut up as with a tight seal. 16 'One is so near to another, That no air can come between them. 17 'They are joined one to another; They clasp each other and cannot be separated. NASB
Pride here means confidence, reliability, dependability, consistency, steadfastness, stability. In human terms, pride would be thought of as conceit, arrogance, and pleasure in ones self and so forth.
Animals do not think in those terms.
Of all of their attributes, the animals strength, their agility, their instincts, are all interconnected to their physical characteristics.
Their tough skin, their coat, their colors, their scales, their camouflage, all of these things along with their water tightness, or toughness or ability to hide within their surroundings, gives the animal an ability to function for survival and to avoid their own demise when being hunted.
God, in His wisdom, in His genius, gave all animals some sort of outer skin, or hide, or scales, or fur with which to survive and function within their environment.
These things did not come about by accident. These things came by design.
The odds against life accidentally occurring on its own are great.
The odds against so many different life forms occurring by accident are infinitely greater.
The odds against so many different life forms with so many different attributes are infinitely, infinitely greater.
And guess what? The odds against all of these things occurring by accident, being destroyed by several extinctions on planet earth, and then repeating themselves, is way beyond infinity.
But there will be those who will just not believe in anything other than the accident of evolution.
Maybe that is why so many are jumping on the global warming bandwagon. Interesting enough by the way, I heard on the news this evening (Tues., June 10, 2008), that there is a significant reduction of sunspot activity. Hasn't been so low in almost 400 years, and what happened back then? The planet went through what was termed as a mini ice-age (1645-1705 A.D.). That low sunspot activity lasted sixty years. Cold and famines affected the entire planet. And now we are in our second year in a row for record cold temperatures. Where's the heat? No extra charge for this tidbit. But you might want to invest in long underwear!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Job 41:12-14
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 41:12-14
12 I will not conceal [charash] his parts [bad], nor his power [gabuwrah] [dabar], nor his comely [chiyn] proportion [`erek].
13 Who can discover [galah] the face [paniym] of his garment [labuwsh]? or who can come [bow'] to him with his double [kephel] bridle [recen]?
14 Who can open [pathach] the doors [deleth] of his face [paniym]? his teeth [shen] are terrible ['eymah] round about [cabiyb]. KJV-Interlinear
12 'I will not keep silence concerning his limbs, Or his mighty strength, or his orderly frame. 13 'Who can strip off his outer armor? Who can come within his double mail? 14 'Who can open the doors of his face? Around his teeth there is terror. NASB
From verse 12 to verse 32, God describes the large animal in detail, not just to give us all an anatomy lesson in crocodiles and the like, but to teach us all that it is God who designed and created this animal, and created him out of simple dust.
The magnificence of the animal, the hugeness of something made to come to life, and survive, and have an intelligence, though limited, but sufficient to survive many thousands of years on this planet without the aid of man, or science, or technology, or any of those things.
In comparison, man has built great buildings, and bridges, and technology, but these are not life entities. These have no instincts, these have no procreation abilities, these have no means of self-survival.
But, just as mans construction and invention came with a designer and an inventor, so too, all of life came into being by means of a designer - namely God. Nothing in life occurred by accident. There are just too many ingredients, to many characteristics, too many attributes among the many life forms, to have begun by sheer accident.
And so God will not keep silent regarding the anatomy of the beast. God will not hide in secrets, the makeup of the beast. All is there for man to observe and investigate, and then conclude that the power and intelligence of God is far superior to that of man, and this is only from a description of a simple animal. What then do we conclude regarding physics, dimensions, sub-atomic things, even human emotions?
The huge animal has a powerful frame. The huge animal has great strength. The huge animal is organized within its design and makeup.
Who then can strip away is outer layers, and discover its inner design, in order to duplicate it?
Who would dare to pry open its jaws to examine its teeth, to command it to submit to such an examination, without fear of being torn apart in a terrifying and certain death?
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:12-14
12 I will not conceal [charash] his parts [bad], nor his power [gabuwrah] [dabar], nor his comely [chiyn] proportion [`erek].
13 Who can discover [galah] the face [paniym] of his garment [labuwsh]? or who can come [bow'] to him with his double [kephel] bridle [recen]?
14 Who can open [pathach] the doors [deleth] of his face [paniym]? his teeth [shen] are terrible ['eymah] round about [cabiyb]. KJV-Interlinear
12 'I will not keep silence concerning his limbs, Or his mighty strength, or his orderly frame. 13 'Who can strip off his outer armor? Who can come within his double mail? 14 'Who can open the doors of his face? Around his teeth there is terror. NASB
From verse 12 to verse 32, God describes the large animal in detail, not just to give us all an anatomy lesson in crocodiles and the like, but to teach us all that it is God who designed and created this animal, and created him out of simple dust.
The magnificence of the animal, the hugeness of something made to come to life, and survive, and have an intelligence, though limited, but sufficient to survive many thousands of years on this planet without the aid of man, or science, or technology, or any of those things.
In comparison, man has built great buildings, and bridges, and technology, but these are not life entities. These have no instincts, these have no procreation abilities, these have no means of self-survival.
But, just as mans construction and invention came with a designer and an inventor, so too, all of life came into being by means of a designer - namely God. Nothing in life occurred by accident. There are just too many ingredients, to many characteristics, too many attributes among the many life forms, to have begun by sheer accident.
And so God will not keep silent regarding the anatomy of the beast. God will not hide in secrets, the makeup of the beast. All is there for man to observe and investigate, and then conclude that the power and intelligence of God is far superior to that of man, and this is only from a description of a simple animal. What then do we conclude regarding physics, dimensions, sub-atomic things, even human emotions?
The huge animal has a powerful frame. The huge animal has great strength. The huge animal is organized within its design and makeup.
Who then can strip away is outer layers, and discover its inner design, in order to duplicate it?
Who would dare to pry open its jaws to examine its teeth, to command it to submit to such an examination, without fear of being torn apart in a terrifying and certain death?
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Job 41:11
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 41:11
11 Who hath prevented [qadam] me, that I should repay [shalam] him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven [shamayim] is mine. KJV-Interlinear
11 'Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine. NASB
When a hunter goes hunting, he does not go out with noise to make his presence known. He goes out with stealth. He tries to find his prey, and advance on him in quiet such that he can at the last moment, spring on the prey and capture or kill it with quickness. Overwhelming the prey with surprise such that it cannot run, or even think of an avenue of escape.
The hunt is over quickly and the hunter has his prize.
And that is what 'prevented' means.
Who has come up quickly upon God? Who has caught God by surprise? Who has caught God off guard? Who has come up with a scenario that God has not anticipated?
And here we have two concepts in our study. First, history is a contest between God and Satan. Second, history is a contest between God and man. God is so far ahead of Satan and man, that the contest is not between God and anyone, but with Satan or man competing against themselves to prove who is the dumber.
God, in humor, just sits on the sidelines so to speak, and watches as man and Satan come up with one plan, one scenario, one complaint, after another. And history is just that. Man and Satan come up with all sorts of ideas and proposals, and scenarios, trying to discredit God and prove themselves.
And in each case, God demonstrates His superior wisdom and mans superior stupidity.
So, who has come up with something, anything, such that God owes a response, a reply, an apology?
God owes us nothing. We are dust and nothing more. Anytime that God gives us an explanation, it is out of His grace and courtesy.
What claim have we on this planet? What claim have we on this universe?
God owns everything. God owns heaven, and God owns everything under heaven. Our universe is under heaven. Our universe is vast, but heaven is infinitely larger.
We don't even know how large our universe is. We cannot know how large heaven is.
We can send satellites to the distant planets but at our present technology, sending a satellite to the nearest star, some four light-years away, would take well over 60,000 years, one way. That is if our satellites are traveling at 40,000 miles an hour. In order to reach the nearest star in 1000 years, we would have to travel 60 times faster, or at 2,400,000 miles an hour. And that technology is nowhere close.
And that is only the nearest star. Our own galaxy is far, far greater in distance, to get to the other side, or anywhere in the middle.
And as far as distant galaxies??? It is never going to happen. Man is not going to travel to the stars.
We probably have only a hundred or two-hundred years remaining in our dispensation (speculation of course). Satan has been bound to this earth, and so has man. So if we were to be able to travel to the nearest star, then our current technology would have to speed up things about five hundred times faster, each and every year, for the next century.
Will our speed of 40,000 miles an hour go to 20,000,000 miles an hour by next year, and faster still by the next year, increasing in speed by leaps and bounds each and every year thereafter. If travel speed does not increase in any given year, then that means that the speed just has to go up even faster in some future year.
Now, reason dictates that this is not going to happen. And that is what is required just to go, one way, to the nearest single star. As for the rest of the universe??? Well, man is bound to this planet and here our history will advance to its final conclusion.
God owns the universe. Man will never see all of his own planet, under the seas, much less our solar system. And by the way, does our solar system even have a name?
Hummm! The thoughts get deeper and deeper.
Man has no basis or grounds with which to challenge God. Man has no basis with which to question God.
This should be the end of the discussion, but since man is still extremely ignorant with respect to life, God has a few more things to teach us all.
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Job 41:11
11 Who hath prevented [qadam] me, that I should repay [shalam] him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven [shamayim] is mine. KJV-Interlinear
11 'Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine. NASB
When a hunter goes hunting, he does not go out with noise to make his presence known. He goes out with stealth. He tries to find his prey, and advance on him in quiet such that he can at the last moment, spring on the prey and capture or kill it with quickness. Overwhelming the prey with surprise such that it cannot run, or even think of an avenue of escape.
The hunt is over quickly and the hunter has his prize.
And that is what 'prevented' means.
Who has come up quickly upon God? Who has caught God by surprise? Who has caught God off guard? Who has come up with a scenario that God has not anticipated?
And here we have two concepts in our study. First, history is a contest between God and Satan. Second, history is a contest between God and man. God is so far ahead of Satan and man, that the contest is not between God and anyone, but with Satan or man competing against themselves to prove who is the dumber.
God, in humor, just sits on the sidelines so to speak, and watches as man and Satan come up with one plan, one scenario, one complaint, after another. And history is just that. Man and Satan come up with all sorts of ideas and proposals, and scenarios, trying to discredit God and prove themselves.
And in each case, God demonstrates His superior wisdom and mans superior stupidity.
So, who has come up with something, anything, such that God owes a response, a reply, an apology?
God owes us nothing. We are dust and nothing more. Anytime that God gives us an explanation, it is out of His grace and courtesy.
What claim have we on this planet? What claim have we on this universe?
God owns everything. God owns heaven, and God owns everything under heaven. Our universe is under heaven. Our universe is vast, but heaven is infinitely larger.
We don't even know how large our universe is. We cannot know how large heaven is.
We can send satellites to the distant planets but at our present technology, sending a satellite to the nearest star, some four light-years away, would take well over 60,000 years, one way. That is if our satellites are traveling at 40,000 miles an hour. In order to reach the nearest star in 1000 years, we would have to travel 60 times faster, or at 2,400,000 miles an hour. And that technology is nowhere close.
And that is only the nearest star. Our own galaxy is far, far greater in distance, to get to the other side, or anywhere in the middle.
And as far as distant galaxies??? It is never going to happen. Man is not going to travel to the stars.
We probably have only a hundred or two-hundred years remaining in our dispensation (speculation of course). Satan has been bound to this earth, and so has man. So if we were to be able to travel to the nearest star, then our current technology would have to speed up things about five hundred times faster, each and every year, for the next century.
Will our speed of 40,000 miles an hour go to 20,000,000 miles an hour by next year, and faster still by the next year, increasing in speed by leaps and bounds each and every year thereafter. If travel speed does not increase in any given year, then that means that the speed just has to go up even faster in some future year.
Now, reason dictates that this is not going to happen. And that is what is required just to go, one way, to the nearest single star. As for the rest of the universe??? Well, man is bound to this planet and here our history will advance to its final conclusion.
God owns the universe. Man will never see all of his own planet, under the seas, much less our solar system. And by the way, does our solar system even have a name?
Hummm! The thoughts get deeper and deeper.
Man has no basis or grounds with which to challenge God. Man has no basis with which to question God.
This should be the end of the discussion, but since man is still extremely ignorant with respect to life, God has a few more things to teach us all.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Job 41:9-10
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 41:9-10
9 Behold, the hope [towcheleth] of him is in vain [kazab]: shall not one be cast down [tuwl] even at the sight [mar'eh] of him?
10 None is so fierce ['akzar] that dare stir him up [`uwr] [`uwr]: who then is able to stand [yatsab] before [paniym] me? KJV-Interlinear
9 'Behold, your expectation is false; Will you be laid low even at the sight of him? 10 'No one is so fierce that he dares to arouse him; Who then is he that can stand before Me? NASB
African crocodiles can get up to 24 feet (7.5 meters) in length and weight over 1700 pounds (771 kg). That is larger than two big SUV's end to end. Probably should have mentioned this earlier. If you were thinking about an alligator and all of those alligators wrestlers on television, then this should help make it clear as to what God is talking about.
No fool would dare attempt taking on this kind of croc. The saltwater croc's of northwestern Australia, or the crocs of the African jungles cannot be compared with the alligators of America. That would be like comparing an adult male lion to a pet house cat.
Would you take on a speeding freight train by standing in the middle of the tracks? Could you stop it? No.
And neither could you take on one of these huge crocodiles, or similar huge animals.
If you were out for a walk, and suddenly came around a corner and found yourself face to face with one of these, then you would be 'laid low,' as the verse states. Humbled to say the least. Would you try to wake him up if he were sleeping? No. You would slowly and quietly back away. Oh, and by the way, you cannot outrun one of these guys, unless you have a really good head start.
The toughest guy in the world would not be stupid enough to take on one of these.
Now, given that the crocodile is only an animal, and given that man has never been able to take on one of these huge creatures, hand-to-hand, then what possibilities are there for taking on God?
If a lightning bolt was traveling straight at your nose, could you hold up your hand and stop it?
If a rushing flood was coming right at you, could you holdup your hand and stop it?
If a storm was swirling around you, could you hold up your hand and subdue it?
Who would be so foolish as to try?
And yet most people live their lives without God in their lives. God who created us all, who holds all things together so that we at least have a continued existence. And where is the awe, the inspiration, the humility with respect to God and His plan for each of our lives?
We are at least smart enough to know that confrontation with a croc is not a wise move, but we do not seem to be smart enough to know that defining our own existence while disregarding God, is not a very smart approach to life.
Most of us will not face crocodiles in our life, but we will face unemployment, business downturns, economic problems, social problems, emotional problems, and each of these can be just as overwhelming as facing down a crocodile. Do we face them on our own terms, or do we call for assistance?
Do we take on life on our own, or do we use the many resources that are available to us in this world?
Well, is it any different in our spiritual life? God is far easier to contact than a loan broker, or a doctor, or some other person you might know. And God will look after, and care far more, for your interests, than all of the greedy leaches out there who just want to get you through the line and onto the next customer.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:9-10
9 Behold, the hope [towcheleth] of him is in vain [kazab]: shall not one be cast down [tuwl] even at the sight [mar'eh] of him?
10 None is so fierce ['akzar] that dare stir him up [`uwr] [`uwr]: who then is able to stand [yatsab] before [paniym] me? KJV-Interlinear
9 'Behold, your expectation is false; Will you be laid low even at the sight of him? 10 'No one is so fierce that he dares to arouse him; Who then is he that can stand before Me? NASB
African crocodiles can get up to 24 feet (7.5 meters) in length and weight over 1700 pounds (771 kg). That is larger than two big SUV's end to end. Probably should have mentioned this earlier. If you were thinking about an alligator and all of those alligators wrestlers on television, then this should help make it clear as to what God is talking about.
No fool would dare attempt taking on this kind of croc. The saltwater croc's of northwestern Australia, or the crocs of the African jungles cannot be compared with the alligators of America. That would be like comparing an adult male lion to a pet house cat.
Would you take on a speeding freight train by standing in the middle of the tracks? Could you stop it? No.
And neither could you take on one of these huge crocodiles, or similar huge animals.
If you were out for a walk, and suddenly came around a corner and found yourself face to face with one of these, then you would be 'laid low,' as the verse states. Humbled to say the least. Would you try to wake him up if he were sleeping? No. You would slowly and quietly back away. Oh, and by the way, you cannot outrun one of these guys, unless you have a really good head start.
The toughest guy in the world would not be stupid enough to take on one of these.
Now, given that the crocodile is only an animal, and given that man has never been able to take on one of these huge creatures, hand-to-hand, then what possibilities are there for taking on God?
If a lightning bolt was traveling straight at your nose, could you hold up your hand and stop it?
If a rushing flood was coming right at you, could you holdup your hand and stop it?
If a storm was swirling around you, could you hold up your hand and subdue it?
Who would be so foolish as to try?
And yet most people live their lives without God in their lives. God who created us all, who holds all things together so that we at least have a continued existence. And where is the awe, the inspiration, the humility with respect to God and His plan for each of our lives?
We are at least smart enough to know that confrontation with a croc is not a wise move, but we do not seem to be smart enough to know that defining our own existence while disregarding God, is not a very smart approach to life.
Most of us will not face crocodiles in our life, but we will face unemployment, business downturns, economic problems, social problems, emotional problems, and each of these can be just as overwhelming as facing down a crocodile. Do we face them on our own terms, or do we call for assistance?
Do we take on life on our own, or do we use the many resources that are available to us in this world?
Well, is it any different in our spiritual life? God is far easier to contact than a loan broker, or a doctor, or some other person you might know. And God will look after, and care far more, for your interests, than all of the greedy leaches out there who just want to get you through the line and onto the next customer.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Job 41:6-8
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 41:6-8
6 Shall the companions [chabbar] make a banquet [karah] of him? shall they part [chatsah] him among the merchants [Kana`aniy]?
7 Canst thou fill [male'] his skin [`owr] with barbed irons [sukkah]? or his head [ro'sh] with fish [dag] spears [tsalatsal]?
8 Lay [suwm] thine hand [kaph] upon him, remember [zakar] the battle [milchamah], do no more [yacaph]. KJV-Interlinear
6 'Will the traders bargain over him? Will they divide him among the merchants? 7 'Can you fill his skin with harpoons, Or his head with fishing spears? 8 'Lay your hand on him; Remember the battle; you will not do it again! NASB
Today we have many tools and techniques for catching and controlling wild animals, but back in Jobs day, any attempt to catch a huge crocodile, for example, would be a treacherous deal at best. Many a hunter was probably killed when confronted by a croc.
Even traders, or those who might bet on the outcome, could not divide the spoils. How can one divide up a crocodile that is looking you right in the eye.
The normal tools with which to hunt, a fishing hook, an arrow, even a spear would be useless against the crocodile or some large, powerful and ferocious animal. An animal that would just as soon eat you as look at you. Man means nothing to these beasts.
And something that you might want to remember if you happen to cross the path of a croc. If you decide to seize hold of him in a fight, then you had better be prepared to win the fight with your first attempt, otherwise, the outcome will not be in your favor. Remember it well, should you survive the fight, and learn your lesson for biting off something bigger than you can chew. You won't want to attempt it again.
And so God gives us all simple lessons on life.
Man cannot control his own environment. Man cannot control the weather. Man cannot control the lightning. Man cannot duplicate in nature, that which exists all around us. Even though man has been around for many thousands of years.
How can man possibly confront God, challenge God, question God, in any matter?
And yet people continue to ignore their spiritual life, which is fundamental to their entire existence.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Job 41:6-8
6 Shall the companions [chabbar] make a banquet [karah] of him? shall they part [chatsah] him among the merchants [Kana`aniy]?
7 Canst thou fill [male'] his skin [`owr] with barbed irons [sukkah]? or his head [ro'sh] with fish [dag] spears [tsalatsal]?
8 Lay [suwm] thine hand [kaph] upon him, remember [zakar] the battle [milchamah], do no more [yacaph]. KJV-Interlinear
6 'Will the traders bargain over him? Will they divide him among the merchants? 7 'Can you fill his skin with harpoons, Or his head with fishing spears? 8 'Lay your hand on him; Remember the battle; you will not do it again! NASB
Today we have many tools and techniques for catching and controlling wild animals, but back in Jobs day, any attempt to catch a huge crocodile, for example, would be a treacherous deal at best. Many a hunter was probably killed when confronted by a croc.
Even traders, or those who might bet on the outcome, could not divide the spoils. How can one divide up a crocodile that is looking you right in the eye.
The normal tools with which to hunt, a fishing hook, an arrow, even a spear would be useless against the crocodile or some large, powerful and ferocious animal. An animal that would just as soon eat you as look at you. Man means nothing to these beasts.
And something that you might want to remember if you happen to cross the path of a croc. If you decide to seize hold of him in a fight, then you had better be prepared to win the fight with your first attempt, otherwise, the outcome will not be in your favor. Remember it well, should you survive the fight, and learn your lesson for biting off something bigger than you can chew. You won't want to attempt it again.
And so God gives us all simple lessons on life.
Man cannot control his own environment. Man cannot control the weather. Man cannot control the lightning. Man cannot duplicate in nature, that which exists all around us. Even though man has been around for many thousands of years.
How can man possibly confront God, challenge God, question God, in any matter?
And yet people continue to ignore their spiritual life, which is fundamental to their entire existence.
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