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Job 29:24-25
24 If I laughed [sachaq] on them, they believed ['aman] it not; and the light ['owr] of my countenance [paniym] they cast not down [naphal].
25 I chose [bachar] out their way [derek], and sat [yashab] chief [ro'sh], and dwelt [shakan] as a king [melek] in the army [gaduwd], as one that comforteth [nacham] the mourners ['abel]. KJV-Interlinear
24 'I smiled on them when they did not believe, And the light of my face they did not cast down. 25 'I chose a way for them and sat as chief, And dwelt as a king among the troops, As one who comforted the mourners. NASB
Whenever you have a conversation with many people, you will never gain total agreement with everyone. There will always be those who disagree with you. This is obvious with Jobs three friends.
But Job never let disagreement get him down. Job was confident in his position and thinking whatever the subject. He would gather the facts of a matter, make his interpretations, and then offer his suggestions.
People were free to accept his counsel, or not accept it.
And, even though he was held in high esteem by society at large, as it were, sitting as a king or a general surrounded by his staff, helpers, researchers, and so forth, Job never tried to enforce his views, forcibly onto anyone.
His smiling here is a reference to not taking offense at any opposition. Job was confident in his views, and when opposing views were suggested, especially those, which he knew were ludicrous, he still did not condescend to offering insults or ridicule toward anyone.
Those with whom Job disagreed received polite respect, and Job received from one and all, in return, respect in kind.
Not to say that there were not unscrupulous elements within society, because there were. Job was raided by thieves who stole his property and murdered his employees. But those raids were not specifically directed at Job but were a part of roving gangs of thugs who happened upon his vast wealth.
If you are extremely wealthy, then the wealth will attract the attention of thieves sooner or later. They do not have to know the owner in order to plot their deeds.
So, this chapter rounds out the description of Jobs life, prior to his losses. He was wealthy, successful, and respected by everyone who was acquainted with him.
But as we said, this was before his losses. People are fickle and superficial. When you are doing well, friends come out of the woodwork. When you are on hard times, then finding a friend is more difficult than your chances of winning the lottery.
Showing posts with label Job 29. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Job 29. Show all posts
Monday, December 17, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Job 29:21-23
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 29:21-23
21 Unto me men gave ear [shama`], and waited [yachal], and kept silence [damam] at [lamow] my counsel [`etsah].
22 After ['achar] my words [dabar] they spake not again [shanah]; and my speech [millah] dropped [nataph] upon them.
23 And they waited [yachal] for me as for the rain [matar]; and they opened [pa`ar] their mouth [peh] wide as for the latter rain [malqowsh]. KJV-Interlinear
21 'To me they listened and waited, And kept silent for my counsel. 22 'After my words they did not speak again, And my speech dropped on them. 23 'And they waited for me as for the rain, And opened their mouth as for the spring rain. NASB
Job enjoyed the position of statesman and counselor. People came to him from far and wide, to hear his words of wisdom. When a discussion broke out, folks all had their say and then it was Jobs turn.
In that case, everyone fell silent and listened with great patience. Job spoke, and when he was finished, there was nothing more to be said about the matter.
Throughout history there have been many want-to-be's, in terms of wise counselor, and kind and gentle leader. But persuasiveness usually gets lost or entwined in the political agendas of deceitful desires for power, authority, and position. The world probably has not seen a legitimate statesman in a very long time.
Perhaps Job and Jesus are the only two, ever.
Throughout the centuries of the pre-Christ era, the world was ruled by empire builders. Since the First Advent of Christ, the world has been pursued by religious empires, by monarchies, and with the advent of the United States, secular agendas, and now we see an effort to return to the religious empires of old by the Islamists.
That combination of secular and religious rule will be the form, which will exist in the Tribulation. Both typically rejecting Christ as the legitimate ruler of history, and of this world.
But back in Jobs day, his words were as those of Jesus when he first began his earthly ministry at the First Advent. He spoke and his personality, his magnetism, his dynamic appeal with people trapped them with the hypnotic appeal of truth.
Even as Job is currently suffering with tremendous physical aches and pains and discomforts, even as he is speaking, his three friends have fallen into silence.
You can probably visualize Job as always smiling, kind, dynamic and yet confidently forceful in his own will. Someone you would instantly like when you met him, or someone with whom you would dislike due to jealousy of his abilities and success.
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Job 29:21-23
21 Unto me men gave ear [shama`], and waited [yachal], and kept silence [damam] at [lamow] my counsel [`etsah].
22 After ['achar] my words [dabar] they spake not again [shanah]; and my speech [millah] dropped [nataph] upon them.
23 And they waited [yachal] for me as for the rain [matar]; and they opened [pa`ar] their mouth [peh] wide as for the latter rain [malqowsh]. KJV-Interlinear
21 'To me they listened and waited, And kept silent for my counsel. 22 'After my words they did not speak again, And my speech dropped on them. 23 'And they waited for me as for the rain, And opened their mouth as for the spring rain. NASB
Job enjoyed the position of statesman and counselor. People came to him from far and wide, to hear his words of wisdom. When a discussion broke out, folks all had their say and then it was Jobs turn.
In that case, everyone fell silent and listened with great patience. Job spoke, and when he was finished, there was nothing more to be said about the matter.
Throughout history there have been many want-to-be's, in terms of wise counselor, and kind and gentle leader. But persuasiveness usually gets lost or entwined in the political agendas of deceitful desires for power, authority, and position. The world probably has not seen a legitimate statesman in a very long time.
Perhaps Job and Jesus are the only two, ever.
Throughout the centuries of the pre-Christ era, the world was ruled by empire builders. Since the First Advent of Christ, the world has been pursued by religious empires, by monarchies, and with the advent of the United States, secular agendas, and now we see an effort to return to the religious empires of old by the Islamists.
That combination of secular and religious rule will be the form, which will exist in the Tribulation. Both typically rejecting Christ as the legitimate ruler of history, and of this world.
But back in Jobs day, his words were as those of Jesus when he first began his earthly ministry at the First Advent. He spoke and his personality, his magnetism, his dynamic appeal with people trapped them with the hypnotic appeal of truth.
Even as Job is currently suffering with tremendous physical aches and pains and discomforts, even as he is speaking, his three friends have fallen into silence.
You can probably visualize Job as always smiling, kind, dynamic and yet confidently forceful in his own will. Someone you would instantly like when you met him, or someone with whom you would dislike due to jealousy of his abilities and success.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Job 29:20
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 29:20
20 My glory [kabowd] was fresh [chadash] in me [`immad], and my bow [qesheth] was renewed [chalaph] in my hand [yad]. KJV-Interlinear
20 'My glory is ever new with me, And my bow is renewed in my hand.' NASB
In his better days, Jobs glory, his grandness, his splendor, the picture of his life, if you could take a picture of wealth and success, was always with him.
Job had lived a very long time by our standards, and he was successful beyond anyone's wildest dreams. Job had his family, his innumerable relatives (we'll read about them in the final chapters), his vast wealth, his health, his abilities and intelligence, his positions in social circles and in society. There was not much more that could be added to his life.
As we studied the other day, Jobs life was just about as perfect as a life could get.
His glory was a picture of his phenomenally successful life. His bow is suggestive of his strength and abilities to meet just about any earthly challenge that might come along.
Job could counter anyone who might challenge him by legal means. Job could purchase just about anything that was available in his day. Job was well able to meet any controversy in his life. He had the wealth, and the means to deal with anything.
Except …
And this is the principle which is going to be taught by this chapter. Job had many earthly blessings. All came from God, which he acknowledged. But as we have already seen, God is the source of everything - good and bad. God gives and He takes away. And by this we mean that God has made provision for any set of circumstances in life, including disaster.
Job on his own, could not prevent the suffering that was about to fall all over him. In his prosperity, he, unlike most folks, knew that God was the source, and that it could all fade away in a heartbeat. And in one afternoon it did.
Regardless of your circumstances in this life, there will always be something in this world, which can come along and take it all away in a heartbeat. Even your life is on the table for Gods disposition.
Some folks have the blessing of having much in this life. Most of us have far less.
If God is first in your life, then your circumstances are irrelevant, because God will take care of you no matter who or what you are. If God is not first in your life, then you have already lost, you just probably won't recognize it until the moment of your death, or until some humongous disaster has trampled you down.
And if a disaster does fall all over you, then count yourself lucky. God has given you another chance.
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Job 29:20
20 My glory [kabowd] was fresh [chadash] in me [`immad], and my bow [qesheth] was renewed [chalaph] in my hand [yad]. KJV-Interlinear
20 'My glory is ever new with me, And my bow is renewed in my hand.' NASB
In his better days, Jobs glory, his grandness, his splendor, the picture of his life, if you could take a picture of wealth and success, was always with him.
Job had lived a very long time by our standards, and he was successful beyond anyone's wildest dreams. Job had his family, his innumerable relatives (we'll read about them in the final chapters), his vast wealth, his health, his abilities and intelligence, his positions in social circles and in society. There was not much more that could be added to his life.
As we studied the other day, Jobs life was just about as perfect as a life could get.
His glory was a picture of his phenomenally successful life. His bow is suggestive of his strength and abilities to meet just about any earthly challenge that might come along.
Job could counter anyone who might challenge him by legal means. Job could purchase just about anything that was available in his day. Job was well able to meet any controversy in his life. He had the wealth, and the means to deal with anything.
Except …
And this is the principle which is going to be taught by this chapter. Job had many earthly blessings. All came from God, which he acknowledged. But as we have already seen, God is the source of everything - good and bad. God gives and He takes away. And by this we mean that God has made provision for any set of circumstances in life, including disaster.
Job on his own, could not prevent the suffering that was about to fall all over him. In his prosperity, he, unlike most folks, knew that God was the source, and that it could all fade away in a heartbeat. And in one afternoon it did.
Regardless of your circumstances in this life, there will always be something in this world, which can come along and take it all away in a heartbeat. Even your life is on the table for Gods disposition.
Some folks have the blessing of having much in this life. Most of us have far less.
If God is first in your life, then your circumstances are irrelevant, because God will take care of you no matter who or what you are. If God is not first in your life, then you have already lost, you just probably won't recognize it until the moment of your death, or until some humongous disaster has trampled you down.
And if a disaster does fall all over you, then count yourself lucky. God has given you another chance.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Job 29:19
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 29:19
19 My root [sheresh] was spread out [pathach] by the waters [mayim], and the dew [tal] lay all night [luwn] upon my branch [qatsiyr]. KJV-Interlinear
19 'My root is spread out to the waters, And dew lies all night on my branch. NASB
Roots spread out, is an expression of stability against storms and floods and such. Waters, is a reference to the flow of a river during the daylight hours. Dew is the moisture that typically accumulates on things during the night.
Daytime is a reference to the blessings of life, and nighttime is a reference to the troubles of life.
So now, Job has wrapped up all of these expressions within this verse.
His life exists on a solid foundation of Bible doctrine. Doctrine is what he has been expressing throughout this entire conversation. His roots extend deep and outward, giving him a rock-solid stable life.
His life is fed by a constant flow of water, blessing in times of prosperity, flowing past him moment by moment. And during the difficult times of life, nighttime, his life is still blessed by the heavy dew, blessing in times of trouble, that accumulates during those difficult times.
Job, as he continue here, is describing a virtually perfect life. Something that anyone of us would love to have for ourselves.
But then you have to understand that God had a plan for Jobs life. It included blessing, tragedy, and blessings again. All of which was to end up in a recorded book meant to benefit everyone who followed him in history.
You and I do not have such a blessed life. At least not on the magnitude of Job. Probably no one in history ever has lived anything that duplicates it.
But, like Job, both you and I, and everyone in history, have a unique plan for our lives. God inserted us into history now, because it was the perfect or best place in history for us to live out our lives.
It is not what you accumulate in life that makes your life, but what you think. And your thinking is influenced by what you study, or don't study in life. Your goal in this life is to get prepared for the next life.
Everything else in your life, is nothing more than logistical support, and a learning environment, intended to help you live and grow up in this life.
Whether you are talented or not, healthy or not, rich or not, makes no difference. God provides us all with the daily flowing waters and the nightly dews of provision to help us along in life. Note that all of this water comes externally from us all. We do not cause the blessings or support, we are the recipient, never the source.
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Job 29:19
19 My root [sheresh] was spread out [pathach] by the waters [mayim], and the dew [tal] lay all night [luwn] upon my branch [qatsiyr]. KJV-Interlinear
19 'My root is spread out to the waters, And dew lies all night on my branch. NASB
Roots spread out, is an expression of stability against storms and floods and such. Waters, is a reference to the flow of a river during the daylight hours. Dew is the moisture that typically accumulates on things during the night.
Daytime is a reference to the blessings of life, and nighttime is a reference to the troubles of life.
So now, Job has wrapped up all of these expressions within this verse.
His life exists on a solid foundation of Bible doctrine. Doctrine is what he has been expressing throughout this entire conversation. His roots extend deep and outward, giving him a rock-solid stable life.
His life is fed by a constant flow of water, blessing in times of prosperity, flowing past him moment by moment. And during the difficult times of life, nighttime, his life is still blessed by the heavy dew, blessing in times of trouble, that accumulates during those difficult times.
Job, as he continue here, is describing a virtually perfect life. Something that anyone of us would love to have for ourselves.
But then you have to understand that God had a plan for Jobs life. It included blessing, tragedy, and blessings again. All of which was to end up in a recorded book meant to benefit everyone who followed him in history.
You and I do not have such a blessed life. At least not on the magnitude of Job. Probably no one in history ever has lived anything that duplicates it.
But, like Job, both you and I, and everyone in history, have a unique plan for our lives. God inserted us into history now, because it was the perfect or best place in history for us to live out our lives.
It is not what you accumulate in life that makes your life, but what you think. And your thinking is influenced by what you study, or don't study in life. Your goal in this life is to get prepared for the next life.
Everything else in your life, is nothing more than logistical support, and a learning environment, intended to help you live and grow up in this life.
Whether you are talented or not, healthy or not, rich or not, makes no difference. God provides us all with the daily flowing waters and the nightly dews of provision to help us along in life. Note that all of this water comes externally from us all. We do not cause the blessings or support, we are the recipient, never the source.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Job 29:18
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 29:18
18 Then I said ['amar], I shall die [gava`] in my nest [qen], and I shall multiply [rabah] my days [yowm] as the sand [chowl]. KJV-Interlinear
18 'Then I thought, 'I shall die in my nest, And I shall multiply my days as the sand. NASB
Seeing that his life was going very well. Job had extraordinary prosperity, health, position and so forth, there was no reason that he should not expect to live a long and contented life.
Job was successful in every sense of the word. He expected to live to a ripe old age and then, after living his length of years, he expected to die in peace, in his home, surrounded by his family and friends, in very comfortable surroundings.
But there is much more to this verse than meets the eye.
The word for sand, 'chowl,' is also a reference to a mythical bird, the Phoenix. There is an old fable which says that Noah had many animals on his Ark. Among them was the Phoenix. The bird went out of its way to not make more work for Noah, and in so doing, Noah granted the bird an infinite life.
Later, after living many centuries, the bird died and was given a funeral fire service with spices and incense. After the funeral service, the bird later arose up out of its own ashes to live again, and this time forever.
And thus it is Jobs desire and his expectation, that after a long life in this life, he would ultimately die and then after his death, he would again rise up and live eternally in heaven.
Recall that we have already studied his views on the hereafter, the redeemer, the advocate, and his expectations of life after death in heaven.
As his prosperity was spectacular in this life, so too he expected a continuation of that prosperity in the next life. And as his years in the next life would be very long, so too he expected that his prosperity would increase proportionately in eternity. But not simply because he was successful, but because he wore righteousness (cleanliness through fellowship) and justice (faith in a savior through the work of the savior), combined with his understanding (living a day-to-day life in doctrine), and wisdom (the complete application of the spiritual life for ones existence).
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Job 29:18
18 Then I said ['amar], I shall die [gava`] in my nest [qen], and I shall multiply [rabah] my days [yowm] as the sand [chowl]. KJV-Interlinear
18 'Then I thought, 'I shall die in my nest, And I shall multiply my days as the sand. NASB
Seeing that his life was going very well. Job had extraordinary prosperity, health, position and so forth, there was no reason that he should not expect to live a long and contented life.
Job was successful in every sense of the word. He expected to live to a ripe old age and then, after living his length of years, he expected to die in peace, in his home, surrounded by his family and friends, in very comfortable surroundings.
But there is much more to this verse than meets the eye.
The word for sand, 'chowl,' is also a reference to a mythical bird, the Phoenix. There is an old fable which says that Noah had many animals on his Ark. Among them was the Phoenix. The bird went out of its way to not make more work for Noah, and in so doing, Noah granted the bird an infinite life.
Later, after living many centuries, the bird died and was given a funeral fire service with spices and incense. After the funeral service, the bird later arose up out of its own ashes to live again, and this time forever.
And thus it is Jobs desire and his expectation, that after a long life in this life, he would ultimately die and then after his death, he would again rise up and live eternally in heaven.
Recall that we have already studied his views on the hereafter, the redeemer, the advocate, and his expectations of life after death in heaven.
As his prosperity was spectacular in this life, so too he expected a continuation of that prosperity in the next life. And as his years in the next life would be very long, so too he expected that his prosperity would increase proportionately in eternity. But not simply because he was successful, but because he wore righteousness (cleanliness through fellowship) and justice (faith in a savior through the work of the savior), combined with his understanding (living a day-to-day life in doctrine), and wisdom (the complete application of the spiritual life for ones existence).
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Job 29:17
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 29:17
17 And I brake [shabar] the jaws [mathalla`ah] of the wicked [`avval], and plucked [shalak] the spoil [tereph] out of his teeth [shen]. KJV-Interlinear
17 'And I broke the jaws of the wicked, And snatched the prey from his teeth. NASB
Job was a good man. Job worked by means of the principles of righteousness and justice. Job was not a do-gooder, or some type of bleeding heart person. Job well understood that justice had to be served, in order for freedom and liberty to function, otherwise tyranny and chaos would reign.
The breaking of the jaws, the snatching of the prey, are applications of justice through a due process system of law.
An accused had to be convicted by means of evidence. Once convicted then an appropriate sentence was issued against him. Job approached justice with fairness, but also with brut force if required.
Jaws were not literally broken. This is an expression by which justice was applied to any given situation, in a fair and honorable way.
Job knew that evil existed in this world, and that evil had to be dealt with appropriately. There are some who can be turned around by means of an application of justice in their life, when they have made bad decisions, but too, there are those who will never change, regardless of the kindnesses that may be extended to them.
All unbelievers, at the end of human history, will be an example of this principle of unchangeable attitude, even in the face of a formidable execution.
Job was not shy about handing out severe punishments, in his capacity as a magistrate or judge, when the circumstances called for severity. Likewise, Job was not shy in ordering the confiscation or seizure of stolen property, and its return to its proper owner.
Job did not act in a vigilante capacity, but within the constraints of the law as it existed back in his day. Job was guided by the same principles of right and wrong as taught in the scriptures, as you are aware of, even in our current day.
As we have already studied, Job studied a matter brought before him, and searched out the truth. Job bent over backwards to help an accused, especially if he were unable to defend himself adequately. This would prevent someone in better circumstances from taking advantage of someone else, thus preventing the twisting of the law and preventing the distortion of justice.
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Job 29:17
17 And I brake [shabar] the jaws [mathalla`ah] of the wicked [`avval], and plucked [shalak] the spoil [tereph] out of his teeth [shen]. KJV-Interlinear
17 'And I broke the jaws of the wicked, And snatched the prey from his teeth. NASB
Job was a good man. Job worked by means of the principles of righteousness and justice. Job was not a do-gooder, or some type of bleeding heart person. Job well understood that justice had to be served, in order for freedom and liberty to function, otherwise tyranny and chaos would reign.
The breaking of the jaws, the snatching of the prey, are applications of justice through a due process system of law.
An accused had to be convicted by means of evidence. Once convicted then an appropriate sentence was issued against him. Job approached justice with fairness, but also with brut force if required.
Jaws were not literally broken. This is an expression by which justice was applied to any given situation, in a fair and honorable way.
Job knew that evil existed in this world, and that evil had to be dealt with appropriately. There are some who can be turned around by means of an application of justice in their life, when they have made bad decisions, but too, there are those who will never change, regardless of the kindnesses that may be extended to them.
All unbelievers, at the end of human history, will be an example of this principle of unchangeable attitude, even in the face of a formidable execution.
Job was not shy about handing out severe punishments, in his capacity as a magistrate or judge, when the circumstances called for severity. Likewise, Job was not shy in ordering the confiscation or seizure of stolen property, and its return to its proper owner.
Job did not act in a vigilante capacity, but within the constraints of the law as it existed back in his day. Job was guided by the same principles of right and wrong as taught in the scriptures, as you are aware of, even in our current day.
As we have already studied, Job studied a matter brought before him, and searched out the truth. Job bent over backwards to help an accused, especially if he were unable to defend himself adequately. This would prevent someone in better circumstances from taking advantage of someone else, thus preventing the twisting of the law and preventing the distortion of justice.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Job 29:12-16
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 29:12-16
12 Because I delivered [malat] the poor [`aniy] that cried [shava`], and the fatherless [yathowm], and him that had none to help [`azar] him.
13 The blessing [Barakah] of him that was ready to perish ['abad] came [bow'] upon me: and I caused the widow's ['almanah] heart [leb] to sing for joy [ranan].
14 I put [labash] on righteousness [tsedeq], and it clothed [labash] me: my judgment [mishpat] was as a robe [ma`iyl] and a diadem [tsaniyph].
15 I was eyes [`ayin] to the blind [`ivver], and feet [regel] was I to the lame [picceach].
16 I was a father ['ab] to the poor ['ebyown]: and the cause [riyb] which I knew [yada`] not I searched out [chaqar]. KJV-Interlinear
12 Because I delivered the poor who cried for help, And the orphan who had no helper. 13 'The blessing of the one ready to perish came upon me, And I made the widow's heart sing for joy. 14 'I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban. 15 'I was eyes to the blind, And feet to the lame. 16 'I was a father to the needy, And I investigated the case which I did not know. NASB
Job was generous with both his time and his money. When he heard or knew of a person that was facing difficulties, he was there to help. Job was there to help, before their request for help came.
Job did not hoard his wealth, but put it to use for the public good. Job did not advertise his generosity. Job did not seek out choice or convenient situations with which to promote his own reputation.
Job wore righteousness and justice, the two key elements of Bible doctrine. And with these he guided his own life in public as well as in private. Job did not have two faces in life, one for the public and the real one for his private life.
Job dealt with people with a sense of urgency. He did not bog them down with bureaucracy or other inconveniences. Job did not consider the need of a person and its impact on his own agenda. Job did not use people to better advance himself in life.
Job depended on God alone, and through that mechanism, Job was used by God, to serve others.
Job was an extremely wealthy man. He could easily have said that he was just too busy to be burdened by the trivial situations of the poor. But he did not consider the burdens of the helpless as trivial. Obviously when a person is poor nearly any difficulty in life is a giant burden.
Job went out of his way to investigate and help those in need. Job was a champion to those who were unable to help themselves.
By the time of his difficulty, Job had been helping and had developed an irrefutable reputation as a righteous man. How was it possible that when difficulties fell on him, his friends, even his wife withdrew their support from him, when during all of those former years Job, without questioning their integrity, helped people that were total strangers?
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Job 29:12-16
12 Because I delivered [malat] the poor [`aniy] that cried [shava`], and the fatherless [yathowm], and him that had none to help [`azar] him.
13 The blessing [Barakah] of him that was ready to perish ['abad] came [bow'] upon me: and I caused the widow's ['almanah] heart [leb] to sing for joy [ranan].
14 I put [labash] on righteousness [tsedeq], and it clothed [labash] me: my judgment [mishpat] was as a robe [ma`iyl] and a diadem [tsaniyph].
15 I was eyes [`ayin] to the blind [`ivver], and feet [regel] was I to the lame [picceach].
16 I was a father ['ab] to the poor ['ebyown]: and the cause [riyb] which I knew [yada`] not I searched out [chaqar]. KJV-Interlinear
12 Because I delivered the poor who cried for help, And the orphan who had no helper. 13 'The blessing of the one ready to perish came upon me, And I made the widow's heart sing for joy. 14 'I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban. 15 'I was eyes to the blind, And feet to the lame. 16 'I was a father to the needy, And I investigated the case which I did not know. NASB
Job was generous with both his time and his money. When he heard or knew of a person that was facing difficulties, he was there to help. Job was there to help, before their request for help came.
Job did not hoard his wealth, but put it to use for the public good. Job did not advertise his generosity. Job did not seek out choice or convenient situations with which to promote his own reputation.
Job wore righteousness and justice, the two key elements of Bible doctrine. And with these he guided his own life in public as well as in private. Job did not have two faces in life, one for the public and the real one for his private life.
Job dealt with people with a sense of urgency. He did not bog them down with bureaucracy or other inconveniences. Job did not consider the need of a person and its impact on his own agenda. Job did not use people to better advance himself in life.
Job depended on God alone, and through that mechanism, Job was used by God, to serve others.
Job was an extremely wealthy man. He could easily have said that he was just too busy to be burdened by the trivial situations of the poor. But he did not consider the burdens of the helpless as trivial. Obviously when a person is poor nearly any difficulty in life is a giant burden.
Job went out of his way to investigate and help those in need. Job was a champion to those who were unable to help themselves.
By the time of his difficulty, Job had been helping and had developed an irrefutable reputation as a righteous man. How was it possible that when difficulties fell on him, his friends, even his wife withdrew their support from him, when during all of those former years Job, without questioning their integrity, helped people that were total strangers?
Monday, December 10, 2007
Job 29:11
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 29:11
11 When the ear ['ozen] heard [shama`] me, then it blessed ['ashar] me; and when the eye [`ayin] saw [ra'ah] me, it gave witness [`uwd] to me: KJV-Interlinear
11 'For when the ear heard, it called me blessed; And when the eye saw, it gave witness of me, NASB
We are progressing through these verses slowly for one reason only, and that is to present a description of the only person in history who was good. Jesus Christ being the only exception, of course.
Job was wealthy and blessed with a large family. Job was wise beyond his generation. Job was benevolent, and gave of himself unselfishly. He was a judge and rendered fair treatment to everyone.
In the previous verses, we saw his social status and how he was greatly respected by those in the upper classes. In the next few verses, we will see that Job was regarded highly by those who were of the more common folk of society.
But before we continue, we need to know where this is all heading.
Job is generally known for his suffering, but there is far more to this book than just perseverance and patience. Job's inner resources and mental attitude were formed by the doctrine which he learned, accepted and applied to his daily life.
Most folks learn doctrine or know of its principles, but they do not accept them into their daily lives, and that is the big difference between why a person is successful in their spiritual life, or not successful.
Note one more thing. Job is probably one of the greatest people of human history, and yet you will not find him studied in the school history books, nor anywhere else except for the Bible. Not even Solomon in all of his glory, wealth, and wisdom can match Jobs daily spiritual accomplishments.
The greatness of Jobs life is not in the blessings he received from God, but in the doctrine he accepted into his soul.
Job was well known in his day. At the end of this book we will see just how well thought of he really was. His three friends missed the point of his life completely when they tried to simplify his suffering to some hidden guilt, when there was never any evidence of his being a sinner.
When people heard Jobs words, they stood in silent awe of his comments. When they saw his actions, they looked at him with great respect.
Rich or poor, young or old, all knew of and respected Job as a man of God. Job was a phenomenal person, the likes of which the world had never ever seen until the birth of Jesus, nor even since Jesus' time. Our current day certainly has no one who can fill his shoes.
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Job 29:11
11 When the ear ['ozen] heard [shama`] me, then it blessed ['ashar] me; and when the eye [`ayin] saw [ra'ah] me, it gave witness [`uwd] to me: KJV-Interlinear
11 'For when the ear heard, it called me blessed; And when the eye saw, it gave witness of me, NASB
We are progressing through these verses slowly for one reason only, and that is to present a description of the only person in history who was good. Jesus Christ being the only exception, of course.
Job was wealthy and blessed with a large family. Job was wise beyond his generation. Job was benevolent, and gave of himself unselfishly. He was a judge and rendered fair treatment to everyone.
In the previous verses, we saw his social status and how he was greatly respected by those in the upper classes. In the next few verses, we will see that Job was regarded highly by those who were of the more common folk of society.
But before we continue, we need to know where this is all heading.
Job is generally known for his suffering, but there is far more to this book than just perseverance and patience. Job's inner resources and mental attitude were formed by the doctrine which he learned, accepted and applied to his daily life.
Most folks learn doctrine or know of its principles, but they do not accept them into their daily lives, and that is the big difference between why a person is successful in their spiritual life, or not successful.
Note one more thing. Job is probably one of the greatest people of human history, and yet you will not find him studied in the school history books, nor anywhere else except for the Bible. Not even Solomon in all of his glory, wealth, and wisdom can match Jobs daily spiritual accomplishments.
The greatness of Jobs life is not in the blessings he received from God, but in the doctrine he accepted into his soul.
Job was well known in his day. At the end of this book we will see just how well thought of he really was. His three friends missed the point of his life completely when they tried to simplify his suffering to some hidden guilt, when there was never any evidence of his being a sinner.
When people heard Jobs words, they stood in silent awe of his comments. When they saw his actions, they looked at him with great respect.
Rich or poor, young or old, all knew of and respected Job as a man of God. Job was a phenomenal person, the likes of which the world had never ever seen until the birth of Jesus, nor even since Jesus' time. Our current day certainly has no one who can fill his shoes.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Job 29:7-10
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 29:7-10
7 When I went out [yatsa'] to the gate [sha`ar] through the city [qereth], when I prepared [kuwn] my seat [mowshab] in the street [rachob]!
8 The young men [na`ar] saw [ra'ah] me, and hid [chaba'] themselves: and the aged [yashiysh] arose [quwm], and stood up [`amad].
9 The princes [sar] refrained [`atsar] talking [millah], and laid [suwm] their hand [kaph] on their mouth [peh].
10 The nobles [nagiyd] held [chaba'] their peace [qowl], and their tongue [lashown] cleaved [dabaq] to the roof of their mouth [chek]. KJV-Interlinear
7 'When I went out to the gate of the city, When I took my seat in the square; 8 The young men saw me and hid themselves, And the old men arose and stood. 9 'The princes stopped talking, And put their hands on their mouths; 10 The voice of the nobles was hushed, And their tongue stuck to their palate. NASB
Some people who have talent, success, or wealth of any kind, presume themselves as being wise because of their prosperity. Most actually lack wisdom, not really understanding the true reasons for their successes in life.
People in general will pay attention to the wealthy or the talented, not because they are wise, but because of their prosperous affluence. Most will chase after a piece of their success, clinging to their coattails in the off chance that their success will rub off.
Job, on the other hand, was successful obviously, but Job was also articulate and he possessed true wisdom.
When Job spoke, everyone stopped to listen. Those who were beneath him socially, those who were equal to him socially, those who were above him socially, all classes in wealth, in politics, in any category you could think of, all listen intently to Jobs words.
Job possessed a post of honor and power, not necessarily due to his wealth, but because of his wisdom.
Job did not live a life of an introverted or greedy recluse.
Job did not pursue a life of pomp, seeking the adoration of the public. Job did not have an ego that drove his life.
Profound respect, not brown nosing, was given him because of the dignity of his positions, for the integrity of his judgments, for his prudence and thoroughness and good management.
Jobs judgment was so sound, his decisions so recognized, and his reasoning power so thorough, that every person held him in the utmost of admiration.
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Job 29:7-10
7 When I went out [yatsa'] to the gate [sha`ar] through the city [qereth], when I prepared [kuwn] my seat [mowshab] in the street [rachob]!
8 The young men [na`ar] saw [ra'ah] me, and hid [chaba'] themselves: and the aged [yashiysh] arose [quwm], and stood up [`amad].
9 The princes [sar] refrained [`atsar] talking [millah], and laid [suwm] their hand [kaph] on their mouth [peh].
10 The nobles [nagiyd] held [chaba'] their peace [qowl], and their tongue [lashown] cleaved [dabaq] to the roof of their mouth [chek]. KJV-Interlinear
7 'When I went out to the gate of the city, When I took my seat in the square; 8 The young men saw me and hid themselves, And the old men arose and stood. 9 'The princes stopped talking, And put their hands on their mouths; 10 The voice of the nobles was hushed, And their tongue stuck to their palate. NASB
Some people who have talent, success, or wealth of any kind, presume themselves as being wise because of their prosperity. Most actually lack wisdom, not really understanding the true reasons for their successes in life.
People in general will pay attention to the wealthy or the talented, not because they are wise, but because of their prosperous affluence. Most will chase after a piece of their success, clinging to their coattails in the off chance that their success will rub off.
Job, on the other hand, was successful obviously, but Job was also articulate and he possessed true wisdom.
When Job spoke, everyone stopped to listen. Those who were beneath him socially, those who were equal to him socially, those who were above him socially, all classes in wealth, in politics, in any category you could think of, all listen intently to Jobs words.
Job possessed a post of honor and power, not necessarily due to his wealth, but because of his wisdom.
Job did not live a life of an introverted or greedy recluse.
Job did not pursue a life of pomp, seeking the adoration of the public. Job did not have an ego that drove his life.
Profound respect, not brown nosing, was given him because of the dignity of his positions, for the integrity of his judgments, for his prudence and thoroughness and good management.
Jobs judgment was so sound, his decisions so recognized, and his reasoning power so thorough, that every person held him in the utmost of admiration.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Job 29:6
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Job 29:6
6 When I washed [rachats] my steps [haliyk] with butter [chem'ah], and the rock [tsuwr] poured me out [tsuwq] rivers [peleg] of oil [shemen]; KJV-Interlinear
6 When my steps were bathed in butter, And the rock poured out for me streams of oil! NASB
These words do not refer to literal butter poured out onto the ground for Job to walk on, nor of actual rocks oozing oils all over the ground. These are expressions of great wealth.
Today we might say that one is filthy rich, or swimming is riches. Neither of which have anything to do with ones cleanliness or water.
Job was so rich, he could do nearly anything he might have desired.
Job was so rich, he never had to think twice about investing in anything, or buying anything. He never had to check his bank balance. He never had to consider whether he could afford something. He never had to ask the price if he saw something he wanted, he would simply extract his money and pay for it regardless of the price.
Now when you are that rich, then with most folk, arrogance generally enters into the picture. They turn into do-gooders, they begin to attach strings to their gifts or charities. Sometimes they simply become greedy and selfish, condescending and critical of others.
But here we are not studying Jobs mental attitude while he possessed great wealth. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the vastness of Jobs blessings, which he received from God.
Job never once suggests that his wealth was a result of his own efforts. He illustrates this by the expression, 'oil from rock.'
In other words, to an outsider, Jobs wealth seemed to come from out of nowhere. Whatever Job did, always transformed into wealth.
Job did not hoard up stockpiles of gold and silver, but he had so much wealth that he could spend and spend and spend, and never see the bottom of his bank account. Can you imagine going shopping and never run out of money? Your account simply reloads every time you buy something!
Anyway, Job was wealthy to beyond even our imagination. And, it all came to him easily. It all came to him from God.
Jobs wealth did not come to him as a result of his intellect, his talent, his abilities, as an inheritance, due to some superior family breeding ancestry, as a result of his attending the finest of universities. None of these apply.
Job was excessively wealthy because God made him that way, and for no other reason.
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Job 29:6
6 When I washed [rachats] my steps [haliyk] with butter [chem'ah], and the rock [tsuwr] poured me out [tsuwq] rivers [peleg] of oil [shemen]; KJV-Interlinear
6 When my steps were bathed in butter, And the rock poured out for me streams of oil! NASB
These words do not refer to literal butter poured out onto the ground for Job to walk on, nor of actual rocks oozing oils all over the ground. These are expressions of great wealth.
Today we might say that one is filthy rich, or swimming is riches. Neither of which have anything to do with ones cleanliness or water.
Job was so rich, he could do nearly anything he might have desired.
Job was so rich, he never had to think twice about investing in anything, or buying anything. He never had to check his bank balance. He never had to consider whether he could afford something. He never had to ask the price if he saw something he wanted, he would simply extract his money and pay for it regardless of the price.
Now when you are that rich, then with most folk, arrogance generally enters into the picture. They turn into do-gooders, they begin to attach strings to their gifts or charities. Sometimes they simply become greedy and selfish, condescending and critical of others.
But here we are not studying Jobs mental attitude while he possessed great wealth. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the vastness of Jobs blessings, which he received from God.
Job never once suggests that his wealth was a result of his own efforts. He illustrates this by the expression, 'oil from rock.'
In other words, to an outsider, Jobs wealth seemed to come from out of nowhere. Whatever Job did, always transformed into wealth.
Job did not hoard up stockpiles of gold and silver, but he had so much wealth that he could spend and spend and spend, and never see the bottom of his bank account. Can you imagine going shopping and never run out of money? Your account simply reloads every time you buy something!
Anyway, Job was wealthy to beyond even our imagination. And, it all came to him easily. It all came to him from God.
Jobs wealth did not come to him as a result of his intellect, his talent, his abilities, as an inheritance, due to some superior family breeding ancestry, as a result of his attending the finest of universities. None of these apply.
Job was excessively wealthy because God made him that way, and for no other reason.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Job 29:4-5
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Job 29:4-5
4 As I was in the days [yowm] of my youth [choreph], when the secret [cowd] of God ['elowahh] was upon my tabernacle ['ohel];
5 When the Almighty [Shadday] was yet with me, when my children [na`ar] were about [cabiyb] me; KJV-Interlinear
4 As I was in the prime of my days, When the friendship of God was over my tent; 5 When the Almighty was yet with me, And my children were around me; NASB
The word for youth, 'choreph,' refers to a fullness, a time of harvest, a time of plenty, the fullness of maturity.
Job was not referring back to a time when he was young, but a time when he was in the fullness of his life. He was vigorous in his health, he was wealthy, he was prosperous, he had many friends and was well thought of in the social, business, and legal circles.
Job had his family round about him. Recall that he had ten children who held parties on a regular basis. No doubt, Job was involved in many of these family gatherings. But whether he attended or not, he still derived great happiness at the mere thought of his children, not to mention whatever interactions he had with them.
Job describes a time in his life when he had nearly everything a person could possibly want out of life.
In addition, his life was guided by God. Job learned doctrine through the stories and scriptures as they were communicated by his parents or his ancestors. Through the teachings that were made available by various men to whom God gave instructional gifts. Through Jobs own examination of the things he was taught, combined with what he observed in life.
Job was well versed in the offerings and sacrifices. He knew their procedures and their spiritual meanings. We studied this way back in the beginning of the book.
And as Job made his arguments against those of his three friends, these past few chapters, we should be well aware of the extent of his spiritual knowledge. In suffering, Job made better sense than his friends, who were under no suffering circumstances.
But all in all, Job states that he had reached a pinnacle in his life. Something that most of us cannot say for ourselves. He had reached a height in life, which very few people in all of human history, attain.
He had God, family and wealth - all of them he had in great excess.
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Job 29:4-5
4 As I was in the days [yowm] of my youth [choreph], when the secret [cowd] of God ['elowahh] was upon my tabernacle ['ohel];
5 When the Almighty [Shadday] was yet with me, when my children [na`ar] were about [cabiyb] me; KJV-Interlinear
4 As I was in the prime of my days, When the friendship of God was over my tent; 5 When the Almighty was yet with me, And my children were around me; NASB
The word for youth, 'choreph,' refers to a fullness, a time of harvest, a time of plenty, the fullness of maturity.
Job was not referring back to a time when he was young, but a time when he was in the fullness of his life. He was vigorous in his health, he was wealthy, he was prosperous, he had many friends and was well thought of in the social, business, and legal circles.
Job had his family round about him. Recall that he had ten children who held parties on a regular basis. No doubt, Job was involved in many of these family gatherings. But whether he attended or not, he still derived great happiness at the mere thought of his children, not to mention whatever interactions he had with them.
Job describes a time in his life when he had nearly everything a person could possibly want out of life.
In addition, his life was guided by God. Job learned doctrine through the stories and scriptures as they were communicated by his parents or his ancestors. Through the teachings that were made available by various men to whom God gave instructional gifts. Through Jobs own examination of the things he was taught, combined with what he observed in life.
Job was well versed in the offerings and sacrifices. He knew their procedures and their spiritual meanings. We studied this way back in the beginning of the book.
And as Job made his arguments against those of his three friends, these past few chapters, we should be well aware of the extent of his spiritual knowledge. In suffering, Job made better sense than his friends, who were under no suffering circumstances.
But all in all, Job states that he had reached a pinnacle in his life. Something that most of us cannot say for ourselves. He had reached a height in life, which very few people in all of human history, attain.
He had God, family and wealth - all of them he had in great excess.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Job 29:3
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Job 29:3
3 When his candle [niyr] shined [halal] upon my head [ro'sh], and when by his light ['owr] I walked [yalak] through darkness [choshek]; KJV-Interlinear
3 When His lamp shone over my head, And by His light I walked through darkness; NASB
This is the application for guidance and blessing from God, into Jobs life. All blessing comes from God and from no other source. All guidance, legitimate guidance, comes from God and from no other source.
When God blesses, it is said that He lights the candles in ones life. When God guides, it is said that God lights the paths of ones travels through life.
It is notable that the first thing that Job recalls and wishes for, is Gods active participation in his life. Not that God has left him while he is suffering, but that living a life of prosperity is much more preferable. And, God is the source of all prosperity.
In order to have anything legitimate and meaningful in your life, God must come first. Otherwise, whatever you have, or think you have, will never be yours.
Psa. 18:28
28 For Thou dost light my lamp; The Lord my God illumines my darkness. NASB
Bible doctrine is the source of all understanding. You have to learn it before you can use it.
Understanding is the function of living a life in accordance with Gods will. You have to apply what you know, in doctrine, to your daily life, before you can be productive in your spiritual life. The combination of the two brings blessing in many forms.
In either case, seeing life as it really is, and receiving legitimate blessings in life, both come from the source of God through doctrine.
It is not uncommon for people who seemingly have blessings throughout their life, to presume that they have the good life as a result of their own efforts, or because they presume that they deserve them.
But Job was never fooled by this false perception. He had been wealthy beyond imagination, and well thought of by young and old alike, but he never let this popularity or prosperity go to his head. Job kept his priorities straight, understanding that it was through doctrine and his spiritual life that he had all that he had, and for no other reason.
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Job 29:3
3 When his candle [niyr] shined [halal] upon my head [ro'sh], and when by his light ['owr] I walked [yalak] through darkness [choshek]; KJV-Interlinear
3 When His lamp shone over my head, And by His light I walked through darkness; NASB
This is the application for guidance and blessing from God, into Jobs life. All blessing comes from God and from no other source. All guidance, legitimate guidance, comes from God and from no other source.
When God blesses, it is said that He lights the candles in ones life. When God guides, it is said that God lights the paths of ones travels through life.
It is notable that the first thing that Job recalls and wishes for, is Gods active participation in his life. Not that God has left him while he is suffering, but that living a life of prosperity is much more preferable. And, God is the source of all prosperity.
In order to have anything legitimate and meaningful in your life, God must come first. Otherwise, whatever you have, or think you have, will never be yours.
Psa. 18:28
28 For Thou dost light my lamp; The Lord my God illumines my darkness. NASB
Bible doctrine is the source of all understanding. You have to learn it before you can use it.
Understanding is the function of living a life in accordance with Gods will. You have to apply what you know, in doctrine, to your daily life, before you can be productive in your spiritual life. The combination of the two brings blessing in many forms.
In either case, seeing life as it really is, and receiving legitimate blessings in life, both come from the source of God through doctrine.
It is not uncommon for people who seemingly have blessings throughout their life, to presume that they have the good life as a result of their own efforts, or because they presume that they deserve them.
But Job was never fooled by this false perception. He had been wealthy beyond imagination, and well thought of by young and old alike, but he never let this popularity or prosperity go to his head. Job kept his priorities straight, understanding that it was through doctrine and his spiritual life that he had all that he had, and for no other reason.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Job 29:2
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
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Job 29:2
2 Oh that [nathan] I were as in months [yerach] past [qedem], as in the days [yowm] when God ['elowahh] preserved [shamar] me; KJV-Interlinear
2 'Oh that I were as in months gone by, As in the days when God watched over me; NASB
Wishing for better times is natural. There is nothing wrong with wanting to have better in life. Only a fool would want to live a life in poverty and suffering.
In his life prior to his current suffering, Job was extremely wealthy. He had position and power of sorts. He was wealthy and prosperous to such an extent that blessings simply fell into his lap.
And, despite his wealthy status, Job here, acknowledges God as the sole source of his prosperity. He claims no credit to himself for superior business knowledge, for having position and status in the community, for literally everything he possessed or enjoyed.
All of this he gave credit to God and to God alone.
But now, all of his wealth has been removed, and his life is not as comfortable as it once was. And again, no one wants to life a life in adversity. That simply isn't a normal attitude.
Job looks back on his former years and begins to describe how his life really was.
This is so that we can see a few things in this book. First, Job had a life, which was blessed by God. The arguments of his friends ignored the fact of Jobs past life. Second, this supports the description of Job from chapter one. He was one of the greatest of men in all of the land. Third, Jobs wealth did not go to his head in arrogance. He was so wealthy that he could very well have had anything he wanted - women, drugs, power, and the abuses that generally go along with that sort of vast wealth. But these vices of life did not appeal to Job, nor did he fall into their traps.
This also demonstrates one more principle in life. People look on your outward appearance and judge you by that. God looks on your soul, and judges you by the content of your thought pattern.
People do not have the right to judge others, and express their opinions socially. God has the right to judge everyone, in every situation.
It was not Jobs wealth, or prosperity that guarded his life, it was God who preserved Job regardless of his situation. Then he was rich, now he is poor, then he was healthy, now he is severely ill. God preserves and protects (watches over) in every situation, the mature or positive believer.
The spiritually positive believer can live life in confidence and comfort in any situation, whereas the spiritually negative person will never have this emotional comfort in life regardless of their situation.
With every description of Jobs health, he should already be bankrupt, destitute, dead … but he is not.
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Job 29:2
2 Oh that [nathan] I were as in months [yerach] past [qedem], as in the days [yowm] when God ['elowahh] preserved [shamar] me; KJV-Interlinear
2 'Oh that I were as in months gone by, As in the days when God watched over me; NASB
Wishing for better times is natural. There is nothing wrong with wanting to have better in life. Only a fool would want to live a life in poverty and suffering.
In his life prior to his current suffering, Job was extremely wealthy. He had position and power of sorts. He was wealthy and prosperous to such an extent that blessings simply fell into his lap.
And, despite his wealthy status, Job here, acknowledges God as the sole source of his prosperity. He claims no credit to himself for superior business knowledge, for having position and status in the community, for literally everything he possessed or enjoyed.
All of this he gave credit to God and to God alone.
But now, all of his wealth has been removed, and his life is not as comfortable as it once was. And again, no one wants to life a life in adversity. That simply isn't a normal attitude.
Job looks back on his former years and begins to describe how his life really was.
This is so that we can see a few things in this book. First, Job had a life, which was blessed by God. The arguments of his friends ignored the fact of Jobs past life. Second, this supports the description of Job from chapter one. He was one of the greatest of men in all of the land. Third, Jobs wealth did not go to his head in arrogance. He was so wealthy that he could very well have had anything he wanted - women, drugs, power, and the abuses that generally go along with that sort of vast wealth. But these vices of life did not appeal to Job, nor did he fall into their traps.
This also demonstrates one more principle in life. People look on your outward appearance and judge you by that. God looks on your soul, and judges you by the content of your thought pattern.
People do not have the right to judge others, and express their opinions socially. God has the right to judge everyone, in every situation.
It was not Jobs wealth, or prosperity that guarded his life, it was God who preserved Job regardless of his situation. Then he was rich, now he is poor, then he was healthy, now he is severely ill. God preserves and protects (watches over) in every situation, the mature or positive believer.
The spiritually positive believer can live life in confidence and comfort in any situation, whereas the spiritually negative person will never have this emotional comfort in life regardless of their situation.
With every description of Jobs health, he should already be bankrupt, destitute, dead … but he is not.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Job 29:1
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Job 29:1
1 Moreover Job ['Iyowb] continued [yacaph] [nasa'] his parable [mashal], and said ['amar], KJV-Interlinear
1 And Job again took up his discourse and said, NASB
Job has finished his comparison of the ingenuity and cleverness of man, to the infinite wisdom and power of God. There is no contest in that regard.
Now, in these next two chapters, Job will contrast his present condition with that of his past.
Before, Job was quite wealthy, quite prosperous, and very well respected by both the young and old. Something that his three friends seemed to have forgotten or at the very least simply disregarded.
But as we will see in due course, ones circumstances on this earth are irrelevant to ones spiritual condition. God can do what He wills, when He wills, without regard to any set of circumstances that man might be faced with.
Too often, people are overwhelmed with emotion when they hear stories of people rising above their situation and conquering their difficulties.
Likewise there are many who try to find excuses in life because someone has taken advantage of them, has cheated them, has said something bad against them, someone has acted with prejudice against them, has abused them and this list can go on and on and on.
But God has demonstrated with innumerable examples of peoples in history, that any set of circumstances can be overcome.
People have been born poor and have become wealthy. People have been born wealthy and have lost it all. People have been abused and have risen above their heartache. People have been thrown into concentration camps and have survived. In fact there is most likely no set of circumstances that have not been made an example of in all of human history.
So, in short, no matter who you are, no matter what your past, you do not have anything unique about you that cannot be handled by God. To presume so simply means that you are arrogant and naïve about life and God.
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Job 29:1
1 Moreover Job ['Iyowb] continued [yacaph] [nasa'] his parable [mashal], and said ['amar], KJV-Interlinear
1 And Job again took up his discourse and said, NASB
Job has finished his comparison of the ingenuity and cleverness of man, to the infinite wisdom and power of God. There is no contest in that regard.
Now, in these next two chapters, Job will contrast his present condition with that of his past.
Before, Job was quite wealthy, quite prosperous, and very well respected by both the young and old. Something that his three friends seemed to have forgotten or at the very least simply disregarded.
But as we will see in due course, ones circumstances on this earth are irrelevant to ones spiritual condition. God can do what He wills, when He wills, without regard to any set of circumstances that man might be faced with.
Too often, people are overwhelmed with emotion when they hear stories of people rising above their situation and conquering their difficulties.
Likewise there are many who try to find excuses in life because someone has taken advantage of them, has cheated them, has said something bad against them, someone has acted with prejudice against them, has abused them and this list can go on and on and on.
But God has demonstrated with innumerable examples of peoples in history, that any set of circumstances can be overcome.
People have been born poor and have become wealthy. People have been born wealthy and have lost it all. People have been abused and have risen above their heartache. People have been thrown into concentration camps and have survived. In fact there is most likely no set of circumstances that have not been made an example of in all of human history.
So, in short, no matter who you are, no matter what your past, you do not have anything unique about you that cannot be handled by God. To presume so simply means that you are arrogant and naïve about life and God.
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