Job 39:1 "Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?"
In these chapters the LORD builds step by step to a mysterious creature of the deep.
-38-the elements as we call them, the universe and the earth
-39-the animals we do not normally see but still they survive
-40-behemoth, a creature that is unafraid to try to swallow the Jordan
-41-the creature that leaves a trail of light and has scales and breaths fire
In Isaiah it is said of the LORD that he is counsellor(Isaiah 9:6). In job's case he builds a case step by step to convince Job of his wrong.
v13-17 "Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich? Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust. And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them. She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not her's; her labor is in vain without fear; Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding."
Job is being brought to a point where he can see for himself that self-righteousness is not sufficient. As Scofield said that is a path to more fruitfulness. I Cor. 11:31,32, Heb 12:7-11.
I Corinthians 11:31-32 "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."
God talks to Job.
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
20,000
Quietly over the weekend, the site reached over 20,000 hits. I know that is not huge by Internet standards and that a lot of the hits are crawlers and such but still it shows that the study is out there and being looked at. May it be a blessing to a few.
God Speaks to Job - Job 38
Job 38:1-2 "Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?"
Now Job starts to learn some things and as my large print Bible says in the heading 'God shows Job's limits'.
The chapter is filled with questions. A teacher often asked questions of students. Not to learn from them but to teach them the answers. God is the master teacher.
v4 "Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding."
v5 "Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?"
v6 "Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof?"
v7 "When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
Then in verse 9 we learn the answer:
v9 "When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, v10 And said Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?" v11
The LORD tells us that like a child he has created the universe and told it where it can go and where it cannot go. He was there when the child first started out. But Job was not there then.
The passage contains the Where, Who, the When and the How.
Then Job is asked if he was involved in any of the creation:
v12 "Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; v13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?"
A number of verses start with "Hast Thou" and they show Job his limitations. Then Job is pointed to the stars and to the heavens:
v33 "Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?"
The desolate places where Job has not been are cared for by the LORD:
v26 "To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man v7 To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?"
It seems like a good time to say 'I didn't think about that.'
Hast thou, Knowest thou, Canst thou, Wilt thou... All questions for Job to ponder.
v3 "Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee and answer thou me."
You know how children are. They go through phases in their childhood. They are tender babies, curious toddlers, willful, then full of knowledge by the time they are 18 or sooner. While their parents try all along to tell them that they have a lot to learn about life. Job had gone by the book, so to speak, and knew himself that he had lived a good life. Even Job could not equate himself with God. He was not so full of wisdom and good deeds that he could declare that he had no sin or that it was God that made mistakes and not himself. Remember the children 'Mom and Dad are old and they just don't get it'.
Job could have endured his affliction (although he was really going through a lot) without accusing God. Job could have admitted that he was not altogether righteous and taken his chastening as a child instead of laying down a challenge to God. But God is his lovingkindness takes Job as a student and teaches him in person from the whirlwind. See also Exodus 19:36 and Ezekiel 1:4.
We serve a big God. I am so glad that he does not seek out an opportunity to destroy us but rather holds out his hand to us in love. See John 3:16
Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry."
God shows Job his limitations.
Previous post
Now Job starts to learn some things and as my large print Bible says in the heading 'God shows Job's limits'.
The chapter is filled with questions. A teacher often asked questions of students. Not to learn from them but to teach them the answers. God is the master teacher.
v4 "Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding."
v5 "Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?"
v6 "Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof?"
v7 "When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
Then in verse 9 we learn the answer:
v9 "When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, v10 And said Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?" v11
The LORD tells us that like a child he has created the universe and told it where it can go and where it cannot go. He was there when the child first started out. But Job was not there then.
The passage contains the Where, Who, the When and the How.
Then Job is asked if he was involved in any of the creation:
v12 "Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; v13 That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?"
A number of verses start with "Hast Thou" and they show Job his limitations. Then Job is pointed to the stars and to the heavens:
v33 "Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?"
The desolate places where Job has not been are cared for by the LORD:
v26 "To cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is; on the wilderness, wherein there is no man v7 To satisfy the desolate and waste ground; and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth?"
It seems like a good time to say 'I didn't think about that.'
Hast thou, Knowest thou, Canst thou, Wilt thou... All questions for Job to ponder.
v3 "Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee and answer thou me."
You know how children are. They go through phases in their childhood. They are tender babies, curious toddlers, willful, then full of knowledge by the time they are 18 or sooner. While their parents try all along to tell them that they have a lot to learn about life. Job had gone by the book, so to speak, and knew himself that he had lived a good life. Even Job could not equate himself with God. He was not so full of wisdom and good deeds that he could declare that he had no sin or that it was God that made mistakes and not himself. Remember the children 'Mom and Dad are old and they just don't get it'.
Job could have endured his affliction (although he was really going through a lot) without accusing God. Job could have admitted that he was not altogether righteous and taken his chastening as a child instead of laying down a challenge to God. But God is his lovingkindness takes Job as a student and teaches him in person from the whirlwind. See also Exodus 19:36 and Ezekiel 1:4.
We serve a big God. I am so glad that he does not seek out an opportunity to destroy us but rather holds out his hand to us in love. See John 3:16
Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry."
God shows Job his limitations.
Previous post
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Elihu Part 6 Job 37
Job 37:16 "Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?"
We come to the last of Elihu's chapters. He here speaks of the way God balances the weather. We have a weather observation system in place now but back in those days when there was no global travel, this would have been great information but that was not the purpose for giving it here.
Elihu is magnifying the Lord. It is he who set these things in motion and it is he who keeps the delicate balance necessary to keep the earth fertile and yet not destroy it with too much of any one thing.
v5 "God thundereth marvelously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend."
He brings the snow. v6 The beasts go in their dens. v8 Whirlwinds come from the south, cold from the north. v9
v10 "By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened."
I cannot see the relationship of two things but our text verse does say they are wondrous works.
Then of the turning of the clouds at his bidding upon the earth, the world.
v13 "He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy."
Then Job is asked the question: v15 "Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?"
Which is followed by a series of questions to which Job had no answer. Remember there has been much speech about just about everything in previous chapters. Now, all the talk is quiet while these questions are asked. Truth is, these smart men just do not know the answers.
v19 "Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness."
Job had said he would reason with God if he could just come face to face with him. As Job was, I too would be overwhelmed. Perhaps when there is nothing to say, it is best to say nothing.
v23 "Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict."
Exodus 33:20 "And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live."
John 1:18 "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him."
Like with Adam in the garden, God often shows us our way by asking a question. A person who does not know they are lost will do little if anything to be found. Jesus also asked questions of learned men to show them they were in the presence of one who had more wisdom than they.
Psalm 33:11 "The counsel of the LORD standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
Elihu's last words to Job.
Previous post.
We come to the last of Elihu's chapters. He here speaks of the way God balances the weather. We have a weather observation system in place now but back in those days when there was no global travel, this would have been great information but that was not the purpose for giving it here.
Elihu is magnifying the Lord. It is he who set these things in motion and it is he who keeps the delicate balance necessary to keep the earth fertile and yet not destroy it with too much of any one thing.
v5 "God thundereth marvelously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend."
He brings the snow. v6 The beasts go in their dens. v8 Whirlwinds come from the south, cold from the north. v9
v10 "By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened."
I cannot see the relationship of two things but our text verse does say they are wondrous works.
Then of the turning of the clouds at his bidding upon the earth, the world.
v13 "He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy."
Then Job is asked the question: v15 "Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?"
Which is followed by a series of questions to which Job had no answer. Remember there has been much speech about just about everything in previous chapters. Now, all the talk is quiet while these questions are asked. Truth is, these smart men just do not know the answers.
v19 "Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness."
Job had said he would reason with God if he could just come face to face with him. As Job was, I too would be overwhelmed. Perhaps when there is nothing to say, it is best to say nothing.
v23 "Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict."
Exodus 33:20 "And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live."
John 1:18 "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him."
Like with Adam in the garden, God often shows us our way by asking a question. A person who does not know they are lost will do little if anything to be found. Jesus also asked questions of learned men to show them they were in the presence of one who had more wisdom than they.
Psalm 33:11 "The counsel of the LORD standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
Elihu's last words to Job.
Previous post.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Elihu Part 5 Job 36
2Job 36:3-4 "I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. For truly my words shall not be false; he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee."
Those words are from Elihu who has a special place in these studies. He reminds me of John who came before Jesus declaring that people repent and that one greater than he was coming.
Elihu is preparing Job to hear words directly from God who will speak from the whirlwind.
v5 "Behold God is mighty, and despiseth not any; he is mighty in strength and wisdom."
The next few verses remind us of Israel and how God told them if they would follow and obey Him, he would establish them in the land but if not they would be chastened.
v7 "He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous; but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them forever, and they are exalted."
II Chronicles 7:14 "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
I think many people think that God must do things to people to discipline them but it is that he only has to take his protecting hand off people for bad things to happen. If we push Him away, then he will not impose on us. We do need his protecting and guiding hand in these days.
v10-12 "He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge."
We could say it like this, There are two kinds of rulers: 1) is not a rightful ruler and forces people to serve them, they perhaps are not of the blood line of the king and so do not have a right to the throne; 2) there are rightful rulers, those who treat their people well, who came to the throne because it belongs to them. That is a simple way to put it but it's the best I can do to make my point. God is a rightful ruler. There is none above him. He created what is. It is in His prerogative to establish right and wrong concerning all that is made because he made it.
v26 "Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out."
Things that man could not possibly do, He does. Some would say that it is 'just' the elements or 'mother nature' but it was God who set these things in order so that they would be compatible with man. We could not take the moisture falling from the clouds in one big blast. It would wash away our land and probably us but look at this verse.
v27 "For he maketh small the drops of water; they pour down rain according to the vapor thereof; v28 Which the clouds do drop and distill upon man abundantly."
So tender is the rain that a rose pedal can be hit and glisten in the light but not be damaged.
So the chapter says that God is mighty and then that he is great. I agree.
'God is great, God is good and we thank Him for our food. Amen.
Psalm 107:8 "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"
Elihu part 5.
Previous post
Those words are from Elihu who has a special place in these studies. He reminds me of John who came before Jesus declaring that people repent and that one greater than he was coming.
Elihu is preparing Job to hear words directly from God who will speak from the whirlwind.
v5 "Behold God is mighty, and despiseth not any; he is mighty in strength and wisdom."
The next few verses remind us of Israel and how God told them if they would follow and obey Him, he would establish them in the land but if not they would be chastened.
v7 "He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous; but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them forever, and they are exalted."
II Chronicles 7:14 "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
I think many people think that God must do things to people to discipline them but it is that he only has to take his protecting hand off people for bad things to happen. If we push Him away, then he will not impose on us. We do need his protecting and guiding hand in these days.
v10-12 "He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge."
We could say it like this, There are two kinds of rulers: 1) is not a rightful ruler and forces people to serve them, they perhaps are not of the blood line of the king and so do not have a right to the throne; 2) there are rightful rulers, those who treat their people well, who came to the throne because it belongs to them. That is a simple way to put it but it's the best I can do to make my point. God is a rightful ruler. There is none above him. He created what is. It is in His prerogative to establish right and wrong concerning all that is made because he made it.
v26 "Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out."
Things that man could not possibly do, He does. Some would say that it is 'just' the elements or 'mother nature' but it was God who set these things in order so that they would be compatible with man. We could not take the moisture falling from the clouds in one big blast. It would wash away our land and probably us but look at this verse.
v27 "For he maketh small the drops of water; they pour down rain according to the vapor thereof; v28 Which the clouds do drop and distill upon man abundantly."
So tender is the rain that a rose pedal can be hit and glisten in the light but not be damaged.
So the chapter says that God is mighty and then that he is great. I agree.
'God is great, God is good and we thank Him for our food. Amen.
Psalm 107:8 "Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"
Elihu part 5.
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
Elihu Part 4 Job 35
Job 35:1-3 "Elihu spake moreover, and said, Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's? For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?"
The advantage is to man and the profit is to man. It brings him into a closer relationship to God.
Those things done on earth have a direct bearing on the state of the person committing the acts. However, it is not for God's benefit that people do right for our activity will neither diminish nor lift God up.
v7 "If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?"
Elihu then tells us how God has elevated man above the animals by teaching us more than they. v11 "Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?"
We are reminded that it could have been different if God had so desired it. He is the designer.
Then we come to one of those statements that man makes that is really out of man's control. I've heard people talk about how they are unafraid of the legal system and they will go on and on about how they will tell them a thing or two or maybe not even show up. It is a different story when they stand before the judge either willingly or by the hand of the law.
v14 "Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him."
People can say all they want that God is not real and therefore that they will not stand before him to give account for their life. That belief does not change the fact that God is real and will hold man accountable whether or not they belief in him.
v16 "Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain, he multiplieth words without knowledge."
Amen.
Elihu talks to Job about righteousness or wickedness before God.
Previous post
The advantage is to man and the profit is to man. It brings him into a closer relationship to God.
Those things done on earth have a direct bearing on the state of the person committing the acts. However, it is not for God's benefit that people do right for our activity will neither diminish nor lift God up.
v7 "If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?"
Elihu then tells us how God has elevated man above the animals by teaching us more than they. v11 "Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?"
We are reminded that it could have been different if God had so desired it. He is the designer.
Then we come to one of those statements that man makes that is really out of man's control. I've heard people talk about how they are unafraid of the legal system and they will go on and on about how they will tell them a thing or two or maybe not even show up. It is a different story when they stand before the judge either willingly or by the hand of the law.
v14 "Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him."
People can say all they want that God is not real and therefore that they will not stand before him to give account for their life. That belief does not change the fact that God is real and will hold man accountable whether or not they belief in him.
v16 "Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain, he multiplieth words without knowledge."
Amen.
Elihu talks to Job about righteousness or wickedness before God.
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Elihu Part 3 Job 34
Job 34:5 "For Job hath said, I am righteous: let us know among ourselves what is good." v9 "For he hath said, it profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself in God." chapter 9:22
Elihu has brought to their remembrance words spoken before. I think people think that they can say things and never stand in judgment for them. It will be a great surprise to hear those hateful words again.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:36 "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
I think the central thought in this chapter is that men's deeds either hurt or benefit them and have no physical effect on God. God having compassion on the cry of the helpless is another matter. He does hear them.
v10 "Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity."
v11 "For the work of man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways."
It is important to be born again which is by the grace of God and not any deeds we have or could do. So far as our life is concerned, we are not to just rest in grace and ignore the needs around us. It is good to do good.
v27-28 "Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways; So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted."
What God seeks is for man to acknowledge his wrongs and not to accuse God of some misdeed because he is reaping the seeds he has sown.
v31 "Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend anymore; v32 "That which I see not teach thou me; if I have done iniquity, I will do no more."
Hebrews 12:6 "For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
Our society has found it cruel to discipline children. They instead let children rule the home and call it love. The results bloom like wild flowers in our nation. Children have grown up without correction and guidance and now run wild with knives and guns. That is not love. It is more like hate or laziness to just let a child find their own way without guidelines in their life. Chastening is love in action.
Now, back to Job. He gets a strong rebuke in the last two verses of this chapter.
v36-37 "My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God."
So Job is being tried in the fire. It is not pleasant. There would be no point to the test if Job had nothing to learn. We are to that part now. I personally do not mind learning something but I (like most students) do not care for test.
Psalm 12:6 "The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."
Elihu points out Job's mistake.
Previous post
Elihu has brought to their remembrance words spoken before. I think people think that they can say things and never stand in judgment for them. It will be a great surprise to hear those hateful words again.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:36 "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
I think the central thought in this chapter is that men's deeds either hurt or benefit them and have no physical effect on God. God having compassion on the cry of the helpless is another matter. He does hear them.
v10 "Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, that he should do wickedness; and from the Almighty, that he should commit iniquity."
v11 "For the work of man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to his ways."
It is important to be born again which is by the grace of God and not any deeds we have or could do. So far as our life is concerned, we are not to just rest in grace and ignore the needs around us. It is good to do good.
v27-28 "Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways; So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted."
What God seeks is for man to acknowledge his wrongs and not to accuse God of some misdeed because he is reaping the seeds he has sown.
v31 "Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend anymore; v32 "That which I see not teach thou me; if I have done iniquity, I will do no more."
Hebrews 12:6 "For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
Our society has found it cruel to discipline children. They instead let children rule the home and call it love. The results bloom like wild flowers in our nation. Children have grown up without correction and guidance and now run wild with knives and guns. That is not love. It is more like hate or laziness to just let a child find their own way without guidelines in their life. Chastening is love in action.
Now, back to Job. He gets a strong rebuke in the last two verses of this chapter.
v36-37 "My desire is that Job may be tried unto the end because of his answers for wicked men. For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God."
So Job is being tried in the fire. It is not pleasant. There would be no point to the test if Job had nothing to learn. We are to that part now. I personally do not mind learning something but I (like most students) do not care for test.
Psalm 12:6 "The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."
Elihu points out Job's mistake.
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Thursday, July 09, 2009
Elihu Part 2 Job 33
Job 33:4 "The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life."
Elihu continues with is credentials and tells that he is there at Job's request to God. He gives opportunity for objections then since there were none, ask that he be heard.
First he goes right to one of Job's wrongs: Remember Elihu is talking to Job in God's stead.
v8 "Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying (Job's words)v9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me."
Then he charges God: v10 "Behold he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy."
Elihu's reply: v12 "Behold in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man."
Although Elihu here explains some things to Job, he says God is not accountable to man.
v13 "Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters."
God does warn people of danger: v15 "In a dream, in a vision of the night...v16 Then he openeth the ears of men...v18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit..."
Man is close to perishing but it takes only the concern of one to stop it.
v23 "If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness; v24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom."
Here we are reminded of Jesus and the ransom he paid for lost man. The first speaks to grace not justice and the new birth as in verse 25 "His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: v26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favorable unto him." See also Luke 23:33
Next we see the importance of repentance: v27 "He looketh upon men and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not v28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light." Also Romans 6:23.
Elihu has told of the love of God. He is not the enemy.
I John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."
Elihu explains God's ways to Job.
Previous post
Elihu continues with is credentials and tells that he is there at Job's request to God. He gives opportunity for objections then since there were none, ask that he be heard.
First he goes right to one of Job's wrongs: Remember Elihu is talking to Job in God's stead.
v8 "Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying (Job's words)v9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me."
Then he charges God: v10 "Behold he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy."
Elihu's reply: v12 "Behold in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man."
Although Elihu here explains some things to Job, he says God is not accountable to man.
v13 "Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters."
God does warn people of danger: v15 "In a dream, in a vision of the night...v16 Then he openeth the ears of men...v18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit..."
Man is close to perishing but it takes only the concern of one to stop it.
v23 "If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show unto man his uprightness; v24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom."
Here we are reminded of Jesus and the ransom he paid for lost man. The first speaks to grace not justice and the new birth as in verse 25 "His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: v26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favorable unto him." See also Luke 23:33
Next we see the importance of repentance: v27 "He looketh upon men and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not v28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light." Also Romans 6:23.
Elihu has told of the love of God. He is not the enemy.
I John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."
Elihu explains God's ways to Job.
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Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Elihu Job 32
Job 32:2-3 "Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Busite, of the kindred of Ram; against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job."
The name Elihu means God himself.
Ram (the best I can figure) was the brother of Abram (Abraham) Genesis 22:21 (A'ram).
Elihu was sent in response to one of Job's pleas. See the next chapter verse 6 "Behold I am according to thy wish in God's stead; I also am formed out of the clay." Chapter 9:32.
We can safely say that Elihu has been with the older men throughout the whole ordeal. He is younger than they and has respectfully kept quiet while they battered back and forth.
v7 "I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom."
Now that the older men have exhausted their words Elihu takes a turn but not simply as a bystander. He even attended to there needs. v12 "Yea, I attended unto you, ..." He is there under the inspiration of God.
v 18-19 "For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent, it is ready to burst like new bottles."
I thought of another man who appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Genesis 14:18 "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine; and he was the priest of the most high God. Hebrews 7:1 "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; v2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation king of righteousness, and after that also king of Salem, which is King of peace;"
I would not call it a mystery, although that word came to me, rather it is an unusual personality that comes on the scene. He is filled with wisdom to the point of closing the mouths of these elder wise men.
v16 "When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)" This statement got me to thinking that Elihu may have recorded the book of Job. His statement here is in the first person as were some other prophets when they were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.
It is as if these men say Elihu in a new light. Elihu had been in attendance and silent. I suppose that is the way of the elder. They expect the younger to be silent and mostly that is appropriate when older people are talking but it is not always God's way. Paul told Timothy to not let them despise his youth. Even Jesus was a young man and I expect that is one thing that rubbed the elder priest the wrong way. They could not withstand his wisdom but still he was just a youngster, so they were confused as to how to handle it. It would be good to take serious note of a name that starts with Eli. Remember Elijah, Elisha?
Well enough on that track. Elihu is on the scene. He speaks with the wisdom of God and we will listen.
Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
Elihu takes over the conversation with Job and his friends.
The name Elihu means God himself.
Ram (the best I can figure) was the brother of Abram (Abraham) Genesis 22:21 (A'ram).
Elihu was sent in response to one of Job's pleas. See the next chapter verse 6 "Behold I am according to thy wish in God's stead; I also am formed out of the clay." Chapter 9:32.
We can safely say that Elihu has been with the older men throughout the whole ordeal. He is younger than they and has respectfully kept quiet while they battered back and forth.
v7 "I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom."
Now that the older men have exhausted their words Elihu takes a turn but not simply as a bystander. He even attended to there needs. v12 "Yea, I attended unto you, ..." He is there under the inspiration of God.
v 18-19 "For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent, it is ready to burst like new bottles."
I thought of another man who appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Genesis 14:18 "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine; and he was the priest of the most high God. Hebrews 7:1 "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; v2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation king of righteousness, and after that also king of Salem, which is King of peace;"
I would not call it a mystery, although that word came to me, rather it is an unusual personality that comes on the scene. He is filled with wisdom to the point of closing the mouths of these elder wise men.
v16 "When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)" This statement got me to thinking that Elihu may have recorded the book of Job. His statement here is in the first person as were some other prophets when they were rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.
It is as if these men say Elihu in a new light. Elihu had been in attendance and silent. I suppose that is the way of the elder. They expect the younger to be silent and mostly that is appropriate when older people are talking but it is not always God's way. Paul told Timothy to not let them despise his youth. Even Jesus was a young man and I expect that is one thing that rubbed the elder priest the wrong way. They could not withstand his wisdom but still he was just a youngster, so they were confused as to how to handle it. It would be good to take serious note of a name that starts with Eli. Remember Elijah, Elisha?
Well enough on that track. Elihu is on the scene. He speaks with the wisdom of God and we will listen.
Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
Elihu takes over the conversation with Job and his friends.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
My absence
Thanks to those who are nice enough to stop by this Bible Study. I enjoy doing it. I am sick right now and cannot concentrate well enough to do a study. I'll be back soon, Lord willing. Milton
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