Ps. 9: Terror for the Enemy

Psalm 9:16 "The LORD is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands."

David spent a lot of time at war with his enemies. Wars that were commanded by God to eradicate squatters in Israel's promised land. In spite of this command by God, and His blessings on military action, David still had fear. In spite of this fear, even more incredibly, David found time to praise God for the wonders He has done. David had this amazing realization that God's power and glory did not cease to be real in times where we think He may be distant. To praise God in time of trouble is a hard thing to grasp, especially when all you may be thinking about is taking your next breath. But in David's mind, God didn't stop being awesome or worthy of his praise.

The ninth Psalm paints a rather hopeless picture for those who refuse to turn to God, those who are wicked. They will be ruined, forgotten and destroyed with a vengeance. However, the righteous, those who praise God and walk in His covenant will be protected and blessed and provided for. 

David appears to see God as his avenger of blood, a concept spoken of in Numbers 35. Someone who would avenge a murdered family member. That is a snapshot of the closeness David felt with God. That God would avenge David if anyone took his life. And its likely refuge cities would not apply.

Ps. 8: How Majestic

Psalm 8:4 "what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"

Remember that Sandi Patti song "How Majestic?" Of course you do. "The Voice" made Psalm 8 memorable, by taking word-for-word the first verse of the eighth Psalm and making a song out of it. And what's a gittith, you ask? I asked the same question, and found out it is a stringed instrument of some kind, and is derived from the words literally meaning "on the wine fats." So perhaps a wine fat is like a skein, and maybe the gittith is made from that skin. And no, I don't believe it is the KJV translation of "guitar."

The second verse took a couple of reads to figure out what was being said. 

"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."

Near as I can figger, the children praise God because He is their deliverer and strength in the face of God's enemies. When they offer praise to God from an early age, who can stand against them? I still don't think I fully grasp this verse.

I recognize verse 4 as the beginning of Michael Gungor's "Friend of God." While I appreciate how the lines are used in the song to describe God's friendship with men, in the Psalm David has compared humanity on the short side of the creation of things like the heavens, the moon and the stars. With such awesome and amazing things hanging in the heavens, why would God devote any time or mind to mere men? Despite being created lower than "the heavenly beings" (God or angels, I assume), men were put in a position to have dominion over creation (Ge. 1:28). These are things David takes joy and comfort in, knowing his God has created these things.

Ps. 7: David's Righteousness

Psalm 7:8 "...let the LORD judge the peoples. Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High."

This seventh Psalm is something called a Shiggaion about Cush, a Benjamite. I can't remember if David had trouble with Benjamites during his reign. I thought they were on his side (Judah's). But Saul was a Benjamite, and that may be where the tangle was. I looked up Shiggaion, and discovered it's derived from the verb shagah, and means to "reel about through drink." So this Psalm is written with extreme emotion and maybe somewhat rambling and sloppy, which is what happens when you are in a glass cage of emotion. Is it though? I don't know, it looks all right to me. There are powerful pleas and requests of God throughout this Psalm.

Verses 3-5 are a somewhat incredible declaration, offering that one's foes could overtake him and trample his life away if he somehow wronged them without them declaring war on him. You'd have to make absolutely certain your house was in order. I like to think I haven't wronged people, but you never know if you say something that was taken offensively, or if you cut someone off in traffic without knowing, they can carbomb you. I don't know if I could make that kind of a declaration. But the point of it seems to be an attempt by David to come clean and prove his innocence.

I'm not sure where David is coming from in verse 8. David wants God to judge him according to his righteousness. If we are to believe that there is no man sinless since the fall of Adam, how can David expect God to spare him? Or was he? To what degree would God say, "OK, David is righteous enough." Bathsheba, and other wives, household gods, etc. David was not exactly working with a completely clean slate. I imagine he realized that, and was hoping God was working on a sliding scale. A comparative righteousness. But this is a shiggaion, and maybe David didn't have complete clarity.

The evil get what they deserve, and David hopes they deserve a lot, while claiming God as his shield and protection. Perhaps David is searching for some sort of justification for wiping out his enemies. You know, "they shouldn't have been pregnant with evil or digging holes for themselves to fall into." David wants to be innocent really bad here. 

Ps. 6: Anguished Cry for Mercy

Psalm 6:5 "No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave?"

Besides the flowery language here, I think I can appreciate the Psalms on a level that brings a humanity to David, the seemingly invincible king described several books ago. These first few Psalms have given a closer look at David's anguish and personal pain and dialogues with God as he dealt with his enemies and his family.

He has gone through quite a bit of pain, if the sixth Psalm is any true indication. He believes that God will be his deliverer and protector, as God's love is life-giving and unfailing.

If David has a thought on his heart about wanting to live if only for the mere fact that he can continue to praise God (v. 5), I just think that's amazing. Who praises God from the grave? No one? I wondered if the grave was a place of consciousness, but maybe its not. Just still curious. I don't want to miss the big picture. If David dies, he thinks, how can he continue to praise God? What a walk...what a friendship. There aren't too many people I think about missing when I die. It's just not something I think of. Let alone ceasing to be able to praise God.

David doesn't put up some macho mask here, either. He talks about weeping all night long, flooding his bed with tears. I assume that would annoy his wife. Whichever one he was with. That is weepy. That is a crybaby. But there I go judging again.

Also, he doesn't act like this constant harassment by his enemies doesn't bother him. It's a pain, its exhausting, and of course emotions can take control. This guy David was like Patton on roids and angry drugs. He was all that was man at that time. But he doesn't rely on his own bravado, instead choosing to place his trust in God for strength.

Ps. 5: God Does It

Psalm 5:7 "But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple."

Any power man appears to have is little more than an illusion. Either way, good or bad. David acknowledges this here in the fifth Psalm in numerous ways. David cries to no one else for help but to his King, that being God. Not to his prophets or his minions, as Absalom did. 

The scriptures say "In the morning" David lays his requests before God. This is the first thing he does with his requests. He goes to God first. He doesn't appear to try things first. He comes and asks God before he does anything else. Can you imagine starting the day like this? Before your feet hit the floor out of bed, you've already made your requests known, you've already interacted with God?

All these other people, the liars, the wicked, the arrogant...those who take pleasure in evil, their power is not David's power. Not even close. They are destroyed by God's presence. They cannot stand. This is where the power is. David says that he can stand. That he can approach God's throne. But this is not by David's power. It is God who allows it. God favors David's reverence, and therefore allows him to live. If David went in all cocky and brash, he'd be destroyed too. He also doesn't credit his own righteousness as being the reason God keeps him. He says, "God, it's by your great mercy." He doesn't consider himself better, just under God's grace.

I love verse 11. One can only experience true joy when one's refuge is in God. Joy enough to sing. What's made you so happy you could sing? My wedding day. When I found out I was going to be a dad. When Magglio hit that home run off Huston Street in the bottom of the ninth of the ALCS to send the Tigers to the 2006 World Series. I sung out loud after those types of things. The point is, if God's shield of protection is over someone, what does he have to fear? Where fear vacates, joy saturates. Then you sing!

Ps. 4: A Greater Joy

Psalm 4:7 "You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound."

What's with asking God to "answer me when I call?" Who is David to think himself in any place to demand this of God? Is it really a demand? I guess when I hear someone say "Answer me," it's always a demand, usually out of desperation. But perhaps David was requesting an answer. For peace and protection from his enemies. As the king of Israel back then, I'd imagine he'd have quite a few, especially after the years of conquest.

Is simply "hearing" a man's prayer an example of God's mercy? Of course a God-follower believes God hears all prayers. I would guess the word hear is more closely resembling a court hearing. To consider carefully and to then make a ruling or take action.

David then turns his attention to his enemies, whether foreign or domestic. They apparently rejoice in his shortcomings. Don't you? When your enemy screws up or fails? I do. To turn ones glory into shame is probably an allusion to God, who is David's glory.

Verse 4 talks about anger. Its a revelation that anger is not a sin, for he says, "In your anger, do not sin." He suggests the practical here. To relax. Calm down. That can ease anger, and at the very least, return one to rationality.

Perhaps this command to offer right sacrifices refers to people who had not been making the trip to the tabernacle, and instead offering them in unapproved high places. These were allowed by many kings in Israel's time, but were not something that pleased God.

The thrust of the fourth Psalm must be that true, great joy only comes from God, while disappointment and searching ("who can show us any good?") are a result of not looking for him.

Ps. 3: Sustenance and Deliverance

Psalm 3:5 "I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me."

The Bible I'm reading comes right out and says that this Psalm was written by or inspired by David's flight from Absalom. Which was a particularly perilous time for David. The original story can be found in 2 Samuel 15-18, with entries beginning here. If you'll recall, Absalom had the hearts of the majority of the people, while David was the rightful king. Did not make for an easy time on the throne.

I can't imagine the fear that must arise from knowing you could be ambushed at anytime. Especially from your son that you loved. And you thought your family was screwed up. It was enough of a nightmare to have these other nations planning against him, and having to fight them off. David's was never going to be a reign of peace.

So what happens? Who do you turn to? David trusts his continued source of refuge and strength, God. He recognizes who gives him life, especially when he can only really count on living day-to-day, something I pray will never happen to you or me. He recognizes that he does not have to live in fear. And there's a difference between being afraid (a temporary emotion) and living in fear (a constant paranoia).

But protection is not enough. Aside from acknowledging the glory bestowed upon him in verse 3, David literally asks God to punch his enemies in the face, and knock their teeth out. Which is rather interesting. That seems like a modern streetfight threat. But who is biter with no teeth? I just love that part.

"Selah" is a term used a few times in this third Psalm. There's no contextual definition, but I asked some experts who say that it may be a musical term (like a place to rest or crescendo or something), or possibly an exaltation like "hallelujah" or "think on this."

It's also used in Jacob's Trouble's song "Best Part of Me." I like that song.

The Mountain Retreat has a whole page devoted to the meaning of Selah. I don't specifically endorse or refute the content of the site, but its an informative read.

Ps. 2: The Chosen King

Psalm 2:12 "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."

David, the author of the Psalms appears to be describing what was happening around him, as the other nations plotted against him and Israel. So confident, so faithful in God is David that he knows these conspiracies are in vain. As long as David sticks close to God, and doesn't turn to the left or to the right, God's hand of blessing and protection will be over the land. That was the specific promise made to the kings.

With this truth in mind, David can put trust in what God has promised him. That David is THE king. Whatever comes up against him, God can scoff at, as a father laughs at a toddler who thinks he can eat more than his dad. Or something like that. It's not a scornful scoff. It's one of, "OK, we'll see." Because these nations don't have any knowledge or sense of what God is fully capable, and can do through a person who holds to their faith.

The second Psalm is sort of a way of telling these other nations to pump their brakes, because they better recognize who Israel is, the God she serves, and how terribly praiseworthy God's wrath and justice can be.

Ps. 1: A Well-Rooted Tree

Psalm 1:1 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers."

The Psalms. I'm gonna be here a while. This continues the poetic form found in Job.

The first Psalm describes a man rooted in God's word. His "law." This type of man is blessed. God is said to prosper a person like this.

Someone who makes time for the word of God...well, not just makes time...someone who meditates on it day and night becomes permanent. Becomes well-rooted, refreshed, and strong. Who wouldn't want that? Mockers, sinners, the wicked...they are blow away like chaff. They don't have a leg to stand on when they come before counsel to be judged.

God appears to reward those (doesn't say how) who spend time in his word. Why? What happens when you dig into the Bible? You learn it. And if you believe it is the word of God, you learn God. If you learn God, you can get to know God, and walk in a relationship with him. Maybe that's the reward? Maybe that's how one prospers?

Job 42: Restoration Job

Job 42:5 "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you."

Now comes the task of replying to God. Which can only be a reply of humility. How could Job stand? He probably didn't realize what he was suggesting, when he desired an answer from God. Was this simple curiosity? Who was Job to expect or ever dare think God would give him the answer he agonized to receive? And God never answers Job, or is not recorded as doing so. Job makes the connection that he is nobody in the God scheme of things. 

His statement in verse 5 is parallel to my endeavor with this blog. I've heard many things in my church, from mentors, pastors and teachers. Now I am beginning to see God. And that is something that I have needed. Not to discount the shaping and teaching of those who have gone ahead of me and done their studies, that's valuable and I am thankful. But all of those would be glad to know I had followed behind them through the word, for it's not enough to hear.

Job gets a the storybook ending, and all the plotlines are tied up. What happened to his misguided friends? Job offered sacrifices for them, as he had for his sons and daughters.

What happened to Job's reputation? Fully restored. They came and comforted and consoled him over what God had done, and even gave him some bling.

And Job's family and possessions? Fully restored and then some. He started with seven sons and three daughters. Finished with seven sons and three daughters. He even lived long enough to see his great-grandchildren. 7000 sheep before, 14000 sheep after. 3000 camels before, 6000 camels after. 500 yoke of oxen before, 1000 after. And so on. I don't know why God didn't give him 14 sons and 6 daughters. Maybe that was too much for his wife(wives) to handle. What? Can't God be pragmatic sometimes? His daughters were granted an inheritance in the land, too. Which was weird, remember the story of Zelophehad's daughters? 

I guess this is probably the heaviest reading so far. Numbers was rather slow, and the recap of the Chronicles took some time, but the subject matter and the theological issues brought up in Job demanded some extra thought and muddling through. It was a lot to think about. Did I see a bit of myself in Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar? I must admit that I did. But I'm not going to take it too hard. I don't know a Job, but if I do meet one, I will do my best not to wax philosophic and theologic. It didn't help Job any when they did it, and I can't imagine its what a suffering person needs. He just needs someone there to listen and love on him. 

I especially loved God's replies in the latter chapters. I learned a lot about creation, and the care that went into, and goes into it. Very interesting read. Do I think it really happened? That there was actually a historical guy named Job? I don't know. I'm not a historian. Do the lessons remain? Absolutely.

Job 41: Leviathan

Job 41:11 "Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me."

God continues his description of how big and powerful his creation (and by extension, himself) is. This is a chapter about Leviathan. We've met leviathan before in our readings, back in chapter three, when Job calls out whoever is powerful enough to rouse him. Essentially calling on God to eschew the day Job was born. Chapter 41 appears to be a direct response to that. 

Job is in absolutely no position to put something like leviathan under his control. It is huge, rare and scary. Not tameable. With descriptions including breath that lights coals, it sounds a lot like a dragon. A real, honest-to-Job dragon. Maybe they did exist. I wasn't around a million years ago. Maybe these things roamed around in the depths, scaring fishermen and stuff. I don't know. Seems kind of wussy if it describes a crocodile. Those things are catchable. The zoo is down the block from me. I've seen captive crocs.

In the same manner that a person can not hope to contain leviathan, a man has no business making claims against God.

Job 40: Who is Man, Anyway?

Job 40:8 "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?"

God continues his answer to Job, asking for Job to answer his answer. And I love Job here. He knows already he has no place to question the almighty. Job's like "Uh...I got nothing to say. I'm done speaking.  Go on."

I don't know if God has ever spoken to Job. Has he? It is not recorded anywhere, and Job doesn't make any reference to having heard God speak to him audibly like this. So this in itself could be completely overwhelming to him. Possibly, it was rare that it happened anyway. I cannot imagine how small and insignificant Job must have felt as each word rained down on top him. This was the intent. "Brace yourself like a man," God says in verse 7. God was not fooling around. 

Verse 8 goes on to be what I consider the linchpin of this entire episode. If Job's line of questioning was to be in any way validated, it would indicate that someone was in the wrong. And Job did nothing wrong to deserve what happened to him. Where does this cast the blame? On a perfectly perfect God. If Job was to be justified, God would be condemned, and overall, would cease to be God, nevermind the powers and authority described through verse 14.

The last half of the chapter describes various aspects of the behemoth, and could conceivably be a continuation of chapter 40. This is the only place in the Bible (at least my NIV), where behemoth is mentioned. There are numerous theories as to what behemoth refers to. An elephant, a hippopotamus, a dinosaur? The descriptions in verses 15-24 could point to any of those. All we can really know from the text is that it is a big, bulky, docile animal. It eats plants. It is sturdy enough not to be moved or panicked by storms. It may not do any good to think about if any of these animals are native to Job's land, since God could describe anything, anywhere He wants. 

Its an interesting debate, to be sure, borne out of curiosity, but I don't want to miss out on the bigger point. There are things in this world that cannot be understood, influenced, or contained, and in a way, the behemoth passage is a microcosm of that. God has taken great care...unimaginable, unfathomable care to create this creature, and to contend with it, or fully understand it is impossible.

As an aside, I am increasingly becoming a fan of William Blake's rather unsettling artwork, and his interpretation is extraordinary.

Job 39: God's Animal House

Job 39:21 "He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray."

The questions God asks in chapter 39 are about the animal kingdom. A lot of these things, man knows about on the surface. But I am reminded here that man isn't God's sole creation. Specifically, God speaks about mountain goats and deer, the wild donkey, the wild ox, the ostrich, the horse, and the hawk. God demonstrates his knowledge and his care and attentiveness to each species in front of Job with this line of questions.

When it comes to the goats and deer, God knows that each is pregnant, and how far along they are...knowing when each offspring is born. The wild donkey, a nomad, is described as wandering, glad to not be bound in the city by men. God always provides for him.

I'm not familiar with how wild oxen were used back a million years ago, but these were described as beasts of burden. They do man's heavy lifting. Do we forget that God created them, and even so, not merely to serve man?

The ostrich kind of has a weird story, about how it lays its eggs in the sand, oblivious to the fact that something or someone could trample them. The ostrich doesn't appear to have a very motherly attitude toward its young as described in Job 39.

I just love the various personality traits God calls out in reference to each animal. The donkey's laughter, the ox's trustworthiness, the ostrich's joy, a horse's pride, ferocity and strength. Snorting, "Aha!" Very cool. 

Hawks and eagles fly and soar so far above our heads, its impossible to believe we have any sort of control or say in where they go or what they do. I think that's the sense God wanted to give Job, as a sort of metaphor for God's comparative wisdom and power.

But what I was reminded of here is that God not only knows each person intimately, he even knows each animal. He has given them these traits, and I gotta believe enough heart and soul to realize they are his creations.

Job 38: God Responds

Job 38:12-13 "Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?"

In the 38th chapter of Job, God responds to this whole wild situation. Instead of answering any of the questions, or affirming or disparaging any of the advice of Job's friends, God asks a series of impossible questions. These don't appear to be questions asked with any intent of answer or discussion. These are questions intended to prove a point, and that is to demonstrate God's infinite power and ineffable character.

What is interesting aand compelling about these questions, is that this could be a sequel to the creation story. 

Leading off, God asks about where Job was when he laid the foundation of earth, and measured it off. He didn't just randomly form a ball of raw materials and set it in motion. He purposefully imagined and created the earth at the exact and proper size He intended. With God, I think I perceive that he just spoke and everything just happened, and stuff went wherever it went. This is absolutely false. God isn't that laid back. Its amazing to think about the stuff we take for granted was created with the utmost care for us to wander around on. I'm no environmentalist, but it makes me think more about how I care for the earth and it's creatures. How could I litter? How could I just kill an animal for no reason? And consider the reaction of the morning stars (whatever that means) and the angels shouting for joy! They were cheering God on. Just being in God's presence would have been amazing on it's own, but this, his creation, elicited a joyful shout that would have been overwhelming to hear.

When I read about the sea and the snow and the hail and the thunderstorms and everything, its even more incredible what God controls and oversees. The light, the dark, the sun, the stars...all of these things follow God's orders and require God's conscious involvement just to function. These things we consider "nature," are beholden to the supernatural guidance. None of these phenomena occur on their own without God's specific instruction and orders, if I am to believe what He says here in chapter 38. Inherent in this idea are that these phenomena are not deities. The valleys and the mountains have their formation explained by erosion and the like, but it is God's potter's hand that forms the seemingly random crags and caves.

In verse 17, God asks about the gates of death, and gates of the shadow of death. Maybe I'm not supposed to know anything other than life and death itself belong to God. No one or thing lives a moment longer or dies a second sooner than God intends. This is astounding in view of the things that experience life and death.

Everything rises and falls at God's command. And that's quite revealing to someone who thinks God allows a certain amount of sketch or randomness. Tree limbs and land formations look chaotic and disorderly. These things don't exist in God's realm. Everything lies and grows and forms exactly as God means it to. Obsessive attention to detail? More likely infinite power over absolutely everything.

Job 37: Who Challenges God?

Job 37:23 "The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress."

Elihu's point in chapter 37 appears to be that God is just big. God is beyond anything man could ever hope to be. God controls the weather, and the weather in itself is big and intimidating. Imagine who controls that? Snow, rain, thunder and lightning, none of this phenomenon occur without specific direction from God. It's really quite amazing to think about it. In my feeble-mindedness, I would think of this as pickiness to the extreme, but God is capable of doing these things without being obsessive. Or overwhelmed.

And because of this bigness and power, who is man to come before him, and present any kind of case to him? To seek answers or restitution? What does man know anyway. Elihu's statement that man cannot draw up a case against God because of our darkness sounds good to me. What do we expect? What would we say to an inexhaustable God if we were to survive standing in front of him. How could we ask questions? How could we get one word out?

So close, Elihu. It's not about God having any reverence for men who think they are wise in heart. Job appears to think the opposite of himself.

Job 36: What the Elihu Talkin' About

Job 36:16 "He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food."

Elihu continues on. He takes a moment first to remind Job that he (Elihu) is full of the spirit of God, so that the words he is saying are absolutely true. How does one argue with that? That always sends up a red flag, whenever someone says that to me. Sometimes its harder to listen to someone that way. And with all the false premises flying around, it would have been easy for Job to wave off Elihu's words. Job had really no understanding of what was actually happening to him. His comrades had even less. But the youngster musters his moxie and begins answering questions no one asked. 

But he does do a good job describing how big and mighty and powerful God is. So, you know, he's got that going for him, which is nice.

But he does kind of stray off into saying that Job is on the receiving end of punishment due wicked men. And to accuse Job of prefering evil to affliction is rather ridiculous. Is Elihu completely unaware of Job's previous reputation? I don't know how much Elihu knows about Job, but it doesn't appear to be all that much.

Why this exalting God? I mean, outside of the obvious, that any praise is due God, etc. But all four seem to remove their focus from Job, and then tell Job how great and almighty and mysterious and just God is. Do they wish to align themselves with God, while putting them at odds with Job, in hopes that he will see his error, and then pat them on the back with thanks, for helping him pull himself out of his sinful backslide? I'm not sure, but it seems kind of empty. Maybe it's genuine, but these guys have already firmly ensconced themselves in the wrong, so it's easy to be cynical about their intentions.

Job 35: God is Good

Job 35:10-11 "But no one says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night, who teaches more to us than to the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?"

Elihu's point here is to say, "What about when you had plenty? Why weren't you that concerned about God's justice at that point?" I don't know. It's certainly something to think about. I don't know that that really is true of Job, who still offered sacrifices for his kids. That shows that Job was still concerned with pleasing God even when things were great.

Is God really that unconcerned with how a man behaves? Elihu paints this picture of God being too big to be concerned with what man does. Too big to be emotionally or spiritually affected by whatever man does, good or bad. I don't believe that's true. God's justice and treatment and love might be too big to be affected. But we've already seen God be pleased with people and angry at people.

Elihu seemed to be offended on behalf of God when Job mentioned that he couldn't find God in his searching. It served Job right to have no answer. As though God, in his unimaginable justice could be so petty.

Job 34: God in Justice

Job 34:9 "For he says, 'It profits a man nothing when he tries to please God.'"

Elihu continues his speech into chapter 34. He sounds like a man sincerely wanting to get to the bottom of this deal, unlike the first three, content to demonstrate their knowledge. Job, continuing to suffer while his men prattled on with their assumptions and conclusions, must have just been losing it. It can't be fun when those around you offer their advice on what you should do when you don't ask for it, when you don't need it, and when (most especially when) it is based on a false premise, and that premise is this: Job is being punished for sin.

We know that's untrue. What we don't know is why God would allow himself to be drawn into this showdown with the devil at the expense of someone who loved and revered him very deeply. At least that's what it looks like to me. And Job is a long book, with like 8 more chapters, so I'm sure God will eventually speak up and shed some light on the situation. But for now it looks like Job was unjustly visited by tragedy. But there's that word again. Just. What is God doing? Just when I think I have a handle on God's justice, it flitters away out of reach like a butterfly aloft on a breeze.

What if verse 9 is true? What if, truly, it profits a man nothing when he tries to please God? What would that say about my pursuit? What does it say about the things I try to do to earn God's favor? What, if anything, can be earned from God? That God would pay out? Does this turn God into a retailer? A service provider? I consider my loved ones, and I have their love. I have not earned it. I have earned some things...trust, respect, etc. Should I put away this thought of trying to please God, and instead rest on his love? The idea that the almighty loves a man already, as he has said?

Elihu offers a lot of truths about who God is, which shows that any man can know about God, but not truly know God. And truly knowing God is reserved for the eternal...And I am not yet.

Job 33: Elihu Argues

Job 33:14 "For God does speak—now one way, now another—though man may not perceive it."

Elihu had been listening when he heard Job talk about how he was pure and without sin and God went after him. Elihu disagreed with Job's ideas. God's cosmic sense of justice was very different than what our own perceptions are. Yet this wasn't necessarily a case of just vs. unjust...was it? Job wasn't being punished. He wasn't being disciplined. God put Job to the test, and so far Job was passing. 

But passing in the eyes of God doesn't always look like passing in the eyes of man. AW Tozer said that "To be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with man." This sounds quite like Job. But is Job right with God? When I think about it, I guess I don't know. I am man. This looks right to me, according to the terms set by God and Satan in the early chapters. Job has not yet cursed God. He has not renounced his faith. Questioned God, searched for God, drove himself to madness in wonder about God, but yet still believes God is God. That God will indeed exonerate Job before men, the very men who sought to say that Job was hiding sin or was being punished.

Elihu's main point in chapter 33 appears to be that God is trying to communicate with Job somehow, whether it's spirits, visions, angels...and Job just needs to listen. To quiet himself and just pay attention. But we have no proof of that. We know more than Job's four confidants. But we don't know if God has been trying to contact Job. I just don't think Elihu is right yet.

Job 32: Elihu Cares

Job 32:12 "I gave you my full attention. But not one of you has proved Job wrong; none of you has answered his arguments."

Well, silence fell over the group, because Job's buddies were done running their mouths. They weren't going to get anywhere with Job, who had declared his righteousness and wasn't budging. Nor was he going to just make up some sin for no reason to satisfy them. And how could he? If he did, he would contribute to their false sense of right. And that wouldn't be good, it would lead them astray.

Job's speeches frustrated Elihu the Buzite. He was a younger guy, and had done his share of studying apparently. And he claimed to have the spirit of God influencing him. He was mad at Job because Job focused inward, on the things he had done, and hadn't done, and did not consider justifying God...assuming God was in the right.

He had to wait his turn, which means he was probably chomping at the bit to let loose his advice and opinions and theories while Job was yet speaking. It was no place for some young kid to speak up as though he knew something...even worse to interrupt. Especially consider the disdain with which Job spoke of the young people who now socially outranked him...at least in his estimation.

He's ready to take a swing at Job's problem. Let's see how he does.

Job 31: What Job Didn't

Job 31:28 "then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high."

There's been lots of talk about what Job did. First off, there is wild speculation from Job's associates about what he must have done to invoke what they perceive is God's discipline. Secondly, and a couple chapters ago, Job describes the things he did to demonstrate his righteous life, whether to God, to his friends, or even maybe to himself. 

Here in chapter 31, Job goes into great detail describing the things he is not guilty of. With every action Job recuses himself of doing, he seems to describe why he didn't do these things, and it comes down to a respect for God's splendor and general awesomeness. To a lesser extent, it was to guard his reputation and his conscience.

God will vindicate him at the end of all this business. Job seems to have his hands spread wide as if to say, "I have nothing to hide. Examine my deeds." He's not merely bragging. But who among us hasn't been falsely accused of something, and it comes as great surprise. You know you aren't guilty of the deed in question, but you have no way of disproving the charges. In fact, there is what your accusers consider greater evidence that proves it. Now you understand Job's predicament.

Job 30: Job's Class Struggle

Job 30:20 "I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me."

This was a humiliating experience for Job. After enumerating his various good deeds, and very nearly entering the realm of self-righteous pride, he considers what has happened to him since then. Men he considered beneath him mock him. I wonder if this is a sin for Job? To consider himself better than someone? And then this comeuppance hits fast and hard? We know it was for no deed Job did that brought this tragedy upon him. That's a pretty heavy dose of humble pie.

Verse 20 is rather heartbreaking to me. Isn't God the one promoting Himself as the refuge? The strength...a place to run to for safety? Consider the covenant he made with Israel. Why would God be silent now? Why would God just "look at" Job, when Job cries out for deliverance? Is this still the test? We haven't heard from heaven since the beginning, so I don't know if the dialogue is still going on between God and Satan. 

What if it's something like this:

Satan: "OK, I took his family and his house, and he's sick and diseased, but he will curse you if his friends mistreat him."

God: "OK, make his friends jerks."
Satan: "All right, I made his friends jerks, but surely he will curse you if people spread false rumors about him and his righteousness."

We don't know if that's happening. Maybe it is. I don't know.

Job 29: Previous Job Experience

Job 29:4 "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house..."

I picture Job wondering aloud here. I don't see Job as a bragger. He had no need to boast about his good works. Nor does this sound like him trying to explain away Eliphaz's baseless charges from chapter 22. He legitimately appears to try to go over who he was, and the things he did in his life previous to this. He doesn't seem to want to show God up by claiming his innocence. 

He describes what his life was like before tragedy fell upon him. He describes God's friendship as intimate. Can you imagine what it's like to have an intimate friendship with God? Not just to have a relationship with God. An intimate friendship. The one you turn to first with good news or bad. The one you confide in first. The one you trust the most, among all your friends. 

Job was wealthy. He was respected. He was never in need. He had all the cream and olive oil a man could ever want.

But it wasn't just about what Job had. He lists his forays into social justice, being helpful to the infirmed, the orphans, the aliens, the needy. He was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame. Is there any reason he can't be this again? Probably not, but the society would not give him the same respect, because they, like Job's friends, probably assume Job lost his wealth and family because of unconfessed sin. 

And it would have been easy to put on this public display of confession before God, but it wouldn't have been genuine. It would have satisfied the hearts of men, to some extent, but it also would have fueled the gossip fires. Damned if he do, damned if he don't.

Job 28: Searching For Wisdom

Job 28:12 "But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?"

Job spends this chapter riffing on wisdom. Why?

We've read about Solomon's treasured wisdom, so in general its important, but how does it apply to Job? Job's friends have discussed a lot of important things, but they have been pilloried for not applying them to Job's predicament. In what way would wisdom be useful to Job? Is he wise to keep pursuing God on this issue? Would wisdom once attained show Job why God did what he did? Or would it put Job at peace with never really receiving a satisfactory answer? 

The first eleven verses deal with the search for valuable things. A lot of effort and danger and commitment goes into mining for precious stones and useful materials. All these things are eventually found. 

But then we hear that man doesn't ascribe the value to wisdom that it deserves. Man doesn't know how valuable it truly is. Perhaps this is why there are so few searching? If, like Job says, God is the author of true wisdom, what does that make the knowledge of those who don't know him? Those who refuse to seek after him? The fear of the Lord is wisdom. 

Job 27: The Temporal Wicked

Job 27:8 "For what hope has the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?"

Job continues his jibber jabber. He continues to defend himself in front of a hostile jury, and before a silent God. 

There has been much discussion about the wicked. How they have their property and families taken, and how they have no hope. Whether or not Job should be counted among them. What we can tell from Job is that their deeds have no certain bearing on how luxuriously they live their lives. The comfort they experience in their lives is never related to how good...how "righteous" they are. God appears to have no formula for rewarding goodness and obedience with riches.

There is an understanding that God's justice isn't always manifested while a man is alive, roaming the earth. Job appears to accept this. Is it satisfactory to Job? I guess. Does he like it? No. He is intellectually honest with his feelings, but still realizes that God is going to do his thing no matter what.

Job 26: Bildad Gets Jobbed

Job 26:14 "And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?"

Job rebukes Bildad. His response is along the lines of "No poop, Sherlock." (This being a Bible site.) Bildad's mastery of the obvious does not slip by Job. Of course God is powerful, awesome, and amazing.

I don't know what Job means by saying Rahab in verse 12 (also mentioned in chapter 9). Some research uncovered that Rahab is apparently the name of a sea monster. I don't know if Job is referring to a local tradition, or if he really thinks Rahab is real. 

This is presumably not the same Rahab who helped the spies escape Jericho in Joshua 2. She was not a sea monster.

Anyway, I like to have this notion of God that Job offers in verse 14. We can behold all these incomprehensible powers and amazing attributes of God, but these are still mere whispers of his power. Which is pretty amazing. I can imagine a lot.

Job 25: Bildad in Brief

Job 25:4 "How then can a man be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure?"

Bildad takes another crack in this, the shortest chapter I've read so far. 

He asks no one in particular (Job) who can be righteous before God? Well, there are people who have been righteous before God (Noah, Abraham, Elijah, David...and Job, but Bildad doesn't know that). Perfect, sinless...no. Of course not. But these are not synonymous terms. 

God decides according to His own criteria who is righteous. So in a sense, Bildad is right that no one can claim to be "righteous." But in this case, he is off target.

Job 24: The Darkness

Job 24:12 "The groans of the dying rise from the city, and the souls of the wounded cry out for help. But God charges no one with wrongdoing."

Job continues to wonder what God is doing. And I like that. He doesn't claim to get what God is doing. He wants to know. He wants to comprehend it, but even in the first verse, he wants to know why an eternal God who transcends time doesn't set times or days for judging man. He sees wicked men doing all these unjust things without facing any recourse. He sees poverty in the world, injustice, and lots of horrible things, but God doesn't call anyone into account. 

Like anyone who has honestly considered God, I wonder that myself. It's THE question: "If God is so good, why is there so much evil in the world?" The answer is obvious but unacceptable. It is simple, but too complex to grasp. Evil occurs and occurs, and will for all time. That's the world.

Job realizes the life of man, however, is a temporary one. It lasts for less time than evil. Hod is just, but Job wonders why God isn't his kind of just.