Scripture Text: Job 11:1-14:22
Memory Verse: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.”—Job 13:15-16
Introduction:
Zophar the Naamathite insists that such empty, arrogant talk should not go unanswered. If Job could only see things as God does, Zophar contends, he would realize that he is not suffering as much as he really deserves! His ignorance of God’s greatness disqualifies him to question His justice. The best thing for Job to do is put away his sins; then God will give him security, rest, and comfort. If not, there is no escape from destruction.
In biting sarcasm, Job accuses his friends of intellectual conceit: “No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you!” Everyone knows that God is wise and powerful, but how do they explain the excruciating sufferings of a man who once received answers to his prayers, and the contrasting prosperity of the ungodly? Job scolds his critics. They have not said anything new. All he wants is to plead his case with God, not these condemning “friends.” Job did not want their weak and useless arguments. He wanted them to be quiet, so he could plead his case before God and commit his life to Him. He was confident he would be vindicated, but even if God were to slay him he would still trust the Lord.
Job continues to ask why God is so unrelenting with one who is so fleeting, frail and faulty. Job wishes that God would hide him in the grave until His anger subsides. Then if the Almighty calls him forth, he will vindicate himself.
Job does four things in this section: l) He asks for a revelation of what his sins are; 2) He describes the transitoriness of human life; 3) He despairs over the finality of death while longing for a mediator and grasping at the hope of life beyond; 4) He continues to complain about his present plight.
Job asks the question: if a man dies, shall he live again? Our Lord answers the question in John 11:25-26: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (NKJV).
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What were Zophar’s accusations against Job? Were they founded in truth, error, or a little of both? Does the Bible guarantee a life “brighter than noonday” for the believer? (Job 11:1-20; Acts 14:22)
- How does Job respond to Zophar’s accusations? Do the poor and needy always bring adversity on themselves? (Job 12:1-12)
- Job recognized God as wise and powerful and that His ways with us are the best even in the midst of his suffering. How can we be sure of this? (Job 12:13-25; Isaiah 40:26, 28; Daniel 2:20; Romans 16:25, 27)
- Whatever God allowed to happen to Job, whatever burden He laid upon him, even if He should slay him, Job believed ultimately that God would not fail him. What other evidence do we have in the Bible to substantiate this claim? (Job 13:13-28; Daniel 3:16-18; Romans 8:37-39)
Applying the Word
Job expressed hope in a personal resurrection. What hope do we have as a believer? (Job 14:13-22; 1 Corinthians 15:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)