Scripture Text: Job 38:1-40:5
Memory Verse: “Moreover, the Lord answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. Then Job answered the Lord, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.”—Job 40:1-5
Introduction:
The Lord Himself now answers Job out of the whirlwind. God’s words are a welcome relief after the strife of the words in the previous chapters. Job had been darkly counseled by words without knowledge, that is; he had foolishly questioned the justice of God’s dealings with him. Now the Lord will do the questioning, and it is time for Job to get ready to answer!
The Almighty mentions the creation of the world when He laid the foundations of the earth. Then He asks Job the question, “Where were you when all this took place?” Next the Almighty moves from cosmology to geography and then to oceanography. He challenges Job to tell what he knows about the depths of the ocean, the realm of death, and the breadth of the earth. God now cross-examines Job on the origin and nature of light. God questions Job on his ability to control the stars and constellations, or keep them in their orbits, or determine their influence over the earth.
God now moves from the inanimate creation to the animate. By continued questions, He reminds Job of His providence. Again the Lord rebukes Job for his impertinence in finding fault with the Almighty. If he is so wise and powerful, surely he should be able to answer the catalog of questions that he has just heard!
The Lord asks Job if he has any right to correct or rebuke Him in the realm of providence when he knows so little about the natural creation. With this, Job at last takes his proper place, saying, “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer Thee? I lay my hand over my mouth” (Job 40:4). Overwhelmed by the wide ranging knowledge of the Lord, he determines to say no more.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- Why did God say to Job “brace yourself like a man?” (Job 38:1-7) What did God think about all of the talking Job had been doing?
- What is the reason God tells Job about all His creative power? (Job 38:8-15)
- How does God contrast Job’s finitude and His own eternality? (Job 38:16-41)
- Why was it important for God to lead Job to realizing his human limitations in understanding God’s ways?
- Why does God use the example of the ostrich to help Job understand His ways?
Applying the Word
Job was overwhelmed by the revelation of God. What did Job learn about:
- God’s Creative Power
- God’s Wisdom
- God’s Judgment
- God’s Love
From the lessons taught to Job by God in Job 38:1-40:5, what can we learn that will help us during times of personal suffering?