Why Do the Righteous Suffer? - General Council Churches of ...

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Why Do the Righteous Suffer? A Study of the Book of Job

Table of Contents INTRODUCTION TO BOOK OF JOB ................................................................................................................. 2

Lesson 1: The Testing of Job .................................................................................................................................. 3

Reading the Word – Lesson 1 ............................................................................................................................. 4

Lesson 2: Job’s Dialogue with Eliphaz ................................................................................................................... 5


Lesson 3: Job’s Dialogue with Bildad .................................................................................................................... 7


Lesson 4: Job’s Dialogue With Zophar .................................................................................................................. 9

Reading the Word – Lesson 4 ........................................................................................................................... 10

Lesson 5: Job’s Second Dialogue with Eliphaz .................................................................................................... 11


Lesson 6: Job’s Second Dialogue With Bildad..................................................................................................... 13


Lesson 7: Job’s Second Dialogue With Zophar .................................................................................................... 15


Lesson 8: Job’s Third Dialogue With Eliphaz ...................................................................................................... 17


Lesson 9: Job’s Third Dialogue with Bildad ........................................................................................................ 19


Lesson 10: Elihu Speaks to Job ............................................................................................................................ 21

Reading the Word – Lesson 10 ......................................................................................................................... 22

Lesson 11: God Answers Job ................................................................................................................................ 23


Lesson 12: God Challenges Job’s Criticism ......................................................................................................... 25


Lesson 13: Why Believer’s Suffer ........................................................................................................................ 27


Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version and are public domain. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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INTRODUCTION TO BOOK OF JOB Why Do the Righteous Suffer?

Most of this book is poetry, but it is not fiction. Job was a real person in a real place who suffered real trials. James points to Job as an example of endurance, which means faithfulness under trial. “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end [intended by] the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11 NKJV).

The Book of Job describes three encounters: Job and Satan (Chapters 1-2), Job and his friends (Chapters 3- 37), and Job and the Lord (Chapters 38-42). His friends did their best to convince Job he was suffering because he was a sinner, but Job refused to compromise his integrity. In spite of some rash statements, Job spoke the truth, but his friends did not.

The Book of Job deals with this question: “Why do the righteous suffer?” Actually, the theme goes even deeper than that. Satan accused Job of serving God only because God blessed him. Unfortunately, there are people like that, people who say to God, “If you bless me, I will serve You!” The real depth of the message in Job is “Is our God worthy of our worship and service, or must He ‘buy’ us with His blessings?” Satan was not only slandering Job; he was also slandering the Lord! He was saying, “God would not have any followers if He did not reward them!” Background

The setting is “the land of Uz”, which later became the territory of Edom located southeast of the Dead Sea or in northern Arabia; thus the historical background of Job is Arabic rather than Hebrew.

The events described in the book indicate that Job himself lived about the time of Abraham (2000 B.C.) or before. The most significant facts that lead to that conclusion are: 1) his having lived 140 years after the events in the book, suggesting a life span close to 200 years; 2) his wealth being measured in terms of livestock; and 3) his service as priest for his family, like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The book of Job may have been composed during the patriarchal age, shortly after the events occurred and perhaps by Job himself; or during the days of Solomon or soon after, since the book’s literary form and style are similar to the wisdom literature of that period (950-900 B.C.). The unknown author, if other than Job himself, must have had detailed oral and/or written sources from the time of Job, which he used under divine prompting and inspiration to write the book as we now have it. Certain parts of the book had to be given by direct revelation from God. Purpose

Few people have experienced the level of suffering that Job did, yet anyone who has ever tried to make sense of tragedy has struggled with the same question that occupied Job and his friends: “Why do the righteous Suffer?” Job is the timeless story of human beings trying to use their finite understanding to explain calamity. Job and his friends thought bad things happened to bad people as a punishment for their sins.

The overriding lesson of Job is that we cannot fully understand or explain misfortune because we do not have all the facts. Only God knows the complete answer to the question, “Why?” However, that need not deter us from either intellectual inquiry or attempts to comfort each other in our troubles. If anything, it should drive us to the place where Job ended up – at the feet of God, in humility, worship, and praise. New Testament Fulfillment

The Redeemer whom Job confesses, the mediator for whom he longs, and the answers to his deepest questions and needs all find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus identified fully with human suffering as God’s appointed Redeemer, mediator, and Healer. Job illustrates vividly the New Testament truth that when believers experience persecution or some other fiery trial of suffering, they must remain steadfast in faith and keep entrusting themselves to Him who judges justly, just as did Jesus Himself when He suffered.



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Lesson 1: The Testing of Job

Scripture Text: Job 1:1-2:13 Memory Verse: “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”—Job 1:21 Introduction: Job was a wealthy man who lived in the land of Uz. The upright and god-fearing Job had seven sons and three daughters. So vast were his holdings of livestock that he was the greatest man in the East. As the story unfolds, we are told of a scene in heaven when the sons of God appeared before the Lord. Satan also was present. When God spoke to Satan concerning the uprightness of His servant Job, Satan implied that the only reason Job feared God was because He had been so good to him. According to Satan, if the Lord had not put a protective hedge around Job, then he would have cursed his Creator to His face. God granted Satan permission to test Job by robbing him of his possessions. However, the devil was not permitted to touch Job’s person. The Sabeans stole five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred female donkeys, and killed the servants who were in charge of these animals. Lightning destroyed seven thousand sheep, as well as the servants tending them. Next the Chaldeans stole three thousand camels and killed the servants who cared for them. Finally, a great wind caused the collapse of the house in which Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking, killing all of them. Satan appears before the Lord once again. This time Satan implies that Job’s faithfulness to God would soon vanish if he were allowed to touch his body. Permission was granted. Job breaks out with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. When his wife urges him to curse God and die, Job answers, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” Studying the Word Lesson Study

1. There is an error in evangelical teachings today that maintains that no believer in Christ, even with the now fully available help of the Holy Spirit, can ever expect to be blameless and upright in this life and that believers must expect to sin every day in word, thought and deed with no hope of overcoming the sinful nature in this life. Compare this teaching to that of Job 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 119:7.

2. What was Satan’s reaction to God’s claim that Job was a Godly man? (Job 1:6-12; Matthew 4:3-11; James 4:7; Revelation 12:11)

3. What was the purpose of God allowing Satan to destroy Job’s property and family? (Job 1:12-19; 1 Chronicles 21:1; Romans 8:28)

4. What was the purpose of Satan’s second accusation and Job’s second test? (Job 2:1-10; 1 Peter 1:6-7) Applying the Word Faithfulness to God does not guarantee believers freedom from trouble, pain and suffering in their lives. In fact, we are taught to expect it (John 16:1-4, 33; 2 Timothy 3:12). The Bible provides numerous examples of Godly people who experienced significant amounts of suffering. Examine the lives of Joseph, David, Jeremiah and Paul.



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Reading the Word – Lesson 1 Daily Devotional Sunday: Job – Blameless and Upright: Job l:1-5

Blameless refers to Job’s moral integrity and wholehearted commitment to God. Upright denotes rightness in word, thought and deed. This declaration about Job’s righteousness clearly affirmed that God through His grace can redeem fallen humans so as to make them genuinely good, righteous and victorious over sin. (1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 119:7)

Monday: Satan’s Accusations: Job l:6-12 Satan reacted to God’s claim that Job was a Godly man by assaulting both Job and God. Satan implied that God was naive and had deceived Himself, having obtained Job’s devotion by blessing and bribery. If God were to stop giving Job protection, wealth, health, and happiness, Satan maintained that Job would “Curse you to your face.” (Matthew 4:3-11; James 4:7; Revelation 12:11)

Tuesday: Job’s First Test: Job l:12-19 God gave Satan the authority to destroy Job’s property and family; however, He limited Satan. God always limits Satan. The Lord does not try to destroy Job’s faith but rather to prove that his faith is real and sufficient. God planned that the sufferings of Job would develop Job’s faith, lead to increased blessings for Job, and benefit countless other sufferers throughout the centuries. Satan may be seeking to work his evil designs, while God is at work bringing about good for those who love Him. (1 Chronicles 21:1; Romans 8:28)

Wednesday: Job’s Humility: Job 1:20-22 The tearing of clothes signified great mourning and humility. Job recognizes that he entered the world ‘naked,’ without possessions of any kind, and he will return there, where he will possess nothing. Job persists in trusting God, accusing Him of no wrong. Job praises God and faces the first moments of hardship in humility, trusting in the goodness of God’s mysterious providence. (Ecclesiastes 5:15-19; 1 Timothy 6:7-8)

Thursday: Satan’s Second Accusation: Job 2:1-5 Satan never gives up. He suggested to God a new test for Job: personal physical suffering. Pain can weaken our resistance and make everything feel and look worse than it really is. More than one person who has victoriously survived tragedy has fallen apart under onslaughts of pain.

Friday: Job’s Second Test: Job 2:6-10 God allowed Satan to inflict further pain on Job because neither Job’s full commitment to God could be proven nor God’s endeavor to redeem him from sin demonstrated effectively without undeserved suffering. (1 Peter 1:6-7)

Saturday: Job’s Three Friends: Job 2:11-13 After hearing of Job’s adversity, three of his friends came to sympathize with him and comfort him. Their perspective represented a popular but incomplete theology.



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Lesson 2: Job’s Dialogue with Eliphaz Scripture Text: Job 3:1-7:21 Memory Verse: “For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, And what I dreaded has happened to me. I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes.”—Job 3:25-26 (NKJV) Introduction: Evidently Job has suffered for a long, though undetermined, time. Now there is a change in Job’s attitude. Though he does not curse God, Job’s previous words of patience and trust are not evident. He clearly expresses his deepest, innermost feelings that it would have been better if he had never been born. He argues that he would not have suffered so much had he not been conceived, had he died at birth, or had he died immediately when his trouble began. Job not only views death as a deliverance from misery, but he also implies that never being born is better than being forsaken by the Lord. Eliphaz, perhaps the oldest or the most respected of Job’s friends, is evidently shocked by Job’s words. Eliphaz says in effect, that since people suffer for wickedness, it must be that Job has sinned. He challenges Job to summon men or angels to disprove that sin is followed by judgment. Eliphaz observes the unalterable link between wickedness and punishment. Trouble is never causeless. Man, being sinful, is destined to trouble, as sure as the sparks fly upward. By submitting to the chastening of the Almighty, says Eliphaz, people experience divine deliverance from famine, war slander, civil strife, peril, drought, wild beasts, and crop damage. They enjoy domestic peace, security, fruitfulness, and longevity. Job responds to Eliphaz by admitting his words have been rash, but there is a reason. Job protests that he would not complain so bitterly without cause. He wishes he could die because he has no strength to endure and no hope for the future. Prolonging life is useless. Now Job addresses the Lord directly. He asks the Lord why He should pay so much attention to an insignificant human being, hemming him in, terrifying him with nightmares, until he would rather be strangled. Is man so great that God should cause him to suffer continually? Even if Job had sinned, is there no pardon, since he is going to die soon anyway?

Studying the Word Lesson Study

1. Job began to curse the day of his birth and his miserable existence, but he did not curse God. Explain the difference. (Job 3:1-19; Matthew 27:46; Jeremiah 20:14-18; Lamentations 3:1-18)

2. Job asks the question “Why?” seven times in this monologue. “Why?” is an easy question to ask but a very difficult one to answer. Suppose God had told Job the reasons behind his troubles. Would that have solved his problems? (Job 3:20-26)

3. Explain what was defective about Eliphaz’s theology and viewpoint. (Job 4:1-21) 4. Eliphaz tells Job that he should actually rejoice in this discipline from the Lord, since repentance brings

restoration. What was it that Eliphaz considered Job had done? Is there any other purpose in discipline than to bring about repentance? (Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 3:11-12)

Applying the Word Job recognized that his suffering ultimately came with God’s knowledge and permission. Looking at Job’s experience and what the Bible says, what promises do we have of God bringing us though victorious? (Romans 8:35-39; James 5:11; 1 Peter 5:10)



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Reading the Word – Lesson 2 Daily Devotional Sunday: Job Curses His Birth: Job 3:1-19

Job told God exactly how he felt. He began by cursing the day of his birth and his miserable existence, but did not curse God. His cry was an expression of pain and despair, not a cry of defiance against God. It is always best for believers to express their doubts and their honest emotions to the Lord in prayer. To go to God with our misery and heartache in order to find Him and evoke His compassion is never wrong. Jesus Himself asked God the question, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Jeremiah 20:14-18; Lamentations 3:1-18)

Monday: Job Questions Why: Job 3:20-26 Job’s greatest desire had been for the presence and favor of God; now the thing he dreaded most had happened. God seemed to have forsaken him, and he had no idea why. Still, Job did not curse; he prayed to God for mercy and relief.

Tuesday: Eliphaz Speaks: Job 4:1-21 The basic theology and viewpoint of Eliphaz was defective. He believed that the truly righteous will always prosper and poverty and suffering always imply sinfulness. God later revealed that this attitude was in error and the viewpoint it represented was “folly.”

Wednesday: Eliphaz Continues: Job 5:1-16 Eliphaz continues with his flawed theology. He tells Job that he should actually rejoice in this discipline from the Lord since repentance brings restoration. However, discipline of suffering for any reason can stretch an individual to his maximum potential. (Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 3:11-12)

Thursday: Eliphaz Continues: Job 5:17-27 To Eliphaz, if God disciplines a person and he responds rightly, then God will deliver that individual from all calamities. This mistaken idea is contradicted by the Bible. Nowhere does the Bible teach that God will eliminate from our lives all trouble and suffering. Godly people are not always rescued in this life. (Hebrews 11:36-39)

Friday: Job Addresses Eliphaz: Job 6:1-30 Job recognized that his suffering ultimately came with God’s knowledge and permission. We may not know why God is allowing such things to happen, but you can know that in the end God Himself will make us strong, firm and steadfast, bringing us through victorious. (Romans 8:35-39; James 5:11)

Saturday: Job Addresses God—Job 7:1-21 Job spoke honestly to God about his feelings of unfairness, rejection and doubt. He even wished that God would leave him alone, though at other times he yearned for God to speak with him. The faithful who are undergoing severe trials should express their feelings to God openly. (Psalm 55:17; 56:9; 61:1)



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Lesson 3: Job’s Dialogue with Bildad Scripture Text: Job 8:1-10:22 Memory Verse: “Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again?” —Job 10:8-9 Introduction: The name Bildad means son of contention, which would be a very appropriate meaning, since this friend of Job seems to love controversy. Accusing Job of irresponsible and blustery speech, Bildad defends the justice of God in punishing the wicked and rewarding the upright. He says unkindly that Job’s sons were destroyed because of their transgression. If Job would earnestly turn to God, says Bildad, there was still hope for divine favor. He next appeals to history to prove the link between evil and retribution. God delights to replace the wicked with the blameless, whom He then proceeds to bless. Job asks, “How can a man be righteous before God?” Job expresses the hopelessness of ever proving his innocence before one who is so great. In exasperation, Job complains bitterly, asking God to explain His unreasonable behavior to one He had created. Does He act like a mere man in judging, uncharitably, even when He knows that Job is not wicked? Job dreaded the grave, describing it with seven statements depicting its darkness. In so doing Job sought to move God to answer his prayer for rescue and vindication. In Job’s day, God had not yet revealed the full truth about such matters, and thus the grave appeared dark and without order. This is a good example of progressive revelation in the Bible. Until God fully revealed His purpose for humanity, a revelation most clearly expressed through Jesus and the writings of the apostles, death was often portrayed as an entrance to a land of utter gloom. How blessed it is to be able to read God’s further revelation and be able to understand the good news of eternal life.


1. Bildad’s conclusion was that if Job were really upright, he would be vindicated by God. Job was not vindicated by God, so he must be wicked. What is wrong with Bildad’s theology? (Job 8:1-7; Matthew 27:31-50)

2. Bildad argues from nature that for every effect there is a cause. His conclusion was that if Job is suffering, there must be a cause, and since God is just, that cause has to be Job’s sin. What is wrong with Bildad’s conclusions? (Job 8:8-22)

3. What was Job’s reply to Bildad’s accusations? If Job was not perfectly righteous, as he said himself, why did he not accept his suffering as his punishment? (Job 9:1-13)

4. If God truly loved Job, why was God silent in the midst of his painful situation? (Job 9:14-20)

Applying the Word

Because Job was experiencing severe affliction, he felt that God was against him. Believers today often feel the same as Job felt. What revelations about hardship are there in the New Testament that can help the believer to accept affliction and even glory in it? (2 Corinthians 1:1-5; 2 Corinthians 4:10; Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1:24; 1 Peter 4:13)



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Reading the Word – Lesson 3 Daily Devotional Sunday: Bildad’s Indictment Against Job: Job 8:1-7

If Job were really upright, he would be vindicated by God. Job was not vindicated by God, so he must be wicked. Bildad based his argument on his belief that because God was just, he would not bring trouble on a righteous individual. Bildad’s error was exposed later by God Himself and ultimately in Christ’s crucifixion, when God delivered His own Son over to suffering and death. (Matthew 27:31-50)

Monday: Bildad’s Dialogue Continues: Job 8:8-22 Bildad was a devoted traditionalist who called his witnesses from the past. There is nothing wrong with our learning from the past, provided it does not turn the present into a museum and the future into a cemetery. Bildad argues from nature that for every effect, there is a cause. He wrongly believed that if Job is suffering, there must be a cause, and since God is just, that cause has to be Job’s sin.

Tuesday: Job’s Reply –Job 9:1-13 Job acknowledged that he could not be perfectly righteous before God. He understood that by nature he was inclined toward self and sin and that he was not faultless in God’s sight. Yet, with all his heart, he had resisted evil and turned from it. Job complained that God had punished him without cause. Job’s faith still held firm and he did not curse God as Satan had predicted he would.

Wednesday: God’s Silence: Job 9:14-20 The most difficult thing for Job to accept was God’s continuing silence in the midst of a painful situation that seemed to have no purpose. God will sometimes allow us to pass through a dark time of trial when He Himself remains silent and seemingly far away. Yet even in the midst of the darkness of God’s silence, He has a plan for our lives, and we must continue to trust Him.

Thursday: Job’s Argument: Job 9:21-35 If God and Job went to court, Job would not have an argument to present. God is the Judge, He has all power, and nobody can contend with Him. Meanwhile, life goes by swiftly, like a fast runner, a ship and an eagle. For Job to put on a smiling face will not change his circumstances. It would be hypocrisy.

Friday: Job’s Bitterness: Job 10:1-12 Job continued pouring out to God his bitterness and feelings of being treated unfairly. But even though Job felt that God had withdrawn His love from him, he still maintained a trust in God’s justice and continued to wrestle with God for a solution to his dilemma.

Saturday: Job Feels God is Against Him: Job 10:13-22 The foremost glory of Paul’s suffering was that in some way he was sharing “the sufferings of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:5; Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1:24; 1 Peter 4:13)



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Lesson 4: Job’s Dialogue With Zophar 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).


1. 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)

2. How does Job respond to Zophar’s accusations? Do the poor and needy always bring adversity on themselves? (Job 12:1-12)

3. 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)

4. 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)



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Reading the Word – Lesson 4 Daily Devotional Sunday: Zophar Speaks: Job 11:1-20

Zophar harshly accused Job of self-righteousness and stubbornness, telling him that he deserved to suffer even more than he had. He maintained that if Job would turn from sin, his sufferings would immediately cease, and security, prosperity and happiness would return. The Bible nowhere guarantees a life “brighter than noonday” for the faithful believer. Rather, we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)

Monday: Job Responds: Job 12:1-12 Job condemned the way prosperous people often think. In contempt, they look down on the poor and needy and justify their lack of sympathy by assuming that the unfortunate have brought adversity on themselves. At the same time, the prosperous are comfortable with their own lifestyle because they believe God has rewarded them for their faith and righteousness. Both assumptions are erroneous for there are numerous exceptions among believers.

Tuesday: To God Belongs Wisdom: Job 12:13-25 We must believe as Job that God is wise and powerful and that his ways with us are the best and surest means of attaining our highest good. (Isaiah 40:26, 28; Daniel 2:20; Romans 16:25, 27)

Wednesday: Job Lashes Out: Job 13:1-12 Job lashes out at his friends. He knows all their theories of suffering, but he also recognizes that they do not apply in his case because he is innocent of sin. Thus, his friends, in their efforts to defend God, have actually lied about God. Surely when the Lord examines them, their dogmatism will prove to be unfounded.

Thursday: Job’s Hope in God: Job 13:13-28 Here is one of the most astounding declaration of faith in God’s goodness ever uttered. 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. (Daniel 3:16-18; Romans 8:37-39)

Friday: The Brevity of Life: Job 14:1-12 Job emphasized the brevity of life. Everyone is weak, and all partake of a common sinful nature. No one is absolutely pure. Job never claimed sinless perfection, but he did claim that his severe punishment was unjustified. Now he begs God to treat him less severely and with more compassion and mercy.

Saturday: Will Man Live Again?: Job 14:13-22 Job believed that after he died and entered the grave, God would call him out again. Job expressed hope in a personal resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)



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Lesson 5: Job’s Second Dialogue with Eliphaz Scripture Text: Job 15:1-17:16 Memory Verse: “My breath is corrupt, my days are extinct, the graves are ready for me. Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their production?”—Job 17:1-2 Introduction: It is now the turn of Eliphaz the Temanite to reproach Job again for his vanity and his impious, unprofitable talk. In a series of rapid-fire questions, he ridicules Job’s supposed knowledge, calling it empty. While Job’s bold words challenging God did lay him open to the charge of casting off fear, it was not fair to accuse him of choosing the tongue of the crafty. If anything, Job was too open and self-revealing. A hypocrite he was not! Next Eliphaz challenges what he considers Job’s arrogance in thinking so highly of his own thoughts. Eliphaz considered Job’s friends to be the consolations of God and gentle, when in fact they showed a complete lack of a heart for genuine compassionate counseling. Job rejects Eliphaz’ s analysis of the situation and fights back by calling his critics miserable comforters. God has turned against him and tortures him by turning him over to ungodly men and persecuting him beyond endurance, with wound upon wound. All this is in spite of the fact that he is guilty of no unrighteousness. As Job, broken in spirit, teeters on the edge of the grave, his friends mock him He wants God alone to try his case because his critics have proven themselves of no use. The Lord has made him an object of contempt. Upright men who see his condition will rise up against his critics, while they continue to protest his integrity. He cannot find a wise upright man among his three antagonists. Job had expressed hope that God would vindicate him even after death, but his hope was almost gone. All he saw in his future was a decaying body, death, and the grave. Once again, Job cried out for a representative before God, somebody who would put up security for him and get his case settled. Jesus Christ is Advocate and Mediator for His people and their hope. He gave His own blood as security and those who trust Him always have living hope.


1. Eliphaz lashes out at Job with an even more tenacity. What were his accusations against Job and were they founded upon scripture? (Job 15:1-16)

2. How does Eliphaz paint the picture of Job as a wicked man? Explain how this is the work of the devil. (Job 15:17-35)

3. Do you think that the “friends” of Job were acting on behalf of God or of the Devil? Explain. (Job 16:1-14; Proverbs 15:4)

4. Job longed for God to plead his cause in the heavenly court of justice. What hope do we have that our case will be pleaded in heaven? (Job 16:15-22; 2 Corinthians 5:18; 1 John 2:1)

Applying the Word What About Suicide? Job’s Spirit was broken and his hope was almost gone. All he saw in his future was a decaying body, death, and the grave. Job wanted to die, but did not assume that he had the right to take his own life. Is suicide permissible? There is no incident in the Bible of a Godly person committing suicide. (Psalm 31:3-5; Exodus 20:13; Judges 16:23; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Job 17:1-16) Aristotle wrote: “To run away from trouble is a form of cowardice and while it is true that the suicide braves death, he does not for some noble object but to escape some ill.”



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Reading the Word – Lesson 5 Daily Devotional Sunday: Eliphaz Replies: Job 15:1-6

Job’s friends have so far been unsuccessful in their attempt to convince him that there must be unconfessed and therefore unforgiven sin in his life. Here begins the second cycle of speeches and the argument with more tenacity. Eliphaz begins by questioning Job’s wisdom. A wise man would not use meaningless language which might harm another’s faith. Eliphaz now denounces Job as a man in iniquity.

Monday: Eliphaz Continues: Job 15:7-16 Eliphaz maintains that traditional beliefs are surely more certain than Job’s individual ideas. Evidently Eliphaz considered his first speech to be God’s own words of consolation to a man who was exceedingly wicked. The devil is and always was the accuser of the brethren. Job’s three friends are certainly acting on behalf of the devil in their condemnation.

Tuesday: Job, The Wicked Man: Job 15:17-35 Eliphaz painted the picture of Job as a wicked man. All of us are born in sin, but some sinners are worse than others. Eliphaz described the fate of the wicked: pain, fear, dreadful noises, hunger, poverty, darkness, and then death. Eliphaz did not explain why the ungodly seem to prosper in this world while the Godly often suffer. His theology was cut and dried. He had an answer for everything, but no help for Job.

Wednesday: No Comfort for Job: Job 16:1-14 Job’s three friends were indeed miserable comforters. They only added to his pain. If the situation were reversed, Job would have spoken words of strength and help to them in their suffering. Their words wore him out and made him shrivel up, as when a desert wind blows. (Proverbs 15:4)

Thursday: Job’s Witness in Heaven: Job 16:15-22 In faith, Job rose above his doubts about God’s goodness, for he declared that God Himself would testify as a witness of his innocence. He longed for God to plead his cause in the heavenly court of justice. The desire for a mediator to speak to God in our defense became a reality in Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:18; 1 John 2:1)

Friday: Job’s Broken Spirit: Job 17:1-9 As a broken man, Job firmly believed he would die soon. He saw himself as a man deserted by God and as the object of his companions’ scorn. Job could do nothing but persevere in his conviction about the rightness of his cause, maintaining confidence in God’s justice.

Saturday: Job Gives Up Hope: Job 17:10-16 Job had expressed hope that God would vindicate him even after death, but his hope was almost gone. All he saw in his future was a decaying body, death, and the grave. Once again, Job cried out for a representative before God.



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Lesson 6: Job’s Second Dialogue With Bildad Scripture Text: Job 18:1-19:29 Memory Verse: “For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, _yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”—Job 19:25-27 Introduction: Bildad the Shunhite denounces Job for very strongly scorning the words of wisdom spoken by his friends and himself. One good thing that can be said about Bildad: he is briefer in his reproaches than his two fellow-comforters. Perhaps his awareness of this virtue of conciseness gave him boldness to suggest that Job should put an end to words. He repeats the now-familiar refrain that the wicked person gets caught in the net of his own sins. Then he gives a dreadful list of the calamities that come upon a sinner’s house. Bildad was right in saying that men suffer for their sins, but he was wrong in giving this as an explanation of Job’s sufferings. Not all suffering is a direct result of sin in one’s life. Job tells his friends that they ought to be ashamed of the way they have wronged him. He has been mistreated by God and by relatives, friends, and servants. His body has wasted away and he has barely escaped death. Yet his friends join God in attacking him pitilessly. Job wishes that his words of defense were inscribed in a book and engraved on a rock with an iron pen and lead, forever, so that sometime in the future he might obtain justice. In a rare burst of light, he believes that there is a Redeemer who will one day vindicate him and then restore him, even though death and decay intervene. The fact that Job has faith to see God in his flesh after his skin is destroyed, strongly suggests the physical resurrection, a doctrine not widely taught in the Old Testament, but accepted as standard in the time of our Lord by Old Testament believing Jews. In view of this coming vindication, Job believes that his friends should not persecute him, or they will be punished.


1. As we look at the comments the three “friends” make, it becomes easier to see that the devil was motivating their conversation. The devil has a way of mixing truth with error. Study the discourse Bildad had with Job and determine what is error and what is truth. (Job 18:1-21)

2. How does Job reply to the insults of Bildad? (Job 19:1-6) 3. What misconception does Job have concerning who caused his suffering? (Job 19:7-22) 4. What kind of help is Job looking for in the midst of his suffering and despair? (Job 19:23-29;

Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Ruth 1-4)

Applying the Word Are you Brokenhearted or Hardhearted? Job was a broken man (Job 17:1). He not only lost his family, possessions, and health, he was stripped of whatever pride he might have had. Yet because he was brought low, he was able to reaffirm his faith and dependence on God. (Job 19:25-27) The Bible tells us that God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (Proverbs 3:34; James 4:6) Which side are you on? Hardhearted—(1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Hebrews 3:7-4:11) Tender hearted—(James 1:2-8)



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Reading the Word – Lesson 6 Daily Devotional Sunday: Bildad Rails Against Job: Job 18:1-4

Bildad rails against Job and propounds the fate of the wicked. Bildad’s question to Job is whether Job is so special in God’s sight that the law of retribution, suffering for sin, which is seen to be as universal as any physical law of nature, would be changed in Job’s particular case.

Monday: Bildad Elaborates on Death: Job 18:5-17 For the lost sinner, death does indeed mean darkness, but not those that have faith in Christ. Believers will be resurrected at the second coming of Jesus and spend eternity with God. Unbelievers will die the second death and will be destroyed. According to Bildad, the wicked man tries to run away, but the path is filled with devices to catch him. There is no escape when your time comes. As he tries to escape the king of terrors, the criminal runs, falls down, gets weary, and is finally caught. (Revelations 21:25; Matthew 22:13; Hebrews 9:27)

Tuesday: The Destiny of the Wicked: Job 18:18-21 Bildad uses the comparison of the destiny of a wicked man with that of a tree rooted up. The tree seemed strong and solid, but the roots were already dry and death could easily pull the tree up. People even forget that the tree was once there! This is like the death of the wicked, not the death of the righteous.

Wednesday: Job Replies to the Insults: Job 19:1-6 It is not necessary to discover ten specific insults in the previous speeches, for Job uses a round figure to indicate that he felt totally insulted. He claims that his sin would be a personal matter anyway, and he can see no reason for his friends to be so concerned to prove him to be sinful unless they had ulterior motive.

Thursday: God, the Cause of Suffering: Job 19:7-22 Job was now under the serious misconception that God directly caused his suffering. Although God was permitting Satan to bring harm to Job, it was nevertheless Satan who inflicted the cruel suffering. Believers should be careful not to blame God for what He only permits. (1 Timothy 2:4)

Friday: My Redeemer Lives: Job 19:23-27 In the midst of his suffering and despair, Job clung with great faith to God, believing the Lord would vindicate him in the end. Job viewed God as his redeemer or helper; in Bible times a redeemer was a relative who with great affection came to help in times of trouble. (Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Ruth 1-4)

Saturday: Job Declares Judgment: Job 19:28-29 Because of their attitude and condemnation of Job, he declares God’s judgment on his three “friends.” What they are saying to him in condemnation will be applied to them.



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Lesson 7: Job’s Second Dialogue With Zophar Scripture Text: Job 20:1-21:34 Memory Verse: “Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high. One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow. And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.”—Job 21:22-26 Introduction: Apparently Job’s confession of faith fell on deaf ears. Zophar was not listening. He says that human history demonstrates that the proud man will perish out of sight forever. His children will beg from the poor, and return what he has taken unjustly. Though still in youthful vigor, he will be cut off. No matter how luxuriously he has lived, he will suddenly lose everything he has gained through oppressing the poor. According to Zophar, every imaginable calamity will come upon him, including hunger, distress, misery, armed attack, fire, and loss of tranquility. Heaven and earth will conspire against him, and his possessions will disappear. This is the heritage appointed to the wicked by God. Job now asks for strict attention. His complaint is not primarily against man, although his pathetic conditions should awaken human sympathy. He counters their arguments with the true observation that the wicked often prosper in every area of life and death without suffering, even if they have had no place for God in their life. How often, he asks, do the wicked reap the reward of their sins in their own lifetime? How often are they driven away like chaff in the wind? One person dies at peace and in full strength, prosperous, while another passes away in bitterness and poverty. In death all are alike. No one condemns or punishes the wicked and he dies just like all others. As a parting shot Job says, “And you! You try to comfort me with nonsense. Every answer you give is a lie!”


1. No matter how rich, famous, or secure he may be, the wicked person will eventually perish. What is the difference between the wicked and the righteous? (Job 20:1-11; James 4:13-17; 1 John 2:17)

2. What does Zophar mean when he considers life as bitter? (Job 20:12-19; 1 Timothy 6:1-10) 3. What does Zophar mean when he considers life as painful? (Job 20:20-29; Matthew 10:28;

2 Corinthians 5:10-11, 14) 4. What is the answer to the question that Job asked; Why do the wicked live on? (Job 21:1-16; Psalm 37;

Romans 2:5-11; Revelation 2:10; Psalm 73:1-14) 5. How do we know that comfort and wealth are not evidences of holiness? (Job 21:17-34; Psalm 1:1; 4:6-

7; 62:10-11; Matthew 16:21-28)

Applying the Word So far in the study of the Book of Job, why do you think the three friends were so hard on Job? What was the driving force behind their accusations of Job?



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Reading the Word – Lesson 7 Daily Devotional Sunday: Success is Temporary: Job 20:1-11

No matter how rich, famous, or secure he may be, the wicked person will eventually perish. Zophar’ s speech is an echo of Bildad’s as he describes the fate of the wicked man. The speech did not apply to Job, but it should be taken to heart by self-confident, successful people who leave God out of their lives. Zophar used graphic images: he will go away like refuse or like a dream or a night vision. Here today, gone tomorrow! (James 4:13-17; 1 John 2:17)

Monday: Life is Bitter: Job 20:12-19 Dainty food becomes poison and wealth makes him sick. The things he thought he would enjoy only bring pain to him. Riches without God can never give anyone true enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6:1-10; Ecclesiastes 1:12-18)

Tuesday: Life is Painful: Job 20:20-29 He has no peace because everybody has declared war on him, including God, who rains judgment on him. Arrows, terrors, darkness, and fire are his lot and then – the end. Zophar tried to frighten Job into confessing his sins and getting right with God, but his approach did not work. The fear of God is a legitimate motive for obedience, but it is not the only motive and it must be tempered by love. (Matthew 10:28; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11, 14)

Wednesday: Job Replies: Job 21:1-6 Job questioned their basic premise. He had often seen the wicked enjoying great blessing: long life, many descendants, peace and safety, riches, success, and days filled with joy. Yes, the wicked die, but even their death is often quick and easy. (Psalm 73:1-14)

Thursday: Why the Wicked Live On: Job 21:7-16 Job questioned the inequities of life, especially the prosperity, success and happiness of many of the wicked. Ultimately God will justly rectify all things and give to each one according to his or her deeds and love of the truth. The wicked will not remain unpunished, nor will the righteous be left unvindicated or unrewarded (Psalm 37; Romans 2:5-11; Revelations 2:10)

Friday: Job Continues: Job 21:17-21 If comfort and wealth are evidences of holiness, our Lord was not holy, for He had little earthly comfort and wealth, and He died a terrible death on the cross. Perhaps we need to examine our own logic and see if we are thinking like God or like the devil. (Psalm 1:1; Matthew 16:21-28)

Saturday: Job Concludes: Job 21:22-34 God’s nature is to be patient and kind, but His promises of judgment are not false, whatever the evidence may seem to be in one’s historical experience.



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Lesson 8: Job’s Third Dialogue With Eliphaz Scripture Text: Job 22:1-24:25 Memory Verse: “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more then my necessary food.”—Job 23:10-12 Introduction: In the third round, Eliphaz and Bildad conclude their arguments, using a great deal of repetition. Zophar remains silent. Eliphaz’ s questions are designed to show that God doesn’t need Job or anything he has or does, including his blameless ways. Then he launches into a prolonged tirade in which he accuses Job of gross wickedness – taking wrongful pledges from the poor, refusing water to the weary, bread to the hungry, taking land by force and oppressing widows and orphans. The facts were otherwise, for Job had shown great social consciousness and had been generous in his charity. Eliphaz truly has some exquisite words for Job in this his final appeal: “Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace;” (Job 22:21 NKJV) “Yes, the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver;” (Job 22:25 NKJV) and “so light will shine on your ways” (Job 22:28 NKJV). These words are not only beautiful, but also true – that is for a repentant sinner returning to the Almighty and removing iniquity far from him. The only problem is that Job had not been living in sin. Job responds with a bitter complaint; if only he could come to God’s throne and find Him. Job is confident that if he could approach the Lord, He would have to admit that Job was righteous and so he would be delivered forever from his Judge. Meanwhile the unique and apparently arbitrary God does whatever His soul desires and Job is afraid of Him, and even terrified, because God has made Job’s heart weak. Since nothing is hidden from the Almighty, Job can’t understand why He doesn’t give the solution to the problem of the wicked’s prosperity to his three friends. In spite of the fact that these wicked sinners should be cursed in the earth and they should be remembered no more, God gives them security. Job maintains that the wicked don’t die any more violently than anyone else.


1. Eliphaz appealed to Job with a traditional, yet simplistic, doctrine of repentance: if Job was willing to return to God, to receive instruction from His word, to humble himself and remove sin from his life, and to abandon his trust in earthly things and make God his delight, then God would surely deliver him from all trouble and success would follow his every endeavor. Name at least two errors in Eliphaz’ s theology. Hint: prosperity, motivation, sinfulness (Job 22:1-31; Hebrews 11:37-39; Job 1:9-11)

2. Eliphaz named sins that he thought Job must have committed. Explain how the devil works through people to discredit one’s relationship with God. (Job 22:12-20)

3. What caused Job to mourn more than the loss of his prosperity and family? (Job 23:1-12; Psalm 42:1-2; 63:1)

4. How did Job view his suffering as to a relationship with God? (Job 23:13-17; Genesis 22)

Applying the Word There were two questions that Job asks; 1) Why does the Almighty not set times for judgment? 2) Why must those who know Him look in vain for such days? (Job 24:1- 25) How can we respond in light of what the Old Testament and the New Testament say about the judgment? (Isaiah 2:12; 3:18; Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:16; Hebrews 10:30; 12:23; 1 Peter 4:5; Revelation 20:4)



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Reading the Word – Lesson 8 Daily Devotional Sunday: Eliphaz Speaks: Job 22:1-11

Satan and Job’s friends all agreed that Job was a sinner at heart and that he obeyed God only because God blessed him. The fact that Job still trusted God after losing his children and his wealth should have proved to them that his faith was not commercial. Eliphaz then took a new approach, asking whether Job’s righteousness did God any good. Since God is just and does what is right, He is not influenced by man’s good deeds.

Monday: Job’s Sins: Job 22:12-20 Eliphaz then named sins that Job must have committed, and sins Job thought God could not see. It was the same argument in a new dress, and Satan could not have done better. Eliphaz assumes that Job is casting his lot with the prosperous wicked.

Tuesday: Prosperity Will Come: Job 22:21-30 Eliphaz appealed to Job with a traditional, yet simplistic, doctrine of repentance: if Job was willing to return to God, to receive instruction from his word, to humble himself and remove sin form his life, and to abandon his trust in earthly things and make the Almighty his delight, then God would surely deliver him from all trouble, his prayers would be answered, and success would follow his every endeavor.

Wednesday: Job Responds: Job 23:1-12 Throughout the whole experience of Job’s suffering, his greatest longing was for the presence of his Lord. He rarely mentions the loss of prosperity and his children. It was the loss of God’s presence that he mourned. (Psalm 42:1-2; 63:1)

Thursday: Job’s Suffering a Test: Job 23:13-17 Job felt confident that God still cared about his life and knew that no adversity would turn Job from faithful adherence to Him. Job saw his suffering as a test of his faith in and love for the Lord. His test was similar to that of Abraham when he was told to sacrifice his son Isaac. (Genesis 22)

Friday: Times for Judgment: Job 24:1-12 The term “times” seems to mean the special periods during which God exhibits His power and justice in vindicating the righteous and punishing sinners. These “times” cannot be hidden from God because He determines them. Job asks, “Why does God not share this knowledge with the righteous to warn them of the coming judgment?” (Isaiah 2:12; 3:18; Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11)

Saturday: God’s Judgment: Job 24:13-25 Job again presented proof that all sinners are not immediately judged by God. Job did not deny the fact of God’s judgment, but he did affirm that man could not fully explain how He worked.



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Lesson 9: Job’s Third Dialogue with Bildad Scripture Text: Job 25:1-31:40 Memory Verse: “As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul; All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.”—Job 27:2-4 Introduction: The last of the speeches of Job’s comforters turns out to be Bildad the Shuhite. Since Bildad has finally comprehended that a multitude of words will not help, his speech is very short. He only tries to communicate two themes: the greatness of God and the nothingness of man. Bildad’s words are true and beautifully stated, but they are spoken without love and comfort, and so they have not ministered to Job’s needs. First of all, Job counters Bildad’s argument. Even granting that Job is without power and has no strength or wisdom, how has Bildad helped? His words have been futile, insensitive, and a total description of God’s power in the universe: the evaporation/precipitation cycle; the density of the clouds; the cycle of light and darkness; the storm at sea; and the stars and constellations by which His Spirit has adorned the heavens. Job describes – centuries before science taught it – that God hangs the earth on nothing. Job’s comforters have not proved their cases – but then neither has Job solved his problem! In Job’s closing monologue, he contrasts his integrity with the doom of the wicked, he lauds the priceless quality of wisdom, and finally he dwells on himself. Job continues to insist on his own honesty, integrity, and righteousness. Job does not defend the wicked, the unrighteous and the hypocrite, for calamity is deserved. Wisdom and understanding are hidden from the eyes of all living creatures according to Job. To fear God is wisdom and to depart from evil is understanding. Job now gives a masterful and nostalgic account of the good old days of his prosperity and honor, and yearns for their return. Through this, he insists that he had not been guilty of any known sin. If any charges against him were written in a book, he would be proud to carry it around.


1. Bildad’s speech seems of God, but where is it in error? (Job 25:1-6) 2. Job is among the greatest examples of endurance in conviction, adherence to righteousness and

perseverance in the faith. Explain in what ways he is an example for believers today? (Job 27:1-23; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 4:5-8; Philippians 3:8-16; Jude 1:21)

3. What does Job mean when he says, “the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28)? (Psalm 61:5; Proverbs 1:7)

4. What can we learn from Job’s retrospect of the “good old days”? (Job 29:1-25; Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 91:11; 121:7-8) What does God offer all those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? (John 15:15; Romans 8:1, 31, 33; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 3:13)

Applying the Word All God’s people have the experience of Job at some point in their walk with God, a time in which they cry out to God for help and He does not seem to answer them. What can we learn from Job’s experience and the other council of the Bible to help us understand that God is always faithful? (Job 30:20; Matthew 15:21-28; Luke 18:1-7; 1 Peter 1:7; Hebrews 10:32-39; 13:5)



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Reading the Word – Lesson 9 Daily Devotional Sunday: Bildad Speaks: Job 25:1-6

Bildad does not refute Job’s evidence, but he simply reaffirms God’s power and His holiness. He concludes in expressing amazement that Job, or any other “maggot,” would even think of questioning God’s justice.

Monday: Job’s Reply: Job 26:1-14 In very descriptive language, Job describes the wonders of God’s creation. Job is expressing his own strong ideas about God’s sovereignty. Job depicts the greatness of God in terms of the created cosmos and the evil forces arrayed in opposition to God.

Tuesday: Not Speaking Wickedness: Job 27:1-23 Job is among the greatest examples of endurance in conviction, adherence to righteousness and perseverance in the faith. No temptation, suffering, or apparent silence from God could drive him away from allegiance to God and His word. He refused to curse God and die. This decision to remain faithful to God and steadfast in faith, hope and love is not optional for the believer. Doing so is their safeguard against experiencing shipwreck of their faith when faced with intense persecution, temptations, and assaults from Satan. (1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 4:5-8; Philippians 3:8-16; Jude 1:21)

Wednesday: Fearing God is Wisdom: Job 28:1-28 Fear of and reverence for God are fundamental to the believer’s relationship with God. Fearing the Lord makes us concerned and alert that we do not offend our Holy God. Without this foundation, no true wisdom exists and no redemptive experience will stand the test of time and temptation. (Psalm 61:5; Proverbs 1:7)

Thursday: Job’s Retrospect: Job 29:1-25 Job persevered in his desire for the communion with God that he had once known. He longed for God’s special care and protection, God’s light to show him the way in dark and difficult circumstances, and God’s grace to help him do good. What God was to Job, he offers to all those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 15:15; Romans 8:1, 31, 33; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 3:13)

Friday: Job Cries Out to God: Job 30:1-31 All God’s people have this experience at some point in their walk with God, a time in which they cry out to God for help and He doesn’t seem to answer them. Even Jesus experienced this. Through this experience our faith is tested. At such times we must nevertheless persevere in faith. (Matthew 27:46; Luke 18:1-7; 1 Peter 1:7)

Saturday: Job Made a Covenant: Job 31:1-40 Job reviewed his firm spiritual integrity, his adherence to God’s ways and his goodness to others.



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Lesson 10: Elihu Speaks to Job Scripture Text: Job 32:1-37:24 Memory Verse: “Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine? Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge? How thy garments are warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south wind? Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?”—Job 37:14-18 Introduction: Here the conversation between Job and his three friends ceases. A young man named Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, had been listening to the heated debate between Job and his three critics. Elihu became incensed with Job for justifying himself rather than God. He was also angry with his three friends for failing to answer Job adequately. Elihu, using the word “please,” calls for Job’s attention. He rebukes Job for the way in which he had professed absolute innocence, and for blaming God for unjust treatment. When a person responds to the Lord’s voice, says Elihu, then he is restored to physical health and spiritual wellbeing. Elihu next asks the three friends to test his words as they would taste food. He quotes Job’s claim that God was unfair in causing a righteous man like him to suffer, and that there is no use being pious in order to please God. Apparently addressing Job, Elihu next counsels him to confess and forsake his sin, and to stop demanding God to do what he wants. Elihu then reproves Job for claiming to act more righteously than God and for saying that righteousness does not pay. Man’s sin does not harm the sovereign God, neither does his righteousness benefit God. In Elihu’s fourth speech, he professes to draw from deep truths to defend the justice of God and to explain suffering.


1. How was Elihu different from the other three friends of Job? How was he the same? (Job 32:1-9) 2. Elihu claimed that Job believed he was morally perfect. Did Job ever insist that he was sinless? What is

the difference between following God’s ways with all your heart and sinlessness? (Job 33:1-33) 3. Elihu argues that the Lord is not affected one way or the other by Job’s righteousness or lack of it. It is

this a true statement? (Job 35:1-16; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Genesis 6:6; Psalm 78:40; Ephesians 4:30) 4. Elihu, as well as the other three friends of Job, constantly repeat the same theme: the wicked suffer and

the righteous prosper. What is wrong with this scenario? (Job 36:1-33)

Applying the Word Many Bible students see Elihu as a picture of Christ, our Mediator. He seems the perfect bridge between Job’s friends’ analysis of his situation and the solution of God. Other commentators have less favorable views of him. What do you think? Does he accurately portray the true character of Jesus? (Job 32:1-22)



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Reading the Word – Lesson 10 Daily Devotional Sunday: Elihu: Job 32:1-9

A new counselor, Elihu, is introduced here into the narrative. His speech differs from the first three in its emphasis that suffering can be God’s merciful chastisement in order to enlighten the soul and to bring about a more intimate relationship with God. However, like the other counselors, Elihu assumed that Job had sinned and therefore deserved his suffering.

Monday: God’s Use of Suffering: Job 32:10-22 Elihu focuses upon God’s use of suffering to correct wayward believers. Job had complained that God would not answer his questions. Elihu claims that God has indeed spoken, but that Job has not heeded His messages. He speaks through dreams and visions and through the discipline of suffering.

Tuesday: Elihu’s False Claim: Job 33:1-33 Elihu falsely stated that Job was claiming moral perfection, that he was without sin all his life. Job had never insisted that he was sinless, but only that he had followed God’s ways with all his heart and could never recall having committed a serious sin that merited such severe punishment.

Wednesday: Elihu’s: Theology Job 34:1-37 Elihu’s theology is basically the same as that of the three friends. He could not conceive of the possibility that both God and Job might be just or that anyone could suffer without sin as the cause. Therefore, since God is not wicked, Job must be.

Thursday: Elihu Continues: Job 35:1-16 Job has argued that his righteous life had neither benefited him nor kept him from suffering. Elihu argues that the Lord Himself is not affected one way or the other by his righteousness or lack of it. Rather, Elihu maintains that Job is the one who is affected. Elihu is wrong. God does receive pleasure from Job’s good works of obedience and love, and He is grieved by unrighteousness. (2 Corinthians 9:7; Genesis 6:6; Psalm 78:40; Ephesians 4:30)

Friday: Elihu’s Fourth Speech: Job 36:1-33 Claiming to speak for God, Elihu repeats his instructions about God’s absolute justice and fairness. If the righteous should suffer, it is God’s compassionate call to them to repent. Job should rejoice in affliction.

Saturday: Elihu’s Final Words: Job 37:1-24 Elihu uses beautiful poetic language to describe the sovereignty of God. All things are done according to either God’s discipline or His kindness.



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Lesson 11: God Answers Job 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.


1. 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?

2. What is the reason God tells Job about all His creative power? (Job 38:8-15) 3. How does God contrast Job’s finitude and His own eternality? (Job 38:16-41) 4. Why was it important for God to lead Job to realizing his human limitations in understanding God’s

ways? 5. 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?



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Reading the Word – Lesson 11 Daily Devotional Sunday: God Speaks to Job: Job 38:1-7

God’s words to Job are remarkable both for what they say and do not say. The Lord does not provide the intellectual answers to Job’s questions. No apology is offered, no explanation of Satan’s challenge in heaven is given, and the question “why” is never considered. When one questions God, he not only shows his own ignorance, but he also opens himself to the attack of Satan. God comes to ask some questions, but he is not there to be cross-examined.

Monday: God’s Creative Power: Job 38:8-15 Just as clay is molded by a seal into a visible, recognizable shape, so light turns the gray dimness of night into the multicolored world of the day. The wicked love darkness, but dawn inevitably comes, and they will be caught and judged. God responds indirectly to Job’s charge that the wicked prosper and are not judged.

Tuesday: God Challenges Job: Job 38:16-41 God asks Job about the extent of his travels. Had Job navigated the sea’s depths, the place from which light originates, and heaven’s pinnacles? God makes it clear that a legitimate charge against His rule over the world could only come from one who was equal or superior to Himself. The contrast between Job’s finitude and God’s eternality speaks for itself.

Wednesday: Job’s Human Limitations: Job 39:1-8 If God could lead Job to perceive his human limitations in understanding God’s ways in the world, then he could persuade Job that he is just and merciful, even when Job did not understand the way in which God was working in his life.

Thursday: God Controls the Wild Animals: Job 39:9-12 Even the wild animals respond to the one who oversees them to do what the owner wishes. It is for all creation to respond to the creator and do His good will.

Friday: God Made the Ostrich: Job 39:13-30 Examine the ostrich commonly found in wilderness areas. The ostrich is a flightless bird, though it flaps its shriveled wings just as vigorously as does a stork. God compensates by giving it great running speed of up to 40 miles an hour.

Saturday: Job Responds to God: Job 40:1-5 Job was overwhelmed by the new revelations of God. He understood how insignificant humans are before God’s secret wisdom, and he felt he could say no more. Still, he was not quite ready to give up his claim that something had been wrong in God’s treatment of him.



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Lesson 12: God Challenges Job’s Criticism Scripture Text: Job 40:6-42:16 Memory Verse: “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.”—Job 42:10 Introduction: 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. Job’s response comes somewhat short of repentance, so the Lord continues to remonstrate with him out of the whirlwind. He challenges Job to speak up like a man. After all, Job had accused God of injustice, and condemned Him in order to justify himself. Next the Lord challenges Job to consider behemoth, which He made along with Job. God presents the behemoth as the first of His ways. Although we cannot identify it with certainty, we know that it was herbivorous, amphibian, and exceedingly powerful. The lesson is that if Job can’t even control this animal, how can he control the world? Some Christian scientists are now convinced that the behemoth must be an animal now extinct, or perhaps found in some remote parts of the African jungle. In fact, a reptile of the dinosaur type does fit the description very closely. God presents another awesome creature, Leviathan. Can Job harness him? Job is overwhelmed. He acknowledges the sovereignty of God and confesses that he has spoken unadvisedly with his lips. Now that he has not only heard the Lord, but his eye has seen Him, he hates himself and repents in dust and ashes. As soon as Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored in inverse order twice as much as Job had before.


1. God cannot do much for us as long as we are busy telling Him what to do. What was the results of Job’s silence? (Job 40:1-14; Deuteronomy 3:26; Psalm 39:9; Matthew 22:12; Romans 3:19)

2. Describe the physical characteristics of the behemoth. Was it only a mythological creature or a real one? Is there an animal today that meets this description? Based on the description, what prehistoric animal might meet this description? (Job 40:15-24)

3. Describe the physical characteristics of Leviathan. Was it only a mythological creature or a real one? Is there an animal today that meets this description? What prehistoric animal might meet this description? (Job 41:1-10)

4. What is God’s purpose in mentioning the behemoth and Leviathan? (Job 41:11-25) 5. What was Job’s final answer to God? (Job 42:1-6)

Applying the Word Name at least two reasons why God restored everything Job had lost with a double portion. What lessons can we learn from Job’s reformed attitude? (Job 42:7-16)



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Reading the Word – Lesson 12 Daily Devotional Sunday: Job – Be a Man!: Job 40:6-14

God finally gave Job the one thing he wanted most, the opportunity to meet Him in court and defend his case. Suppose God gave you the same opportunity. What would you say to Him? Would you rather meet God in court or at the throne of grace? The more you meet Him at the throne of grace, the less interested you will be to meet Him in court.

Monday: Look at the Behemoth: Job 40:15-24 We cannot identify the behemoth with certainty. We know that it was herbivorous, amphibian, and exceedingly powerful. It rested in shady, marshy areas and is not easily intimidated. God emphasized that if Job could not subdue this great creature of the world, then he was in no position to question and counsel the God who had made it.

Tuesday: Consider Leviathan: Job 41:1-10 Another awesome amphibious creature is Leviathan, unique in the creation of God. Can Job harness him? God wants to know. While the behemoth is primarily a land creature, Leviathan is primarily aquatic. Man cannot catch him with hook and line, or domesticate him or make him a family pet. His armor-like exterior resists harpoons and spears, and the sight of him discourages meddling with him.

Wednesday: Awe of the Creator: Job 41:11-25 God interrupts the description to ask a pertinent question: If men stand in such awe of a mere creature, how much more should they fear Him who created the creature, who is eternal, who is obligated to no one, and who is Owner and Creator of all?

Thursday: Back of Leviathan: Job 41:26-34 Leviathan’s build is massive and his mighty power is enormous. The description of possibly dinosaurs reflect the glory, power, and majesty of God Himself. They are His creation, and He purposely used them to illustrate His own splendor and strength.

Friday: Job’s Final Answer to God: Job 42:1-6 Job’s final answer to God was one of absolute humility and submission to His revelation. He confessed that God does all things well, that everything that God permits to occur, He does so in wisdom and with purpose and that even the suffering of the righteous has meaning and divine purpose.

Saturday: Epilogue: Job 42:7-16 Job was fully restored to God’s favor and was given spiritual authority with God. God heard Job’s intercessory prayer for his three friends because of Job’s righteous standing with God.



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Lesson 13: Why Believer’s Suffer Scripture Text: Memory Verse: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”—2 Timothy 3:12-13 Introduction: Faithfulness to God does not guarantee believers freedom from trouble, pain and suffering in their lives. In fact, Jesus taught that we are to expect it. The Bible provides numerous examples of godly people who experienced significant amounts of suffering for a variety of reasons. God’s Relationship to the Suffering of Believers God is involved in our sufferings. Even though Satan is the god of this age, he is able to afflict our lives only by God’s permissive will. God has promised that He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. God has also promised to bring good out of all the sufferings and persecution of those who love Him and obey His commands. Hebrews shows how God uses the painful parts of our lives for our growth and benefit. God has promised to stand by us in our pain, to walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. His Spirit will comfort us in all our troubles. We must not forget that Jesus shares our pain. When we pray, we have a sympathetic high priest who Himself experienced the various dimensions of our trials and sufferings. He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. There is healing for our own sufferings through the sufferings that He bore on our behalf. Victory over Personal Suffering What steps can we take to cope with trials and affliction so as to be victorious over them? To receive the victory, it is important to understand the reasons human beings suffer. The daily devotional deals with the seven reasons for suffering. Believe that God cares deeply for you and turn to God in earnest prayer and seek His face. Wait patiently until He delivers you from your affliction. Finally, expect God to give you the grace necessary to bear your affliction until deliverance comes.


1. Review this week’s daily devotionals and discuss each of the reasons why believers suffer. (Refer to the verses listed in each day’s devotional.)

2. What is God’s relationship to the suffering of Believers? (Job 1-2; Genesis 50:20; Hebrews 12:5)

Applying the Word What personal lessons have you learned about suffering that will help you in your spiritual walk? How can you get the victory over personal suffering?

God Cares (Romans 8:36) Earnest Prayer (Psalm 27:8-14; 40:1-3) Word of God (Psalm 11; 16; 23; 27) Divine Healing (Psalm 103:1-5; Luke 4:18; James 5:14-15) Anticipation of His Coming (Revelation 21:4)



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Reading the Word – Lesson 13 Daily Devotional Sunday: The Fall of Adam: Genesis 3:16-19

Believers experience suffering as an ongoing consequence of the fall of Adam and Eve. When sin entered the world, pain, sorrow, conflict and eventual death invaded the lives of all human beings. In fact, the whole created universe groans under sin’s effects and yearns for the time of a new heaven and a new earth. (Romans 8:20-23; 2 Peter 3:10-13)

Monday: Consequences of Our Actions: Galatians 6:7 Some believers suffer for the same reason that unbelievers do, as a consequence of their own actions. If we are undisciplined in our life’s habits, we are likely to have serious problems. If we drive our cars recklessly, we may get into serious accidents. (Hebrews 12:3-11)

Tuesday: Consequences of Sinful World: 2 Peter 2:8 Believers suffer, at least in their inner selves, because they live in a sinful and corrupt world. All around us are the effects of sin; we experience distress and anguish as we see the power that evil holds over so many lives. We must pray to God that He will demonstrate His victory over sin’s power. (Acts 17:16; Ezekiel 9:4)

Wednesday: Consequences of the Devil: 2 Corinthians 4:4 Believers suffer at the hands of the devil. Satan, as the god of this age, controls this present evil age. Satan and his followers delight to persecute believers. Those who love the Lord and follow His principles will be persecuted for their faith. (Galatians 1:4; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Ephesians 6:12)

Thursday: Consequences of Being in Christ: 2 Corinthians 11:23-32 To be a Christian means to be in Christ, to be one with him; as a result we share in His sufferings. In fact, sharing in Christ’s sufferings is a prerequisite for being glorified with Christ. (Romans 12:15; 8:17; 2 Corinthians 1:5)

Friday: Catalyst for Spiritual Growth: Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6 God may use suffering in our lives as a catalyst to spiritual growth or change. He often uses suffering to call his straying people to repent of their sins and renew their faith and trust in Him. (James 1:2-3; Deuteronomy 8:3; 1 Peter 1:7)

Saturday: To Further His Kingdom: Genesis 45:7 God can and does use the suffering of the righteous to further the cause of His kingdom and His plan of redemption. The prime example of this suffering is Jesus who experienced persecution, agony and death so that God’s plan of salvation might be fully realized. (Acts 2:23)


Why Do the Righteous Suffer? - General Council Churches of ...

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