“Yes, I know all this is true in principle. But how can a person be declared innocent in God’s sight? If someone wanted to take God to court, would it be possible to answer him even once in a thousand times? [Job 9.2-3]
I suppose the only way to discern the entire book of Job would be to dissect it verse by verse - statement by statement (for each of the characters involved) - and analyze each statement as it confirms or denies what the entire Bible teaches about God.
I am trying to read it again this year with the understanding that, in the end, Job and his three friends get a firm rebuking from God. However, there is wording at the end of Job that brings some confusion:
After the LORD had finished speaking to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “I am angry with you and your two friends, for you have not spoken accurately about me, as my servant Job has. [Job 42.7]
My confusion is this: if Job spoke accurately about God, then what did he get rebuked for?
All I can surmise is that perhaps the context of each statement will need to be reviewed in its proper place in order to determine how God views it (including His own statements).
No doubt, the book of Job is not for casual reading. It seems it must be studied deeply.
Father, help me to learn what You mean for me (and everyone) to learn from Job's story. Help me to come away from it with more understanding.
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