A Discourse on God's Justice
Job 32-34
Part 1 Understanding
the text
Job has
finished his dialogue with his three companions in regards to his circumstance
and suffering. Now a new participant, Elihu, comes onto the scene to
enter the debate over Job's condition. He is younger and continues to push the
older companions’ ideas that Job had affronted God, was still affronting him
through his denials, and therefore deserved to be punished.
EXPLORING THE
MEANING
1- Even the young
have a right to speak.
Elihu was
noted to be young (32:4-7). Still, despite his inexperience, he is
determined to have his say in the matter of Job’s suffering (32:8-9). God's
word instructed young people to take an active role in the church and their
communities. One example is Paul writing to young pastor Timothy. (1 Tim 4:12)
2- Anger rarely
helps solve a conflict.
The Bible
describes Elihu as being angry at Job and his three companions. He was
angry at Job's continued appeal to his own integrity and angry at the other
three men for failing to prove Job wrong. (32:2-3) In the
end, his anger accomplishes little. Perhaps it would've been better to abide by
principles of King Solomon or Paul (Proverbs 15:1; Ephesians 4:31).
3- In times of
tragedy, silence is often more helpful than speech.
James
1:19-20 says let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, for
the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Job
32:18- Elihu talked too much
Job
2:13- Job's friends initially did not speak to him for seven days.
A Discourse on God's Justice
Job 32-34
Part 2 Unleashing
the text
1- What are
your impressions of Elihu based on these early speeches?
2- How are
Elihu's arguments similar to those of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar?
3- Is it
wrong to complain about God or express frustration with him?
4- What are
some statements Elihu made about God with which you agree?
5- What
have you been taught about respecting your elders?
6- Do you
find it easier or difficult to control your anger?
7- Why is
it so difficult to hold back from speaking when we feel angry?
A Guide for Reading
1.
Primarily
seek to understand what God is Saying to us: Humility
2.
Let
the Word speak for itself: Literally / Plainly
3.
Ask
lots of questions of the text and find the textual answers: Curiosity / Discovery /Diligence
4.
Consider
the implications and connection of the text to real life: Application /
Decision / Direction
5.
Prayer,
Worship, Prayer, Worship, Prayer: Dependent / Joyful / Determined
