Days 16-17, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Job 38–42
Note: This is a two-day Bible study because of the uninterrupted theme. Since it is much longer, you may read the Scripture passage the first day and the Bible study the second day. This Bible study is also available in audio format.
Your Day in Court
Have any of us ever wished for our day in court? We mean we have suffered some injustice and want to be given a hearing—we want our wrongs addressed, and we want to be cleared of all blame.
This is what the Biblical patriarch Job wanted. He believed he was righteous in every way, and yet, he was suffering and felt God was unfair in his treatment of him.
Have we ever felt that way? Have we tried to live a Christian life, but things went terribly wrong, and God didn’t seem to listen or care to do anything about the injustice? What do we do?
Job suffered the loss of his family, business, health, and respect. Although he seeks the LORD, God is silent. To add insult to injury, Job’s friends tell him he is an arrogant sinner who must be guilty of evil! Job remains unconvinced.
God Answers Job
Job asks God for time to present his case in a heavenly court of appeal. Finally, the LORD speaks out of an approaching storm. Instead of allowing him to further question his majesty, however, the LORD calls Job to symbolically stand before the judge’s bench. God is the judge now asking Job questions. God asks Job about his knowledge of creation, using the imagery of a construction engineer.
How did God Create our World and the Universe?
God says,
Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? (Job 38:4-7, NIV)
As we know, the earth is complex and well-ordered. How did it get that way? Most of our modern sciences teach that the world evolved, but how did it design itself without some powerful, all-knowing being? Things don’t naturally become more organized with time—they become less organized (humorously speaking, think of a young toddler’s room when you think of that law). God declares in the Bible he’s the designer and creator of everything.
Where is the Origin of Light?
The LORD then asks Job,
What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside? Can you take them to their places? Do you know the paths to their dwellings? Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years! (Job 38:19-21, NIV)
Where is the origin of light? The sun is the primary origin of our light, but who put the sun there? Many scientists theorize a supernova (a massive star) exploded, and our sun is a spin-off from the explosion. Since we weren’t present when it supposedly happened, that idea is a conjecture. We can only guess the origin of stars from observing what seems to have happened in other galaxies. Still, this theory doesn’t explain the source of light.
Hydrogen and Helium gases may fuel the fires that produce light, but where were the sparks ignited, which lit innumerable suns in all the universes? The point is, like God tells Job, if we are so smart, then tell him the answers since we were certainly there to witness it!
How Do We Get our Weather?
Next, God asks Job where rain, snow, sleet, hail, and ice come from. Well, we may say they’re nature’s simple acts. Who controls nature? A person who believes there is no God thinks no one does. Someone who believes in God, believes that the Almighty intervenes in people’s lives for good or bad, and sometimes he uses the weather to accomplish his will.
In many Bible passages, including today’s, the LORD says he is sovereign and in control of everything. Do we believe this? If we do, we know God is also sovereign in our lives. Knowing this helps us when God tests our faith.
Who Provides for the Creatures on the Earth?
Evolutionists believe in the natural law of the survival of the fittest. There’s some truth to this, but there’re many times when God provides for their survival. There’s an undeniable interdependency between the species of all plants and animals. Some species can only survive if other species are present.The Almighty provides for them and all creatures in natural and wonderful ways.
Animals and birds have unique qualities. Watching them give birth is fascinating. Observing some who have power, strength, dignity, and grace reminds us of the God who made them. The LORD cares for all of them, and he cares for us. Jesus said,
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31, NIV).
Let’s not put our heads in the sand. If we look around, we see evidence of God’s creativity, wisdom, and care in nature.
The Strength of Particular Creatures
In Job 40-42, we learn about the great Behemoth and the Leviathan. There’re debates about just what these creatures are. Many believe the Behemoth refers to a hippopotamus, and the Leviathan refers to a crocodile. Victor E. Reichert observes that when a crocodile surfaces and snorts, it resembles a fire in the light of day, and God may have referred to this phenomenon using hyperbole.
Regardless of these creatures’ particular identity, they’re so powerful and fierce that no one can harm them without risking life or limb. Yet, God is their creator. If the Almighty is much greater and mightier than they, he should be that much more feared or reverenced. Job realizes this and repents in dust and ashes.Our Response
Does God’s wisdom, might, and greatness cause us to revere him and be afraid to speak against him? The Bible says every human being will appear before a judgment seat of God (Hebrews 9:27).
The Apostle Paul tells Christians that “… we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2Corinthians 5:10, NIV).
Unbelievers will appear before God’s great white throne to give an answer for their deeds and lack of choice to have faith in God (Revelation 20:11-15). Although it’s challenging to think about these things when we're suffering, we should learn to fear the LORD and not question his ways.
Because Job repents his foolish charges and makes the LORD his trust, God doubles all he lost in property, wealth, and family. God tested Job and approved him for future blessings. Job wasn’t perfect, but he feared the Lord and didn’t curse him when he went through severe trials and temptations.
We, too, may suffer tremendous losses or be in severe pain. Our circumstances might tempt us to curse God. If we consider God’s character, however, we will come to realize our foolishness. God cares and is in control.
If sin is the problem, maybe the LORD is trying to get our attention. God will be gracious to us and merciful if we turn to him away from our sins.
If sin isn’t the problem, perhaps the LORD is allowing things in our lives to strengthen us or to approve us for future blessings or greater responsibilities. Will we choose to trust the LORD, even though we don’t understand our circumstances? Eventually, God will reward us.
see more at 1hope.org
Repenting in dust and ashes is a way Job expresses disgust for himself and his actions. He sits in an ash heap and throws dust on top of himself in an expression of deepest humility and regret. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., edited by Walvoord and Zuck, © 1985, p.774)
Discussion
If we desire an audience with God to challenge him about our suffering, what can we know to help us?
When Job appears before God’s court, what does he say to Job?
Since God is so incomprehensively wonderful, how does that affect us?
Here is an encouraging song from Ivan Parker: I Know my Redeemer Lives
Focus Verse
Matthew 10:29-31 (NIV)
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Here is a video illustrating today's Bible lesson
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: We have finished the life of Job. As we return to the book of Genesis we begin the life of Abraham, a man who discovered God, who is our shield and reward. Find out how he can be yours in our next lesson.
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re-edited 1-17-23
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