Job—Part 4

(Job 38:1) Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
(Job 38:2) Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
(Job 38:3) Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.

Then, the Lord spoke about his works, his power, and his wisdom. It is interesting to notice that the Lord did not include here an explanation of the circumstances of Job. He did not show why he was right in bringing trouble to Job. However, he did make Job see the foolishness of arguing with God. So Job repented (Job 42:5-6). Now, a brief explanation of the circumstances of Job appears in Job 1:6-12, 2:1-7. It would seem reasonable to assume that the Lord revealed these things to Job some time later. It should be emphasized here that this happened later, not before Job repented.

The Lord began by speaking about creation.

(Job 38:4) Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
(Job 38:5) Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?

Job 38:4-5 begins a series of questions that reveal the power and knowledge of the Lord, as opposed to the lack of power and ignorance of man. The words of the Lord indicate also that in spite of his greatness, he also cares for the minute details.

(Job 38:39)MKJV Will you hunt the prey for the lion, or fill the appetite of the young lions,
(Job 38:40) when they crouch in dens, and sit in the cover of their hiding place?
(Job 38:41) Who provides food for the raven, when its young ones cry to God and wander about without food?

Such words should have reminded Job that the Lord cared about him.

(Lk 12:6) Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
(Lk 12:7) But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

The Lord spoke also about the fact that Job thought that he could argue his righteousness with God.

(Job 40:8) Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
(Job 40:9) Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
(Job 40:10) Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.
(Job 40:11) Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
(Job 40:12) Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
(Job 40:13) Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.
(Job 40:14) Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.

The Lord can do what is written in verses 11-13 because he is without sin."Surely God, the One inflicting wrath is not unrighteous, is He? ... Certainly not! For otherwise how shall God judge the world?" (Ro 3:5-6)EMTV. Job needed to be without sin in order to do verses 10-13. Moreover, Job needed to be without sin in order to save himself (Job 40:14). However, since Job was not without sin, he had to depend on the Lord for salvation.

The Lord spoke next about two powerful creatures (Job 40:15-41:10). As mentioned in (Job 41:10), if man is afraid of them and avoids stirring them, how could he stand against their Creator?

(Job 41:11) Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.

God does not have to pay anyone anything. Everything belongs to him. For instance, the Lord said that "The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me" (Lev 25:23).

The Lord concluded his words to Job with a description of the one who is "king over all the children of pride" (Job 41:34). This description would fit Satan. Though so powerful when compared to other created beings, he too is under the authority of the Lord. In due time the Lord will punish him in the lake of fire (Rev 20:10).

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