Job Chapter 30
Please read: Job 30 –
After rehearsing what Job’s life had been like previously, he now describes what he is presently thinking, feeling and experiencing, and it was all very unpleasant. Where he had been respected and treated with dignity and honor previously, he now feels ridiculed and scorned. Where he was wealthy and blessed, it is now all gone. And where he was healthy and strong he is weak and his body is diseased and near death. But the worst pain that Job experienced was described in verse 20. Job cried to God for help, but He did not answer him.
Job had enjoyed a close relationship with God. He spent time with God daily and intimately. Job knows that God has not just disappeared because he states that when he stands up, he knows that God sees him. It was the silence that was the most painful. But we will see Job come out the other side of this because of his persistent faith and his continued pursuit of God’s communion with him. He longs to hear God’s voice.
Let's Reflect
1. In ancient Bible times dogs are most often a word used to describe the low-life’s of society. In this passage those young men who are foolish and the scoundrels of the city, how are they treating Job?
2. These ones that are described have lived foolish lives and now they are skinny and gaunt because they probably have not worked to earn wages for food. Instead, they live in despicable places and are forced to eat things that are not what would be considered food. Previously Job would have been respected by these people for his wealth and his wisdom, but now they show him no respect. In fact, what do they do when they see Job according to verse 10?
3. These foolish men used to practice restraint of their behavior when in Job’s presence, but they no longer do. What does Job say has caused this change in the lack of respect towards him?
4. In verses 12-14 he describes how he is treated by others. No one would help him if he needed help to walk even. In fact, they might push him off what when he tried to walk?
5. In verse 15 what does Job describe as the metaphoric driving force that pushes his honor and respect away from him?
6. In verses 16-18 we learn a bit more about the suffering Job experienced in his body. What does he say about his bones in verse 17 and verse 30?
7. His worst pain is the fact that God has not answered his cry for help. He feels as if he was tossed out to sea left alone to struggle in a great storm. What does he feel will be the outcome of his struggles?
8. Job reminds God that he had been someone who helped others in need. What according to verse 26 has happened to Job? This does not seem fair. It is something we all have a difficult time with - suffering does not seem fair. Unfortunately pain and suffering are results of a sin-fallen world and there are no easy answers. But there is a God who loves us and cares and wants us to turn to Him for comfort and strength. Job was doing exactly the right thing; he continually asked God to come and comfort him.
