A Layman’S Commentary Volume 3: Volume 3—Books of Wisdom

Copyright © 2014 John Devine

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CONTENTS

Job

The Problem of Suffering

Psalms

Language of Prayer

Messianic Psalms

Proverbs

Themes in Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

Song of Songs

Books of the Bible

The Books of Wisdom

These five Books of the Old Testament make up a volume of literature in poetic form that addresses most of the issues of life.

They explore and give advice on the existence of evil and reasons for suffering and how to deal with these matters.

They include a collection of songs of prayer, petition, praise and worship that enrich our personal relationship with God.

They provide wise observations and practical knowledge on universal moral order with guidelines for a meaningful and joyful life.

They explore the frustrations and ultimate futility of life without God.

There is an expression of love between a king and a country bride which can be applied to one’s relationship with God.

They describe the creative and sustaining power of God at work in the universe and in the human being.

They outline God’s purpose and plan for mankind and the futility of existence without it.

Job

Introduction – The Book of Job was written in the finest poetry and addresses the question of all generations and cultures – why do the godly suffer? It traces the story of a good man who fell from prosperity to poverty in possessions, family and health. He was put on trial to test his faithfulness to God in every situation and he passed the test. Through it all he learned valuable lessons that are equally applicable in the modern day.

Job was counseled by friends who did not understand his situation. God eventually answered Job and restored him to a position of prosperity. Job was recognized by Ezekiel Ezk 14:14,20 and James Jas 5:11.

Author – Unknown. Could it have been Elihu?

Period – The lifestyle of Job was similar to that of Abraham and the patriarchs around 1800 BC.

The theology is monotheistic and consistent with other Old Testament experience down to 1000 BC.

Job lived in the land of Uz in the Syrian desert 1:1.

Uz was the firstborn son of Nahor, brother of Abraham Gen 22:21 - also 10:23.

Theme – God is active in the creation and involved in the everyday affairs of mankind. He is sovereign and working out his eternal plan Rev 10:7.

There is a reason for everything There is purpose behind every event and experience – even in suffering. We learn much from the discourse of Job with his friends in the testing of his faith. God speaks to us through Job’s experience.

Job asked questions of God and sought answers – he wanted a reason for suffering. Like Thomas, who wanted physical proof of the resurrection before he would believe, Job asked on our behalf, so we can learn from the answers Jn 20:24-29.

His friends, though God-fearing men gave clinical advice, much of which contained truth, but was not relevant.

A closer walk with God Job learned that it was not the moral order that had broken down – it was his understanding of the depth and wisdom of the sovereignty of God. Through this encounter he came into a closer, more intimate relationship with God.

The spiritual realm We come to see something of the spiritual conflict in which we are involved Eph 6:10-13. The discussion in the heavenly realm described in 1:6-12 and 2:1-7 must have been revealed by God to Job after his experience 42:10.

Overview

Job presented eight discourses as he searched for an understanding of his suffering.

His three friends responded with their advice followed by comments from a young colleague.

Eliphaz – Knowledge and worldly views without discernment expressed in self-righteous judgment – was an evil source involved there? 4:12-16.

Bildad – Traditional wisdom presented in philosophical platitudes – he thought that well-being depends on works.

Zophar – Common sense in its most brutal application - Job’s suffering must have been the result of sin Jn 9:2.

Job – The teachings he had been reared on and lived by failed him. His greater suffering was not from his losses and afflictions but because his experience did not agree with the theories he had embraced. The moral foundations of his world were being challenged.

Elihu – Wisdom of a learned young man with lack of real experience – while his advice is sound he adds nothing to the matter of Job’s suffering.

God’s answer to Job -

• The three friends were ignored

• No answer was given on how to understand or avoid suffering – no new light on God’s moral principles and purposes

• Job was challenged to match God’s power, understanding and wisdom in creation. He humbly submitted to God and was restored to a deeper relationship

• Wellbeing comes from recognition and worship of the Creator Ps 8:1-9; 19:1-14

• The case against the devil as the promoter of evil and the continual accuser of the righteous was proven

• The three wise men were rebuked for their self-righteousness, lack of understanding and impatience with the sufferer.

SUMMARY

Job on Trial - The First Test 1:1-22

Job on Trial - The Second Test 2:1-13

Job’s First Discourse - Suffering is real and may be expressed in grief 3:1-26

Job’s Second Discourse – Faithful through Trials 6:1 to 8:22

Job’s Third Discourse – Need for a Savoir to remove God’s rod 9:1 to 11:20

Job’s Fourth Discourse – The Sovereign God, Almighty 12:1 to 15:35

Job’s Fifth Discourse – My Witness, Advocate, Intercessor is in heaven 16:1 to 18:21

Job’s Sixth Discourse – My Redeemer lives and so will I 19:1 to 20:29

Job’s Seventh Discourse – Willful arrogance of independent mankind 21:1 to 22:30

Job’s Eighth Discourse – Testing brings forth gold 23:1 to 25:6

Job’s Ninth Discourse – The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom 26:1 to 31:40

Elihu’s Contribution – The Awesome Grandeur of God 32:1 to 37:24

The LORD answered Job – Out of the storm 38:1 to 42:6

Lessons to be learned 42:7-16

Job on Trial - The First Test

1:1-5 Introduction Job was a person of exemplary character. His respect for God permeated his life. He had integrity and status and he petitioned God on behalf of his children.

Job’s blameless life did not exclude him from testing – in fact it was because of his faithfulness that attention was drawn to his character v8 -

• we must recognize that there is purpose in all our trials 2Cor 12:7-10 – we may not understand the events at the time but will know the reward of faith in the end Heb 11:8-10

• we persevere knowing that in our victories we will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away 1Pet 5:4,10.

1:6,7 The Heavenly Realms Here we have insight into the ongoing activities of the spiritual world Eph 6:12 -

• God is sovereign and controls all the activities of the universe

• Satan is not an imaginary being - he is the adversary, the accuser of the brethren Mt 4:1-11; Rev 12:10

• He is subject to God in all that he does – he can only operate to the limits of God’s restraint 1Cor 10:13

• He is continually at work in the lives of mankind for harm and to promote evil 1Pet 5:8 – particularly in the lives of those who deny God Eph 2:1-3.

1:8 God drew attention to Job God had confidence in Job and knew that he could trust him to remain faithful in spite of everything he would encounter. God knew Job would be able to stand this trial. Job was being honored by God. We can see that the trials we undergo are an opportunity for us to honor God by our steadfast faith. This information must also have been revealed to Job in his restoration to fellowship with God 42:10.

1:9-11 Faith must be tested Satan gave little attention to Job because of his faith – as we resist him he will flee from us Mt 4:1-11; Jas 4:7. He found excuse for Job’s faith and suggested it was because of God’s blessing but if blessing was withheld Job’s faith would fail. This shows why our faith must be tested - in order to prove it is genuine 1Pet 1:7; Heb 11:6.

1:12 God gave permission for the trial - within set limits. We see that the circumstances of life are within the control of our Heavenly Father Mt 6:31-34.

1:13-22 The extent of Satan’s vindictiveness is revealed – he has no interest in our wellbeing - only in using mankind as a means of challenging the authority of God. We know that God is not vindictive Lam 3:31-33.

We cannot understand the fate of Job’s family.

Despite such loss Job acknowledged the sovereignty of God and worshiped in humility v20,21. Real worship comes from acknowledging who God is – not because of what we receive, or our situations. This too, must be tested - give thanks in all circumstances 1Thes 5:16-19.

In all this he did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing v22.

Job on Trial - The Second Test

2:1-10 On the next summons Satan chose not to refer to the continuing faithfulness of Job. We must see here that it is really the evil one who is on trial!

Again God drew attention to Job – he maintains his integrity v3. Satan’s response was to claim that physical health was the reason for faith. God gave permission for Job’s health to be taken - again within set limits. We can see another reason why the righteous suffer – that your faith