Job 23-24

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Job’s Third Response to Eliphaz

BACKGROUND NOTES

In his third response to Eliphaz, Job requests God’s presence to prove his innocence.
In his third response to Eliphaz, Job questions why God delays His judgment.

In verse 2 of chapter 23, does Job consider his complaint to God entirely pure? If God were to hear his arguments, how does Job think He would respond?
After a futile search in all directions in an effort to find God, what is Job’s conclusion regarding God’s knowledge of him? Does Job claim that he has been faithful to God in his walk and in his obedience?
What are the attributes of God that Job makes note of in his response to Eliphaz (vs 13, 14)? How does Job’s rehearsal of these attributes of God affect the condition of Job’s heart?
What is Job’s purpose in making the long list of sins that he has observed on the part of wicked people (vs 2-11 and 13-17, chapter 24)? What apparent action, or lack of action, is Job questioning on God’s part (v 12)?
In verses 18-25, is Job contradicting the assumptions that he made in the preceding verses? What is Job’s conclusion regarding God’s response to the evil acts of the wicked (vs 22-24)?

Job does not consider his response to God to be pure. He knows that his complaint is somewhat rebellious, but he is confident that if God were to hear his arguments, He would find Job to be innocent.
Even though Job’s search for God seems futile, Job is convinced that God is present, and that He knows the ways of Job precisely. And further, Job believes that he has remained in the way of God, and that he has been obedient to God’s commandments.
In the midst of his suffering, Job recounts the uniqueness of God, His unchanging ways, His determination and ability to perform what He desires, including all that He has appointed for Job.
In Job’s questioning of God regarding the wicked, he recalls the many examples of wicked people seemingly escaping God’s judgment in order to make his point clear. “God, why are you not causing the wicked to suffer (v 12), or why are you delaying your judgment against them? ”
In verses 18-25, Job is not contradicting his earlier assumptions about God’s lack of or delayed judgment, but recognizing that the wicked will be judged in death, if not in life. The grave, or Sheol, will consume those who have sinned. The wicked will be exalted for a short time, but God will take them away (vs 22-24).

Discuss possible reasons that God may delay His judgment against the evil people in the world today. Consider those in leadership or authority on the national level as well as people who commit wicked acts within your own community. Discuss guidance given in the Bible regarding a proper response to the wicked on the part of the Christian.

Have you pondered the wonder of God’s sovereignty today? Have you experienced His sovereign power in the events that swirled around and influenced your life today? Live your life in a way that is pleasing to God and you will quickly learn to delight in God’s sovereignty rather than to fear it.

“God is unique, and who can make Him change? And whatever His soul desires, that He does. For He performs what is appointed for me, and many such things are with Him.” Job 23:13, 14