Sample Lesson from Old Testament Workbook volume Two (of Two) (Lesson 6 of 53)

Lesson Six: Job 15-37

· In our last lesson we met a character named Job. We noticed where he lived, when he existed, and who wrote the book. We then learned about two dialogues about Job that took place between God and Satan. We studied about some very bad things that happened to Job as a result. Finally, we met three of Job’s friends, learned about what they said to him, and learned what Job said in return.

· In this lesson we learn about a second round of dialogue between Job and his friends. We will then meet a fourth character, find out what he says to Job and his other three friends, and then we will find out how Job answers him.

· Eliphaz speaks up again, and this time accuses Job of not really fearing God. (Job 15)

· Job answer Eliphaz by telling all three of his friends that that they are all “miserable comforters”, that no one can really defend him toward God, and that there was no hope in the end.” (Job 16 and 17).(CSB)

· Bildad speaks up again, and tells Job that he should not talk to his friends that way, especially when he is the one cutting himself with pottery. He reminds Job that he is the one who must have done something to incur God’s wrath. (Job 18) · Job answers Bildad by saying that even if they are correct, that it is between he and God. reaffirming his faith in God even if He is not dealing justly with Job, he says “For I know that my Redeemer lives.” (Job 19) (CSB)

· Zophar speaks up again and remarks that even though he understand how Job has insulted him he is going to say what he is saying out of an understanding spirit. He uses very lightly disguised language to accuse Job of having used his wealth to oppress others. According to Zophar, that is why Job is being punished. (Job 20)

· Job answers Zophar by pointing out sometimes that evil people do sometimes prosper here on this earth, but in the end, everyone get what is coming to them. (Job 21)

· Eliphaz speaks up for a third time any says it is not riches that justify one to God, but that God will give riches to the one who is just. He urges Job to be justified before God. (Job 22)

· Job answers Eliphaz by saying that no man can possibly be justified before God, but God is so powerful that He should be feared, but that doesn’t mean there will be justice in the world. (Job 23 and 24)

· Bildad then speaks again a third time as well. Although many note that it appears like he is somehow answering Job, he is actually agreeing with the point that Job had made that it is impossible for me to justify themselves to God. (Job 25)

· In response to Bildad, Job then notes that the character of God is so deep as to defy understanding, but that even so, maintaining one’s integrity, continuing to turn away from evil and seeking out wisdom is important. (Job 26; 27 and 28)

· Job then makes a statement summarizing everything that has been discussed so far. He makes the following points: 1. In the days when he was wealthy and healthy he was still a man of integrity; 2. now that he is no longer wealthy that those who used to respect him do not anymore; 3. That he never abused his wealth and power. (Job 29; 30; and 31)

· We meet a new character named Elihu. He apparently is also a friend of Job. It is unclear how long he has been there, but it seems to be long enough to have followed the discussion. He makes a point of saying he has been waiting for everyone else to finish talking because he is younger than they are, and so his silence was a mark of respect. He notes that Job’s three friends have failed to answer Job. He then addresses Job, using the same premise Job’s other three had, that Job is being punished by God, but he argues that God is using the punishment as a warning to prevent future sin. (Job 32, 33, 34, and 35)

· Elihu closes out his speech by proclaiming God’s power and majesty. (Job 36 and 37)

Questions:

1. Of what does Eliphaz accuse Job?

2. How does Job answer Eliphaz?

3. Of what song does this remind us?

4. What does Bildad say to Job next?

5. How does Job answer Bildad back?

6. Of what song does this remind us?

7. What does Zophar say to Job next?

8. How does Job answer Zophar back?

9. Of what song does this remind us?

10. What does Eliphaz say the third time he speaks up?

11. How does Job answer Eliphaz?

12. What does Bildad say when he speaks up a third time?

13. What does Job say in response?

14. Why reason does Elihu give for Job’s condition? Why?

15. How does Elihu finish up his speech?