I continue my reflections on Job.
Job rejects the idea that he is deserving of punishment
After Zophar accuses Job of being guilty of hidden sin, Job counters that Zophar should not claim to know the mind of God,
“I have become a laughingstock to my friends,
though I called on God and he answered—
a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!" - Job 12:4
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish in the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the Lord has done this?" - Job 12:7-9
“My eyes have seen all this,
my ears have heard and understood it.
What you know, I also know;
I am not inferior to you.
But I desire to speak to the Almighty
and to argue my case with God.
You, however, smear me with lies;
you are worthless physicians, all of you!
If only you would be altogether silent!
For you, that would be wisdom." - Job 13:1-5
Job puts his trust in God
Job continues to trust God, even though he does not understand the reason for his plight. He asks for God to hear him out.
“Only grant me these two things, God,
and then I will not hide from you:
Withdraw your hand far from me,
and stop frightening me with your terrors.
Then summon me and I will answer,
or let me speak, and you reply to me.
How many wrongs and sins have I committed?
Show me my offense and my sin.
Why do you hide your face
and consider me your enemy?" - Job 13: 20 -24
Job also recognises his life and legacy is in God's control.
“At least there is hope for a tree:
If it is cut down, it will sprout again,
and its new shoots will not fail.
Its roots may grow old in the ground
and its stump die in the soil,
yet at the scent of water it will bud
and put forth shoots like a plant.
But a man dies and is laid low;
he breathes his last and is no more." - Job 14: 7-10
Thus Job knows that his only hope for restoration lies with God.
"Surely then you will count my steps
but not keep track of my sin.
My offenses will be sealed up in a bag;
you will cover over my sin." - Job 14: 16-17
One thing I did admire is while Job rejected the idea that he is in the wrong (as accused in the earlier chapters). He also rejects the idea that he needs to justify himself in front of his friends and knows the only being that holds his fate is God. God may choose to spare or strike him.
