Job 11-12
Dear RTB’ers,
A third friend, Zophar speaks and essentially repeats what the first two friends have said, that Job has sinned and needs to repent. But Zophar’s “repent and all will be well” is a bit far-fetched: If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away …you will be secure and will not fear. You will forget your misery;… And your life will be brighter than the noonday;… And you will feel secure, because there is hope;… You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favor. (vv. 11:14-19). God is not a light switch that we can turn on and off. Yes, repentance is a good thing, but the sinful seeds that have been planted may continue to yield unrighteous fruit.
Job is not an easy target for his friends’ accusations, their presumption of his sin. He begins chapter 12 with sarcasm (vv. 12:2, 3b) and claims himself to be their equals (v. 3a). He continues to maintain his innocence, even arguing for his righteousness, now turned upside down by his misfortune: I, who called to God and He answered me, a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock. (v. 12:4b) He closes his speech with a dozen verses (vv. 12:13-25) arguing that God will do what God will do, that He is not predictable in His actions, often doing the exact opposite of what we might expect – kings, priests, nations all undone at His whim. Thankfully, on this side of the Cross we can all repeat Jesus’ words, “Your will be done.” And it is done.
Blessings!
See also: