July 13 / Job 22-24

Job 22-24

Dear RTB’ers,

Eliphaz’ third speech, reprimanding Job without evidence. Was Job really so wicked? Has he exacted pledges … stripped the naked of their clothing … given no water to the weary … withheld bread from the hungry … with power possessed the land … sent widows away empty and crushed the arms of the fatherless? (vv. 22:6-9) Where is Eliphaz’ evidence? He has only unfounded accusations! Let’s go back to what God has said about Job: And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” (v. 1:8) Still, even with no evidence of Job’s wickedness, Eliphaz offers good counsel (for all of us!) to repent: If you return to the Almighty you will be built up; if you remove injustice far from your tents … then the Almighty will be your gold and your precious silver. (vv. 22:23, 25)

Job has apparently heard Eliphaz’ accusations and completely denies them. He claims that the exact opposite is true: My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my portion of food. (vv. 23:11-12) Job goes on to describe true evil (Job 24:2-11), although God seems not to intervene (Job 24:1, 12). Job also identifies the wrongdoers – the murderers and adulterers and the darkness in which they do their evil deeds – but their end is the same as all mankind. Job refuses to yield to Eliphaz’ false accusations! This is the Job that I like to see!!

Blessings!


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