Dear RTB’ers,
Two very different chapters today, Job speaking in both. The first chapter is about wisdom, the second Job recounting days gone by. As for wisdom, Job contrasts mining for minerals in the first eleven verses with searching for wisdom in the next eleven verses. And yes, mankind can find minerals, but wisdom rests with God. Man can seek wisdom only by seeking God: And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’ (v. 28:28)
In today’s second chapter Job is remembering his past, how he had been blessed by the Lord and honored by mankind. I particularly like his claims for the good that he did for the needy. When people saw him, they approved: …because I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him. The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. (vv. 29:12-13, ff.) He continues listing his good deeds for another four verses. I really appreciated Job countering a false charge made by Eliphaz, You have sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless were crushed. (v. 22:9) Job specifically mentions widows and orphans in the verses quoted above.
Job will continue his monologue another two chapters. But they will certainly have a different tone about them!
Blessings!
See also: