Job 30-31
Dear RTB’ers,
Job concludes his monologue today with two chapters, the first detailing his misery and the second again claiming his innocence. Yes, he is troubled by his current state, a dramatic contrast with how he felt about himself in prior days (as we read yesterday). He remembers people that he had once scorned in the first eight verses of chapter 30 and now they turn that scorn back to him in the next seven verses. He then reflects on his own situation again and directs his anger toward God: I cry to You for help and You do not answer me; I stand, and You only look at me. You have turned cruel to me; with the might of Your hand You persecute me. (vv. 30:20-21)
Today’s second chapter is beautifully written – in that chapter’s first 34 verses Job lists possible sins that he may have committed and the just punishment for those sins. In so doing, Job consistently proclaims his innocence. For example, If I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, or have eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless has not eaten of it, …if I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing, or the needy without covering … then let my shoulder blade fall from my shoulder, and let my arm be broken from its socket. (vv. 31:16, 17, 19, 22) Job then “signs” the oaths that he has spoken and asks to be judged accordingly. He closes with a curse on his land if he is guilty of these sins.
Fittingly, The words of Job are ended. (v. 40b)
Blessings!
See also:
When reading Job’s list of possible sins in Job 31, I find an inspiring and daunting challenge to righteous living. Years back, I made a list in the margins of my Bible of his actions, which show justice and mercy to others and reverence for God. It is a worthy exercise…
Blessings.