Mark A. Copeland
The Book Of Job
God Speaks To Job (38:1-42:6)
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS SECTION
1) To examine God's response to Job
2) To consider the charges God makes against Job, and Job's repentance
SUMMARY
At last, Job is finally given his desire to have an audience with God. It is not what he expected.
Speaking from a whirlwind, the Lord charges Job with darkening counsel by words without knowledge.
A challenge is then made for Job to answer questions posed to him. A series of questions follow in
rapid succession regarding the creation and nature that certainly contrast God's great power and wisdom
with Job's limited ability and understanding. God ends His first discourse then with a repeated challenge
for the one (i.e., Job) who contends with the Almighty and who rebukes God to answer these questions.
Overwhelmed, Job admits his unworthiness and inability to answer. He admits he has spoken before,
but will do so no more (38:1-40:5).
The Lord is not through with Job, however. A second discourse begins with another challenge for Job to
answer God's questions. Job is asked whether he truly thinks he can annul God's judgment, or condemn
Him so that he can be justified (cf. Elihu's charges, 32:2; 33:8-13). If Job can thunder with a voice like
God's, adorn himself with majesty, splendor, glory and beauty, bring the proud down low, then God
would confess that Job could save himself. To once more illustrate the power and wisdom of God, Job
is asked to consider two great creatures, the behemoth and Leviathan. If man is fearful before them,
how then could one stand against God (40:6-41:34)?
Job's final response is to humbly acknowledge God's ability to do everything, and that no purpose of His
can be withheld from Him. He also confesses that he has spoken of things he did not understand, and
beyond his ability to comprehend. Having now heard and seen God, Job abhors himself and repents
(42:1-6).
OUTLINE
I. GOD'S FIRST DISCOURSE (38:1-40:5)
A. INTRODUCTORY REBUKE AND CHALLENGE (38:1-3)
1. The Lord answers Job (38:1)
a. Job finally gets his audience with God
b. The Lord speaks to Job out of the whirlwind
2. The Lord's rebuke and challenge (38:2-3)
a. Rebuking Job for darkening counsel by words without knowledge
b. Challenging Job to answer the questions God will ask of him
The Book Of Job 37
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