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JOB: LESSON FOUR

INTRODUCTION

In chapters 8-14, we observe the first discourses of Bildad and Zophar. Bildad appeals to the experiences of the ancient fathers to establish  Job’s suffering was due to his forgetting God (chapter 8). Zophar boldly accuses Job of wordiness, foolishness, mockery, and self-righteous smugness before a righteous God (chapter 11). In chapters 9 & 10, and 12, 13, and 14 we read of Job’s responses and continued dilemma.

IV. BILDAD’S AND ZOPHAR’S FIRST DISCOURSES WITH JOB  (chapters 8-14).

A. Bildad’s logic (8:1-7)

1. God can do no wrong.

2. God will respond to repentance.

3. God blesses those who turn to Him – rebukes and punishes those who turn away from Him.

B. Bildad’s exhortation (8:11-22)

1. God always cuts off those who seem to prosper because of evil – appeal to those experienced.

2. Exhortation to repentance

C. Job answers Bildad (chapters 9-10)

1. Job acknowledges God’s justness but is bewildered as to how man can try to justify himself before the sovereign God (chapter 9).

2. Job speaks to God questioning why God tears him apart – Job seeks to be left alone (chapter 10).

D. Zophar’s scorching rebuke (chapter 11)

1. Job’s punishment is deserved.

2. Job’s ignorance contrasted with God’s deep wisdom and inscrutable ways.

3. Possibilities and warnings for Job.

E. Job answers Zophar (chapters 12-14)

1. Sarcasm for so-called friends – friends have not helped him deal with his suffering (12:1-13:19).

2. Job’s prayer to God – pleas for pain to be lifted and protests the silence of God (13:20-14:22).

QUESTIONS:

1. What does Bildad say about God?

2. How does Bildad account for the tragedy which befell Job’s children?

3. What is Bildad’s estimation of Job’s character as suggested in 8:6-7?

4. What does Bildad appeal to in proving his case against Job?

5. How does Bildad describe the godless man’s ways and destiny in 8:11-19?

6. What is Job’s description of God in 9:5-12?

7. How does this understanding of God intensify his personal dilemma?

8. Why does Job desire a “daysman” or “umpire” in 9:33?

9. What seems  unreasonable to Job in 10:8-17?

10. What does Zophar think of Job?

11. What does Job think of Zophar?

12. What does Job say about God’s power  in 12:12-25?

13. What is Job’s confidence according to 13:17-19?

14. Discuss the words of Job in chapter 14 that manifest his deep despondency?