Third Cycle of Speeches (22:1-26:14)
The debate is now winding down. Note (1) that this final cycle is a third the length of the first one, (2) that there is no speech from Zophar, and (3) how much repetition there is of former arguments.
● Chapter 22 – Note Eliphaz’s false accusations against Job (vv. 6-9; cf. 31:13-23), assumed to be true because Eliphaz’s theology demands it; so after instructing Job on God’s ways once more (22:12-20), he again calls him to repentance (vv. 21-30).
● Chapters 23-24 – Job again expresses a desire to plead his case before God (23:1-7), indicating both hesitant confidence (vv.8-12) and trembling fear (vv. 13-17). In any case, Eliphaz is simply wrong. The world is full of injustice (24:1-17); may the wicked be cursed (24:18-25).
● Chapter 25 – Bildad utters the counselors’ final word: God is too great for Job to question him.
● Chapter 26 – Job agrees about God’s majesty, but (in what follows) not the implications they draw from it.
The debate is now winding down. Note (1) that this final cycle is a third the length of the first one, (2) that there is no speech from Zophar, and (3) how much repetition there is of former arguments.
● Chapter 22 – Note Eliphaz’s false accusations against Job (vv. 6-9; cf. 31:13-23), assumed to be true because Eliphaz’s theology demands it; so after instructing Job on God’s ways once more (22:12-20), he again calls him to repentance (vv. 21-30).
● Chapters 23-24 – Job again expresses a desire to plead his case before God (23:1-7), indicating both hesitant confidence (vv.8-12) and trembling fear (vv. 13-17). In any case, Eliphaz is simply wrong. The world is full of injustice (24:1-17); may the wicked be cursed (24:18-25).
● Chapter 25 – Bildad utters the counselors’ final word: God is too great for Job to question him.
● Chapter 26 – Job agrees about God’s majesty, but (in what follows) not the implications they draw from it.
Discussion for this week:
These two stanzas stood out to me in this weeks reading. They impacted me in a way. Do you have any thoughts on how they affect you, or was there any stanza or verse that stood out to you that you would like to share?
Job 24:22-23 "But God drags away the mighty by his power; though they become established, they have no assurance of life, He may let them rest in a feeling of security, but His eyes are on their ways."
Job 26:6 "Death is naked before God; Destruction lies uncovered."
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