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| JOB |
| Explanatory Footnotes - page 2 |
| for an advocate, found their full realization in Jesus, who was called the "one mediator between God and men" (1 timothy 2:5). 11:14 Unfair Accusation Zophar, the least tactful of the three friends, made direct accusations against Job, repeating the common refrain that Job was being punished for some sin. In a speech recorded in chapter 12, Job agreed in principle that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. But in his own case he knew he was innocent. No matter how convincing their arguments, he had to protest against them. 13:15 A Desperate Hope This statement more than any other shows the depth of Job's faith, and the reason he made good on God's challenge against Satan. He valued his faith in God even above his own life. He asked only for a "day in court," a chance to confront God personally and hear an explanation. 15:4 A Shocking Lack of Piety Job minced no words in his complaints against God. As a result, his friends criticized him for undermining piety and hindering devotion to God. Notably, in his summing-up speech God did not condemn Job's varying moods; he instead dismissed the pious words of Job's friends. 16:9 When God Seems Angry In his trauma, Job could not help feeling that he was the object of God's anger. Many people who undergo great pain feel the same. In Job's case, however, we know that God was not angry with him. He had held him up before Satan as "a man who fears God and shuns evil" (1:8). 17:12 A Wrong Time for Cheer Falsely cheerful advice can actually make a suffering person even more discouraged. Job's sentiments in this passage are |