Wednesday, June 25

Job 3 - 4

Job gives voice to his grief and frustration. He pours out a lament, expresses grief for the day of his birth, states a desire to have never been born, and lays out his deeply-felt sorrow. He states that this is a day he has long dreaded - the loss of all. He is unable to rest, to be still, to be at peace or to sit by idly. He sees death as a better alternative to his present life situation - not that he is contemplating taking his life; but he does not see the point of beginning life if this is what it brings.

Job's friends break their silence and attempt to console and counsel their friend. They are truly concerned for him; and their desire for his well-being is evident. Eliphaz begins by reminding Job that his life has been instructive for many in dire situations; but now that it happens to him he is not practicing what he preached. Eliphaz reminds Job of the consequences of doing that which is displeasing to the Lord. He states the correct principle of sowing and reaping (you plant seeds of destruction, you will gain destruction). Eliphaz's point is clear and correct: God punishes sin.

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