JUNE 6
In chapter 29 Job recalls the days when he walked through
the uncertain paths of life with the confidence that no serious ill
could harm him because the Lord was with him. It would seem from
some of these statements that Job had almost forgotten about the
Lord’s sovereign and unchangeable care.
Job’s circumstances had probably begun to affect him
mentally as well as physically. He says, “And now my soul is poured
out upon me; the days of affliction have taken hold upon me.” This
refers to the fact that day and night his mind was greatly disturbed
by his calamities. His physical pain was continuous; there was no
relief either in the night or in the day. As Job says, “My bones are
pierced in me in the night season: and my sinews take no rest.” It
is quote obvious that Job found it most difficult to sleep because
of his extreme suffering.
We must not be too critical of Job, for, if we were in
similar circumstances, we would probably act in the same manner. It
seems that Job’s besetting sin here was that of unbelief! He had
earlier declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” He
now seems to have lost his confidence in God. Is this not often the
case in our lives? Though our trials might not be as severe as
Job’s, even in circumstances less severe we have failed to trust the
Lord as we should.
In Job’s speeches he has argued for his integrity. First of
all, on the grounds that he refrained from sin by guarding his eyes;
secondly, by the fact that he did not oppress the poor and needy;
and thirdly, that he has not trusted in money. He says, “If I have
made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my
confidence; If I rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because
mine hand had gotten much.” Job was not guilty of the sin of
covetousness.
Today’s reading closes with the statement, “The words of Job
are ended.” This does not mean that Job does not speak again in the
remaining chapters, but rather that he has nothing further to say to
his three friends about these matters. He has offered them his
concluding argument. He has nothing more to say by way of self
defense and vindication. If what he has said does not suffice, he
chooses to keep silent.