Epistle for May 9, 2014
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E-Pistle
FreeWay Foundation May 9, 2014
search out the deep things of god
(Job 11:1-20)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the contents of this chapter
1. Zophar, Job's third friend, verbally attacked him as a hypocrite full of empty
talk who should be rebuked, and he called him a mocker whose punishment
from the Lord, was less than his iniquity deserved, vv. 1-6.
2. Zophar emphasized Job's lack of wisdom by contrasting it with the unlimited
Knowledge of Almighty God, vv. 7-9.
3. Zophar rudely insulted Job as a hopelessly stupid (empty-headed) man who
"will be wise when a wild donkey's colt is born a man," vv. 10-12.
4. Zophar proclaimed that repentance was the only way for Job to escape his
present suffering and eternal damnation, but he predicted that Job's fate . . .
his only real hope . . . was death, vv. 13-20.
II. Meditation: on the deep things of God
1. God's thoughts are "higher than heaven . . . deeper than Sheol (the abode of
the dead) . . . longer than the measure of the earth . . . broader than the sea,"
vv. 8-9.
2. Isaiah wrote: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My
ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are
My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts,'"
Isaiah 55:8-9.
3. Man's wisdom and knowledge is finite . . . limited in quantity, degree, and
capacity; it is bounded, countable, and measurable.
4. God's wisdom and knowledge is infinite . . . He is omniscient!
III. Revelation: on the spiritual results of a repentant heart
Zophar urged Job to repent, forecasting the following if and when he would
"prepare his heart . . . stretch out his hands (pray) . . . put iniquity away . . .
forsake iniquity":
1. He would be able to lift up his face in purity, and approach God with boldness
and confidence, v. 15.
2. He would be able to forget his former misery and sufferings, v. 16.
3. He would be able to live and walk in the light of God's acceptance and approval,
v. 17.
4. He would be able to rest in safety and security, with peace in the present and
hope for the future, vv. 18-19.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Look to the Lord God for divine wisdom and knowledge, and for spiritual
enlightenment, Psalm 37:5-6.
2. Repent of my sins, confessing and forsaking them, and receive God's mercy,
Grace, forgiveness, and cleansing, I John 1:9.
3. Approach the Father's throne with boldness in the name of my Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ, Hebrews 4:16.
4. Walk daily with the Lord in confidence, peace, and hope, Psalm 23:1-6.
A night on the threshing floor
(Ruth 3:1-18)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the events of this chapter
1. Naomi instructed Ruth on what to do to get Boaz to take the proper
actions to bring her "security" (v. 1) by taking her as his wife, vv. 1-5.
2. Ruth went to the threshing floor, observed where Boaz lay down for
the night, and (as Naomi instructed her) uncovered his feet and lay
down there, vv. 9-15.
3. Boaz awoke and, after some discussion, accepted Ruth's request to
become her husband and "redeemer," vv. 9-15.
4. Ruth brought Boaz' generous gift of grain back to Naomi, who perceived
that he would conclude the arrangements that very day, vv. 16-18.
II. Meditation and Revelation: on some significant details see here
1. "Relative" (v. 2) refers to the cultural obligation of a family member to care
for kinfolk who has suffered loss. The expression "kinsman redeemer" is
often used to convey the idea of the combination of a human relationship with
a divinely appointed "recoverer" who was qualified to "redeem" another relative
from salve status or recoup property once owned but now lost by reason of
indebtedness.
2. Ruth "uncovered his feet" (v. 7): The obvious purpose was that the chill of
the night would startle Boaz, and he would discover her at his feet.
"Was startled" (v. 8) may be translated, "shivered with cold."
3. "Under your wing" (v. 9) is literally "spread the corner of your garment over"
. . . referencing the ancient Middle Eastern custom of casting a garment
over one being claimed for marriage. This act does not imply anything so
inappropriate as a midnight sexual encounter!
4. Although Ruth took the initiative in approaching Boaz (probably because
he was shy due to their age difference, v. 10) her actions should not be
seen as seductive and inconsistent with the spiritual nobility of the book.
To the contrary, Boaz' words, "You are a virtuous woman,"(v. 11), make it
clear that he believed her to be highly moral. "Do not let it be known" (v. 14)
was a precaution to avoid the possibility of anyone's misunderstanding of
Ruth's actions that night.
III. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Assume the personal responsibility of caring for my needs relatives.
2. Be respectful and obedient to the God-honoring advice given by my elders.
3. Rest in peace and assurance "under the wings" of my Redeemer, Almighty
God, Psalm 36:7; Matthew 23:37.
4. Live a life of purity and virtue, taking care that observers are not offended
or led astray by the questionable "appearances" of my innocent actions,
I Thessalonians 5:22.
"It takes your enemy and your friend, working together, to hurt you to the heart:
The one to slander you and the other to get the news to you."
--Mark Twain from "Wit and Wisecrack"
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