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Job 32:1
1 So these three [shalowsh] men ['enowsh] ceased [shabath] to answer [`anah] Job ['Iyowb], because he was righteous [tsaddiyq] in his own eyes [`ayin]. KJV-Interlinear
1 Then these three men ceased
answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. NASB
The argument is over, but the three friends have not
been convinced of Jobs argument. In
their eyes, Job is a self-righteous man.
And that is what this verse conveys.
They figure that Job is never going to change his mind, never going to
see the validity of their argument, never going to acknowledge his evil errors,
and therefore never going to return to his former self.
And oddly enough, it is they who have the problem, not
Job. We already have Gods testimony
regarding Job. He is Gods servant and
there is none like him in all the land.
Job has demonstrated a thorough knowledge of
doctrine. Job has articulated his
argument better than his friends, and it is Job who is suffering a horrendous
illness, not they.
A fourth friend, a much younger person, Elihu, will
now enter into the picture. Being
present throughout this conversation, but remaining silent, Elihu will
demonstrate that he too, has some knowledge of God, of life, and of human
nature. But again, Elihu will miss some
very important points of doctrine.
Despite Elihu's deficiencies, we will learn a great
deal of doctrine from his words. All of
which point to a thorough availability of knowledge even back in those very
ancient days in human history.
Job spoke the truth throughout this conversation. His friends heard his words, but they are so
entrenched in their worldly views, that they reject Jobs words. You might recall that the meanings of their
names and residences speak of their earthly opinions. All of which, though they resemble truth,
amount to subtle distortions of truth in so far as they do not relate to
reality.
Elihu will attempt to straighten everyone out with his
aristocratic viewpoint. But, as God will
later ignore all that Elihu says, his words will fail to change any of the
facts of Jobs life or of his circumstances.
Elihu will pose more questions than answers. And in that sense he will imitate the modern
day liberal point of view, challenging everything and solving nothing.
Now is the time to post a prayer.
End Of Lesson
Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.
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