Chronological Bible Study – Jan 11

What I Noticed Today (Job 29-31)

Job 29

Job began his remarks by saying he wished he had never been born (Job 3), but now in Job 29, he recalls all the many blessings in his life that came prior to this crisis.

• Job 29:2-6. The first blessing he mentions is the presence of God in his life and that of his family.
• Job 7-11. Job occupied a position of prestige and received great respect from elders at the city gates.
• Job 12-17. People spoke well of Job because he was known to help the poor, orphans, the dying, widows, the blind, lame, needy, strangers, and the oppressed.
• Job 29:18-20. Job expressed confidence of God’s blessings in the future.
• Job 29:21-25. The final blessings Job mentions are that he had the privilege of being an encouragement and help to others.

Some thoughts for additional consideration:

• We try to obtain wisdom and understanding by increasing our knowledge, but knowledge is not the same as wisdom. Wisdom comes from God, not from a seminar or a book.
• Despite the great tragedies that had come into his life, Job remained steadfast in his faith. Looking back over his life, he recognized the many great blessings that God had provided, and he was thankful. It is hard to reflect on blessings in the midst of great trials, but seeing the blessings brings great balance to our lives.

Job 30-31

Job continues his response in Job 30-31.

Job 30

Job makes four main points in Job 30:

• Job 30:1-15. My friends mock me. My honor and prosperity are gone.
• Job 30:16-19. My body hurts all over from the affliction that has come upon me.
• Job 30:20-23. God has deserted me and no longer answers my cries.
• Job 30:24-26. All hope is lost; my friends have rejected me, evil has replaced good, darkness has replaced the light, and I am alone in my suffering.

Job 31

Job makes his final appeal in Job 31 by naming specific sins and denying that he committed them.

• Job 31:1-4. Job denies looking lustfully at another woman.
• Job 31:5-8. Job claims to have been honest, never deceitful.
• Job 31:9-12. Job denies having committed adultery.
• Job 31:13-15 Job always treated his servants well.
• Job 31:16-23. Job denies oppressing the poor and the needy.
• Job 31: 24-28. Job denies being materialistic.
• Job 31:29-34. Job denies being happy about other people’s troubles.
• Job 31:35-39. Job begs God to hear him and call him to account for his life.

Job 31:38-40. Job claims to have been honest in all his business dealings.

What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.

Tomorrow: Day 12 Job 32-34