When Life Caves In: Job 2 Commentary

by | May 31, 2021 | Bible Study | 0 comments

Job chapter two is an example of when life completely caves in. Job had already lost it all, but that wasn’t enough for Satan. He had to attack Job personally — mind, body, and spirit — in an attempt to separate Job from God.

Intent and Theme

  • Exploring the theological concept of faith and suffering
  • Analyzing the problem of evil and human response to trials
  • Examining Job’s unwavering integrity in the face of immense personal loss

Key Narrative Points

Divine Council Scene

  • Sons of God (Beni Elohim) present themselves before the Lord
  • Satan appears among them
  • God highlights Job’s continued integrity despite previous losses
  • Reference to Michael Heiser’s work on the divine counsel

Satan’s Challenge

  • Satan argues that Job only remains faithful due to personal comfort
  • Suggests that if Job loses his health, he will curse God
  • God allows Satan to test Job, with the condition that Job’s life must be preserved

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Job’s Physical Affliction

  • Struck with severe illness (possibly leprosy or extensive boils)
  • Symptoms described:
    • Covered from head to toe with painful sores
    • Required scraping infected areas with pottery shards
    • Sitting among ashes
    • Unrecognizable to friends
    • Experiencing physical, mental, and emotional suffering

Job’s Wife’s Response

  • Advises Job to “curse God and die”
  • Commentator notes her own profound loss and suffering
  • Job responds with continued faith, accepting both good and difficult circumstances

Friends’ Response

  • Three friends arrive: Eliphaz (Temanite), Bildad (Shuite), Zophar (Naamathite)
  • Sit with Job for seven days and nights in silent support
  • Demonstrate compassion through presence

Theological Insights

  • Faith is proven through trials
  • Integrity maintained through suffering
  • God’s sovereignty and human trust
  • Importance of community support during difficult times

Key Quotes

  • “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will return there. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.” – Job
  • “Should we receive what is good from God and not also receive what is evil?” – Job to his wife

Actionable Takeaways

  • Maintain faith during challenging circumstances
  • Support friends through silent presence
  • Trust in God’s goodness, even without understanding

Keywords

  • Integrity
  • Suffering
  • Faith
  • Divine Council
  • Testing
  • Trials
  • Friendship
  • Theological challenge

Next Study

  • Will cover Job Chapter 3
  • Will begin dialogue between Job and his friends
  • Continuing exploration of the problem of evil


This Bible study is part of A Study of Job (2021)


Endnotes

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