Bible Study Guide: Job Volume 2: Ancient Words Bible Study Series

By Andrew J. Lamont-Turner

Welcome to Volume 2 in the verse-by-verse study of the Bible Book of Job. In the ancient account of Job, witness a story of unimaginable suffering, relentless questioning, and unwavering faith. Job, a righteous and prosperous man, faces a series of inexplicable tragedies that shatter his life and test the limits of his faith. As he grapples with the depths of despair and the weight of existential questions, Job's journey becomes an exploration of the human condition and the nature of suffering.

Amidst the backdrop of heated debates and challenging dialogues with his friends, Job wrestles with the age-old question: Why do the righteous suffer? Through his relentless pursuit of answers and his unyielding trust in God, Job embarks on a profound spiritual journey that challenges the boundaries of his faith and reshapes his understanding of the divine.

Through the pages of this book, experience the raw emotions, the gripping dialogues, and the profound insights that emerge from Job's tumultuous journey. Be captivated by the timeless themes of suffering, wisdom, and the mysteries of God's ways. Ultimately, witness the transformation of a man who, through the crucible of suffering, emerges with a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and a renewed sense of hope.

This book is a timeless exploration of the human experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives, grapple with the complexities of suffering, and find solace in the assurance that even in the darkest moments, faith and resilience can prevail. Journey alongside Job as he navigates the depths of despair and emerges with a newfound understanding of life's deepest mysteries.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew J. Lamont-Turner
• Release date: May 31, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227428479

Andrew J. Lamont-Turner

Andrew Lamont-Turner is a theological scholar, author, and Bible teacher who has dedicated his life to pursuing theological knowledge and disseminating spiritual wisdom. With a profound understanding of the scriptures and a passion for teaching, Andrew has emerged as a leading voice in the field of theology. His extensive academic qualifications and love for God and his family have shaped him into a multifaceted individual committed to nurturing spiritual growth and intellectual exploration. Academic Journey: Andrew's academic journey reflects his thirst for theological understanding. He holds a Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Theology (Honours), Master of Theology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology. These qualifications represent years of rigorous study and a commitment to excellence in his field. Furthermore, Andrew's intellectual curiosity extends beyond theology, as he also possesses a Bachelor of Education (Honours) and several Postgraduate Certificates in various commercial fields. This interdisciplinary approach has enriched his perspective and broadened his ability to connect theological principles with everyday life. Teaching and Writing: Andrew's knowledge of theology has been expressed through his teaching and writing endeavours. As an educator, he has inspired countless students through his engaging lectures and insights into the scriptures. His ability to distil complex theological concepts into accessible teachings has garnered him a reputation as an exceptional communicator. In addition to his teaching, Andrew is a prolific author who has published several books and a comprehensive Bible study series. His books delve into various aspects of Christian theology, offering insights, practical guidance, and thought-provoking reflections. With meticulous research, clear exposition, and a genuine desire to bridge the gap between academic theology and everyday faith, Andrew's writings have touched the lives of many, nurturing their spiritual growth and deepening their understanding of God's Word. Pastoral Leadership: Living his faith ensures Andrew takes his Pastoral Leadership very seriously. He is the Pastor of a community church in rural South Africa, where he ensures the flock entrusted to him by God is well-fed and looked after.

Book preview

Foreword

Welcome to this comprehensive study guide for the Book of Job: Volume II. Whether you are a seasoned student of the Bible or approaching this ancient text for the first time, you are about to embark on a significant journey of exploration, contemplation, and spiritual reflection.

The Book of Job, nestled within the pages of the Old Testament, is a literary masterpiece and a timeless source of wisdom. Its themes of suffering, faith, divine justice, and the mysteries of God have captivated readers and scholars for centuries. This study guide has been carefully crafted to help you explore the depths of Job's narrative and unearth the rich insights it offers.

As you navigate through the chapters of Job, you will encounter a narrative that challenges conventional wisdom and confronts the very nature of suffering. Job, a righteous and prosperous man, is thrust into a world of unimaginable pain and loss. His journey becomes a lens through which we explore the complexities of human suffering and the enigmatic ways of God.

Throughout this study guide, you will find:

Chapter Summaries: Detailed overviews of each chapter to provide context and understanding.

Prayers: Contemporary prayers inspired by the themes and content of Job, allowing you to engage in personal reflection and spiritual connection.

Questions and Answers: Thought-provoking questions and answers based on the text are designed to deepen your comprehension and provoke introspection.

Themes and Insights: Explorations of the key themes and significant insights from Job's story encourage you to ponder life's most significant questions.

Cross-References: References to other books of the Bible where Job is mentioned, demonstrating its interconnectedness with the broader biblical narrative.

This guide aims to be a companion on your journey, providing guidance, inspiration, and clarity as you navigate the intricate terrain of Job's narrative. The Book of Job has much to offer, whether seeking answers to life's deepest questions, striving to understand the nature of suffering, or simply yearning for spiritual growth.

As you embark on this study, remember that the Book of Job is a significant testament to the human spirit's resilience and faith in adversity. It is a reminder that, even in the most challenging times, our relationship with God and our commitment to righteousness can be sources of strength and hope.

May your exploration of the Book of Job be a transformative and enlightening experience. May it deepen your understanding of the human condition, enrich your relationship with the divine, and inspire you to embrace life's uncertainties with unwavering faith and humility.

So, let us begin this journey together, turning the pages of Job's story, and may it illuminate our hearts and minds with its enduring truths.

Blessings,

Andrew

Introduction to this Study

This is Volume II in a two-volume study. This study comprises questions based on the various verses of Scripture taken from the Book of Job.

Part 1 of this study explores the background information of the book, for example, who wrote it, when, to whom, why and other aspects of the book. This information is contained in Volume I of this study guide on the Book of Job.

Part 2 is the verse-by-verse study that requires the reader to complete the questions and tasks at the end of each chapter. If this is done in a cell group environment, these answers should be discussed within the group. This second volume comprises chapters 22 to 42.

Part 3 comprises the overall knowledge check for the Book of Job, allowing you to test your knowledge.

After all the chapters have been studied, there are true, false, and multi-choice questions to test your knowledge of this book.

Suppose you are using the ebook version of this study. In that case, it is advisable to have a notebook handy to record the answers to the questions. Additional space may also be required to work through the test your knowledge questions.

Answering the questions is not a race. Careful thought should go into writing down the answers, specifically the life application of these questions and their answers.

Engaging in a Bible Study suggests that the reader recognises their need to understand Scripture and the depth of wisdom that follows knowing and understanding God and His ways. This is a spiritual journey, and it takes time as you investigate the verses, their meaning as the writer intended them to be, and their life application. Ensure prayer precedes each step of the way, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you and opening your heart and mind to the knowledge of God.

This study matters as it might apply to your life’s reality. In other words, this study considers the Book’s Theology and other principles derived from the book within a framework that makes it easier to apply principles to our daily lives. This study is not a commentary, and although specific information about each book is provided, this study does not engage in textual criticism.

Summary Job: Chapters 1 to 21

Chapters 1 to 21 of the Book of Job present the narrative of Job's suffering, his conversations with his friends, and his initial response to his afflictions.

In Chapter 1, we are introduced to Job, a righteous and prosperous man tested by Satan under God's permission. Job loses his wealth, his possessions, and his children in a series of tragic events, yet he remains steadfast in his faith.

In Chapter 2, Satan receives permission to afflict Job physically, and he is struck with painful sores. Job's wife urges him to curse God and die, but Job refuses, maintaining his integrity.

Chapters 3 to 14 focus on Job's laments and his conversations with his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Job expresses his anguish, questioning the fairness of his suffering and longing for death. His friends, initially sitting with him in silence, begin to offer explanations for his suffering, attributing it to his supposed sins.

Chapters 15 to 21 continue the dialogues between Job and his friends. They accuse Job of wickedness and insist that his suffering results from divine punishment. Job, however, vehemently defends his innocence and maintains his desire for a fair hearing before God.

In these discussions, Job reflects on the brevity of human life, the prevalence of suffering in the world, and the elusive nature of wisdom. He yearns for a mediator between himself and God who could plead his case and find reconciliation.

Throughout these chapters, the book explores significant questions about the nature of suffering, the role of human understanding, and the complexities of divine justice. The narrative sets the stage for God's eventual response in Chapters 38 to 42, where Job encounters the voice of God and gains a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and wisdom.

PART 2: Verse-By-Verse Study

Job Chapter 22:1-30

The three cycles of discourses in Job are comparable to the three rounds of a boxing match; however, in this case, the battle is philosophical rather than physical. During the first part of the discussion, Job's associates questioned his intelligence. In the second part, they questioned his conscience, and in the third and final round, they scrutinised specific difficulties.

It's a sad and regrettable development that Job's associates aligned with Satan's assessment of Job as a hypocrite. Their intention was to defend God, but instead, they ended up advocating for Satan, insisting that God's appointed servant belonged to the devil.

Here's a condensed version of the accusations made by Job's three companions in their respective speeches:

First Cycle: You are a sinner and need to repent.

Second Cycle: You are wicked, and God is punishing you.

Third Cycle: You have committed these specific sins.

These accusations reflect a progression from general to specific charges against Job, revealing their deep-seated belief that his suffering must be due to his own wrongdoing.

Eliphaz Speaks: Job's Wickedness Is Great

Eliphaz was even less gracious during his third and final address than in his earlier remarks. He levelled three major charges against Job:

Job was a sinner: Eliphaz accused Job of various sins, suggesting his suffering was due to his own wrongdoing (Job 22:1-11).

Job was covering up his misdeeds: Eliphaz implied that Job was hiding his faults and deceiving others about his innocence (Job 22:12-20).

Job needed to repent: Eliphaz urged Job to repent and confess his faults so that God could rescue him (Job 22:21-30).

Eliphaz further elaborated on the psychological driving force that, in his opinion, led to Job's transformation into a sinner. He believed Job suffered from internal corruption and refusal to acknowledge his sins before God. This perspective shows Eliphaz's unwavering conviction that suffering is always a punishment for sin, overlooking the complexity and innocence of Job's plight.

²²:¹ Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered, ²²:² "Can a man be profitable to God? Surely, whoever is wise is profitable to himself. ²²:³ Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous? Or does it benefit him that you make your ways perfect? ²²:⁴ Is it for your piety that he reproves and enters with you into judgment? ²²:⁵ Isn’t your wickedness great? Neither is there any end to your iniquities. 

In verse 2, Him should refer to God rather than himself, which would refer to the wise man. This correction aligns with several English versions, including the TNIV, NIV, HCSB, NRSV, and NET2. This distinction sheds light on Eliphaz's extremely limited understanding of God. According to Eliphaz, God does not take pleasure in communion with humanity or blessing people in any way. Instead, Eliphaz believes God's sole motivation for intervening in human affairs is to exact retribution on those who disobey Him.

This negative depiction of God is a perspective held by many people in today's society. In reality, God does not require anything from people. Still, He takes pleasure in our holiness and companionship and deeply loves us.

Eliphaz adheres to a deistic religious outlook. As one academic noted, On the one hand, God is here depersonalised, reduced to a mechanistic conception of righteousness as an impartial norm; and on the other hand, as in all law-oriented religion, what remains of human piety is only a utilitarian ethic of obedience that is ultimately motivated by egocentric considerations despite its religious framework. In other words, God is reduced to a mechanistic conception of righteousness as an impartial norm. This view neglects God's nature's personal, relational aspects, focusing solely on a transactional, legalistic approach to righteousness and piety.

²²:⁶ For you have taken pledges from your brother for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing. ²²:⁷ You haven’t given water to the weary to drink, and you have withheld bread from the hungry. ²²:⁸ But as for the mighty man, he had the earth. The honourable man he lived in it. ²²:⁹ You have sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken. ²²:¹⁰ Therefore, snares are around you. Sudden fear troubles you, ²²:¹¹ or darkness, so you can not see, and flood water covers you. 

Taking pledges (v. 6a) results in people being stripped nude (v. 6b) because the guarantee that a lender would take as security for a debt from a poor debtor would often be clothing. This practice highlights the harshness of debt obligations in ancient times, leaving the debtor vulnerable and exposed.

Eliphaz's interpretation of Job's state of mind is possibly reflected in verse 8, where he suggests that Job believed himself to be above others due to his power and respect. Eliphaz insinuates that Job's arrogance led him to think that rather than a godly man, he was entitled to rule and dominate those around him. This accusation paints Job as someone who misused his status and power.

Were Eliphaz's accusations valid? Job emphatically denied them in Job 22:16-22, asserting his innocence and challenging the basis of Eliphaz's claims. He refuted that his suffering resulted from arrogance or wrongdoing, maintaining his integrity and rejecting the idea that his hardships were divine punishment for personal sins. This defence highlights the book's central theme: questioning the simplistic belief that suffering is always a direct consequence of sin.

²²:¹² "Isn’t God in the heights of heaven? See the height of the stars, how high they are! ²²:¹³ You say, ‘What does God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness? ²²:¹⁴ Thick clouds are covering him so that he doesn’t see. He walks on the vault of the sky.’ ²²:¹⁵ Will you keep the old way, which wicked men have trodden, ²²:¹⁶ who were snatched away before their time, whose foundation was poured out as a stream, ²²:¹⁷ who said to God, ‘Depart from us;’ and, ‘What can the Almighty do for us?’ ²²:¹⁸ Yet he filled their houses with good things, but the counsel of the wicked is far from me. ²²:¹⁹ The righteous see it and are glad. The innocent ridicule them, ²²:²⁰ saying, ‘Surely those who rose against us are cut off. The fire has consumed their remnant.’ 

Eliphaz then moved on to evaluate Job's reasons for his actions. He imagined that Job had concluded that because God resided in heaven, he could get away with sinning on earth. Despite this, Job maintained that God is all-knowing, as stated in Job 21:22: Shall any teach God knowledge, since he judges those who are high? Therefore, Job knew there was nothing he could conceal from God.

Eliphaz, presuming he could read Job's thoughts, attributed blasphemous motives to Job that were inconsistent with Job's actual feelings (Job 22:12-14). He accused Job of thinking that God's distant residence in the heavens rendered Him unaware of earthly affairs, a claim Job never made.

In verses 15 and 16, Eliphaz might have been referencing the wicked people of Noah's generation, implying that Job's supposed sins aligned him with these ancient evildoers. He seems to acknowledge in verse 18a that some of the wicked succeed temporarily: Yet he filled their houses with good things. According to Eliphaz's point of view, Job was one of these exceptionally fortunate people whose past prosperity was undeserved and ultimately led to his downfall. This perspective demonstrates Eliphaz's rigid belief in a direct correlation between sin and suffering and prosperity and righteousness, failing to grasp the true complexity of Job's situation.

²²:²¹ Acquaint yourself with him, now, and be at peace. Thereby, good shall come to you. ²²:²² Please receive instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. ²²:²³ If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up if you put away unrighteousness far from your tents. ²²:²⁴ Lay your treasure in the dust, the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks. ²²:²⁵ The Almighty will be your treasure and precious silver to you. ²²:²⁶ You will delight yourself in the Almighty and lift your face to God. ²²:²⁷ You shall make your prayer to him, and he will hear you. You shall pay your vows. ²²:²⁸ You shall also decree a thing, which shall be established to you. Light shall shine on your ways. ²²:²⁹ When they cast down, you shall say, ‘be lifted up.’ He will save the humble person. ²²:³⁰ He will even deliver him who is not innocent. Yes, he shall be delivered through the cleanness of your hands. 

Eliphaz's appeal is somewhat kind but follows a series of judgmental accusations against Job. Despite Job being a truly good man, Eliphaz's suggestion that Job should perform an act of contrition (Job 22:23) was unnecessary. Job's suffering was not due to a great deal of sin on his part.

In these final lines, Eliphaz unintentionally prophesies what will ultimately be realised in Job's story. However, his perspective is flawed. Eliphaz's belief that God requires repentance from sinners to accept them is misguided. This approach should not be used when appealing to those not yet saved in today's world. God's acceptance does not hinge solely on acts of repentance; those who turn from their sins are not promised material success as a reward.

Eliphaz's fundamental belief in divine retribution led him to misrepresent God's nature and fail to grasp the true complexity of human existence. His perspective was limited to a simplistic view of justice, where suffering is seen as a direct consequence of personal sin, ignoring the nuanced reality of Job's integrity and the broader purposes of God.

Chapter 22 Summary

Chapter 22 of the Book of Job features the third and final response of Job's friend, Eliphaz. In this chapter, Eliphaz accuses Job of various sins and urges him to repent to receive restoration and blessings from God.

Eliphaz asks Job if a person can benefit God, insinuating that Job's righteousness or wickedness would not impact God's greatness. Eliphaz then accuses Job of various sins, including oppression of the poor, taking advantage of the vulnerable, and putting trust in his own righteousness.

Eliphaz asserts that if Job were truly righteous, he would be rewarded with prosperity, peace, and blessings. He claims that Job's suffering results from his sinfulness and encourages him to repent and return to God. Eliphaz emphasises that God is just and will not tolerate wickedness, urging Job to humble himself before God.

Eliphaz further accuses Job of pride and arrogance, suggesting that his suffering results from his refusal to acknowledge his sin. He advises Job to submit to God and seek His forgiveness, assuring him that God will restore and bless him abundantly if he repents.

Eliphaz concludes his speech by exhorting Job to listen and receive instruction, reminding him of the restoration and blessings that await the repentant. He warns Job of the consequences of persisting in his rebellion. He encourages him to turn to God for mercy and restoration.

Chapter 22 of the Book of Job showcases Eliphaz's strong rebuke of Job, accusing him of sins and urging him to repent. Eliphaz emphasises the connection between righteousness, prosperity, and blessings, insisting that Job's suffering is a consequence of his sinfulness. He calls upon Job to humble himself before God and seek His forgiveness to receive the restoration.

This chapter contributes to the ongoing dialogue between Job and his friends, highlighting their differing perspectives on the relationship between righteousness and suffering. It raises questions about the causes of human suffering, the role of repentance, and the nature of divine justice.

Chapter 22 Prayer

Gracious and Merciful God,

We come before Your presence in prayer, drawing inspiration from the words of Eliphaz in Chapter 22 of the Book of Job. We recognise the urgency and exhortation in his speech, urging Job to repent and seek restoration. As contemporary Christians, we also need Your guidance and grace.

Lord, we lift our prayers to You on behalf of all who may have strayed from the path of righteousness. As Eliphaz called upon Job to repent and return to You, we acknowledge our sins and shortcomings. Grant us the humility to recognise our faults and the courage to seek Your forgiveness and restoration.

Help us, O Lord, to genuinely understand Your greatness and our place before You. Guard our hearts against pride and arrogance, knowing that all we have comes from Your abundant grace. Teach us to be good stewards of Your blessings and to use them for Your glory and the benefit of others.

Lord, we pray for those who may be trapped in patterns of oppression and injustice. Open our eyes to their plight and give us the compassion to stand up for their rights. May we be instruments of Your justice and love, working towards a world where all are treated with dignity and respect.

When faced with suffering and hardship, help us seek Your face, knowing You are our ultimate source of comfort and restoration. Grant us the strength to endure, the wisdom to discern, and the faith to trust in Your perfect plan, even when we do not fully understand.

Lord, we pray for a heart of repentance and humility. Show us any areas where we have strayed from Your will. Help us to turn away from our sins and to walk in the path of righteousness. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may bear the fruits of righteousness and be a reflection of Your love and grace.