TEXT: Job 22-24
Eliphaz continues the diagnosis of Job’s dilemma in chapter 22. He really has nothing new to add to the discussion, just rehearses that which has already been voiced. Job is a sinner (v. 5 “Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?”). God is a wise and just judge, who judges the wicked with just such calamaties as Job has experienced. Therefore Job must be wicked. All he needs to do now to experience God’s blessings again is to repent (v. 23, “If thou return ot the Almighty, thou shalt be built up…).
Job’s response in chapter 23 and 24 begins with despair that he is unable to reason with God, that God has made Himself inaccessible. In the midst of the complaining, he affirms his innocense in 24:10 “…When he has tried me, I will come forth as gold”. Job continues in chapter 24 to describe God’s workings on the earth, agreeing with his friends that God judges evil, but disputing with them when and how that judgment may come. He is certain that, in his case, he is judged unjustly.
It’s easy to find yourself in Job’s place when troubles and trials come. Job’s understanding of God is revealed in the crucuble of difficulty. God will take care of me because I am worthy. Though his spirit says, “though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him, his heart is here revealed to be, “If only I could plead my case with Him, He would see my righteousness.”
Job has faith, without question. But the object of his faith is not God alone, but God and his own righteousness.
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