Eden to Eternity Vol. 1, Job 1-9
Last post, we explored the ending of the flood, God's covenant with Noah, the building of a new world, and the introduction of Abraham from Noah's family line. To stick to an approximate chronological timeline, we will be beginning the Book of Job this week! But don’t worry, we will return to Genesis after Job!
Job: 18/66 | Author: unknown | Old Testament | Wisdom & Poetry | Occurred around 2100 B.C. but written around 1440 B.C. (estimated)
Job Chapters 1-9 Summary:
1. JOB AND HIS FAMILY & SATAN’S FIRST TEST
Chapter 1 introduces Job as a "man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil" (Job 1:1, CSB). Aside from being a notably faithful and righteous man, Job was the father of multiple sons and daughters, the owner of vast land, and the herder of thousands of precious livestock. Simply, "Job was the greatest man among all the people of the east" (Job 1:3, CSB).
Then, the author shifts to Heaven, where Satan returns from "roaming the earth" to discuss Job with the Lord (1:7). Satan declares that Job’s faithfulness to God is rooted in the lack of trouble he has been presented with throughout his life. Satan was certain that if God were to abruptly cease blessing Job and his family, Job would become blasphemous towards God.
Side note: "Sah-Tahn" translates to "accuser" or "prosecutor" in Hebrew (Bible Project, 2015).
God then grants Satan authority over Job, allowing the enemy to test him as long as he does not experience physical harm.
And with the green light, it began.
Thieves retrieved a portion of Job’s livestock and murdered his workers.
A fire devoured another portion of his livestock and helpers.
A group of nearby villagers plundered more of the livestock and their accompanying overseers.
A strong wind hit the house of Job’s sons and daughters, crushing the young children.
Job, out of grief, stripped himself of his clothing and shaved his head. He then fell to his knees and worshipped the Lord,
“’The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.’ Throughout all this Job did not sin or cast blame on God for anything” (1:21-22).
2. SATAN’S SECOND TEST OF JOB & JOB’S THREE FRIENDS
Again, Satan presents himself before God. God mentions how Job remained faithful, even though Satan had tested him by stripping away valuable things. Satan again assured the Lord that Job would curse Him if he were struck physically. God approved but ensured that Job’s life would be spared in the process.
Job was covered with boils from his head to his toes.
At this point, Job’s wife pleaded that he would just abandon the Lord, believing that death would be better than living a life of trial in honor of God.
“’Should we accept only good from God and not adversity?’” (2:10).
Friends of Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, visited Job with the intention of consoling him during this difficult time. They observed his incredible suffering, almost unable to recognize who this man was in this moment.
3. JOB’S OPENING SPEECH
Once Job’s friends joined in the sulking, Job questioned his reason for ever being born, denouncing the very day. He reiterates his innocence and ponders what could have provoked such consequences. As he finishes speaking, he admits that he cannot find peace or rest due to the extent of the chaos that has overtaken his life.
4 & 5. FIRST SERIES OF SPEECHES (Eliphaz speaks)
Eliphaz speaks to Job. He says that Job was the one who used to strengthen the weak, but now it is he who needs uplifting.
"It strikes you and you are dismayed. Isn't your piety your confidence and the integrity of your ways your hope?" (Job 4:6)
Eliphaz suggests that Job must be guilty to experience such harsh consequences. He tells Job to "appeal to God" and repent (5:8).
Then Eliphaz describes God as wondrous, lifting the lowly, and trapping the ways of the deceitful (5:9–13). He advises Job to let God correct his wrong ways.
6. JOB'S REPLY TO ELIPHAZ
Job responds by acknowledging that he is spiraling because of the extent of his grief. He claims that God must be out to get him. Spiritually defeated, Job explains that he hopes God will simply crush him and relieve him of his pain as a reward for remaining faithful to Him. He believes that there are no reasons to live out his life in the current condition it's in. Job pleads to figure out what he has done wrong to 'deserve' this suffering.
7. JOB'S REPLY TO ELIPHAZ (CONTINUED)
Job continues to contemplate why he would deserve to have his life unravel as it has. He has lost all hope. He persists in wanting to give up and have his life end.
Job proceeds by questioning God's search for justice and wondering why he has been the target of persecution. He believes he is being treated unfairly.
8. BILDAD SPEAKS
"How long will you go on saying these things?" (Job 8:2)
Thank you, Bildad!
Bildad raises questions about God's traits of righteousness.
"Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?" (8:3)
Job's friend shares his personal rationale for Job's circumstances; his children.
Bildad is convinced Job's children must have behaved indecently or acted immorally, and thus, Job is reaping the consequences of their actions. He tells him to "earnestly seek God and ask the Almighty for mercy...then He will move even now on your behalf and restore the home where your righteousness dwells" (Job 8:5–6).
This friend directs Job to the wisdom of previous generations.
9. JOB'S REPLY TO BILDAD
Job agrees that Bildad's perspective is correct but he questions how a person and their accompanying actions can be truly justified before God and His glorious magnitude. How then, can Job approach God, who is perceived as a perfect Judge, with his case?
He is certain that God does not want his pleas for mercy. Job is filled with such bitterness that he believes his cries will be ignored. Job confidently pronounces that the Lord destroys both the wicked and the blameless.
His response ends by admitting he needs a mediator to gain realistic access to God's might and majesty.
DG’s Reflection Questions (p.19, 21, & 23):
1. Job 1:22 says that Job did not sin or blame God for his suffering. When are you tempted to respond sinfully during difficult circumstances?
2. Job worships God in the midst of his sorrow, acknowledging God is the one who gives and takes away. How does this encourage you to process difficult circumstances honestly before God?
3. Romans 12:15 calls us to “Weep with those who weep.” How does this challenge you to enter into the lives of those who suffer?
4. What words of comfort would you have given to Job after his speech in Chapter 3?
5. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus sympathizes with us in our weakness. How does this bring us comfort in difficult circumstances?
6. Read 1 Peter 5:8-9. How do these verses provide wisdom as we respond to our suffering?
7. What does this passage have to teach us about the nature of God?
8. Bildad focuses solely on one aspect of God's character, namely His justice. What aspect of God's character do you tend to emphasize over others? How does a one-sided view of God impact your relationship with Him?
9. How can reflecting on God's character shape a biblical response to suffering?
When circumstances become difficult, I do find myself tempted to falter in my weak flesh. Unlike Job, who did not blame God for his suffering, there have been moments when I pity myself when life becomes more challenging than it previously was, losing my grip on my faith. I feel entitled to the explanations and instant solutions I think I deserve in these rough spots.
Observing Job worshipping God during some of his toughest trials inspires me to praise God for who He is, rather than what He does. I always try to remind myself that in our weakness, God provides strength.
"But [the Lord] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.' So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, pesecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
And just because life ebbs and flows between seasons of great joy and blessings and low periods of frustration and pain, that doesn’t mean that God is not a constantly good God. I believe our relationship with God becomes its strongest when we persist when feeling weary.
"Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, and lack nothing" (James 1:2-4, CSB).
Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep," encourages me to approach others who may be mourning, grieving, or suffering with outstretched arms and LOVE. We are to partake in confessing our sins and potential vulnerabilities with our community in Christ and do all things with love (James 5:16, 1 Corinthians 16:14), and this verse is a great reminder of these commandments!
I would have acknowledged Job's real and significant sorrow while reminding him not to let it devour his entire existence. I would encourage Job to avoid falling into humanity's habit of self-pity and loathing. Our problems become so much larger and more overwhelming when we turn from God and sit in sadness and despair. We need a constant reminder that God's attributes consist of being sovereign, loving, abounding in grace and compassion, and faithful and true when seeking to restore the goodness of His creation. What is easier said than done, but necessary, is having faith and hope that God is actively redeeming any misery we may be encountering.
Remember that while the devil was harassing Job, God was defending his character. He knew what Job could withstand as a faithful, righteous man, and God was prepared to redeem and reward him for his endurance. God already had Job's welfare in mind.
Hebrews 4:15, "For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin," is encouraging as it emphasizes how much we are sought after and cared for. We are not alone, and our pain is not misunderstood, which leads us to Hebrews 4:16, "Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need."
"Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world" (1 Peter 5:8–9).
1 Peter 5:8–9 provides wisdom by explaining that the enemy is on the hunt for anyone he may torment. We are to remain "firm in the faith" to withstand the temptations and lies of the devil. Just as it was previously expressed in Job, the devil "roams the earth," searching for any opportunity to take advantage of someone's momentary weakness or perceived strength in the Lord.
Spiritual warfare is not something that is exclusively spiritual; it is so powerful that it bleeds into our physical world. As Job was commended by God for being "a man of perfect integrity" (1:8), the devil is similarly seeking to test our faith in the Lord as he persisted with Job, all in the name of swaying believers. Do not let your foundation be shaken by the devil!
These passages instruct us that God’s nature surpasses human nature in the sense that God is not a mere man who holds grudges or is petty and spiteful. It is easy to become so immersed in our own pain that we seek validation by blaming anything else, even when it is nonsensical.
Deuteronomy 32:4 says, "The Rock - His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A faithful God, without bias, He is righteous and true."
Yes, God seeks justice and righteousness, as His character must, but most of all, God seeks to help those He loves—us!
One aspect of God that tends to have a hold over me is His divine holiness. This can make my relationship with Him very intimidating, as I am constantly reminded of how undeserving I am of Him and His hand over my life. This view causes me to sit in shame rather than see the other characteristics of God. Dwelling on the faults of my will weakens my ability to walk with God wholeheartedly. Job's friends, for instance, are so enamored by the integrity of God that they are overlooking His abundance of grace and compassion. These perspectives would strain the relationship we attempt to build with God.
Studying God’s character helps me form biblical reactions to hardship by encouraging me to be open-minded rather than victim-minded. I am quick to shut down, but not swift enough to look at the many heartwarming traits God donates to us as He tends to our pain points and self-development. There is purpose instilled in all of God's creation, even on days filled with life-changing circumstances and heavy emotions.
"In His grace and mercy, God takes the things that we cannot fully understand and uses them to bring about His eternal purposes in the grand story of redemption" (Eden to Eternity, 2022).
Gratitude List:
Pumpkin Cream Cold Brews and Apple crisp oat milk macchiatos—honestly, anything fall and coffee-related!
Blue skies; fall is on her way!
The impact of consistent exposure: Y'all, this might be embarrassing, but it warmed my heart, so I want to share! My husband and I recently went on yet another coffee run to one of our favorite local spots, and the baristas saw us and inquired, "Oh, hey y'all! Back again? Do you want the usual?" and proceeded to name our specific drinks and alterations. I did not know that with how large a business this was, anyone would ever notice us frequenting their store. I told her how sweet it was of them to remember, and she admitted that when they see my husband pull up, they automatically start making his drink before he orders (he is a sweet creature of habit) and that we were standout regulars. I know this just shows that we drink too much caffeine and talk too much to strangers, but my heart has held onto this conversation! This was just three days after one of my favorite employees and I had a five-minute conversation about life in the drive-thru, which was also such a kind encounter! Be sweet to everyone around you, even if it is just awkward picking up the morning coffee small talk!
SEPTEMBERRRRRR! HELLO FALLLLLLL!
Reaching goals: Without even realizing it, I have lost 35 pounds that I used to obsess over just by remaining consistent in my routines. Let us pray that they do not find me again!
The bigger lessons or purposes behind small things in life.
Answered prayers: I have recently been inspired to pray boldly because God Himself is a bold God. And as we expected, my husband and I have noticed many areas of life shifting in miraculous ways! In godly ways! God leaves us speechless. Everything we have ever achieved is because of God. All glory to God for this life He has blessed us with!
New (to me) podcasts that are heartwarmingly nostalgic! Some of the actresses from one of my favorite series, One Tree Hill, reunited to rewatch their show and share the behind-the-scenes moments and all of the emotions they experienced. I have been fighting the urge to rewatch the show for the fourth or fifth time! This podcast and the Girls Next Level podcast have been my go-tos!
Finding recipes. I recently baked my first apple pie, and I surprised myself with how good it was! It has made me want to start trying a new recipe every week to expand my comfort level when it comes to cooking and baking.
Book talk with friends: I am trying to sustain a healthy reading life, so it is nice when friends also have this as a priority.
Being thought of and/or people remembering small, but special things.
Out-of-town friends visiting.
Saturday morning Target runs.
Discovering new scenic trails in our area.
Colorful skies and setting suns.
Fresh banana bread, made by yours truly!
The sweetness of my herd: These dogs + Miss Kitty liven up our home and fill it with so much love!
Local food spots and family-owned businesses.
Breakfast and coffee dates with the husband (all quality time, actually!)
Weeks that fly by to bring in the weekend!
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To learn more about this collection, or to become more familiar with The Daily Grace Co., visit their website!
References
Daniels, K., Dickerson, T., Dickson, K., Hess, A., & Turner, S. (2022). Eden to Eternity (Vol. 1). The Daily Grace Co.
Myers, R., & Williams, A. B. (2020). She Reads Truth Bible. Holman Bible Publishers.
The Bible Project. (2015). Book of Job Summary: A Complete Animated Overview. YouTube. Retrieved September 3, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQwnH8th_fs.
