710. JOB 42:1, &C. THE CRISIS AND RESTORATION OF JOB. [NO. XIII.]

Job_42:1, &c. The Crisis and Restoration of Job. [No. XIII.]

"Then Job answered the Lord, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee."’97Job_42:1, &c.

In addition to the addresses of Job’s three friends’97Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar’97a young man of extraordinary powers, stepped forth, and delivered a series of observations in the most lofty, sublime strains of sacred eloquence. His address occupies six chapters, from 32nd to 38th, inclusive. He dwells chiefly on the grandeur, power, and wisdom of God. On the greatness of his works, and the illimitable extent of his dominion. Jehovah then steps forth and speaks out of the whirlwind, and the discourse of God is presented in the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st chapters.

During the delivering of God’s righteous will, Job is humbled, and exclaims, "Behold,

I am vile," chapter Job_40:4. When God ceaseth to speak, Job answered, "I know thou canst do every thing," &c.

Now observe,

Job’s sincere humiliation.

God’s vindication of him.

His mediatorship on behalf of his friends; and,

His return to prosperity and happiness.

I. His sincere humiliation.

Observe, he had not fallen into the snare of the devil. He had not been guilty of secret sins against the Most High. But he had spoken rashly and irreverently’97he exhibited too much of the spirit of self-exaltation’97he had also indulged in a spirit of recrimination, &c.

Observe, in his humiliation,

1. His declaration concerning the divine power and omniscience.

Job_42:2.

Almightiness is God’s attribute, by which he can do all that he ought to do. Omniscience, by which he is not only cognizant of the actions and words, but thoughts. All desires and purposes are open to God. The heart is uncovered before him. How great and glorious is the Lord God! Who would not fear and stand in awe of him? Notice, 2. His acknowledgment of his ignorance and presumption.

Job_42:3.

God had thus charged Job; chap. Job_38:2. He acknowledges, and evidently laments it. Yet how greatly elevated was Job above most men, in his religious knowledge. But there are regions inaccessible to all, &c. Too deep,’97too high! &c. Much may be known, but the unknowable, how vast! How we should pause in our researches after divine knowledge, lest we act irreverently and with presumption. I think the 4th verse might be rendered so as to be a citation from his own presumptive irreverent exclamations. See chap. Job_13:1-3. Now he is abased, and docile as a little child.

3. He expresses an important change in his views of the divine character.

Job_13:5. "I have heard of thee," &c.; and he had attained much knowledge of God; but now, having come in closer contact, so as to be placed in the divine presence, and hear from God’s immediate lips,’97he had higher, holier, and clearer views of his infinite majesty. "Mine eye seeth;" not literally, but the eye of the mind, &c.

4. He utters the language of self-abhorrence and true contrition.

Job_13:6. "Wherefore, I abhor," &c. I am ashamed. I despise and loathe myself. I feel my own vileness and pollution, and I repent, i. e., change my views and feelings, in deep humility, &c. What a striking picture of a good man filled with the true spirit of genuine humility, and godly sorrow. Observe,

II. God’s vindication of the character of Job.

Job_13:7.

God was evidently displeased with the evil surmisings of Job’s friends.

And with their hard sayings, and bitter reflections.

Job had said and done amiss, but his condition was peculiar’97in deep waters, &c. God will remember all our circumstances, and we shall be judged according to them, &c. Job, on the whole, had a most correct view of the Almighty; and God gives the verdict in his favor.

How important to the good man, that God knows his ways! How desirable to fall into the arms of God!

Observe,

III. His appointed mediatorship on behalf of his three friends.

Job_13:8.

Now observe in this,

1. A recognition of the law of sacrifices. Of this we spoke at length, in our second discourse.

2. We see an exhibition of mediatorial influence.

They are told what to do. Job was to act and mediate between them and God. His intercessions were to arise, &c. Sacrifice and prayer united; Job_13:9 : God accepted the offerings and prayers, &c. Wherefore this arrangement in reference to Job’s friends?

(1.) To point to the great sacrifice and mediator. In this, Job seems a type of the Saviour. He prayed for his accusers. Jesus for his murderers. Job’s friends were accepted through sacrifice, and his intercession; so sinners with God, through Christ.

(2.) To humble Job’s friends. They had exalted themselves’97now God abases them. From accusers they must become suppliants.

(3.) To produce a spirit of reconciliation. They ask Job’s prayers, and Job forgets his wrongs, and intercedes; and doubtless, this was the surest basis of future friendship.

How often could we easily settle our disputes and difference on our knees. But alas! men have more of the spirit of controversy than of prayer.

Notice,

IV. Job’s restoration to prosperity and happiness.

Job_13:10. Observe, (1.) The adverse stream is driven back. (2.) The tide of prosperity sets in twofold, (3.) He enjoys the society and affection of his friends. How often God employs friends as his instruments of comfort. This is good for both giver and receiver.

(4.) He has a family raised up to share his felicity; Job_13:13, Job_13:14. His daughters were celebrated for their beauty and loveliness; and his sons and daughters for the abundance of their possessions.

(5.) He had many years of peace and enjoyment; Job_13:16. He at length died, full of years, riches, and honor; Job_13:17.

Application

Learn,

1. The necessity of cultivating a spirit of humble penitence before God.

Only safe while we are low. Seek not, aim not, at high things, &c.

2. The importance of entire submission to God.

God must have all the glory, as he has all the power and the might, &c.

3. How needful to hold fast our hope. The Christian’s motto should be, "Never despair!"

4. A right state of heart towards God will lead to a spirit of love and reconciliation to our fellowmen.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS