Explore the Bible: July 18

Dependence Declared • Job 42:1-11

By Beth S. Bowman

Years ago we had a revival team in our church that taught the importance of apologizing. They emphasized not only the importance of seeking forgiveness by stating, “I am sorry,” to the offended person, but also following up that statement with the words, “Will you forgive me?” When we have wronged someone, stating the last part, “Will you forgive me?” takes us out of the driver’s seat and opens the door to receive mercy from the other person.

Although Job doesn’t use the exact words, “Will you forgive me?” His attitude and repentance certainly reflects it. When God finishes speaking in Job 41, we then hear from Job. It’s been a long ordeal from the beginning of Job’s troubles until now.

Job’s story begins as a comfortable life with herds and possessions, children and prosperity. Job then experiences insurmountable loss, including his health and family and any comfort. In our lesson passage, we read about the response Job gives to conclude this part of his life.

The first statement Job makes is one that we would do well to state. Job 42:1 reads, “I know Youcan do anything” (NIV). This declaration acknowledges God’s supreme power and His faithful comfort and presence. God can do it all.  No purpose of God can be stopped. God’s purposes will be accomplished. He was at work in Job’s life and is at work in ours!

Job acknowledges that God’s purposes cannot always be understood by us. We do not have the mind of God and we cannot see the big picture.  We often speak of things we do not know (“Why is this happening?”) and we question the path of our lives, but God not only sees the big picture, He is actively working all things in our lives for His glory (Romans 8:28).

Job realizes that during this time, not only have his ears heard the words of God, he also has seen God. His response to this? Verse six: “Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes”(NIV). Job is throwing himself on the mercy of his Creator. 

In Blueletterbible.com, the theologian Morgan focuses on Job’s use of the words, “despise myself.” Morgan explains the Hebrew word literally means, from the standpoint of etymology, “to disappear.” From the standpoint of usage, it means “to retract,” or “to repudiate.”

As a matter of fact, Job at this point went beyond what he had previously said when he declared, “I am of small account” (Job 40:4 ESV). He declared that he practically cancelled himself entirely. He retracted all that he had said.

God addresses Eliphaz next. God’s words are direct and to the point. He is angry with Eliphazand Job’s other two friends for not speaking the truth about Him to Job. They spoke of God as judgmental and angry when He was not, and continually encouraged Job to repent because he had made God mad in some way.

God corrects Job’s friends and lifts up Job by stating that he (Job) had not spoken against Him(God). In fact, the only way God was going to accept their repentance is if Job prayed for them. God stood behind Job, not only affirming his previous words and actions but setting up Job as the more spiritual person. His prayers could redeem his friends before God.

The end of this story is my favorite part. After Job prays for his friends, God restores Job’s wealth even though Job never asked for this. Job had been seen as a person to be pitied and ignored, but God restores Job’s relationships with his family and friends as they come over to have fellowship and share a meal with him.

Around the dinner table, those family members and friends must have recognized God’s providence and plan for Job. They sympathize with his previous sorrows and celebrate his restoration and future by giving him gifts of silver and gold.

Although our focus verses are 1-11, be sure to read to the end of the chapter to see the provision of God in Job’s life as he gains more sons and daughters and lives to see his grandkids and great grandkids. God indeed is the great Restorer and Healer.

Bowman, a member of West Carthage Church, is a speaker/writer. She may be contacted at beth@bethbowman.net.