By: Gene Anderson
When reading the Bible we should use every caution to not read into it that which is just not there. Even well-meaning people have taken a Verse, isolated it and/or taken it out of context and made a particular Passage of Scripture say something that it was never meant to say. This has been my experience with Job. Most know the story, how he lost just about everything he had, including his health, and how after several verbal exchanges with his three friends, the LORD restored all that HE had lost and then some (JOB 42:10,12,13).
That Job suffered is not debatable. But why he suffered is.
The controversy has to do with the interpretation of Job’s words in 3:25, which reads: “FOR THE THING WHICH I GREATLY FEARED HAS COME UPON ME, AND THAT WHICH I WAS AFRAID OF IS COME UNTO ME.”
Job plainly stated that he feared something. What’s not clear to some is exactly what/who Job feared.
Many use this Verse to blame Job for all of his problems. They say that if he didn’t fear losing all his possessions, then he wouldn’t have had to be tested the way he was. As we shall see, this is the same reasoning that Satan used when speaking about Job to the LORD.
Is this true? Did these things happen to Job because his fear was misplaced or because of some other wrongdoing in his life? Well, there is no better place to go for the answers than to the Book of JOB itself. Let’s look at several Verses and see what others said about what Job feared.
FEAR
Before we proceed, it may be good to look at what a Biblical fear of GOD means. Though it has many applications, the fear of GOD for the believer is not some trembling, hysterical fear that brings terror to one’s heart. It’s a reverent awe and respect for WHO GOD is. A proper fear of the LORD is healthy and desired by GOD.
The Bible tells us that “THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM: AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY IS UNDERSTANDING” (PR.9:10). A healthy fear of the LORD has many benefits: “A WISE MAN FEARETH, AND DEPARTETH FROM EVIL … IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS STRONG CONFIDENCE: AND HIS CHILDREN SHALL HAVE A PLACE OF REFUGE. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE, TO DEPART FROM THE SNARES OF DEATH … BY HUMILITY AND THE FEAR OF THE LORD ARE RICHES, AND HONOUR, AND LIFE (PR.14:16,26-27 & 22:4).
Just as there is right and wrong sorrow and repentance (2 COR.7:10), there is right and wrong fear, “THE FEAR OF MAN BRINGETH A SNARE: BUT WHOSO PUTTETH HIS TRUST IN THE LORD SHALL BE SAFE” (PR.29:25).
Notice the difference on Resurrection day: “AND FOR FEAR OF {THE ANGEL] THE KEEPERS DID SHAKE, AND BECAME AS DEAD MEN” (MT.28:4). “AND [THE WOMEN] DEPARTEDQUICKLY FROM THE SEPULCHRE WITH FEAR AND GREAT JOY; AND DID RUN TO BRING HIS DISCIPLES WORD” (28:8).
Obviously, the guards placed there by the Jewish leaders did not experience the joy or the same fear that the women did, because they were there for a completely different reason. I believe Job had the right kind of fear. It’s a healthy GOD-honoring fear that everyone is supposed to possess. A proper fear of the LORD will keep us from doing things that dishonor HIS NAME.
THERE WAS A MAN IN THE LAND OF UZ, WHOSE NAME WAS JOB; AND THAT MAN WAS PERFECT AND UPRIGHT, AND ONE THAT FEARED GOD, AND ESCHEWED EVIL. (Job 1:1)
I doubt if anyone knows for sure, but many think that Moses wrote JOB through the inspiration of the HOLY GHOST. Whoever it was, the author opens the Book by stating that not only was Job perfect and upright, but one that feared GOD.
It seems unlikely that if Job were covetous and materialistic that he would have been called upright. This is witness #1 as to what Job feared.
NOW THERE WAS A DAY WHEN THE SONS OF GOD CAME TO PRESENT THEMSELVES BEFORE THE
LORD, AND SATAN CAME ALSO AMONG THEM …. AND THE LORD SAID UNTO SATAN, BAST THOU CONSIDERED MY SERVANT JOB, THAT THERE IS NONE LIKE HIM IN THE EARTH, A PERFECT AND AN UPRIGHT MAN, ONE THAT FEARETH GOD, AND ESCHEWETH EVIL? (Job 1:6 & 8)
Here, in the presence of the “sons of GOD,” the LORD brings Job to Satan’s attention. Notice how the LORD describes Job, exactly the same way as the writer did – perfect, upright, and one that feared GOD.
Since GOD ALMIGHTY HIMSELF tells us that Job feared HIM, then we can know for certain that Job feared GOD! This is witness #2.
THEN SATAN ANSWERED THE LORD, AND SAID, DOTE JOB FEAR GOD FOR NOUGHT? BAST NOT
THOU MADE AN HEDGE ABOUT HIM, AND ABOUT HIS HOUSE, AND ABOUT ALL THAT HE MATH ON EVERY SIDE? THOU HAST BLESSED THE WORK OF HIS HANDS, AND HIS SUBSTANCE IS INCREASED IN THE LAND. BUT PUT FORTH THINE HAND NOW, AND TOUCH ALL THAT HE HATH, AND HE WILL CURSE THEE TO THY FACE. (Job 1:9-11)
Satan’s response does not deny what GOD said about Job. He acknowledged that Job feared GOD, but that his fear was not for the right reason. Satan’s accusation was that Job feared GOD because of his prosperity, and that if his creature comforts were taken away, that Job’s attitude towards the LORD would change.
Remember, Satan is called “THE ACCUSER OF OUR BRETHREN” (REV.12:10), and he tries to discredit GOD’s children in any way he can.
Notice that Satan knows exactly WHO’s in charge when he tells GOD in Verse 11 to “… PUT FORTH THINE HAND …”. Satan does not say “let me at him!” He cannot do any more than what GOD allows him to do.
Some may question how Satan can present himself before the LORD when JESUS said “I BEHELD SATAN AS LIGHTNING FALL FROM HEAVEN” (LK.10:18)? The answer is that though Satan lost his position in Heaven, he did not lose his access. His was the ultimate demotion. He is no longer the majestic angel that some believe is described in ISAIAH 14 and EZEKIEL28. REVELATION 12:7-10,12 indicates that one day he will even lose his access to Heaven after a battle with Michael and his angels.
After all these things happened to Job, the Bible tells us:
THEN JOB AROSE, AND RENT HIS MANTLE, AND SHAVED HIS HEAD, AND FELL DOWN UPON THE GROUND, AND WORSHIPPED, AND SAID, NAKED CAME I OUT OF MY MOTHER’S WOMB, AND NAKED SHALL I RETURN THITHER: THE LORD GAVE, AND THE LORD HATH TAKEN AWAY;
BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD. IN ALL THIS JOB SINNED NOT, NOR CHARGED GOD FOOLISHLY. (1:20–22)
There is so much about Job’s character in these verses. They do not tell us that he asked GOD “Why?”. They do not tell us that he began planning his strategy for reaccumulating his lost stuff. No. We are told that after all these calamities befell him, that he “worshipped.” If this were the last Verse in the Book, it alone would prove that Satan’s accusation of Job was completely false. The “hedge” had been removed, and still Job displayed his love and devotion for his CREATOR.
I have even heard some criticize Job for saying what he did in verse 21 about the LORD giving and taking away. The claim is that only GOD blesses and only the devil takes away (JN.10:10). This may sound good, but it fails to take into account many facts about GOD and how HE deals with HIS CREATION.
It would do us good to realize that what we consider “evil” and what GOD considers “evil” may be two different things. GOD will use things we would never choose to bring about a desired result.
Do you think GOD missed the mark when HE made Abraham wait 25 years to bless him with Isaac? Do you think Joseph stayed in prison for as long as did on a false charge for nothing? Do you think David’s running from Saul for all those years had nothing to do with GOD’s plan for his life? How quick we are to forget or just not fully believe ROMANS 8:28:
“AND WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.–
Never presume that GOD will not do a certain thing because it’s “not HIS nature” or that it doesn’t fit your idea of GOD.
Do you think Ezekiel was thrilled when the LORD told him HE was going to take his wife from him as an example to the rebellious children of Israel (EZK.24:15–27)? Like it or not, such could be the cost of serving the Living GOD:
HE THAT LOVETH FATHER OR MOTHER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME: AND HE THAT’ LOVETH SON OR DAUGHTER MORE THAN ME IS NOT WORTHY OF ME. AND HE THAT TNCETH NOT HIS CROSS, AND FOLLOWETH AFTER ME, IS NOT WORTHY OF ME …. SO LIKEWISE, WHOSOEVER HE BE OF YOU THAT FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE. (MT.10:37-38 & LK.14:33)
The Bible does not put limits on what GOD will or will not use for our refining and HIS glory, except that HE will never lead us to do evil. GOD’s desire for us is to become more like HIS SON (RO.8:29), and whatever means HE uses for that end is perfectly justified, whether we appreciate it at that time or not. Remember, with GOD, the ends always justifies the means.
Never assume that because you have great faith that you won’t go through certain tests and trials. Many times our faith is what will take us into the fire, or lion’s den (DAN.3 & 6 & HEB.11).
The Bible and the history of the Church tell of many believers who through severe tests and trials have been excellent examples of perseverance and faith in the LORD. To say that GOD never uses infirmities for HIS glory is degrading to those who have less–than-perfect health and yet serve the LORD faithfully. With the right attitude, going through adversity will result in a blessing. The apostle Paul is a prime example of this:
“THEREFORE I TAKE PLEASURE IN INFIRMITIES, IN REPROACHES, IN NECESSITIES, IN PERSECUTIONS, IN DISTRESSES FOR CHRIST’S SAKE: FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN AM I STRONG” (2 COR.12:10).
Since we can’t see the future the way GOD sees it, then it’s best to leave our lives and our future in HIS hands. When HE sees that suffering, afflictions, tribulation, and persecution will make us stronger, then HE will use these things, like HE did with JOB. The Bible is clear about this, as the following Verses from 1 PETER state:
WHEREIN YE GREATLY REJOICE, THOUGH NOW FOR A SEASON, IF NEED BE, YE ARE IN HEAVINESS THROUGH MANIFOLD TEMPTATIONS: THAT THE TRIAL OF YOUR FAITH, BEING MUCH MORE PRECIOUS THAN OF GOLD THAT PERISHETH, THOUGH IT BE TRIED WITH FIRE, MIGHT BE FOUND UNTO PRAISE AND HONOUR AND GLORY AT THE APPEARING OF JESUS CHRIST BELOVED, THINK IT NOT STRANGE CONCERNING THE FIERY TRIAL WHICH IS TO TRY YOU, AS THOUGH SOME STRANGE THING HAPPENED UNTO YOU: BUT REJOICE, INASMUCH AS YE ARE PARTAKERS OF CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS: THAT, WHEN HIS GLORY SHALL BE REVEALED, YE MAY BE GLAD ALSO WITH EXCEEDING JOY …. BUT THE GOD OF ALL GRACE, WHO HATH CALLED US UNTO HIS ETERNAL GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS, AFTER THAT YE HAVE SUFFERED A WHILE, MAKE YOU PERFECT, STABLISH, STRENGTHEN, SETTLE YOU. (1:6-7; 4:12-13 & 5:10)
Peter does not specify what these “manifold temptations” are, nor does he say anything about their frequency or severity. So who are we to say what the LORD and will not allow us to experience?
Most would choose not to go through trials. But if we are placing our confidence in GOD, then, as the old adage goes, we will expect the best but be prepared for the worst. As stated before, what we consider the worst may be GOD’s best for us. If the things that happened to Job were of no benefit to him, then GOD would not have allowed them. GOD does not do things haphazardly or on a whim.
Getting back to Job, notice that Verse 22 does not accuse Job of any wrongdoing. If he had said something sinful or out of line, this would have been a good time to have mentioned it.
AND THE LORD SAID UNTO SATAN, HAST THOU CONSIDERED MY SERVANT JOB, THAT THERE IS NONE LIKE HIM IN THE EARTH, A PERFECT AND AN UPRIGHT MAN, ONE THAT FEARETHGOD AND ESCHEWETH EVIL? AND STILL HE HOLDETH FAST HIS INTEGRITY, ALTHOUGH THOU MOVEDST ME AGAINST HIM, TO DESTROY HIM WITHOUT CAUSE. (Job 2:3)
What? Without cause? But, wasn’t it because – as many claim – Job feared losing all his stuff? The words of GOD in Verse 3 clearly vindicate Job of any wrongdoing or stating that these things came upon him through any fault of his own. The LORD, however, knew that by allowing Job to go through these things that not only would Job mature in his relationship and understanding of GOD, but that GOD would get glory, and countless people after Job would be encouraged and blessed by the story.
Three main points are significant: 1) Job’s integrity remained steadfast. 2) It was GOD WHO was in charge of the whole scene “ALTHOUGH THOU MOVEDST ME AGAINST HIM …”. 3) These things did not come upon Job because of any sin in his life: “WITHOUT CAUSE”.
It cannot get any clearer than this. If the LORD HIMSELF said that these things came upon Job without a cause – or without rational justification – then to blame Job for these problems is not Scriptural. We should never accuse anyone in the Bible of something that the Bible does not accuse them of.
Satan responded: “… SKIN FOR SKIN, YEA, ALL THAT A MAN BATH WILL HE GIVE FOR HIS LIFE. BUT PUT FORTH THINE HAND NOW, AND TOUCH HIS BONE AND HIS FLESH, AND HEWILL CURSE THEE TO THY FACE” (2:4-5). Satan then got GOD’s permission to afflict Job physically.
And what was Job’s response? After his wife told him to “CURSE GOD AND DIE” (2:9), he said “THOU SPEAKEST AS ONE OF THE FOOLISH WOMEN SPEAKETH. WHAT? SHALL WE RECEIVE GOOD AT THE HAND OF GOD, AND SHALL WE NOT RECEIVE EVIL? IN ALL THIS JOB DID NOT SIN WITH HIS LIPS” (2:10).
The writer still does not charge Job with any folly.
The devil had to be frustrated at the results. I believe that Satan had tried on previous occasions to take Job down, but was unable because of the “hedge” about him. He knew the hedge well, as it kept him from having his way with Job. But now, with the “hedge” down, he finally got his opportunity, but it did not turn out as he had predicted.
Perhaps he sat around waiting for when Job would break, but that time never came. All of his accusations against Job proved wrong, and we hear no more from the devil for the rest of the story.
Like Job, we also have a hedge. We have protection and security in the LORD. This is no guarantee, however, that even when we think we are doing well that GOD will not allow us to be tried to the limit.
BELOVED, THINK IT NOT STRANGE CONCERNING THE FIERY TRIAL WHICH IS TO TRY YOU, AS THOUGH SOME STRANGE THING HAPPENED TO YOU . . -. FEAR NONE OF THOSE THINGS WHICH THOU SHALT SUFFER: BEHOLD, THE DEVIL SHALL CAST SOME OF YOU INTO PRISON, THAT YE MAY BE TRIED; AND YE SHALL HAVE TRIBULATION TEN DAYS: BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH, AND I WILL GIVE THEE A CROWN OF LIFE. (1 PET.4:12 & REV.2:10)
One of the things that frustrated Job the most was GOD’s silence throughout his ordeal: “OH THAT I KNEW WHERE I MIGHT FIND HIM! THAT I MIGHT COME EVEN TO HIS SEAT! I WOULD ORDER MY CAUSE BEFORE HIM, AND FILL MY MOUTH WITH ARGUMENTS. I WOULD KNOW THE WORDS WHICH HE WOULD ANSWER ME, AND UNDERSTAND WHAT HE WOULD SAY UNTO ME” (23:3-5).
GOD, however, did not show up with comforting words of encouragement, like, “Hang in there buddy, and you’ll be blessed.” Even during HIS dialogue with Job at the end of the Book, GOD gives him no reason why these things happened. Instead, HE challenged Job with questions that humbled him and caused him to regret many of the things that he had said: “BEHOLD, I AN VILE; WHAT SHALL I ANSWER THEE? I WILL LAY NINE HAND UPON MY MOUTH .,.. WHO IS HE THAT HIDETH COUNSEL WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE? THEREFORE HAVE I UTTERED THAT I UNDERSTOOD NOT; THINGS TOO WONDERFUL FOR ME, WHICH I KNEW NOT” (40:4 & 42:3).
As is the case for many when going through trials, we want answers. But a direct answer may never come. Sometimes we need to let the situation play out before we get an understanding.
It seems that as soon as GOD began speaking with him that Job forgot all of his problems. Such is the power of GOD’s presence. Knowing GOD and trusting in HIM is of more value than knowing all the details of life.
Troubles will come, but make sure they come for the right reasons (2 TIM.3:12 & 1 PET.4:14-16). If our focus is on GOD instead of on the problem, then we will be comforted by HIS Gracious and Merciful Hand. HE does not promise to give us an answer for everything that comes upon us, but HE does promise to never leave us or forsake us (HEB.13:5).
We can say many things about Job, but to accuse him of being wrapped up in his material possessions should not be one of them: “IF I HAVE MADE GOLD MY HOPE, OR HAVE SAID TO THE FINE GOLD, THOU ART MY CONFIDENCE … THIS ALSO WERE AN INIQUITY TO BE PUNISHED BY THE JUDGE: FOR I SHOULD HAVE DENIED THE GOD THAT IS ABOVE” (31:24 & 28).
If he were covetous, then don’t you think this would have been made clear? Why would the Bible be silent on something so critical?
So, does Job ever tell us what he feared? I think he does. In 31:23 he said, “FOR DESTRUCTION FROM GOD WAS A TERROR TO ME, AND BY REASON OF HIS HIGHNESS I COULD NOT ENDURE.”
I do not know exactly what Job meant by “destruction from GOD,” but maybe it had to do with the fear that GOD would one day test him to the limit. And if he did indeed dread such a day, then perhaps that helped prepare him for when it did come.
When the Bible says that Job was “perfect,” it does not mean that he was without fault, but that he walked in moral uprightness. Job had a much better understanding of GOD than any of his “friends”: “AND IT WAS SO, THAT AFTER THE LORD HAD SPOKEN THESE WORDS UNTO JOB, THE LORD SAID TO ELIPHAZ THE TEMANITE, MY WRATH IS KINDLED AGAINST THEE, AND AGAINST THY TWO FRIENDS: FOR YE HAVE NOT SPOKEN OF ME THE THING THAT IS RIGHT, AS MY SERVANT JOB HATH” (42:7; cf.42:8).
Sure, out of frustration Job said some things that he shouldn’t have said (9:23–24 & 10:3), but who wouldn’t be distraught if they lost their children and just about all of their material possessions in a matter of minutes, and then their health shortly thereafter?
The Book of JOB is more than a nice story about blessing, loss, and restoration. It’s there as a teaching tool. It’s there to show us that even when we trust GOD, as Job did, HE will allow us to go through very unpleasant circumstances for our good, for HIS glory, and for a lesson to others. But whatever it is, it will be for a good reason. GOD does everything for a good reason.
I like Scofield’s comments on JOB 42:6:
The problem, of which the book of Job is the profound discussion, finds here its solution. Brought into the presence of God, Job is revealed to himself.
In no sense a hypocrite, but godly and possessing a faith which all his afflictions could not shake, Job was self–righteous and lacking in humility …. The godly are afflicted that they may be brought to self-knowledge and self-judgment. Such afflictions are not penal for their sins, but remedial and purifying.
Using 3:25 as the reason why these things came upon Job may sound deep and theological, but it is not the result of rightly dividing the WORD of GOD. It’s not like you have to learn Hebrew and go to seminary to get the point:
1)
Th The LORD said that this “destruction” was “WITHOUT CAUSE” (2:3).
2) Three witnesses said that Job feared GOD, with GOD saying it twice (1:8 & 2:3).
3) When Job said “… THE LORD GAVE, AND THE LORD BATH TAKEN AWAY , .’ (1:21), the writer says: “IN ALL THIS JOB SINNED NOT, NOR CHARGED GOD FOOLISHLY” (1:22).
4)
W Then Job said: “WHAT? SHALL WE RECEIVE GOOD AT THE HAND OF GOD, AND SHALL WE NOT RECEIVE EVIL” (2:10), the writer says: “… IN ALL THIS JOB DID NOT SIN WITH HIS LIPS” (2:10).
AND THE LORD TURNED THE CAPTIVITY OF JOB, WHEN HE PRAYED FOR HIS FRIENDS: ALSO THE LORD GAVE JOB TWICE AS MUCH AS HE HAD BEFORE … SO THE LORD BLESSED THE LATTER END OF JOB MORE THAN THE BEGINNING .., AFTER THIS LIVED JOB AN HUNDRED AND FORTY YEARS .. SO JOB DIED, BEING OLD AND FULL OF DAYS, (42:10,12,16,17)
STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD, A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED,
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH. (2 TIM. l5)