Are Job and Jobab the Same Person? – Job [lit. persecuted one] is the earliest completed book of the Bible – Joktan was Peleg’s brother (Genesis 10:25), and it was in Peleg’s time the continents were divided – Joktan’s thirteenth son was Jobab – Is Job Jobab? The evidence we have found in the Bible says that yes, he is {Note: Job is not so much a given name but more of a title name “persecuted one” the name Jobab means “howler” (net.bible.org) to cry in a loud high pitched voice. – Jobab was the 6th generation from Noah descended of Noah’s son Shem, Jobab was the 3rd generation from Nimrod’s time and the Tower of Babel (Genesis chapter 11) (Nimrod was the 3rd generation from the flood of Noah from Noah’s son Ham {Noah, Ham, Cush, Nimrod}) about four generations after Jobab came Abraham {the father of the Hebrews/Jews} (Abraham was the 10th generation from Noah and like Jobab also from Noah’s son Shem but through Peleg) – Jobab {a Gentile – Sacrificing Righteous Gentile} One of the sons of Joktan, and founder of an Arabian Tribe {in modern Saudi Arabia} (Gen. 10:29) dictionary.reference.com – There are five different Jobab’s mentioned in the O.T. abarim-publications.com}

In Genesis 10: 26-29, Joktan's thirteen sons are listed. Joktan was Peleg's brother, and it was in Peleg's time the continents were divided. Joktan's thirteenth son was Jobab. Later on, in the Bible, we have the earliest completed book of the Bible, Job. Is Job Jobab? The evidence we have found in the Bible says that yes, he is. In the ancient Alexandrian Septuagint, from 300 years before Christ, there is a part of the book of Job that later translators left out. It states that Job lived a total of about 248 years. Although other Jobs and Jobabs are mentioned in the Bible, only someone who lived at approximately the time of Peleg or a little after would have this age expected. Before Peleg (and after Noah's Flood) the age expectancy was more like 400 or 450 years. After the time of Peleg we see a fairly rapid drop in life expectancy from over 400 years (Peleg's father and grandfather, in Genesis 11) to Peleg, 239 years, then Reu at 239 years, then 230 years for Serug, 148 years for Abraham's father, then Abraham's 175 years and finally to Moses' 120 years, which is the maximum life expectancy today. Read something Bildad said about these lifespans in Job 8:8-9: "For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers: (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:) Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?" In other words, many older people were still around who had very long lifespans, but Bildad knew their own lifespans were not going to be that long. The book of Job states that Job lived in the land of Uz. We find Uz mentioned in Genesis 10:23. He was the son of Aram, and thus a great great uncle to Jobab. There are other Uz's mentioned in the Bible, so let's look at more evidence. If Job lived during the couple of hundred years when the continents were 'unzipping' along the Atlantic rift and other places, there would have been mammoth tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain building and overturning, and other disasters. When we look at the book of Job, we find exactly that mentioned. Here are some examples: Job 9:5-6 (KJV) "God removes the mountains and overturns them in His anger; He shakes the earth out of its place and its core trembles;" Job 1:16, 19 (KJV) "Fire has fallen from heaven and burned up the sheep and servants and consumed them... and suddenly a great wind from the wilderness struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young men... During Eliphaz's first answer, he says something interesting: "By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed. The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken. the old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad." (Job 4:9-11 KJV) We can understand an old lion dying because he cannot catch prey, but when this blast of God also causes the young lions to be scattered away from the pride or the mother, we have to wonder what kind of thing was going on. The fact that the earth was undergoing a number of startling changes, even in the weather systems, is hinted at in Job 6 and is much more explicit later on. Here is the Job 6:15-18 My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away; which are blackish by reason of the ice, wherein the snow is hid: What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish. Many modern translations insert the word 'thawing' before 'ice.' But that word is not there in any of the old manuscripts. What would cause streams to ice over in the Middle East and then not only thaw, but disappear in the heat of summer? There is evidence of an axis tilt of the earth at the time of the splitting of the continents, a tilt even further than what happened at the time of Noah's Flood. The tilt at the time of Peleg (in atomic dating about 65 million years ago, a little more than three thousand years before Christ in terms of orbital years), caused the ice age which crept down over Europe and into the Middle East. This appears to be what Peleg and his contemporaries witnessed. ... In 12:15, Job refers to what appears to be tsunami activity: Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth. If we look back to chapter 7, verse 12, suddenly that has new meaning in light of this: Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me? Why a watch on the sea, or a sea monster (a more literal translation)? Because before the tsunami hits, the sea first draws far back, exposing the sea floor. Then the wave hits. If Job/Jobab were living at the time the continents were dividing, during those hundred or two hundred years, the tsunami activity would have been massive and repeated. Men would have to keep watch over the sea; and the evidence of the rapid withdrawal of the water could easily leave some very large creatures stranded, and thus easily seen. In 14:11, there is another reference which may well be to this kind of wave activity: As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up... When Job begins what we have as chapter three, look at what he says: Lo, mine eye hath seen all this, mine ear hath heard and understood it. Job and his friends were eyewitnesses not only to the working of the Lord in the lives of men, which is the primary topic of their discussion, but also of the catastrophes they were witnessing in their time.  [link]

“Appointment in Samarra” [the very ancient (Babylonian) story/fable is often considered one of the oldest stories written by mankind – probably from about the time of Job] – The metaphor of “Having an appointment in Samarra” signifying death, is a rare literary reference concerning a short story of *unknown [Babylonian] origin transcribed [in 1933] by W. Somerset Maugham, entitled An Appointment in Samarra (a city in Northern Iraq)

A popular (feminized) version of this ancient Middle eastern story is by Somerset Maugham "The Appointment in Samarra" as retold by W. Somerset Maugham [1933] -- [The speaker (storyteller) is Death but in the Somerset story version death "the Angel of Death" appears as a woman] -- There was a merchant in Bagdad (Iraq) [a city slightly north of ancient Babylon - the ancient city of Babylon was probably the original city of the story and was changed to Baghdad by later storytellers] who sent his servant to market to buy provisions and in a little while the servant came back, white and trembling, and said, Master, just now when I was in the marketplace I was jostled by a woman in the crowd and when I turned I saw it was Death that jostled me. *She [death, the Angel of Death, the "Grim Reaper", aka - the archangel Azra'il in Islam (Koran)] looked at me and made a threatening gesture, now, lend me your horse, and I will ride away from this city and avoid my fate. I will go to Samarra [a city in Northern Iraq] and there Death will not find me. The merchant lent him his horse, and the servant mounted it, and he dug his spurs in its flanks and as fast as the horse could gallop he went. Then the merchant went down to the marketplace and he saw me [Angel of Death] standing in the crowd and he came to me and said, Why did you make a threating gesture to my servant when you saw him this morning? That was not a threatening gesture, I said, it was only a start of surprise. I was astonished to see him in Bagdad, for I had an appointment with him tonight in Samarra." -- Persian (Iran) Version: "Death in Tehran" A rich and mighty Persian once walked in his garden with one of his servants. The servant cried that he had just encountered Death, who had threatened him. He begged his master to give him his fastest horse so that he could make haste and flee to Teheran, which he could reach that same evening. The master consented and the servant galloped off on the horse. On returning to his house the master himself met Death, and questioned him, "Why did you terrify and threaten my servant?" "I did not threaten him; I only showed surprise in still finding him here when I planned to meet him tonight in Teheran," said Death. - source: http://andreaskluth.org/2009/09/06/death-in-tehran-a-story-about-fear/ [link]

Book of Enoch: The Book of Enoch is a pseudepigraphal apocryphal work attributed to Enoch (7th generation from Adam), the great-grandfather of Noah – Scholars date its composition to Maccabean times (160’s B.C.) [during the Greek Empire] – The Book of Enoch forms part of the official canon of the Ethiopic (Ethiopian) Church – Most commonly, the phrase Book of Enoch refers to 1 Enoch there are also two other books called Enoch, i.e. 2 Enoch and 3 Enoch – The book [1 Enoch], apparently as a Greek language text, was known to, and quoted by, nearly all the Church Fathers — Enoch [the Prophet] quoted in the New Testament [the book of Enoch is probably something altogether different] – Jude 1:14-15 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh [2nd Coming] with ten thousands of His saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. {Note: The first prophecy given in the Bible is from God and is about the 1st Coming of the Messiah and of the cross (Genesis 3:15 – this happened on the cross). The second prophecy given is by Enoch ‘7th generation from Adam’ and is about the return 2nd Coming of the Messiah the Lord Jesus Christ.}

History: The book, apparently as a Greek language text, was known to, and quoted by, nearly all Church Fathers. There was some dispute about whether the Greek text was an original, Christian production, or whether it was a translation from an Aramaic text. The chief argument for a Christian author was the occurrence of references to the Messiah as the Son of Man. But the majority opinion clearly favours a 2nd century BC Jewish authorship, linking the prophecies in the text to the politics of the Maccabean revolt. The book is referred to, and quoted, in Jude, 1:14-15 (KJV): And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. Compare this with Enoch 1:9, translated from the Ethiopian: And behold! He cometh with ten thousands of His holy ones To execute judgment upon all, And to destroy all the ungodly: And to convict all flesh Of all the works of their ungodliness which they have ungodly committed, And of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. With the possible exception of Tertullian, the Church Fathers deny the canonicity of the book, and some even considered the letter of Jude uncanonical, because it refers to an apocryphal work. The book was discredited after the Council of Laodicea in 364 [A.D.]. Subsequently, the Greek text was lost. The latest excerpts are given by the 8th century monk George Syncellus. ... Content: The Book of Enoch describes the fall of the Watchers who fathered the Nephilim. The fallen angels then went to Enoch to intercede on their behalf with God. The remainder of the book describes Enoch's visit to Heaven in the form of a vision, and his revelations. Significant parts of the book contain description of the movement of heavenly bodies (in connection with Enoch's trip to Heaven), and some parts of the book have been speculated about as containing instructions for the construction of a solar declinometer. Influence from the book has been traced in the Hiberno-Latin poem Altus prosator. [link]

beenup2.com: The Book of Enoch – Ronald K. Brown

This book is a carefully cross referenced exegetical presentation of the writings of the prophet Enoch with other books of the Holy Bible. The book corroborates the Book of Enoch with the writers of Holy scriptures and revolutionizes many theological axioms on the Trinity, angels, demons, final judgment, creation, etc. The Book of Enoch gives illumination to the origin of many statements made by Old Testament prophets as well as New Testament writers and prophets. [link]

Job 1 – Job a prosperous and noted man of his day who had a relationship with God – However the relationship Job had with God was based more on Job’s definition of religion than on God’s definition of a ‘right relationship’ between man and God – The religious (self-righteous) ways of Job left him out of context among the true realms of God and eternity; including the realms of Heaven, the Angels, his existence on earth and among his fellow humans, in regards to the coming Messiah (Christ), and notably his defenselessness against the existing demonic realm – But most importantly Job was lacking in his preparations for an eternal existence in the direct presence of God – All of Job’s notions and ideas were about to get a quick, serious and radical readjustment in his life as Job very suddenly encountered and interacted with the very real and very forceful nature of the true eternal spiritual realm

Job 1:1-4 There was a man in the land of Uz [thought to be a large area primarily North and East of Israel, (ancient Arabia - modern Jordan)], whose name was Job (lit. persecuted one) [possibly a wordplay on the name Jobab (lit. howler)]; and that man was perfect [complete in that he has a relationship with God but as we find out later far from perfect i.e. perfection] and upright, and **one that feared God, *and eschewed [rejected] evil. And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters. His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east [ancient Middle-East]. -- Job 1:4-5 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, everyone his day [birthday?]; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them [by the ancient pre-Levitical Law burnt offerings], and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. *Thus did Job continually. - Note: Job is officiating as an ancient head of the house, family priest in offering animal sacrifices to God on behalf of his family. - Also Note: The sacrifices to God by the ancient people from literally the days of Cain and Abel until the days of Abraham {actually until Moses} were probably more of a whole burnt offering and not of the more sophisticated blood atonement [redemption] sacrifice that God would later instruct Moses to have the Jews perform through Aaron and the Levitical Priesthood.

Job 1 (Part 2) – The Bible makes a clear distinction between the ‘Sons of God’ Angels and the Sons of Man i.e. Job’s children – In the matchup between Satan a Son of God and the sons and daughters of Job the Sons and Daughters of man are not going to fare very well in fact they are quickly and almost effortlessly annihilated on their first encounter with a Son of God — ‘Job 1:6-8 Now there was a day when the *Sons of God [Angels] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan [an Angel] came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered [lit. how to conquer – Suwm, H7760] 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 1:9-22 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made **an hedge [protection] about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath 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. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: And the Sabeans [raiders] fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, **The fire of God is fallen from heaven [actually it was fire from Satan], and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. ***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 [accused] God foolishly. - Note: The difficulty the people of Job's day were having in distinguishing between events caused from God [God was blessing the people] and events caused by Satan both naturally (wind, raiders, crime) and supernaturally (fire from heaven), it's very much like in our day - though in our day we now have to factor in the additional possibilities of human technology and human deception [i.e. a televised and much discussed and analyzed event might never even have happened] as yet more possible explanations to events that happen or seem to happen in our day.

Job 2 – Even in Job’s day the earth did not belong to Satan but Satan apparently has no qualms about trespassing on the earth and attempting to administer his own kingdom among mankind — ‘Job 2:1-2 Again there was a day when the Sons of God (Angels) came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan [a fallen – unholy Angel] came also among them to present himself before the LORD. And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And *Satan answered the LORD, and said, **From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.’ – Note: Ownership of the earth was not given to Adam and Eve [ownership remained with God (Psalms 24:1)] they were simply given ‘dominion’ (Genesis 1:26) stewardship over the plants, animals and the earth with human ownership [inheritance] yet to come but sin entered into the world before the inheritance postponing the earthly inheritance of humans (Matthew 5:5) until after the cross of Jesus Christ. – Also Note: With the fall of mankind into sin Satan did gain some advantage in his deception over mankind but Satan has never actually legally owned anything on earth, or in hell for that matter, though before his fall he did have his own inheritance among the other Sons of God in heaven.

Job 2:3-10 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 feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown. And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes. Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, 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 did not Job sin with his lips. - Note: Job will find out later that what mankind often considers to be difficulty and even evil [and true there is evil in the world] is actually an opportunity to overcome, to grow and to mature in the grace and knowledge of God. Without difficulty in the world it would be difficult; difficult [as a fallen human] to grow and mature into a capable adult human being. - Also Note: Mankind (Adam and Eve) introduced sin and experiential knowledge of sin into the world and Satan and the rest the fallen Angelic and demonic realm are furthering evil against mankind however God is using what Satan intends for evil as an ability for [fallen] mankind to now overcome, to achieve beyond what we are individually capable of and in the process to grow and to fellowship in an unprecedented level of cooperation with God.

Job 2 (Part 2) – Three of Job’s friends show up to comfort and support Job in his misery – It turns out to be a disastrous plan — ‘Job 2:11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came everyone from his own place; Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.’

Job 2:12-13 And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent everyone his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great. - Note: The friends of Job were so astonished at the multitude of calamitous events that happened so quickly to Job and in the resulting physical condition of Job himself that they literally were unable to cope with the events that were now before their very eyes and ears. - Also Note: Being confused themselves by the events the three quickly began to accuse Job for the events instead of comforting him as they had originally intended to do and as was the reason they had journeyed there in the first place.

Job 3 – Job or possibly Jobab (‘howler’) lets loose regarding his calamities and things mostly go downhill from there — ‘Job 3:1-4 After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day [birthday]. And Job spake, and said, Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived. Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it. …’

Job 3:23 Why is light [life and opportunity] given to a man whose way is hid [lit. separated, from God], and whom God hath hedged in [limited]? For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings [displeasure] are poured out like the waters. **For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came. - Note: Job and his three friends [later joined by a fourth, a young man] have one of the most amazing discussions about God, life and mankind ... it really is an amazing amount of detail that these ancient men cover, all in a time of a looming darkness that engulfed all mankind before the light of God would shine again in earnest for all mankind through Abraham and his Jewish descendants in the Holy Laws of Moses and by the Holy Prophets. - Also Note: What Job most feared [and Job must have feared a lot because everything happened to him] did happen to him and it was more than Job could handle. But in the end we will find out that what is more than mankind can handle, God can easily handle it for us if we allow God to intervene for us and on our behalf and when we wait on God for His perfect timing and His will to be accomplished in and through our life.

Job 4-5 – Eliphaz begins to accuse Job of having secret, hidden immorality and unconfused sin in his life – Forgetting that the world is a fallen place and that Satan is just evil — ‘Job 4:1-2 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, If we assay to commune [communicate] with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who [having all the answers as Eliphaz does] can withhold himself from speaking?’ – Note: Job and his friends all mean well [and some of their advice and comments are excellent] it is just that they lived in a difficult time, among difficult circumstances and worst of all the Words and Commandments of God [how to behave before God, among one another and what animals to offer as a burnt offering sacrifice] that had been passed down to them from previous generations was quickly being corrupted, neglected and forgotten.

Job 4:3-9 Behold, thou [Job] hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled. Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways? Remember, I pray thee, whoever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed. ... Job 5:6-11 Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number: Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields: To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety. ... Job 5:27 Lo this, *we [Eliphaz and his friends] have searched it, so it is; hear it, and know thou it for thy good. - Note: Eliphaz concludes his first of three comments.

Job 6-7 – Job replies and Job now loses sight of the fallen condition of mankind and of the fallen [satanic] Angelic realm — ‘Job 6:1-4 But Job answered and said, O that my grief were thoroughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.’

Job 7:1-2 Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling? As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow [comfort], and as an hireling looketh for the reward [payment] of his work ... Job 7:17-21 What is man, that thou [God] shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment? How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle? I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself? ***And why dost thou [God] not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be. - Note: Job in his despair famously realizes that mankind needs a mediator, a person or an entity who can represent and stand between both God and man and can reconcile back together the two separated parties into one united group.

Job 8 – Job’s friend Bildad now comments — ‘Job 8:1-2 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind? …’

Job 8:3-10 Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice? If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for their transgression; If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty; If thou wert pure and upright; surely now He would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous. Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase. For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age [the days before Noah], and prepare thyself to the search of their [Ancient] fathers: For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, *because our days upon earth are a shadow [compared to the much longer lives lived by the Ancients]: Shall not they [the Ancients before Noah who lived in the original creation (earth) of God] teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart? ... Job 8:20-22 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will He help the evil doers: Till He [first] fill [the righteous] thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing. [Then] They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to naught. - Note: Bildad concludes the first of his three comments. - Also Note: Of the many things that the people of Job's age were coming to grips with apparently they were also having to contend with the fact that their physical lifetime upon the earth was being greatly reduced. Where the Ancients who lived in the days of the original creation earth before the flood of Noah were living 600-800 year lifespans the men of Job's day were already down to about a 200 year lifespan [Job probably lived about 240 years total after being given more years from God (Job 42:16)]. The human lifespan would continue to dwindle to about 120 years by the time of Abraham and would seemingly remain at about 80 years of maximum [quality] life per individual person for most of the rest of the duration of humanity upon the earth.

Job 9-10 – Job continues to earnestly search out the truth about who God is — ‘Job 9:1-4 Then Job answered and said, I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just [equal] with God? If he [man] will contend with Him [God], he [man] cannot answer Him one [time] of a thousand. He [God] is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against Him, and hath [eternally] prospered?’

Job 9:27-35 If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself: [but] I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that Thou [God] wilt not hold me innocent. If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain [emptiness]? If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me. **For He is not a man, as I am, that I should answer Him [as a man], and we should come together [agreeing] in judgment. ***Neither is there any [openly available] daysman [mediator - Jesus Christ would later reveal Himself as our Daysman] betwixt [between] us, that might lay his hand upon us [man and God] both. Let Him take his rod away from me, and let not His fear terrify me: Then would I speak, and not fear Him; but it is not so with me. - Note: Job knowing that he cannot stand in the presence of God he continues to plead for an intercessor a go between [Jesus Christ] to talk to God on his behalf.

Job 11 – Zophar now begins to comment — ‘Job 11:1-6 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, Should not the multitude of [your] words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified? Should thy lies make men hold their peace? and when thou mockest, shall no man make thee ashamed? For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes. But oh that God would speak, and open His lips against thee; And that He would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is [known by man]! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity [shortcomings] deserveth.’

Job 11:7-11 Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. If He cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder Him? For He knoweth vain men: He seeth wickedness also; will He not then consider it [the ways and predicaments of mankind]? ... Job 11:14-20 If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away [that's all, its easy - yeah right!], and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles [tent]. For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear: Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away: And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning. And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope [in himself - a very false Gospel]; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety. Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee. But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost. - Note: Zophar concludes his first of two comments to Job. - Also Note: As we will get to later a major problem with Job is his own self-righteousness yet Zophar tells Job that he is not self-righteous enough and that if he were more self-righteous all of his problems would simply disappear without the need for God's intervention in his life.

Job 12-14 – Job is wisely not going to take their one-sided, ill-conceived advice — ‘Job 12:1-3 And Job answered and said, No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you. But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?’

Job 14:1-3 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one [a fragile human], and bringest me into judgment with thee? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one [human]. ... Job 14:14-17 If a man die, shall he live again [resurrection]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change [Transfiguration - from physical body to eternal spiritual body] come. Thou [God] shalt call [invite], ***and I will answer thee: Thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. For now Thou numberest my steps: dost Thou not watch over [and cover] my sin? My transgression is sealed up in a bag [ready to be disposed], and thou sewest up [close] mine iniquity. - Note: Job as full of self-righteousness as he is he still has a very eternal perspective and is ultimately looking to God for his ultimate redemption and salvation.

Job 15 – Eliphaz gives his second of three comments to Job — ‘Job 15:1-6 Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said, Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind? Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God. For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty. Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I: yea, thine own lips testify against thee.’

Job 15:7-17 Art thou [Adam] the first man that was born? or wast thou made [like the Angels] before the hills? Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself? What knowest thou, that we know not? what understandest thou, which is not in us? With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men [possibly Shem, Ham and Japheth the three sons of Noah], much elder than thy father. Are the consolations of God small [intimate] with thee? is there any secret thing with thee? Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at, That thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest such words go out of thy mouth? What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? Behold, He [God] putteth no trust in His saints; yea, the heavens are not clean in His sight. How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water? I will shew thee, hear me; and that which I have seen I will declare ...

Job 16-17 – Job continues to defend himself against those who came to comfort him — ‘Job 16:1-5 Then Job answered and said, I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all. Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest? I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul’s stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.’

Job 16:6-21 Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged: and though I forbear, what am I eased? But now he hath made me weary: thou hast made desolate all my company. And thou hast filled me with wrinkles, which is a witness against me: and my leanness rising up in me beareth witness to my face. He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me. They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me. God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked. I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark. His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground. He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant. I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust. My face is foul with weeping, and my eyelids is the shadow of death; Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure. O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place. *Also now, behold, **my witness is in heaven, ***and my record is on high. My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. Oh that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour! - Job has had enough of the conversation with his fellow men who are of little use and of no real help so now Job wants to talk directly to God.

Job 18 – Bildad gives his second of three comments to Job — ‘Job 18:1 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark [conclude], and afterwards we will speak.’

Job 18:3-12 Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed vile in your sight? He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place? Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him. The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down. For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare. The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him. The snare is laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way. Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet. His strength shall be hungerbitten, and destruction shall be ready at his side. - Note: Bildad perpetuates the false idea that good people automatically prosper while wickedness is instantly dealt with by God. - Also Note: All three of Job's advisers are declaring that our worldly circumstances and predicaments are a direct correlation to our righteousness and standing in God. It's going to turn out that righteousness is either zero (apart from God) or 100% righteousness (in fellowship with God). As fallen mankind we have no righteousness of our own (Romans 1:17, Romans 3:10,21) but all righteousness is imputed by God.

Job 19 – Job makes his famous declaration in his belief in the coming Messiah [Jesus Christ], the resurrection to eternal life and of man’s eventual reconciliation and face to face encounter with God — ‘Job 19:25-27 ***For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He [Messiah, Christ] shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after [death] my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my [resurrection] flesh shall I [visibly] see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins [determination] be consumed within me.’

Job 19:8-27 He [God] hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths. He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head. He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree. He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies. His troops come together, and raise up their way against me, and encamp round about my tabernacle. He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's sake of mine own body. Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me. Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh? **Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever! ***For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. - Note: One of the great moments of mankind, as Job who has lost everything is sitting in his pit of ashes scraping sores off of his body with a broken potshard looks up and declares to everyone listening "my redeemer livith."

Job 20 – Zophar comments to Job for his second and final time — ‘Job 20:1-3 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.’

Job 20:4-7 Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? Though his excellency mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds; Yet he shall perish forever like his own dung: they which have seen him shall say, Where is he? ... Job 20:28-29 The increase of his house shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in the day of his wrath. This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God. - Note: Zohpar continues with the misguided theme that a man's self-righteousness will be completely revealed in this lifetime. Also Note: For a better explanation and a broader Biblical foundation on this topic also reference [Matthew 5:45, Psalms 73:1-28, Jeremiah 12:1-4].

Job 21 – Job responds and continues to make his case — ‘Job 21:1-4 But Job answered and said, Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations. Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on. As for me, is my complaint to man [no it is to God]? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?’ – {Note: Apparently Job is saying that he has the right to be troubled in his spirit because he is not complaining to man [about his difficulties] who can do little or nothing for him but to God who can do everything for him.}

Job 21:27-34 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices [implying that Job is wicked] which ye wrongfully imagine against me. For ye say, Where is the house of the prince [with the wicked]? and where are the dwelling places of the wicked [in the castle]? Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens, That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done? Yet shall he [wicked] be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb. The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him [the wicked get a large harvest], and every man shall draw after him [the wicked are popular], as there are innumerable before him. How then comfort ye me in vain, seeing in your answers there remaineth [an obvious] falsehood? - Note: Job has the more realistic perception that judgment is not immediate for the wicked while alive on the earth.

Job 22 – Eliphaz commits his third and final comment to Job – In commenting Eliphaz is going to greatly accuse Job of committing every wrongdoing possible against both man and God – Job later on is going to defend himself (Job chapter 29) but that won’t go very well for Job either [the already evident self-righteousness and pride of Job is going to explode out of his comments removing any boundaries of common decency and putting into plain view Job’s pride and self-righteousness foreveryone to see and behold] — ‘Job 22:1-4 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to Him that thou makest thy ways perfect? Will He reprove thee for fear of thee? will He enter with thee into judgment?’

Job 22:5-10 Is not thy [Job's] wickedness great? and thine iniquities *infinite? For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing. Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry. But as for the mighty man, he had the earth; and the honourable man dwelt in it. Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken. Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee ... Job 22:21-30 Acquaint now thyself with Him [God] {i.e. stop being lost and get saved Job}, and be at peace: thereby [then] good shall come unto thee. Receive, I pray thee, the law from His mouth, and lay up His words in thine heart. If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto Him, and He shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. When men are cast down, then thou shalt say [that he (Job) had experienced this himself], [but then] There is lifting up; and He shall save the humble person. He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine hands. - Note: Job [like everyone] does have some obvious and series issues [self-righteousness and pride] and Job's friends are earnestly trying to help him out with them though they are going about it in a very wrong way. Job's friends are now saying that Job is not even saved [out of fellowship with God] and that is a complete misrepresentation of what God has already declared. Job is in fellowship with God but what they can't seem to grasp is the Maturity process that God is using in the life of believers like Job in order to complete, establish and accomplish their faith so that it is faith in God alone and not a disastrous mixture of both man's religions ideas and some of God's ways. Job's friends are like many people of today who take one glance at a person struggling and decide that well if they would only 'get saved' or would only 'get right with God' [i.e. go to my Church] then they could be blessed like me. However very likely the struggling person is a person in deep fellowship with God [as Job was] and as God took Job from one level of intimacy into another deeper level of intimacy and on into a higher level of greater understanding and fellowship with God other people like Job's friends who do not yet grasp the maturity processes of God are often getting in the way and like Job's friends [without understanding, providing no compassion and offering little support] can possibly cause more harm than good in the life of a believer.

Job 23-24 – Job is done with talking to his companions and now he only wants to talk to God – Job actually demands to talk to God – But Job’s companions are not yet done talking to Job and Job [unaware even to himself] is not yet in a place to listen to God as Job is still listening to Job — ‘Job 23:1-5 Then Job answered and said, Even today is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. **Oh that I knew where I might find Him [God]! that I might come even to His seat [Throne]! I would order my cause before Him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know [hear] the words which He would answer me, and understand what He would say unto me. Will He plead against me [a friend of God] with His great power? No; but He would put strength in me.’ – Note: Job’s desire is going to be met and God does talk to Job. But it won’t go quite the way Job envisioned it going [Job is going to find out that he does have faults in his life] but after some correction God will continue to strengthen and establish Job it’s just that it will be in God’s way and in God’s timing and not by Job’s way or in Job’s timing.

Job 23:7-17 There [at His Throne] the righteous might dispute with Him; so should I be delivered forever from my judge. Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him. Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him. For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me: Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face. ... Job 24:25 And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth? - Note: It seems that now Job is taking freewill out of the equation of a relationship with God [between God and mankind] and Job is saying that he has no options in life because God is enforcing everything that he does. Job is claiming that if he could go to Heaven and talk to God that Job could gain some freedom from God's constraints and that he then could then go on with his newfound freewill to create more success in his life. The notion [that Job or anyone does not have complete freewill] is going be completely dispelled as soon as God begins to speak to Job.

Job 25 – Bildad gives his third and final comment to Job – Attempting to redirect the conversation back to the original argument of Job’s self-righteousness — ‘Job 25:4 How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?’

Job 25:1-6 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, Dominion [Authority] and fear are with Him [God], He maketh Peace in His high places. Is there any number of His [Angelic] armies? and upon whom doth not His light arise? How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born [in human sin] of a woman? Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm? - Note: Bildad would be well pleased in the Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ as that is how a man was born to a woman without any of the sins of humanity.

Job 26-28 – Job now begins to offer his opinion of who God is — ‘Job 26:1-14 But Job answered and said … By His spirit He hath garnished the heavens [placed the stars]; His hand hath formed the crooked serpent [leviathan]. Lo, these are parts of His ways: but how little a portion is heard of Him [from men]? but the thunder of His power who can understand?’ – Note: Job is saying that God is speaking to mankind in His creation by the stars, by the mighty leviathan and even through the thunder but mankind is having a hard time discerning what God is saying. What God will tell Job is that first of all the creation is now in a sinful fallen condition unlike the original creation (Job 38:4) [where mankind probably could understand the pattern of the stars and discern the voice of thunder], second that God’s ways and God’s Majesty and Glory are not like man’s ways (Job 40:10) and third that mankind’s understanding of God is limited to the time in which he lives upon the earth (Job 41:4). – Also note: Behemoth [the land creature] and Leviathan [the sea creature] are physical beasts that in Job’s day mankind was unable to contend with yet as God is revealing events to mankind Leviathan (Isaiah, 27:1, Revelation 13:1) and Behemoth (Revelation 13:11) actually represent the Sea and the Land creatures of Revelation the Antichrist [Leviathan – Satan] and the False Prophet [Behemoth] that ultimately mankind is completely unable to cope or contend with.

Job 26:1-14 But Job answered and said, How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength? How hast thou counseled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is? To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee? Dead things [possibly demons] are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof. Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering. He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and *hangeth the earth [globe] upon nothing. He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them. He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it. He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end. The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof. He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud. By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?

Job 29-31 – Job fresh from his diatribe of speaking about who God is [and that turns out not to have been such a good idea] – Job now decides that it would be a good time to speak in his own defense [and that also turns out not to be such be a good thing] — ‘Job 29:1-5 Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me; When His candle shined upon my head, and when by His light I walked through darkness; As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle; When the Almighty was yet with me [God never left Job], when my children were about me …’

Job 29:5-25 When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me; When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil; When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street! The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up. The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me: Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem [royal crown]. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand. My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel. After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them. And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain. If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down. I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners. -- Job 29:1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock. ... - Note: Job uses the 'I' word in every comment and places himself above all other people. It truly is an amazing boast! However, Job was attempting to defend his self-righteousness and in that matter it didn't go very well for Job because apparently there was a whole crowd of onlookers observing the conversation between Job and his friends and one of the onlookers [a young man named Elihu] now intervenes in the conversation and he begins to take on Job.

Job 32-37 – Now a bystander from among the crowd [Elihu] intervenes in their conversation and gives his own self-propelled (6 chapter) speech – Elihu basically gets them back to where they had started having taken this long road all the way around because Job was completely avoiding the issue of his off the charts self-righteousness – Though after Job’s brilliant attempt at self-defense everyone now openly knows the main issue with Job — ‘Job 32:1-3 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because *he was righteous in his own eyes. Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, **because he [Job] justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.’ – Note: After Elihu’s record setting campaign type of speech leaves everyone speechless – then God speaks to Job.

Job 32:4-10 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled. And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion. ... Job 34:5-9 For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment. Should I lie against my right? my wound is incurable [and caused] without transgression. What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water? Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God [Job didn't say that]. - Note: When Job's three friends began to speak to Job generally the original topic was Job's evident self-righteousness in fact it was off the charts with Job to the point that Job had even been attempting to impute his own righteousness onto is adult children. Job had been sacrificing [burnt offerings] on behalf of his married adult children (Job 1:4-5) and this was a big no, no [Genesis 2:24]. Everyone has to eventually confess their own sins to God and Job was probably just getting in the way and he certainly was misrepresenting what God had ordained the heads of each married household to do. The three friends of Job were aware of this and were attempting to point it out to Job. The first comment by Bildad the second speaker to Job seems to be about the sins of Job's children (Job 8:4) [and how they would have to confess their own sins and account for their own burnt offering sacrifice] but apparently he was unable to even finish his thought [because he changes topics in mid-sentence] and was unable to tell Job that Job couldn't be sacrificing for his married, adult children but Job was having nothing to do with it so therefore they went on and discussed anything and everything with Job but the topic of Job and his practice of sacrificing on behalf of his children. - Also Note: It's getting that way today in modern Evangelical Christianity that we have Pastors and Leaders who now seem to think that their own self-righteousness can be imputed upon their families and even upon their congregation [as many people today follow a pastor or a leader thinking he (or she) has some form or righteousness and that if they can just become like that person or by serving that person they too will have rewards in heaven] and as it was in Job's day it is a huge misrepresentation of God's Words and of God's plan of Salvation for all mankind [in Job's day and in our day] as God has ordained that only in the sacrifice of the Redeemer Himself, Jesus Christ will sins be confessed (agreed upon) and forgiven. People cannot cover the sins of other people with their own righteousness because people don't have any righteousness of their own, it didn't work in Job's day and it won't work in our day either.

Job 38 – Job an upright man who was in a close personal relationship with God (as close as Job could be to God in his time before the Blood Covenants [1st (O.T.) and 2nd (N.T.) Covenants] of God) – But Job was also practicing his own form of a self-righteous religion and everything that Job had attempted to sanctify by his own righteousness [including his own children – Job’s wife was covered by his burnt offering sacrifices and Satan didn’t touch her] had just been allowed by God to be destroyed by Satan – Now God speaks to Job — ‘Job 38:1-3 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel [the Redemption and Salvation plans of God] by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou Me.’

Job 38:1-7 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou Me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the [original creation] earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or Who [Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:2)] laid the corner stone thereof; When the Morning Stars sang together, and all the Sons of God shouted for joy? - Note: God does not directly speak to Job but speaks to him through creation "the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind." After the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden mankind was completely separated from God but immediately God began to bring mankind back into His Holy presence. Job was living in a time when mankind was more separated from God than we are today. In Job's day they were doing 'bloodless' whole animal [a sheep, goat or oxen] burnt sacrifice offerings for the sins of their household. The bloodless burnt sacrifice offering [they probably bled the animal into the ground but it was unceremoniously done] that spoke of offering of Jesus enabled God to interact with the righteous people of Job's day but in a very remote way as is witnessed by God speaking to Job through the whirlwind. Later the Hebrew/Jewish prophet of Elijah would flee to Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb) where God would speak to Elijah (1 Kings 19:11-13) in the more personal 'still small voice' and not in the wind, earthquake or fire that God had previously spoken to mankind through. Elijah the Jewish Prophet had been sanctified to God through the blood atonement of the 1st Covenant by the Levitical High Priest that had been offered on behalf of the entire Nation of Israel once each year (Yom Kippur). Later the Christian Apostle Paul would say that God had spoken to him (Romans 8:16) even more intimately through the Spirit that was within him. -- 'Romans 8:16 The [Holy] Spirit [of God] itself beareth witness [fellowships] with our spirit, that we are the children of God.'

Job 39 – Job is asked by God about Dominion and Authority over creation and specifically over the animal kingdom — ‘Job 39:1-4 Knowest thou [as a human] the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth [give birth]? or canst thou mark when the hinds [deer] do calve [give birth]? Canst thou number the months [in the womb] that they fulfil? or knowest thou the time [of gestation] when they [wild animals] bring forth? They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their [pregnancy] sorrows. Their young ones are in good liking [born capable of survival], they grow up with corn [wild food]; they go forth, and return not unto them [their wild animal parents – God is their true parent].’

Job 39:19 Hath thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder [a mane]? Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible [lit. awesome]. He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men [a horse is not afraid of war]. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. The quiver rattleth against him [in battle], the glittering spear and the shield. He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage [charges into battle - not away from battle]: neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet [the horse does not need a trumpet call to go to battle]. He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and *he smelleth the battle afar off [the horse knows the battle before the humans do], the thunder of the captains, and the shouting. Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south? *Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place. From thence she seeketh the prey, and her [excellent] eyes behold afar off. Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she (also Matthew 24:28). - Note: The animal kingdom migrates and survives at the direction, dictation [voice] and cleaver management of God. Mankind until only recently has been unable to do much for the animal kingdom.

Job 40 – God is asking Job if he really wants to reprove (criticize and correct) God – Job immediately blames himself [his fallen condition] but then Job refuses to comment to God – Specifically Job does not yet repent to the point where he apologizes to God for his gross misrepresenting of God to others — ‘Job 40:1-2 Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty [God] instruct Him? He [Job] that reproveth God, let him answer it.’

Job 40:3-8 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile [a sinful human]; what shall I answer Thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth [keep quiet and listen to God]. Once have I spoken [in error]; but I will not answer [speak in more error]: yea, twice [accidently]; but I will proceed no further {and not yet repent or apologize to God}. Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul [void] my judgment? wilt thou condemn Me [God], that thou mayest be [self] righteous? ... Job 40:15 Behold now Behemoth, which I made with thee [day six of creation]; he eateth grass as an ox. ... - Note: Job still doesn't grasp that his words and his actions [even idle words and minimal actions] have significant meaning and that the meaning has ramifications out into eternity in the spiritual realm and even into the salvation of his fellow man so God is going to expand the conversation from the animal kingdom on out into the spiritual realm and specifically the fallen Satanic realm a realm that Job knows little about and in his day has no control over.

Job 41 – Now God asks Job if he can overpower leviathan a strong and aggressive sea monster – Then God transitions from leviathan the fierce sea creature to Leviathan the fierce fallen Angel Satan himself – Job then realizes that there is more going on in God’s creation than Job can even comprehend and Job realizing his inaccurate assessments of God and of His creation repents and apologizes to God — ‘Job 41:1 Canst thou draw out [overpower] leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? … Job 41:8-10 Lay thine hand upon him (leviathan), remember the battle, do no more [you won’t do it again]. Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? None [human] is so fierce that dare stir him (leviathan) up: who then is able to stand before Me [God is much greater than either leviathan or Leviathan]?’

Job 41:11 Who hath prevented [aided] Me [God], that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven [all of creation] is Mine. ... Job 41:33-34 Upon earth [both land and sea] there is not his like (Leviathan - Satan), who is made without fear. He beholdeth all high things: he (Leviathan - Satan) is a king over all the children of pride. - Note: Job now begins to realize that God has expanded the conversation from the animal realm [and Job didn't even know much about that] out into the spiritual realm and specifically into the Satanic realm [something Job knew even less about]. Now Job realizes that there is a bigger picture than just Job, his family and his small circle of friends. Now Job is willing to submit more fully his life to God knowing that God is overseeing a vast creation both of visible (physical) beings [including the animals] and of unseen (spiritual) beings and that all the created beings whether animals, humans or Angels all have freewill within themselves a freewill to both cooperate or to harass (bully) among one another and the freewill to obey or disobey God.

Job 42 – Job encounters the true and living God the creator of heaven and earth – Job confesses his sin to God and immediately repents of his old fallen ways before God – God then restores Job to more than what Job had obtained under his previous lifestyle of a selfish, self-righteousness life — ‘Job 42:1-6 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do everything, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. 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. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, **and repent in dust and ashes.’ – Note: Job repented but somehow his friends Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar didn’t bother or didn’t see it as necessary for them to also repent to God.

Job 42:7-9 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 [repentance] the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job. - Note: Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar thought that God was only dealing with Job through Job's trials but God was also dealing just as much with Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar as He was with Job and in reality God is dealing just as much with everyone through Job's trials as He was with Job.

Job 42 (Part 2) – God restores Job to twice what Job had previously had — ‘Job 42:10-11 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. Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and everyone an earring of gold.’

The Bible's book of Job concludes: Job 42:12-17 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep [double the original seven thousand], and six thousand camels [double], and a thousand yoke of oxen [double], and a thousand she asses [double]. He had also seven sons and three daughters [Job's first seven children were in Heaven so Job has double in Heaven]. And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch. And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. So Job died, being old and full of days.