Read Job 17
Highlights:
Job continues to defend himself (Job chap. 17). Bildad jumps in, using proverbs (chap. 18). One of the greatest expressions of faith in the Old Testament (19:23-27). Zophar expounds on what happens to the wicked (chap. 20).
Bildad's second speech was the most hostile of all. With every lash of condemnation came a greater depth to Job's confidence in his life beyond the grave. Job could bear the unjust reproach of his friends, for he was living in the expectation of the glorious appearance of his coming King. His faith soared like an eagle above the clouds and beyond the heavens to view eternal truths which had never before been revealed.
Job's remarkable revelation to mankind: I know that my Redeemer liveth (Job 19:25), is one of the most remarkable and magnificent prophecies in the Bible. The meaning of the Hebrew word "redeemer" is one who is the nearest blood relative whose responsibility it is to avenge wrongs done to his kinsman (Num. 35:19), including the responsibility to buy back his land for him if he had lost it through poverty (Ruth 4). The same word is used spiritually for Christ, since He is our Redeemer (Ps. 103; Is. 59:20) who paid the price to purchase our freedom from sin (I Pet. 1:18-19).
Job had absolute confidence concerning life after death: If a man die, shall he live again . . . Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee. . . . For now Thou numberest my steps (Job 14:14-16). Each day of Job's suffering seemed to bring a fuller revelation of God until Job looked beyond his suffering and into the future with calmness and triumph because our Father in Heaven observes every step in our lives. Job spoke with utmost confidence: 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 (19:25-26).
All possessions are transient, and God wants us to see that we cannot hold a tight grip on material or physical things, or even people — no matter how dear they are to us.
Like Job, God would lead us to confidently say: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord (Job 1:21). Everything and everyone is left behind at death and we spend eternity in either heaven, with joys beyond compare, or in hell — the lake of everlasting fire (in outer darkness), prepared for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). As Christians, we too can endure many trials and be victorious when we know that no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly (Ps. 84:11).
Thought for Today:
Jesus, our Living Redeemer, is always faithful. I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him (II Tim. 1:12).
Christ Revealed:
As the Redeemer (Job 19:25). Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. By His death, He provided the required sacrifice to pay for our sins (Acts 20:28; Eph. 1:13-14; Rev. 5:9). Our Saviour Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (Titus 2:13-14).
Word Studies:
17:1 My breath is corrupt my life is ruined; 17:6 a tabret an object of contempt, ridicule; 17:14 corruption decay; 17:16 bars of the pit unseen state; our rest . . . is in the dust we are buried; 18:9 gin snare, trap; 18:20 day date; tragic end; 19:3 make yourselves strange to me wrong me; 19:14 familiar close; 19:17 strange unbearable, repulsive; 19:19 inward dearest, intimate; 19:27 reins heart.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Government Official: Rep. Trent Franks (AZ) • Country: Lithuania (4 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe • Major languages: Lithuanian and Russian • Limited religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 5% Russian Orthodox; 1% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to bring our nation to repentance (I Kings 8:33-36).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Acts 2:36
