2/28 Reading (Job 34-36; 2 Timothy 4)

Job 34: This is the start of Elihu’s second speech. He initially addresses the three friends and then turns to Job again. In his statements to the friends he pretty much argues that God doesn’t do evil things, God doesn’t sin. Instead, God “repays people based on what they do, paying back everyone according to their ways” (34:11). He argues that God doesn’t do wicked things or distorts justice. In essence, he seems to be agreeing with the friends.

Elihu’s argument against Job is that Job is wrong for saying that God has acted unjustly towards him. God is incapable of being wrong and the fact that Job suggests this makes him wicked.

I want to flesh this out more, but it seems like Elihu is saying that Job is wrong and that evil people do get what they deserve. Yet, he doesn’t really seem to directly address Job’s earlier arguments about the wicked prospering and the poor still suffering. I need to reread this part before I move on to chapter 35.

Job 35: Elihu addresses the impact of sin in this chapter. He directly responds to some of Job’s earlier questions about sin. Elihu argues that Job’s sins as well as his righteousness directly impact those around him. He argues that these actions don’t directly impact God. Elihu ends this chapter telling Job that God is aware of his situation and for him to be patient.

Job 36: The beginning of this chapter is kinda interesting. He tells the others that he has a lot of knowledge of God and will now share it with them. Kinda cocky actually. Elihu then sums up earlier arguments from three friends. Pretty much that God does punish people for their sins and that if they acknowledge this and pretty much repent, they will be ok. We don’t hear the wicked cry out because they are dead due to their sins. God saves those in need because they don’t sin. Elihu warns Job not to go towards evil or he will end up like the others who did before him. It’s interesting that mixed in with this Elihu warns Job not to be swayed by wealth. Hmmm…seems to not be as broad of a message anymore. Elihu tells Job that God is “inaccessible due to his power” (36:22). He even asks “who would ever say, ‘You’ve done wrong’” (36:23) to God. Almost sounds like a challenge to Job. I would argue that while it’s possible that Job may not have specifically said something like this directed at God, many of his questions implied it. This chapter ends with descriptions of God’s power over nature. Pretty cool stuff again.

2 Timothy 4: This is the last chapter of Paul’s letters (I think). At least in the order that I read them. In this chapter Paul explains to Timothy that he has commissioned him to his ministry. Paul ends by asking Timothy to take care of things for him and to visit him before he dies.