{"id":1057,"date":"2018-01-30T15:16:52","date_gmt":"2018-01-30T14:16:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/?p=1057"},"modified":"2018-01-30T15:28:43","modified_gmt":"2018-01-30T14:28:43","slug":"the-book-of-job-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/2018\/01\/30\/the-book-of-job-10\/","title":{"rendered":"The Book of Job"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Book Of Job
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Biblical Research Monthly
\n<\/span>
by Dr. David L. Cooper
\n<\/span>
(Installment 29)
\n<\/span>
<\/p>\n

Jehovah’s Questionnaire<\/center><\/p>\n

\nIN OUR last study we completed the investigation of the various speeches of the different speakers of the drama presented in the Book of Job. Having reached this point, it becomes necessary for us to take a little review as to the scheme of the entire book.<\/p>\n

As we have already learned, Job falls naturally into the following logical divisions:
\nI. Prologue, Chapters 1 and 2.
\nII. The Speeches of Job and His Friends, Chapters 5-37.
\nIII. Jehovah’s Speeches, Chapters 38-41.
\nIV. Job’s Reply to the Almighty, 42:1-6.
\nV. Epilogue, 42:7-16.<\/p>\n

As has already been stated, Job and his friends discussed various questions concerning the origin and the presence of evil in the world and concerning God’s providential dealings with the human family. The patriarchs had a primitive revelation, which doubtless they studied, and which they misunderstood in certain cases. They misinterpreted things, just as people misinterpret the Bible today. Job was nearer the truth than any of his friends. Amazingly, Elihu, the youngest of the group, seemed to have approximated the truth, as did Job. Nevertheless, they all darkened counsel with words void of knowledge (Job 38:2).<\/p>\n

When Elihu finished his last speech, Jehovah appeared on the scene and spoke out of the whirlwind to Job, giving him an examination. Job and his friends had thought that they had fathomed the great mysteries and problems of life, and that they had a fairly accurate idea of the profound and mysterious facts of existence and of Providence. The Lord, in order to show them how little they knew concerning creation in its various ramifications, gave Job a questionnaire to answer. These queries fall into two sections: In 38:1-38 God directed attention to the material universe; in 38:39–40:30 He quizzed Job concerning the animal kingdom. When all these questions are studied carefully, it will be found that there is not a man living who can answer all of them correctly and accurately. Man stands in a nonplus mental attitude, if he is honest, when he ponders these questions. Those of our generation who have become so very wise that they can count God out of His universe should honestly and conscientiously try to answer these queries. If a scientist is really sincere and is searching for the truth, he will wilt under the withering fire of these questions and will humble himself before God, acknowledging his own nothingness and limited knowledge.<\/p>\n

The Creation of the Universe<\/span><\/center><\/p>\n

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding. Who determined the measures thereof, if thou knowest? Or who stretched the line upon it? Whereupon were the foundations thereof fastened? Or who laid the corner-stone thereof, When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:4-7)<\/p>\n

In Job 38:4-7 the Almighty asked Job where was he when He, the Almighty, created the universe. Along with this simple question the Lord asked others connected with creation, which no mortal can answer. Even the most conceited physicist will have to acknowledge his utter ignorance with reference to the question, for instance, asked in verse 6;<\/p>\n

„6 Whereupon were the foundations thereof [of the world] fastened?
\nOr who laid the corner-stone thereof …?“<\/p>\n

Only Omniscience can answer these questions.<\/p>\n

From all eternity in the past God alone existed. At some time He created the angelic host, endowing them with intelligence and freedom of thought and choice. But being limited in knowledge, they rejoiced when the Lord created the physical, material universe, which revealed to them–from the nature of the case–something of the greatness and the glory of the Almighty (vs. 7).<\/p>\n

There are various indications which point in the direction that, when God created the universe, it was in a perfect state and continued this way for ages upon ages. There are certain passages that throw light upon this marvelous subject. Could Job or any man answer the questions here asked? No, not one!<\/p>\n

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The Wrecking of the Primitive Earth
\n<\/span><\/center><\/p>\n

Or who shut up the sea with doors, When it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb; When I made clouds the garment thereof, And thick darkness a swaddling-band for it, And marked out for it my bound, And set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; And here shall thy proud waves be stayed? (Job 38:8-11)<\/p>\n

In Genesis 1:1 we are told: „In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.“ As stated above, they were perfect (Isa. 45:18). Finally, the earth was wrecked, as we see in Genesis 1:2: „But the earth became a desolation and a waste“ (lit. tr.). This catastrophe which wrecked the earth is discussed in Job 38:8-11. This passage of course is the poetical version of the statement of the Book of Genesis, chapter 1.<\/p>\n

When the earth was thus wrecked, God repaired the damage that had been wrought during the so-called six days of creation, which probably should be designated „the six days of reconstruction“ (Gen., chap. 1). On the sixth day God created man. He finished His work and rested from His labors on the seventh day, or Sabbath. Did Job or any of the ancients have correct answers to these questions? Not one.<\/p>\n

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The Deluge
\n<\/span><\/center><\/p>\n

Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days began, And caused the dayspring to know its place; That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, And the wicked be shaken out of it? It is changed as clay under the seal; And all things stand forth as a garment: And from the wicked their light is withholden, And the high arm is broken. (Job 38:12-15)<\/p>\n

In these verses the Lord spoke of the Flood of Noah’s day. They are, again, the poetical version of the account of the disaster of the Flood, when all the wicked were removed from the earth. It is altogether possible that Job, in 9:1-12, was referring to the same event. But none of his companions could give the correct answers.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The Gates of Sheol
\n<\/span><\/center><\/p>\n

Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? Or hast thou walked in the recesses of the deep? Have the gates of death been revealed unto thee? Or hast thou seen the gates of the shadow of death? Hast thou comprehended the earth in its breadth? Declare, if thou knowest it all. (Job 38:16-18)<\/p>\n

Throughout the Old Testament we read of Sheol, which is in the center of the earth. The proof that this place is in the heart of the earth is to be found in Psalm 16:8-11, the prophecy which states that the Messiah’s soul would not be left in Sheol, neither would His body see corruption; for He would be brought back from the dead. The Lord Jesus stated that, just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights, so would the Son of man be in the heart of the earth (Matt 12:40,41). In going to Sheol, the Lord Jesus went into the heart of the earth; hence, Sheol is in the center of the earth.<\/p>\n

From the Old Testament point of view we learn nothing as to the divisions that existed in that underworld place of confinement of the spirits of men. But from our Lord’s statements in Luke 16:19-31 we see that there were two apartments–one, the place to which the righteous went upon death; the other, the place to which the lost, or unsaved, went upon death. These two places were separated by a vast gulf which could neither be spanned nor crossed (Luke 16:26). From Adam to Christ all who died went down into Sheol, each to the place for which he was prepared. Since our Lord’s victory over Satan and the powers of the unseen world, the righteous upon death go immediately into the presence of God. The wicked still go to Sheol, there to await the judgment of the great white throne, which occurs after the Millennium (Rev. 20:11-15).<\/p>\n

But where are „the gates of death,“ the entrance to Sheol, of which the Lord spoke to Job in 38:16-18? Hezekiah referred to them in Isaiah 38:10, saying: „In the noontide of my days I shall go into the gates of Sheol.“ Where is the entrance to Sheol? Neither Job, his friends, nor anyone else can answer this question, regardless of how much wisdom and knowledge he may have.<\/p>\n

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The Dwelling Places of Light and of Darkness
\n<\/span><\/center><\/p>\n

Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And as for darkness, where is the place thereof, That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, And that thou shouldest discern the paths to the house thereof? Doubtless, thou knowest, for thou wast then born, And the number of thy days is great! (Job 38:19-21)<\/p>\n

In this quotation God asked Job where were the ways to the dwelling of light and the place of darkness. The Almighty assumed that there is a place from which all light emanates. There is also according to this assumption, a place from which all darkness springs. Where are these places? What is the way that leads to each? We know that there are the two opposites known as light and darkness. What is the source of light? On the other hand, what is darkness? What produces it? Neither Job, his friends nor any scientist today can answer those questions!<\/p>\n

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<\/center><\/center><\/center><\/p>\n

\n

\n

The Book Of Job
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Biblical Research Monthly
\n<\/span>
by Dr. David L. Cooper
\n<\/span>
(Installment 30)<\/p>\n

<\/span>

Jehovah’s Questionnaire (continued)<\/p>\n

<\/span>

The Storehouses of Snow and Hail<\/center><\/p>\n

Hast thou entered the treasuries of the snow, Or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, Against the day of battle and war? By what way is the light parted, Or the east wind scattered upon the earth? (Job 38:22-24)<\/p>\n

Again the Lord asked Job a question which he could not answer. In the verses here given He asked Job if he knew where were „the treasuries of the snow“ and „the treasuries of the hail,“ which the Almighty has reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war. The Lord’s question assumes that there is some place where snow and hail are reserved, to be used by Him in „the time of trouble“ and „the day of battle, and war.“<\/p>\n

Doubtless in the Tribulation Period especially there will be vast, unprecedented snowstorms, together with hailstorms, such as the world has never seen. God can send these storms and can stop any and all of the operations of men. In the latter part of Revelation, chapter 16, we see that, at the conclusion of the Tribulation, God will use hail in an unprecedented manner. Do Job or any of the scientists know about these treasuries of snow and hail? The answer is, No one knows. Man with all his knowledge cannot answer this question.<\/p>\n

The Watering System of the Earth<\/center><\/p>\n

Who hath cleft a channel for the waterflood, Or the way for the lightning of the thunder; To cause it to rain on a land where no man is; On the wilderness, wherein there is no man; To satisfy the waste and desolate ground, And to cause the tender grass to spring forth? Hath the rain a father? Or who hath begotten the drops of dew? Out of whose womb came the ice? And the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? The waters hide themselves and become like stone, And the face of the deep is frozen. (Job 38:25-30)<\/p>\n

In these verses the Lord discussed the matter of His watering the entire earth. He referred to the channels for the water, which He has made. There are subterranean reservoirs for water and likewise great rivers of waters that flow underneath the continents. These are referred to in Psalm 24:1,2. The borings of well-digged machines prove the correctness of these assertions.<\/p>\n

The lightnings and the thunder, as we see in verse 26, have some connection with the rains which water the earth. In His goodness the Lord sends the showers upon the waste and desolate land in order to provide vegetation for man and beast.<\/p>\n

Who controls the rain and the watering system of the world? Who causes the dew? Who makes the ice? What is the purpose of them? What is the Almighty’s object in sending „the hoary frost of heaven“? Why are lakes and certain other bodies of water frozen over in the wintertime? What is the connection that exists between the evaporation of the water caused by the heat and sunshine and God’s provision for giving food to man and beast? Man can give some explanation, but there lies back behind all his explanations reasons and purposes that he cannot ferret out. So long as we live, we may push our investigations farther and farther, but we shall never get back to the ultimate reason and cause, except to acknowledge that God is the one who works all things together for a definite, common purpose.<\/p>\n

Who Controls the Constellations?<\/center><\/p>\n

Canst thou bind the cluster of the Pleiades, Or loose the bands of Orion? Canst thou lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season? Or canst thou guide the Bear with her train? Knowest thou the ordinances of the heavens? Canst thou establish the dominion thereof in the earth? (Job 38:31-33)<\/p>\n

In these verses we have a reference to the Pleiades and Orion, the great Bear, and other constellations. The Lord asked Job if he could „bind the cluster of the Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion.“ The word rendered „cluster“ also means „chain,“ or, „sweet influences.“ The various shades of meaning give it a very broad field. It is difficult to understand just what is meant. Regardless of our understanding of the meaning of „cluster,“ we are helpless in giving the correct answers to the questions that are asked here.<\/p>\n

Who is the One at the Helm of the Universe,
\n<\/span>
Who Is controlling All Things?<\/center><\/p>\n

Canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, That abundance of waters may cover thee? Canst thou send forth lightnings, that they may go, And say unto thee, Here we are? Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who hath given understanding to the mind? Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or who can pour out the bottles of heaven, When the dust runneth into a mass, And the clods cleave fast together? (Job 38:34-38)<\/p>\n

As we have been studying this chapter, we have seen that the questions are largely confined: First, to the creation of the earth, the disaster that wrecked the primitive earth, and the Flood of Noah’s day; next, to Hades, the place of departed spirits, and the meeting-place of light and darkness. Job was asked if he understood God’s „arsenal,“ where He has His weapons–snow and hail–reserved against the day of trouble and battle. Following that, He asked Job to explain His system of watering the earth. The Lord then looked toward the starry heavens and quizzed Job regarding astrophysics. Finally, He concluded His queries concerning the material universe by asking Job to answer questions regarding the entire universe. Did Job, He asked, have power to command the clouds to obey him and have them do it? Did he have any control of the lightning? Who gave man his intelligence, put wisdom in his innermost being, and put him upon a higher plane than the brute creation?<\/p>\n

As man stands before the mysteries of nature, he is baffled and sees that he knows practically nothing concerning the ultimate causes of things and their phenomena. It is best for a man to be honest, to acknowledge his limitations, to humble himself before God, and to plead that his eyes may be opened to see whatever truth it is necessary for him to understand, to the end that he might direct his life aright, and in such a way as to honor and glorify God and bless humanity.<\/p>\n

Section 38:39–39:30<\/center><\/p>\n

As we have already seen in the first installment of this questionnaire handed Job by Jehovah, the Lord wished to teach Job and his would-be friends the limitations of human knowledge and the helplessness of man in the world in which he lives, moves, and has his being. In the last installment of this series we saw that the Lord questioned Job concerning various phenomena in the material universe, beginning from the creation of the material, physical world and asking in regard to various historical events and other matters concerning God’s government of the universe. We saw how impotent Job and men of today are when they come face to face with these questions which no man can answer. It is true that man is learning more and more every day. Knowledge is increasing, as foretold by Daniel. Men are running to and fro in the world, as likewise foretold by that prophet. While they are making many hitherto unheard-of discoveries, they simply are pushing the inquiry back a little farther into the mystical places of man’s ignorance. The solution of one problem for man by some new discovery brings up many more at the same time.<\/p>\n

In section 38:39-39:30 the Lord asked Job concerning the animal kingdom–what he knew about it, and what he could do in co-operating with the animals.<\/p>\n

Can Job Provide for the Lions and the Ravens and can He understand the Language and Habits of Wild Goats?<\/center><\/p>\n

In 38:39-39:4 the Lord asked Job concerning his ability and that of his friends to satisfy and provide food for the lions. Could he attempt it? And would he try it? Could he, and would he, provide for the raven who cries and lets his wants for food be known? Job and any of the scientists today would have to answer in the negative on these points. It is true that men have been able to catch and keep lions in captivity, but their natures are just the same. They cannot provide for them. All of their dealings with them are by artificial means and not by natural ones.<\/p>\n

The wild goats, of which God spoke, have their habitat in places inaccessible to man. What did Job know about the wild goats and their engendering their young? Even the biologists of today know little more than the people of Job’s day, and there are many questions concerning the propagation of the species that no student of biology or genetics understands–and never will as long as they are here in the flesh.<\/p>\n

The Untameable Nature of the Wild Ass and the Wild Ox<\/center><\/p>\n

In the next place the Lord asked Job concerning the wild ass and the wild ox. This is recorded in 39:5-12. Both the wild ass and the wild ox are untameable. They are like the other wild animals. Who gave these their nature? And who can change it? Can any mortal? Men have tried to tame the wild animals and have put them in captivity, but under abnormal, artificial conditions. While by these methods attempts are made to domesticate them, all such efforts fail. These animals, together with others, by means employed, appear to be docile for a while; but as soon as those artificial methods are removed, their wild nature crops out. Neither Job nor his friends, nor any of the foremost men of today of the scientific world, can change the nature of these animals.<\/p>\n

The Nature of the Ostrich<\/center><\/p>\n

The ostrich and its peculiar habits are mentioned in verses 13-19. It seems that the ostrich, is deprived of the instincts of preservation that other animals and fowls enjoy. The habits of the ostrich are referred to by the Lord. He mentions the fact that the ostrich lays her egg on the ground and seems to forget that her foot may crush it, or that a wild beast may trample upon it. God’s overruling providence must take care of the foolish ostrich and its young.<\/p>\n

Although it is lacking in ordinary intelligence it is able, with feet and wings, to sail across desert places and by far outrun the horse and its rider. Could Job and his friends, or any scientist today, change the nature of the ostrich? Can any of them analyze the reasons connected with the various things that the ostrich does? The answer is no.<\/p>\n

What Did Job Have to Say Concerning the Horse and His Special Nature?<\/center><\/p>\n

Next in the list of animals concerning which God questioned Job is the horse (vss. 19-25). Who gave this animal his might? Who made his neck to bristle with energy, force, and power when the animal is disturbed? Did Job give him his ability to leap forward as the locust? And to snort and pitch as he goes into battle? Who gave him his nature to paw and to jump and to rejoice in his strength as he goes out against the armed foe?<\/p>\n

The war horse, figuratively speaking, mocks at fear and is not dismayed when the battle is being carried on. He is not afraid of the sword but will go right against the opposition. As the rider on the horse charges the enemy and the quiver is rattling against the horse, the animal goes forward in a fearless manner. The trumpet sound for the battle is the signal, or the call, to go forward in strength and might. Can man manage such animals? change their nature and give them new qualities? True, that by selective breeding certain species have been improved and certain qualities have been heightened and intensified, but the horse received his nature from God. It cannot be changed by any scientific method of man.<\/p>\n

Who Endowed the Hawk and the Eagle with Their Natures
\nand Gave Them Their Habitat?<\/center><\/p>\n

The questionnaire concludes with queries made by Jehovah to Job concerning the hawk and the eagle. The Lord asked Job:<\/p>\n

Is it by thy wisdom that the hawk soareth, And stretcheth her wings toward the south? (Job 39:26)<\/p>\n

Man did not give the fowls of the air their ability to live in their natural sphere. Man did not first learn how to fly, and then teach the fowls how to fly. It is Just as natural for them to fly as it is for a duck to seek water.<\/p>\n

True, men have learned how to make airplanes that fly, but not as the fowls do. It is natural for them, but unnatural for men, to fly. We hear of plane crashes all the time, but never such things as that in reference to birds.<\/p>\n

God demanded of Job:<\/p>\n

Is it at thy command that the eagle mounteth up, And maketh her nest on high? On the cliff she dwelleth, and maketh her home, Upon the point of the cliff, and the stronghold. (Job 39:27-28)<\/p>\n

Who gave the wisdom and the ability to the eagle to mount up to such enormous heights, and to live on some mountain peak or vantage point where he can look down upon the lowland and survey distant places and spy out his prey, upon which he darts down, and which he seizes?<\/p>\n

Job of course could answer none of these questions. All men would have to admit that it is God who has created the universe and the life that is therein. He it is who has given the nature of each species which He wished it to have. It is He who provides food and sustenance for all His creatures. Job, of course, could not answer. Hence, he remained silent.<\/p>\n

After submitting this questionnaire to Job, the Lord spoke to him and said:<\/p>\n

Shall he that cavilleth contend with the Almighty? He that argueth with God, let him answer it. (Job 40:2)<\/p>\n

Job had been arguing with God in his various speeches, but now he is brought face to face with his own utter impotence and ignorance.<\/p>\n

In replying to God’s question, Job answered:
\nBehold, I am of small account; what shall I answer thee? I lay my hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken, and I will not answer; Yea, twice, but I will proceed no further. (Job 40:4-5)<\/p>\n

Job had come to the point where God wanted him to be–where he realized his own limitations and his impotency. He therefore said to the Lord, „I am of small account … I lay my hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken … but I will proceed no further.“ When a man is brought to the point that Job reached, then he is in a position to be used of the Lord in a mighty way. It took a good deal to bring Job to that point. Though the Lord had said that he was a perfect man–one that feared Him–he was not at the point of absolute, and complete surrender to the will of God. He had too high an opinion of himself and his ability. It took all the suffering through which he had passed to bring him to this point. It took the discussion with his friends to show him that he did not know everything. Finally, it was necessary for God to „take the starch“ out of Job by handing him this questionnaire. Speaking in terms of grading examination papers, we would say that Job got zero on his test!<\/p>\n

Whenever anyone is brought to the same point that the patriarch Job finally reached, and realizes his limitations and impotentness, then God can bless and use him as He did Job. That Job was blessed is seen in the sequel to the story, which we shall study in chapter 42.<\/p>\n

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The Book Of Job Biblical Research Monthly by Dr. David L. Cooper (Installment 29) Jehovah’s Questionnaire IN OUR last study we completed the investigation of the various speeches of the different speakers of the drama presented in the Book of Job. Having reached this point, it becomes necessary for us to take a little review … <\/p>\n

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