Creative Space for Wanderers
Chapter 13 provides the narrative of David’s desire and attempt to return the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. Ezra (assuming he’s the author of Chronicles), places this narrative out of sequence, up front, perhaps to emphasize David’s heart and desire to please God and the people. The first few verses show that everyone agreed this …
Chapter 10 quickly covered the end of Saul’s life to clear the way for David to ascend to the throne. The remainder of 1st Chronicles adds details to 2nd Samuel’s coverage of King David’s life in many interesting ways, most notably, naming the valiant warriors alluded to in 2nd Samuel. Second Chronicles does the same …
and Cruising through the first 10 chapters of 1 Chronicles we read the long list of names from Adam to Abraham. Quite remarkable when you think about it, especially when you remember God’s restart with Noah. Then we read the two branches of Abraham’s family: Isaac and Ishmael, Esau and Jacob (aka Israel). The kings …
Job’s response to the Lord is completely humble: Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. …
The words of Elihu dissolve into a faint echo as Job and his friends have nothing to say. Then the Lord speaks in 124 of the next 129 verses. “Out of the storm,” Job and his friends hear from God. “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a …
My intention this morning was to read just a piece of Elihu’s argument; however, I found I could not arbitrarily stop until reading the entire narrative. I’m really glad I did and I encourage anyone who has a chance to bathe in the beauty of these words as he argues against Job and his friends …
and Psalm 74 begins by begging the question: why have you rejected us God? Hey, God, don’t forget us here! The first half lays out the plea for mercy, then verse 12 pivots: But God is my King from long ago; he brings salvation on the earth. The rest of the psalm gives God the glory …
In 5 short verses, Bildad concludes his arguments with a simple assertion that mere humans are only worms compared to God. This, of course, includes himself and his friends. In essence, we are all nothing. Job replies with thick sarcasm: How you have helped the powerless! How you have saved the arm that is feeble! …
Continue reading “Bildad’s Last Thought, Job’s Final Words to His Friends”
and The last speech from Eliphaz covers lots of ground. He begins by arguing against the presumed piety of Job compared to the Creator of all: Can a man be of benefit to God? Can even a wise person benefit him? What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would he …
Zophar picks up his line of reasoning by expressing his personal disdain for Job’s words: “My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer because I am greatly disturbed. I hear a rebuke that dishonors me, and my understanding inspires me to reply.” How could someone like Job possibly rebuke Zophar? Zophar is doing fine, checking his …