Job
19
– 20
Verse 19:2 shows Job’s frustration with his friends:
O how long! How
long will you torture me and pound me with your chatter?
Here he is continuing to endure his friends
(and find out they are not done) and their opinions. When you think about what
his friends are doing, the phrase “opinions are like as….., everyone has one”
comes to mind. Imagine being in misery
and having these guys just telling you what you did wrong.
Verse 19:25 made me notice a reference to
the future:
Besides, I know my
Redeemer lives,
and in the end He will rise and take His stand on the earth.
In reading this it talks about a redeemer
who in OT times would buy one out of slavery or buy something back that was
taken away. I note a few things that make me think Job may be talking about
Jesus. First the “Redeemer” is capitalized indicating a specific person, this
along with the two capitalized He/His references later tend to indicate Jesus.
Second “He will rise” implying Jesus who rises again. Finally “take His stand”
implying ruling over the earth, again implying Jesus.
Now in all fairness this may be an
implication or bias in this translation since most of the English versions are
mixed with person reference to a general one. We like to read in a messianic
reference when we can, but sometimes we may force it when it’s not there. In
this case maybe Job is just looking for someone to vouch for him.
Verse 20:5 is not always the case:
The celebrations
of the wicked have been brief,
and the joy of the profane lasts only a moment.
Honestly I have known people for decades
that have lived lives which would be perceived as wicked, yet are successful
throughout their lives. I dread that they are doomed, but often wonder if it’s
just luck or if God is really in the mix of prosperity? It’s always been one of
those things we assume and can point to major celebrity “flame outs” but often
it’s not the case.
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