Podcast 34, Stories of the Bible, “The Book of Job, Ch 20

Podcast 34, Stories of the Bible, “The Book of Job, Ch 20

Zophar gives a scathing view of the wicked which is compatible with the common Christian view of Hell. The problem, however, is that Zophar has missed the mark. Job is among the most righteous men on earth. In James we read.

James 5:11

“Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”

The Book of Job is quoted by the Apostle Paul.

Job 5:13

 “He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.”

 1 Corinthians 3:19

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.”

It is ironic, of course, that the words are spoken by Eliphaz, one of Job’s tormenters wearing the cloak of friendship. But that is the irony, isn’t it? The words of Bildad, Eliphaz, and Zophar ring true for the guilty; however, they are false when directed at Job. They see Job as one of the wicked while ignoring their own flaws. 

Zophar’s words are quotable; however, they do not fit Job’s innocent character. Job has spoken harshly to his three friends, and Zophar is retaliating, But let’s examine Zophar’s words, not as they falsely apply to Job, but as they sometimes accurately apply to the suffering of the wicked who fall under the biting law of Justice.

It is fun to follow the movement of each chapter of Job. They are exquisitely written,

First Zophar is retaliating against Job’s previous testimony of the redeemer.

Job 19:25-27

“For 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: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”

Zophar feels compelled to answer Job.

Job 20: 1-2

 “Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.”

As we examine the following keep in mind that Zophar is speaking specifically of Job for Job has actually suffered all these things. The Book of Job is the story of a man who had enormous wealth but lost it all, and everything turned bitter. Zophar firmly believes that the only reason Job lost his fortune, his family, and his health is because of his wickedness. 

The story of Job is two stories: One from the eyes of his friends, the other from the eyes of Job, a true prophet. On the one hand, Job is struggling under the pressures of his sudden loss. On the other hand, he never criticizes God. In fact, he sees release and salvation only through Jesus Christ. His friends, however, think they have all the answers. Rather than give comfort to Job in his suffering, Zophar condemns him to an eternal hell of suffering.  One of the great lessons in the Book of Job is in the way Job treats his friends and in the way he answers their false accusations. 

Let’s examine Zophar’s words, however, not in their condemnation of Job but in their condemnation of the truly wicked. Wickedness may bring momentary pleasure, but it cannot bring sustained happiness It is self-destructive, and that is Zophar’s message.

The theme of Chapter 20 is God’s portion to the wicked. Zophar lists six categories:

1.     Brevity of Life

2.     Bitterness of Sin

3.     Oppression of the Poor

4.     The Penalty of Sin

5.     Weapons of Violence

6.     Hidden Sins revealed

Let’s look first at Number 1, The brevity of life.