Podcast 35, Stories of the Bible, “The Book of Job,” Ch 21.

Podcast 35, Stories of the Bible, “The Book of Job,” Ch 21.

There is a kind of protocol of formality in the dialogue between Job and his friends. The introduction can be barbed; nevertheless, it is polite and follows a standard procedure. Rather than gathering around a campfire where all speak at once, it is more like a formal podium in which the speakers take turns and the others remain silent. 

Job 1:5

“But Job answered and said, Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations. Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on. As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled? Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth.”

Job is telling them to sit down and be quiet while he speaks, then he gives a carefully laid out argument. Again, let’s consider the movement of Job’s address. It is not just for Bildad, Eliphaz, and Zophar. It is for all the world. 

Again, I shall be guided by parallelism, allowing it to take what form it will. Scriptures need to lead us; we should not lead the scriptures. Seeking truth is a sticky process, for we never approach truth empty. It is sometimes a struggle to avoid imposing our own biases, opinions, traditions, and learning. Rather than seeking truth, we often validate preconceived opinions.

Chapter 21, though it follows the chiastic pattern, is rather complex. The ancient writers did not blindly follow a rusty mold. For example, after the introduction above, Job immediately launches into his subject. Being true to the chiastic form, verse 6, the beginning of the argument, is clearly connected intimately to verse 34, the last verse of the argument. 

Job 21: 6

“Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.”

Job 21:34

“How then comfort ye me in vain, seeing in your answers there remaineth falsehood?”

Job’s question is legitimate. His friends can clearly see his desperate plight, yet rather than comfort Job, they add to his misery by accusing him falsely of sins he hasn’t committed. They admonish him to repent of things he hasn’t even done. Furthermore, they condemn him to everlasting hell if he doesn’t repent. It is a strong reprimand by Job. 

However, by following the parallel trail, we find near the center of Chapter 21 three verses that enlighten us further on what Job is referring to. They connect verse 6 with verse 34 adding further light.

Job 21:27-29

 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me. For ye say, Where is the house of the prince? and where are the dwelling places of the wicked? Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,

That is a very serious charge against his friends. In verse 34 Job accuses his friends of lying. In the above Job accuses his friends of fraternizing with the wicked. Here they are accusing Job of being wicked, but Job is effectively asking his friends, if they are not among the wicked, why do they know the tokens and signs of the wicked? Tokens are secret signs that the wicked devise to recognize each other. They would not know those tokens if they were not part of a secret society.

In dividing the verses, perhaps, rather than A1 & A2, we would have A1, A2, & A3.

The dominating theme of Job 21 is wickedness as we shall see by examining all the other verses. For example, not only is the word wicked used four times in strategic places, but all the verses reference the wicked. Job 21 is quite a dissertation on the wicked. One dominant lesson is that sometimes the wicked are punished on earth for their sins, but sometimes they aren’t. In other words, you can’t judge people by their prosperity or their suffering. 

True to the Chiastic form, let’s examine B1 & B2