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JOB - Chapters 29-31

MONOLOGUE: Job



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THE PAST (ch. 29)

  1. (29:1-6) I long for the past - for the days in which I had intimate fellowship with God and was continually blessed by him.
     
  2. (29:7-17) I was held in honor and respect above all other men, because:
    1. I helped the helpless
    2. I was righteous and just
    3. I opposed the wicked
       
  3. (29:18-20) I expected prosperity and blessing all the days of my life.
     
  4. (29:21-25) All men waited for my counsel and favor; I was their leader.
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THE PRESENT (ch. 30)

  1. (30:1-8)
    1. Although I was once the most respected of men, now I am mocked by all - even by those who belong to the lowest, most degraded form of humanity: the children of the "human trash of society."
    2. Even their parents, who had opportunity to "grow up" (become wiser with age), were totally unreliable. irresponsible, unpredictable - worse than wild animals. [Implication: the children - who hadn't yet had such an opportunity - were even worse than their parents.]
       
  2. (30:9-15)
    1. And now, even this "human trash" of society considers itself better than me and wants no association with me.
    2. They eagerly attack me without restraint, and - because God has afflicted me - they easily succeed in destroying me.
       
  3. (30:16-19) And now, all I have left is my few remaining days of pain. God has "surrounded" me in his attack, so that I am left helpless.
     
  4. (30:20-23) I beg for mercy, O God, but you ruthlessly attack me with the intention of totally destroying me.
     
  5. (30:24-31)
    1. Surely it is unreasonable to destroy a person who is already beat and broken!
    2. Did I not do good to others when they were hurt? Shouldn't I also be helped?
    3. Yet though I beg for help, all I receive is misery and horror.
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OATH OF INNOCENCE (ch. 31)

  1. (31:1-4) I have not looked lustfully at a woman; for God - who sees all I do - punishes those who sin.
     
  2. (31:5-8) I have never been deceitful...let God himself judge me and see!
     
  3. (31:9-12) 1 have never committed sexual sin; such an action would deserve great judgment.
     
  4. (31:13-15) I have never been unjust to my servants, for I know that I myself will be judged by the God who made us both.
     
  5. (31:16-23) I have never turned away those who were in need. Had I done so, I would deserve great judgment.
     
  6. (31:24-28) I have never loved money or any other form of idolatry. This also would deserve judgment.
     
  7. (31:29-34) I have never failed to demonstrate love and compassion - even to enemies and strangers. I have never been hypocritical in any of my actions (as people sometimes are, because of peer-pressure).
     
  8. (31:35-37)
    1. Oh that I would be heard! I officially (that is, legally) confirm my oath of innocence! I challenge God to prove me wrong!
    2. Would I not gladly show the world everything he might have to say about me? Am I not ready to openly give account for everything I have ever done? (I've got absolutely nothing to hide!)
       
  9. (31:38-40a) If I have EVER committed ANY sin against either land or tenant... then may my land - for a testimony against me - be utterly cursed.
     
  10. (31:40b) I rest my case.

The Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?
There is no one on earth like him;
he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." (Job 1:8)

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Dennis Hinks © 1989
Job 1:8 quoted from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (R). NIV (R). Copyright (C) 1973, 1978, 1984
by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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