JOB - Chapters 29-31
MONOLOGUE: Job
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(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.
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(29:7-17) I was held in honor and respect above all other men, because:
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I helped the helpless
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I was righteous and just
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I opposed the wicked
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(29:18-20) I expected prosperity and blessing all the days of my life.
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(29:21-25) All men waited for my counsel and favor; I was their leader.
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(30:1-8)
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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."
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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.]
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(30:9-15)
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And now, even this "human trash" of society considers itself better than
me and wants no association with me.
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They eagerly attack me without restraint, and - because God has afflicted
me - they easily succeed in destroying me.
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(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.
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(30:20-23) I beg for mercy, O God, but you ruthlessly attack me with the
intention of totally destroying me.
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(30:24-31)
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Surely it is unreasonable to destroy a person who is already beat and
broken!
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Did I not do good to others when they were hurt? Shouldn't I also be
helped?
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Yet though I beg for help, all I receive is misery and horror.
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(31:1-4) I have not looked lustfully at a woman; for God - who sees all
I do - punishes those who sin.
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(31:5-8) I have never been deceitful...let God himself judge me and see!
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(31:9-12) 1 have never committed sexual sin; such an action would deserve
great judgment.
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(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.
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(31:16-23) I have never turned away those who were in need. Had I done
so, I would deserve great judgment.
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(31:24-28) I have never loved money or any other form of idolatry. This
also would deserve judgment.
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(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).
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(31:35-37)
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Oh that I would be heard! I officially (that is, legally) confirm my oath
of innocence! I challenge God to prove me wrong!
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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!)
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(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.
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(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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