Wisdom Class 10: Psalms 19-29

The required reading for Wednesday, June 2 is Psalms chapters 19-29

Bible Reading Assignment
For Wednesday, we'll review next eleven Psalms:

1. Psalm 19: The Perfect Revelation of the Lord (Nature and the Word)
2. Psalm 20: The Assurance of God's Saving Work (A Song of Trust)
3. Psalm 21: Joy in the Salvation of the Lord (Thanks for Victory)
4. Psalm 22: The Suffering, Praise, and Prosperity of the Messiah (A Psalm of the Crucifixion)
5. Psalm 23: The Lord the Shepherd of His People (The Shepherd Psalm)
6. Psalm 24: The King of Glory and His Kingdom (The King's Arrival in Zion)
7. Psalm 25: A Plea for Deliverance and Forgiveness (Prayer of a Sin-Oppressed Soul)
8. Psalm 26: A Prayer for Divine Scrutiny and Redemption (David Protests his Integrity)
9. Psalm 27: An Exuberant Declaration of Faith (Devotion to God's House)
10. Psalm 28: Rejoicing in Answered Prayer (A Prayer)
11. Psalm 29: Praise to God in His Holiness and Majesty (The Voice of God)

Notes on each Psalm below are provided as additional background to help you understand the context or classification of each as you read the Psalm. For class on Wednesday, choose one or two of these Psalms and be prepared to describe what the message of the Psalm is and any interesting details.

Psalm 19: The Perfect Revelation of the Lord (Nature and the Word)

Wonder and glory of creation, and perfection and power of God's word. Spurgeon called it, World Book and Word Book. The God of nature made known to man through God's written word. Thoughts about God's word are greatly expanded in Psalm 119. Its closer prayer (13, 14), is one of the best Prayers in the whole bible. God's word is perfect, sure, true, gives joy, and is sweeter than honey.

This Psalm illustrates the declaration of the glory of God from His great creation; from creating heaven (Genesis 1:1) to the firmament (the space between the heavens and the earth's surface, Genesis 1:6-7). Just as the sun makes its daily progression through the sky, God's glory is not hidden from anyone or anything (1-6). Next, David reviews the law of the Lord, how perfect it us and complete for man (7-11). David then points out that man is not perfect and asks for God to cleanse him, see also Psalm 51:1-2 (12-13). In conclusion, David declares his desire to be found acceptable to the Lord, his rock (14).

Our hymn books include an expert from Psalm 19 sung to a traditional tune, see Hymns for Worship, hymn number 439.

Psalm 20: The Assurance of God's Saving Work (A Song of Trust)

Seems like a battle hymn, sung in setting up their banners, with prayer for victory, as David entered battle, Trusting, not in chariots and horses (7), but in the Lord.

Psalm 21: Joy in the Salvation of the Lord (Thanks for Victory)

After the battle, for which they had prayed in Psalm 20 before the Battle. It seems also to have a Messianic hint in its reference to the eternal feature of the king's reign (4).

Psalm 22: The Suffering, Praise, and Prosperity of the Messiah (A Psalm of the Crucifixion)

It seems like a cry of anguish from David. But, though written a thousand years before the days of Jesus, it is so vivid a description of the crucifixion of Jesus that one would think of the writer as being personally present at the cross: Jesus' dying words (1), sneers of His enemies (7, 8). His hands and feet pierced (16), His garments parted (18). Some of these statements are not applicable to David, nor to any known event in history except the crucifixion of Jesus.

Psalm 23: The Lord the Shepherd of His People (The Shepherd Psalm)

Possibly the best loved chapter in the Old Testament. David may have composed this Psalm while he was yet a shepherd boy, watching his father's flocks, on the very same shepherd field where, 1000 years later, the angel choir announced the birth of Jesus.

In this Psalm, David declares his relation to God as his shepherd who provides everything, leaving no wants (1). He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd (2, 3, 5). No matter what the circumstances, David doesn't need to fear evil because God would never leave nor forsake him (6). Because of God's providing, goodness and mercy will follow him his whole life and therefore he resolves never to leave nor forsake God (6).

Psalm 24: The King of Glory and His Kingdom (The King's Arrival in Zion)

May have been written when the ark was brought to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12-15). Maybe we will sing it in that glad day when the king of glory comes again.

Psalm 25: A Plea for Deliverance and Forgiveness (Prayer of a Sin-Oppressed Soul)

David has his periods of soul depression, on account of his sins and troubles. There are many petitions here which we may profitably make our own.

Psalm 26: A Prayer for Divine Scrutiny and Redemption (David Protests his Integrity)

In rather positive terms; very different from the preceding Psalm.

Psalm 27: An Exuberant Declaration of Faith (Devotion to God's House)

Devotion to God's house and fearless trust in God. God the strength of his life. David loved to sing, and to pray, and to wait on the Lord.

Psalm 28: Rejoicing in Answered Prayer (A Prayer)

A prayer and thanks for its answer. David was hopeless, except for God. He depended on Him, and rejoiced on Him, and rejoiced in Him.

Psalm 29: Praise to God in His Holiness and Majesty (The Voice of God)

In the thunderstorm, something frightening, suggestive of terrifying cataclysms at the end of the world.

Wisdom Class 9: Psalms 8-18

The required reading for Sunday, May 30 is Psalms chapters 8-18

Bible Reading Assignment
For Sunday, we'll review next eleven Psalms:

1. Psalm 8: The Glory of the Lord in Creation (Man the Crown of Creation)
2. Psalm 9: Prayer and Thanksgiving for the Lord's Righteous Judgments (Thanks for Victories)
3. Psalm 10: A Song of Confidence in God's Triumph over Evil (David's Prayer for Help)
4. Psalm 11: Faith in the Lord's Righteousness (Prevalence of Wickedness)
5. Psalm 12: Man's Treachery and God's Constancy (Prevalence of Wickedness)
6. Psalm 13: Trust in the Salvation of the Lord (Prevalence of Wickedness)
7. Psalm 14: Folly of the Godless, and God's Final Triumph (Universal Sinfulness)
8. Psalm 15: The Character of Those Who May Dwell with the Lord (True Citizens of Zion)
9. Psalm 16: The Hope of the Faithful, and the Messiah's Victory (Resurrection of the Messiah)
10. Psalm 17: Prayer with Confidence in Final Salvation (A Prayer for Protection)
11. Psalm 18: God the Sovereign Savior (David's Hymn of Thanksgiving)

Notes on each Psalm below are provided as additional background to help you understand the context or classification of each as you read the Psalm. For class on Sunday, choose one or two of these Psalms and be prepared to describe what the message of the Psalm is and any interesting details.

Psalm 8: The Glory of the Lord in Creation (Man the Crown of Creation)

This to be brought to pass under the Messiah, in the day of His triumphant reign (Heb 2:6-9). Jesus quoted verse 2 as referring to an incident in His own life (Mt. 21:16)

Psalm 9: Prayer and Thanksgiving for the Lord's Righteous Judgments (Thanks for Victories)

Thanks for victories over enemies, national and individual. God sits as king forever. Let the nations know themselves to be but men. Praise God. Trust God.

This Psalm, with Psalm 10, forms an Acrostic. Acrostic (also known as "alphabetic") Psalms are those in which the Initial Letters of successive verses follow the order of the Hebrew Alphabet; a device, it is thought, to assist the memory. See Class 8 notes for a full list of Acrostic Psalms.

Psalm 10: A Song of Confidence in God's Triumph over Evil (David's Prayer for Help)

In contending with wickedness, oppression and robbery, apparently within his own realm. Prevalence of wickedness troubled David greatly, especially their defiance of God. To David, as to other bible writers, there are just two classes: the righteous and the wicked; though many try to be both.

Psalm 11: Faith in the Lord's Righteousness (Prevalence of Wickedness)
Psalm 12: Man's Treachery and God's Constancy (Prevalence of Wickedness)
Psalm 13: Trust in the Salvation of the Lord (Prevalence of Wickedness)

The wicked walk on every side. David overwhelmed the wicked enemies, almost to death. But trusts in God, and sings for joy. Such Psalms as these seem to belong to the period when David was hiding from Saul.

Psalm 14: Folly of the Godless, and God's Final Triumph (Universal Sinfulness)

About the same as Psalm 53. Quoted in Romans 3:10-12. Infidels are here called fools. prevalent wickedness shows what fools men are. For as sure as there is a God, there will be a day of judgment for the wicked. But among them God has a people, for whom judgment will be a day of joy.

Psalm 15: The Character of Those Who May Dwell with the Lord (True Citizens of Zion)

The righteous, truthful, just, honest. Thomas Jefferson called this Psalm the picture of a true gentleman.

Psalm 16: The Hope of the Faithful, and the Messiah's Victory (Resurrection of the Messiah)

David appears to be speaking of himself; yet mystic words of the coming Davidic King find their way into David's mouth (10); quoted in New Testament as a prediction of Jesus' resurrection (Acts 2:27). Two magnificent verses (8, 11). Michtam, in title, means a Golden Poem.

Psalm 17: Prayer with Confidence in Final Salvation (A Prayer for Protection)

Overwhelmed by enemies, David looks to God. Protests his own innocence, but trusts in God. Surrounded by lovers of this world, David set his heart on the world beyond (14, 15).

Psalm 18: God the Sovereign Savior (David's Hymn of Thanksgiving)

On his accession to the throne, with the kingdom firmly established in his hands, after years of flight from Saul. Repeated in 2 Samuel 22. He attributed it all to God, his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, stay, refuge, shield, horn, high tower, one of the best Psalms.

Head of nations (43-45), true of David only in a partial sense, it looked forward beyond the time of David to the throne of David's greater son, Jesus.

Wisdom Class 8: Psalms 1-7 and Introduction to Psalms

The required reading for Wednesday, May 26 is Psalms chapters 1-7 reading this blog post

Bible Reading Assignment
For Wednesday, we'll go through an introduction to Psalms and review the first eight Psalms:

1. Reading included below
2. Psalm 1: The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly (Delight in God's Word)
3. Psalm 2: The Messiah's Triumph and Kingdom (A Hymn of the Coming Messiah)
4. Psalm 3: The Lord Helps His Troubled People (David's Trust in God)
5. Psalm 4: The Safety of the Faithful (An Evening Prayer)
6. Psalm 5: A Prayer for Guidance (A Morning Prayer)
7. Psalm 6: A Prayer of Faith in Time of Distress (Cry of a Broken Heart)
8. Psalm 7: Prayer and Praise for Deliverance from Enemies (Another Prayer for Protection)

The book of Psalms is often referred to as the Jewish Hymnal, or Israel’s Hymn Book and Prayer Book. It is a collection of songs and poems that tell history, that praise God, that confess guilt, that call upon God for help in time of trial, that express thanksgiving to God, or teach some great lesson. The word psalm comes from the Greek word psalmos, which was originally a song sung to the accompaniment of a lyre, or other stringed instrument. Of 283 New Testament quotations from the Old Testament, 116 are from Psalms.

The Psalms are divided into five groups or “Books”:
Book I – Psalms 1-41
Book II – Psalms 42-72
Book III – Psalms 73-89
Book IV – Psalms 90-106
Book V – Psalms 107-150

There are many ways to classify the Psalms. These classifications can make it easier to place the Psalm in the context of the life of the author, or a pattern within the Psalm, or simply to find a collection of Psalms with the same emotion. Listed below are a few typical classifications.

Classification by Authors
 
In the titles, 73 Psalms are ascribed to David; 12 to Asaph; 11 to the sons of Korah; 2 to Solomon, 1 to Moses; 1 to Ethan; and, 50 are anonymous.

• Psalms of David: 2-9, 11-32, 34-41, 51-65, 68-70, 86, 101, 103, 108, 109, 110, 122, 124, 131, 133, 138-145
• Psalms of Asaph: 50, 73-83
• Songs of the Sons of Korah: 42, 44-49, 84, 85, 87, 88, 89
• Psalms of Solomon: 72 and 127
• Psalm of Moses: 90
• Psalm of Ethan: 89

Classification by Style or Purpose

• Songs of Ascent: 120-134
• Alphabetic (Acrostic) Psalms: 9-19, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, 145
• Hallel Psalms:
• Egyptian Hallel: 113-118
• Great Hallel: 118-136
• Greek Hallel: 146-150
• Begin and end with “Praise ye the Lord”: 106, 113, 117, 135
• Begin with “Praise ye the Lord”: 111, 112
• End withHallelujah: 104, 105

Classification by Subject Matter

• Psalms that cry to God for help
• Individual facing a specific trial: 3, 7, 34, 52, 54, 56, 59, 142, and others
• Help for the nation: 60
• Cry for help/petition for forgiveness from sin: 25
• Cry for help/describe trouble/thanksgiving for deliverance: 54
• Thanksgiving for deliverance/describe trouble/ describe deliverance: 18
• Psalms of thanksgiving and praise for God's deliveranc
• Expressions of thanksgiving: 9, 30, 116, 118, 126, and 138
• Praise God for deliverance: 18, 21, 27, 28, 31, 34, 40, 61, 77, 106, 107, 108, 112, 121, 124, and 144
  
• Psalms that praise God as the Creator and Sustainer: 8, 19, 29, 33, 65, 74, and 104
• Praise for God's mighty works for Israel: 44, 66, 68, 77, 78, 79, 81, 83, 105, 106, 114, 135, and 136
• Psalms that praise God for who He is
• For His nature and character: 36, 66, 67, 76, 92, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 111, 117, 118, 134, 139, and 145
• Praise Him as our King: 24, 47, 48, and 93
• Praise our Judge: 50
• Worthy of our praise: 84, 148, 149, and 150
• Contrast our Mighty God with idols: 115
• Contrast between righteous and wicked
• The wickedness of men: 14 and 53
• The character of the righteous: 1, 37, and 73
• Kings and judges should rule righteously before God: 72
• Grief for sin:6, 38, 51, and 137
• Forgiveness for sin: 25, 32, 85, and 130
• Judgment for sin: 75
• Messianic Psalms (foretelling the coming of Christ): 2, 8, 16, 22, 45, 69, 72, 89, 110, 118, and 132

Notes on each Psalm below are provided as additional background to help you understand the context or classification of each as you read the Psalm. For class on Wednesday, choose one or two of these Psalms and be prepared to describe what the message of the Psalm is and any interesting details.

Psalm 1: The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly (Delight in God's Word)

Blessedness of those who derive their ideas of life from God's word, rather than from their worldly neighbors. Happiness and prosperity are theirs. Not so the wicked. Over and over the godly and the wicked are contrasted. Thus the Book of Psalms opens with an exaltation of God's word. Note too that Psalms' first word is blessed: a beatitude: like the sermon on the mount in Mt. 5. We will note additional beatitude Psalms that correspond with each beatitude of Christ.

Psalm 2: The Messiah's Triumph and Kingdom (A Hymn of the Coming Messiah)

This is the first of the Messianic Psalms, referring to His Deity (7) and Universal Reign (8).

There is a divine commentary on this Psalm in Acts 4:25-28. In verses 27-28, the Lord's Anointed is identified as Jesus; Herod is representative of the kings of the earth; Pilate is representative of the rulers; the Romans are the nations (the heathen, or Gentiles); and the Jews are the people. As the apostles stated: O Lord, you "by the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David your servant, did say" these things. It is futile for man to try to keep God from accomplishing His will.

Paul quotes Psalm 2:7 in Acts 13:33 and applies the statement to the resurrection of Christ. It was at the resurrection of Jesus that God affirmed His Fatherhood of Jesus, and that is the meaning of the statement, "This day have I begotten thee."

Psalm 3: The Lord Helps His Troubled People (David's Trust in God)

At the time of Absolom's rebellion (II Sam. 15). A most remarkable example of peaceful trust at a very trying time. He could sleep because "God's hand was his pillow."

Psalm 4: The Safety of the Faithful (An Evening Prayer)

Another hymn of trust, as David retired, to sleep, so to speak, on the bosom of God. Trust in God (5). Gladness of heart (7), peace of mind (8), communion with God in our bed time meditations (4). Confidence that God is watching (8).

Psalm 5: A Prayer for Guidance (A Morning Prayer)

Beset by treacherous enemies, David prays, and shouts for joy, in confidence that God will protect him. David must have had many enemies.

Psalm 6: A Prayer of Faith in Time of Distress (Cry of a Broken Heart)

In time of sickness, bitter grief, tears, humiliation, shame, and reproach by enemies, possibly on account of David' sin with Bathsheba. First of the Penitential Psalms.

Psalm 7: Prayer and Praise for Deliverance from Enemies (Another Prayer for Protection)

In grave danger, David protests his own righteousness. Cush, named in the title, possibly may have been on of Saul's officers in pursuit of David.

Questions to prepare you for class
1. Who is the author(s) of the book of Psalms?
2. How is the book of Psalms organized?
3. What are a couple ways we organize the Psalms to help us understand them better?
4-10. Describe Psalms 1-7 individually.

Wisdom Class 7: Job 42 and Review (Answers)

Answers to Wisdom Class 7 Questions
1. Who did God address in verses 7-8?

Eliphaz and Job's two other friends Bildad and Zophar.

2. What did God tell them that they did wrong?

They did not represent the words of God, "have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has."

3. How many times does God refer to Job as his servant?

Three times in one verse!

4. What did Job’s friends have to do to obtain forgiveness?

Each give Job seven bulls and seven rams to have Job sacrifice as a burnt offering for them and pray for their forgiveness.

5. In what ways did God restore Job to how he was before Satan tried him?

Restored twice as much as he had before (14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 donkeys). All of his friends and family ate food in his house and consoled and comforted him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and a ring of gold. Seven sons and three daughters, the most beautiful women in the land. After this, Job lived 140 years, and saw four generations of children and grandchildren.

Review Questions

6. What excuses did Satan give for Job’s faithfulness? How did Job prove him wrong?

First he told God that He had greatly blessed Job and that is why he served God faithfully. After all had been taken away from Job, Satan stated that Job would curse God to his face if he had a skin condition. Job proved him wrong by never cursing God and remaining faithful through all of his trials.

7. Did Job have a mediator before God? Did God hear him? How do we know?

Job did not have a mediator, he compelled directly to God for help. God heard him, but he did not respond to him until the end of his trials. We know God heard him because He corrected Job for his many accusations that God owed him an explanation for the his sin.

8. Can you tell if a person is righteous by looking at their life or belongings?

Absolutely not. Job was accused of committing a great sin or sins by three of his friends simply based on what was physically happening to him. We know Job was faithful based on God's own confidence in him in verses one and two. We know that Job continued to remain faithful by God's restoration at the end of the book. But through it all, those who saw Job were sure he was a sinner.

9. What can we learn from Job’s three friends? What did they do right? Do wrong?

We need to be careful about our accusing others of sin. God is the only one that knows all things and will weigh the hearts of men based on their actions in life. His friends needed to support and help Job to cope with his suffering, not continue to make accusations. What they did right was come to Job in his trials. We need to learn from this and not avoid our friends and brothers when they are suffering.

10. Now that we have studied the whole book, what is the point of the book of Job?

As we started the book, I reviewed the message of each book included under the wisdom literature. Job is a great example of faithfulness through trials, even when everyone else has turned their back on him. A greater lesson is that we cannot possible know why things happen to us. Job was never told that his suffering was a result of Satan making accusations and God not letting it stand.

Wisdom Class 7: Job 42 and Review

The required reading for Sunday, May 23 is Job chapter 42 and a review of our past classes

Bible Reading Assignment
For Sunday, we'll be reviewing the three friends rebuked, Job restored and review the entirety of the book:
5) Job is vindicated (42:7-17)
    a) God rebukes the three friends
    b) Job’s blessings are returned
6) Review book of Job

God corrects Job’s three friends. He says that they were not right in what they had said. Though Job had no right to blame God for his affliction, and he had to right to demand an answer from God, he was right in saying he had not done some great sin.

Job’s trials are now over and God restored the fortunes of Job by giving him twice the wealth he had before. His family and acquaintances came before him to show their respect as they had in times past. Job had seven sons and three daughters to take the place of those he had lost at the beginning.

Questions to prepare you for class
1. Who did God address in verses 7-8?
2. What did God tell them that they did wrong?
3. How many times does God refer to Job as his servant?
4. What did Job’s friends have to do to obtain forgiveness?
5. In what ways did God restore Job to how he was before Satan tried him?

Review Questions
6. What excuses did Satan give for Job’s faithfulness? How did Job prove him wrong?
7. Did Job have a mediator before God? Did God hear him? How do we know?
8. Can you tell if a person is righteous by looking at their life or belongings?
9. What can we learn from Job’s three friends? What did they do right? Do wrong?
10. Now that we have studied the whole book, what is the point of the book of Job?

Wisdom Class 6: Job 38-42:6 (Answers)

Answers to Wisdom Class 6 Questions
1. Is God asking Job to teach him? 38:1-3

No, he is stating that Job has been refuting the counsel of his friends with words without knowledge. God has questions for Job that he needs to respond to.

2. Why is God making the point about creating the earth and heavens? 38:4-41:11

To illustrate that He is the creator of everything, He has all wisdom and understanding. There is no possible way Job could possibly know all that God knows, he hasn't seen or been involved with everything in the world, as God has.

3. Did God create the constellations, or just the stars? 38:31-33

Since God created all of the stars, he certainly created the arrangement also, including the ability for man to draw images based on the arrangement with great stories to go with them. God's point here seems to be that he is the only one that has the power to change the arrangement of the starts. One commentary pointed out that the Pleiades in which God says "Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades" is considered the closest cluster of stars to the earth and the cluster of stars are always in the same relationship with one another, unlink other stars that move around in the sky based on the season, see Wikipedia for more.

4. Does God provide for mankind and animals? 38:39-41

Yes, without God we wouldn't all have the abilities to provide for ourselves. We don't have the power to do it all, but God does.

5. Why do many animals do things that aren’t wise? 39:13-18

God deprived them of wisdom and understanding. We are truly God's chosen people, given the ability to reason and because of the sin of Adam and Eve know the difference between good and evil. Animals have their instincts, which God gave them, in order to survive.

6. In what ways is the horse strong? 39:19-25

From the sound of his snorting to his fearlessness in battle and his ability to "devour the distance." The horse has been blessed with many attributes, but wisdom is not one of them.

7. What direct question does God give Job? What is Job’s response? 40:1-5

Should Job correct God? To which Job responds that he is vile and will not speak any more. Job's response is a great lesson to us, he didn't cower or try to justify himself, he admitted that he had been wrong and won't speak any more.

8. God illustrates the power and wonder of a huge creature, why? 40:15-24

The behemoth was created along with man by God. God who created man and gave him his power also created the largest most powerful land creature on the earth. While we don't know what the behemoth really was, we do have a pretty good description of it here in Job.

9. What creature or being is God describing in Job 42:12-34?

Leviathan. Similar to the behemoth in our lack of association with an animal we have around today, it was a sea creature fierce and terrifying. God is illustrating that he has created several powerful, terrible beasts. The most terrible and powerful being ever created isn't even mentioned, Satan. While God never reveals anything about Satan to Job or his friends in the book of Job, I think God is trying to point out with the behemoth and leviathan that Gad has created many terrible and powerful creatures that Job cannot understand.

10. What is Job’s response to God? 42:1-6

When God stops describing the leviathan and concludes that those who are proud will be ruled by him, Job humbles himself and repents. This act of repenting is an acknowledgment that he did error and must seek God's forgiveness. As we'll see in the final few verses, God has accepted his repentance.

Wisdom Class 6: Job 38-42:6

The required reading for Wednesday, May 19 is Job chapters 38-42:6

Bible Reading Assignment
For Wednesday, we'll be reviewing God's response:
4) God challenges Job (38:1-42:6)
    a) Job, you are in no position to question my actions (38:1-41:34)
    b) Job humbly accepts God’s rebuke (42:1-6)

Out of a whirlwind God speaks to Job. Job has been calling for God to answer him, to let him present his arguments before Him about why Job thinks God has been unjust. Now God speaks – and He invites Job to respond, to instruct God – but Job is overwhelmed at the greatness of God, and he places his hand over his mouth.

Notice that God does not even mention Job’s suffering. He does not tell Job about Satan’s challenge, or why any of it had happened. He just tells Job that he is in no position to argue with God, or to question His actions. Job, you are not wise enough.

Questions to prepare you for class
1. Is God asking Job to teach him? 38:1-3
2. Why is God making the point about creating the earth and heavens? 38:4-41:11
3. Did God create the constellations, or just the starts? 38:31-33
4. Does God provide for mankind and animals? 38:39-41
5. Why do many animals do things that aren’t wise? 39:13-18
6. In what ways is the horse strong? 39:19-25
7. What direct question does God give Job? What is Job’s response? 40:1-5
8. God illustrates the power and wonder of a huge creature, why? 40:15-24
9. What creature or being is God describing in Job 42:12-34?
10. What is Job’s response to God? 42:1-6

Wisdom Class 5: Job 32-37 (Answers)

Answers to Wisdom Class 5 Questions
1. Why is the wrath of Elihu aroused? 32:2-3

Elihu appears to have been present through the back forth dialog of the past 30 chapters, but he is now compelled to speak up. When Job justified himself rather than God, Elihu had to respond. Job has been steadfast in the defense of his innocence, but he has also been complaining about God not punishing the wicked, but instead punishing him.

2. Why did Elihu wait so long to speak to Job? 32:4-5

Elihu waited because he was young. He showed respect to the other three, giving credit that with the passing of years a man gains wisdom. But now that he has heard them speak, he responds with "Great men are not always wise, Nor do the aged always understand justice."

3. Why does Elihu ask Job to give his defense to him? 33

Elihu states that he is speaking from an upright heart, and just as Job he is just a man and can be his spokesman before God.

4. What does Elihu accuse Job of doing? Did he do it? 33:13

Job had declared that he is pure, innocent, without iniquity, but God finds occasion against me, He counts me as his enemy. Job has made assumptions that God is the source of his pain and suffering, but God doesn't have to give any reason why something has happened. Job should not blame God for his pain, God isn't even the one bringing this pain upon him.

5. What could God do if he set his heart on it? 34:14-15

If God wanted to, he could destroy the entire world with a breath, all flesh would perish together and man would return to dust. While God has all power, he doesn't have a desire to do anything wicked to man.

6. Does God see everything? Is there any dark place the wicked can hide? 34:21-22

God sees all. Consider Jonah who tried to hide from God in the bowel of a ship when he chose to not do as God commanded. God knows our thoughts and desires and sees every little thing we do. Whenever we are tempted to commit a sin because we know no one will ever know we did it, remember that God is watching. We are never alone.

7. People cry out to God in affliction, when do they not? (but should) 35:9-11

People don't shout with joy to God when things are great. Consider the Israelite history through the Judges. They would cry out to God that they need a deliverer because their sin has caused them some form of suffering. Once they have been saved and things are good, they forget about God and slide back into sin until they are once again crying out. We should be like Job who sacrificed and worshiped God his entire life, from chapter 1 when things were great through all of his trials and finally when he is restored at the end of the book.

8. Even though we don’t see God, we must do what? 35:14

We must wait for him. As chapter 35 verse 14 points out, justice is before him. While Job is suffering, he should know that God is just. Because Job has remained faithful his entire life, God will give his reward after Job dies. If you live a life of sin, disobeying God, you may live a great life with pleasure, relaxation and even do good for others. But God is just, you will be condemned for your disobedience just as someone who had committed terrible crimes just because you didn't obey him. We can have patience because we know God is just and will restore those who obey and punish those who don't.

9. God is mighty, what does he do to the wicked and obedient? 36:5-12

He doesn't despise anyone. He won't preserve the life of the wicked (He has saved a special place prepared for the devil and those who are disobedient). He doesn't withdraw His eyes from the righteous (having paradise prepared for them once their life is over).

10. God’s hand brings all forms of weather, even the animals know this and take cover, what are the reasons he brings weather? 36:26-37:13

Chapter 37 verse 13 lists three reasons He brings weather: for correction, for the land, or for mercy. I think Elihu is illustrating for Job that we cannot possibly know why God is permitting something to happen based on what we can observe. Just like the animals are able to observe the changing weather and take shelter, we must deal with whatever trial comes upon us without trying to examine if it is the result of something we have done or if it is God's hand upon us.

Wisdom Class 5: Job 32-37

The required reading for Sunday, May 16 is Job chapters 32-37

Bible Reading Assignment
For Sunday, we'll be reviewing the response of Elihu to Job and his other three friends:
3) Elihu speaks (32:1-37:24)
    a) He is angry with Job for justifying himself and blaming God for his calamity.
    b) He is angry with the three friends because, though they could not refute Job’s arguments they condemned him.

Elihu was present through the three rounds of speeches concluding in chapter 32, but he waited to speak until his own wrath was aroused. Being younger, he waited to speak until those who were supposedly wiser than him had finished speaking. As you read about Elihu, consider how this young man has such great wisdom by comparison the Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.

Questions to prepare you for class
1. Why is the wrath of Elihu aroused? 32:2-3
2. Why did Elihu wait so long to speak to Job? 32:4-5
3. Why does Elihu ask Job to give his defense to him? 33
4. What does Elihu accuse Job of doing? Did he do it? 33:13
5. What could God do if he set his heart on it? 34:14-15
6. Does God see everything? Is there any dark place the wicked can hide? 34:21-22
7. People cry out to God in affliction, when do they not? (but should) 35:9-11
8. Even though we don’t see God, we must do what? 35:14
9. God is mighty, what does he do to the wicked and obedient? 36:5-12
10. God’s hand brings all forms of weather, even the animals know this and take cover, what are the reasons he brings weather? 36:26-37:13

Wisdom Class 4: Job 22-31 (Answers)

Answers to Wisdom Class 4 Questions
1. Is Eliphaz now accusing Job of harming the poor and the widows?

Yes. Job 22:6-9 appears to be an accusation that Job has taken clothing from people who didn't have any to start with, not given the weary water or a hungry man bread, and have not helped widows, but sent them away empty.

2. Did Job have some form of the Word of God, “Words of God’s mouth”?

I believe so. We see in Job 23:12 "I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food." (NKJV) We don't know in what form these words have been given to him, whether they were written on a scroll that had been passed down, through word of mouth from generation to generation, or God had actually instructed him. Keeping in mind that Job lived in the Patriarchal dispensation, God did speak directly to the heads of household. The point I want to bring out, is that Job and the people in his time knew the will of God and were able to make there own decision to obey or not, just as today.

3. Is Job complaining to God for not punishing the wicked?

When we examine Job 24:1-12 we see see a long list of wicked acts that people have committed, including stealing animals, pushing the needy off the road, causing the poor to go naked without clothing, and not providing food or clothing for the poor. Following this list, Job states in verse 12 that the souls of the wounded cry out, but God does not charge them with wrong.

4. What does Bildad compare man to? 

In the conclusion of the short chapter 25, after talking about the power of God and lowliness of man, he compare man to a maggot and a worm, Job 25:6.

5. How does Job convey that he can only partially understand God?

Job chapter 26 is Job's response to Bildad, but also a review of the mighty works of God, His power. In the final verse, Job indicates that we only hear a small whisper of him, but this loud thunder of His power is very hard to understand. While Job indicates here that we can't possibly understand the ways of God entirely, we have only heard (read) a glimpse; Job is later corrected by God for assuming he knows as much as God. Job never learns about the interchange between God and Satan, nor that Satan is the source of his suffering, nor that God had faith in him to raise him up as an example of a faithful man. We should be careful not to think too highly of ourselves. To assume that when trials come before us that we know why it is happening, or to think God has left us because of our momentary pain.

6. Has Job finally caved and admitted a great sin?

No way. In Job 27:3-6, he is reinforcing that he will claim his innocence as long as he can and will continue to live a life of integrity through death.

7. What is the value of wisdom?

It's deeper than the deep, larger than the ocean, priced beyond gold or silver, more valuable than onyx or sapphire, neither god nor crystal can equal it, it can't be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold, above rubies. Wisdom is more valuable than anything we can produce or find on earth. Job 28:12-19

8. Where does wisdom come from? What is wisdom?

Wisdom is concealed from all living beings, we can't see it. God understands its way and knows its place. Wisdom is "the fear of the Lord", "to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:20-28

9. How does Job defend against Eliphaz’s accusation from question 1?

Job has delivered the poor who cried out, the fatherless. A perishing man blessed him and he caused a widow's heart to sing for joy. Job was the eyes to the blind and the feet to the lame. He was a father to the poor. He "broke the fangs of the wicked", making them stop their harm to others and "plucked the victim from his teeth", saving the one who was being harmed. Job 29:12-17

10. In what ways had Job declared his innocence and humbled himself?

Throughout Job chapter 31 he lists various sins he could have committed and declares that if he had committed the sin, he should be repaid by having the sin committed against him. If had looked upon a younger woman, then men should come upon his wife. If he had been dishonest, then let what he has prospered to go another ("let me sow, and another eat"). If he had ignored a case his servants brought before him, then God should no answer him either.

Wisdom Class 4: Job 22-31

The required reading for Wednesday, May 12 is Job chapters 22-31

Bible Reading Assignment
For Wednesday, we'll be reviewing the third and final round of speeches and responses:
2) Job’s friends come to comfort and stay to accuse (2:11-31:40)
    d) The third round of speeches:
        i) Eliphaz speaks; and Job answers him (22:1-24:25)
        ii) Bildad speaks; and Job answers him (25:1-26:14)
        iii) Job continues with his cry before God (27:1-31:40)

Questions to prepare you for class
1. Is Eliphaz now accusing Job of harming the poor and the widows?
2. Did Job have some form of the Word of God, “Words of God’s mouth”?
3. Is Job complaining to God for not punishing the wicked?
4. What does Bildad compare man to?
5. How does Job convey that he can only partially understand God?
6. Has Job finally caved and admitted a great sin?
7. What is the value of wisdom?
8. Where does wisdom come from? What is wisdom?
9. How does Job defend against Eliphaz’s accusation from question 1?
10. In what ways had Job declared his innocence and humbled himself?

As we conclude the persecuting/defending and begin chapter 32, a new friend speaks.

Wisdom Class 3: Job 15-21 (Answers)

Answers to Wisdom Class 3 Questions
1. Can men be pure before God?

Eliphaz would like us to believe that no one can be pure (Job 15:14-16). While we know that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23), we can still be acceptable in the sight of God by repenting of our sins and asking for God's forgiveness.

2. Do wicked men writhe with pain all their days?

Again, Eliphaz would like us believe that wicked men writhes in pain, terrifying sounds fill his ears, and he lives in darkness (Job 15:20-26). Eliphaz is again trying to point out to Job that he has sinned, but as we know he has not sinned. We, like Job, may be living a faithful life and have terrible things happen to us. At the same time, wicked men can be greatly blessed with earthly wealth though they are terribly sinful.

3. Does Job blame God for his pain and suffering?

Yes, Job believes God has brought his pain and suffering upon him (Job 16:11-14). While God has permitted Satan to afflict Job with many trials, he has only allowed Satan to bring this pain to Job so that Satan's accusations could be proven false. We know that God does not tempt man to sin (James 1:13), and he will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can endure (1Cor 10:13).

4. Not only does Job have pain and sorrow, how do people treat him in his condition?

Job has became a byword, one in whose face men spit (Job 17:6). By byword, his name was associated with the great suffering that has been brought upon him. Job is still a byword today, when we think of a great suffering, we can say "it is nothing like what happened to Job" and anyone who has studied the Book of Job will understand the meaning of that word.

5. Do only the wicked suffer? Do all wicked people suffer?

No, suffering comes upon the wicked and the righteous as evidenced by the life of Job, a righteous man. While Bildad indicates that the "light of the wicked goes out" and that destruction is awaiting him, this isn't the case (Job 18:5-15).

6. Will wicked men and their actions be forgotten?

Bildad says the memory of the wicked (or those who do not know God, Job 18:21) will perish and his name will not be among the renowned (Job 18:17-21), but we know many of the wicked men from history, they are even recorded within the bible (consider Pharoh from Exodus or King Herod who killed the babies in Mt 2:16-18).

7. Even with believing God caused his pain, who does Job praise?

Job continues to praise God (Job 19:25-27). Job has faith that the Lord will come to redeem him.

8. What does Job warn his friends about?

Their judgment is coming because they persecute him without having any reason to persecute him (Job 19:28-29).

9. What is the wicked man’s inheritance from the Lord? Is this true today?

Zophar indicates that the evil men do will lead to suffering on earth (Job 20:12-19) and the heavens will reveal his iniquity and he will loose all his wealth in the day of God's wrath (Job 20:27-29). We know that God doesn't bring suffering to all the wicked while on earth, but they will receive their judgment at the end of time. If they choose not to repent of their sin, they must live with the fearful expectation of the punishment to come at the end of time (Heb 10:26-27).

10. Can you tell whether a person is righteous or wicked by looking at his house?

Certainly Not! As we see with Job, he lived righteously, made sacrifices to God for himself and his children, but he lives in misery as though God is punishing him.

Wisdom Class 3: Job 15-21

The required reading for Sunday, May 9 is Job chapters 15-21 (a break, only 6 chapters!)

The Second Round of Speeches
All four men continue making the same points, except they intensify their arguments each time. The three friends continue to say that Job must be wicked and they press him to repent. He denies he is guilty of some sine that would prompt punishment from God, but he things God is afflicting him, and he continues longing to present his case before God. Job also continues to argue that one cannot tell by looking at the circumstances of a person's life whether he is righteous or wicked.

Bible Reading Assignment
For Sunday, we'll be reviewing the second round of speeches and responses:
2) Job’s friends come to comfort and stay to accuse (2:11-31:40)
    c) The second round of speeches:
        i) Eliphaz speaks; and Job answers him (15:1-17:16)
            (1) Eliphaz: Accuses Job of Folly (15)
            (2) Job: Reproaches His Pitiless Friends (16) Prays for Relief (17)
        ii) Bildad speaks; and Job answers him (18:1-19:29)
            (1) Bildad: The Wicked Are Punished (18)
            (2) Job: Trusts in His Redeemer (19)
        iii) Zophar speaks; and Job answers him (20:1-21:34)
            (1) Zophar: Sermon on the Wicked Man (20)
            (2) Job: Discourse on the Wicked (21)

Questions to prepare you for class
1. Can men be pure before God?
2. Do wicked men writhe with pain all their days?
3. Does Job blame God for his pain and suffering?
4. Not only does Job have pain and sorrow, how do people treat him in his condition?
5. Do only the wicked suffer? Do all wicked people suffer?
6. Will wicked men and their actions be forgotten?
7. Even with believing God caused his pain, who does Job praise?
8. What does Job warn his friends about?
9. What is the wicked man’s inheritance from the Lord? Is this true today?
10. Can you tell whether a person is righteous or wicked by looking at his house?

Wisdom Class 2: Job 3-14 (Answers)

Answers to Wisdom Class 2 Questions
1. What do men in misery and those not have in common? (Job)

 Days continue to pass. "Why is light given to him who is in misery, And life to the bitter of soul,"
Although Job is asking for death, he continues to live. As we know, this is God's will to prove Job's faithfulness. (Job 3:20)

2. Are trials and problems always linked to a great sin committed? (Eliphaz)

According to Eliphaz, yes. He makes a compelling argument that Job is simply sowing what he had reaped (Job 4:7-9). While Job's friends don't actually tell Job what great sin they are claiming he made, they are steadfast in trying to convince him to repent and accept his punishment. We know from Job 1-2 that God held Job as a "blameless and upright man" and that his suffering is at the hand of Satan.

This brings about an important lesson from a study of Job, you need to read the bible with the context in mind. Someone could deceive you by pointing to any of the speeches from Job's friends and lead you to believe the bible teaches that suffering is a result of sin, and that Job was a terrible sinner getting what he deserved. In the context of the book, we know that God has stated Job is "blameless and upright" (Job 1:8 and 2:3), so the rest of the book is read know that his friends' accusations are baseless and false. We also know that Job's continued response that he has not committed a great sin is correct, he simply doesn't know that God has allowed Satan to bring this pain upon Job to disprove Satan's slander.

3. Does rest come after death or something else? (Job)

This question was difficult, but as we know from other verses within the bible, our soul will continue after our earthly bodies are dead. From Job 6:8-10 we see Job continuing to ask for God to allow him to die, but her he indicates that after death "They I would still have comfort," just as Job's faith in God now brings him comfort. And "Though in anguish I would exult" which indicates to me that though his earthly life finally ended, he continues to exult God.

4. When a friend suffers, should we judge or comfort? (Job)

We should show kindness to a friend, even when he is in sin (Job 6:14). Job was the friend who brought comfort to others (Job 4:1-4), but he is now the one suffering. We are to show kindness to all, it is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). There is never an excuse for not showing kindness, event to someone who may have committed a terrible sin. We need to work hard to always be kind.

5. If Job understood why he suffered, would he find a little peace? (Job)

Another difficult question to answer from the text, but I believe Job would at least agree he had sinned and be able to direct his attention to repentance (Job 6:24-25). Job hadn't sinned, so his suffering is even greater because it isn't a consequence for anything he had done.

6. By living an obedient life, will God answer all your prayers? (Bildad/Job)

Bildad tells Job to repent and God will restore all that he had (Job 8:5-7), but we know that Job is praying for God to allow him to die from chapter 3 forward, but God does not grant him death as he had prayed (Job 9:14-20)

7. Did Job have a mediator before God? Do we? (Job)

Job does not have a mediator (Job 9:33), but we have Jesus Christ as our mediator before God (1 Tim 2:5-6)

8. If you repent and turned to God, would all be restored and forgotten? (Zophar)

Zophar puts words into God's mouth and states that God would speak against Job (Job 11:5-6). He then indicates that God would restore Job if he would only repent (Job 11:13-19). We may sin in a way in which we have to suffer consequences (i.e. breaking the law and serving jail time for that sin), and we may truly repent and seek God's forgiveness, but we will still face the earthly consequences for our sins.

9. With whom does wisdom reside? Why? (Job)

Wisdom is with aged men, who by length of days gained understanding (Job 12:12). But greater wisdom and strength reside with God (Job 12:13-23)

10. What is a difference between a tree and man at death? (Job)

A tree can die, or we know become dormant, but be restored once it has water and nutrients again. Once a man dies, his time on earth is over, "till the heavens are no more" (Job 14:7-12)

Does Job have a right to complain?

 Yes. He is suffering from loosing all his earthly possessions, all of his children, and he is now has boils so bad that his friends couldn't even recognize him.

Wisdom Class 2: Job 3-14

The required reading for Wednesday, May 5 is Job chapters 3-14 (that's right, 12 chapters!)

Bible Reading Assignment
For Wednesday, we'll be reviewing the first round of speeches and responses:
2) Job’s friends come to comfort and stay to accuse (2:11-31:40)
    b) The first round of speeches:
        i) Job’s lament; he wishes he had never been born (3:1-26)
        ii) Eliphaz speaks; and Job answers him (4:1-7:21)
          (1) Eliphaz: Job Has Sinned (4) Is Chastened by God (5)
          (2) Job: My Complaint Is Just (6)
              My Suffering is Comfortless (7)
        iii) Bildad speaks; and Job answers him (8:1-10:22)
          (1) Blldad: Job Should Repent (8)
          (2) Job: There is No Mediator (9) I Would Plead with God (10)
        iv) Zophar speaks; and Job answers him (11:1-14:22)
          (1) Zophar: Urging Job to Repent (11)
          (2) Job: Answers His Three Friends and Prays (12-14)


Questions to prepare you for class
1. What do men in misery and those not have in common? (Job)
2. Are trials and problems always linked to a great sin committed? (Eliphaz)
3. Does rest come after death or something else? (Job)
4. When a friend suffers, should we judge or comfort? (Job)
5. If Job understood why he suffered, would he find a little peace? (Job)
6. By living an obedient life, will God answer all your prayers? (Bildad/Job)
7. Did Job have a mediator before God? Do we? (Job)
8. If you repent and turned to God, would all be restored and forgotten? (Zophar)
9. With whom does wisdom reside? Why? (Job)
10. What is a difference between a tree and man at death? (Job)

Does Job have a right to complain?

[Names in brackets, (name), above are to assist with understanding where you find text in the Book of Job to think about a response to these questions.]