Part 13 (1/2)

(2) Why do the righteous suffer and why does sin go unpunished? (3) Does G.o.d really care for and protect his people who fear him? (4) Is adversity and affliction a sign that the sufferer is wicked? (5) Is G.o.d a G.o.d of pity and mercy!

The Argument. The argument proceeds as follows: (1) There is a conference between G.o.d and Satan and the consequent affliction of Job.

(2) The first cycle of discussion with his three friends in which they charge Job with sin and he denies the charge. (3) The second cycle of discussion. In this Job's friends argue that his claim of innocence is a further evidence of his guilt and impending danger. (4) The third cycle. In this cycle Job's friends argue that his afflictions are just the kind that would come to one who yielded to temptations such as those to which he is subject. In each of the three cycles of discussion with his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, each argues with Job except that Zophar remains silent in the third cycle. They speak in the same order each time. (5) Elihu shows how Job accuses G.o.d wrongly while vindicating himself and a.s.serts that suffering instructs us in righteousness and prevents us from sinning. (6) G.o.d intervenes and in two addresses instructs Job. In the first address, Job is shown the creative power of the Almighty and his own folly in answering G.o.d whom animals by instinct fear. In the second address, Job is shown that one should know how to rule the world and correct its evils before one complains at or accuses G.o.d. (7) Job prays and is restored.

Purpose. The purpose of the book, then, is to justify the wisdom and goodness of G.o.d in matters of human suffering and especially to show that all suffering is not punitive.

Job's temptation. Job's temptation came by stages and consisted largely in a series of losses as follows: (1) His property, (2) His children, (3) His health, (4) His wife's confidence-she would have him curse G.o.d and die. (5) His friends who now think him a sinner, (6) The joy of life-he cursed the day of his birth, (7) His confidence in the goodness of G.o.d-he said to G.o.d, ”Why hast thou set me as a mark for thee?” In his reply to Elihu he doubts the justice if not the very existence of G.o.d.

a.n.a.lysis.

I. Job's Wealth and Affliction. Chs. 1-2.

II. The Discussion of Job and His Three Friends. Cha. 3-31.

1. The first cycle, 3-14.

2. The second cycle, Chs. 15-21.

3. The third cycle, Chs. 22-31.

III. The Speech of Elihu, Chs. 32-37.

IV. The Addresses of G.o.d, Chs. 38-41.

1. The first address, 38-39.

2. The second address, 40-41.

V. Job's Restoration, Ch. 42.

For Study and Discussion. (1) The personality and malice of Satan.

Point out his false accusations against Job and G.o.d, also the signs of his power. (2) Concerning man look for evidence of: (a) The folly of self-righteousness, (b) The vileness of the most perfect man in G.o.d's sight, (c) The impossibility of man, by wisdom, apart from grace, finding G.o.d. (3) Concerning G.o.d, gather evidence of his wisdom, perfection and goodness. (4) Job's disappointment in his friends. (5) Elements of truth and falsehood in the theory of Job's friends. (6) Job's despair of the present, his view of Sheol and his view of the future. Does he believe in a future life or think all ends with the grave? (7) Does the book really explain why the righteous are allowed to suffer? (8) Make a list of the striking pa.s.sages especially worthy of remembering.

Chapter XIII.

Psalms and Proverbs.

Psalms.

Name. The Hebrew word means praises or hymns, while the Greek word means psalms. It may well be called the ”Hebrew Prayer and Praise Book.” The prevailing note is one of praise, though some are sad and plaintive while others are philosophical.

Authors. Of the 150 Psalms, there is no means of determining the authors.h.i.+p of 50. The authors named for others are David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Herman, Ethan, Moses and Solomon. Of the 100 whose authors.h.i.+p is indicated, David is credited with 73, and in the New Testament he alone is referred to as the author of them. Lu. 20:42.

Relation to the Other Old Testament Books. It has been called the heart of the entire Bible, but its relation to the Old Testament is especially intimate. All divine manifestations are viewed in regard to their bearing on the inner experience. History is interpreted in the light of a pa.s.sion for truth and righteousness and as showing forth the nearness of our relation to G.o.d.

The Subjects of the Psalms. It is very difficult to make any sort of cla.s.sification of the Psalms and any cla.s.sification is open to criticism. For this reason many groupings have been suggested. The following, taken from different sources, may be of help. (1) Hymns of praise, 8, 18, 19, 104, 145, 147, etc. (2) National hymns, 105, 106, 114, etc. (3) Temple hymns or hymns for public wors.h.i.+p, 15, 24, 87, etc. (4) Hymns relating to trial and calamity, 9, 22, 55, 56, 109, etc. (5) Messianic Psalms, 2,16, 40, 72, 110, etc. (6) Hymns of general religious character, 89, 90, 91, 121, 127, etc.

The following cla.s.sification has been given in the hope of suggesting the most prominent religious characteristics of the Psalms. (1) Those that recognize the one infinite, all-wise and omnipotent G.o.d. (2) Those that recognize the universality of his love and providence and goodness. (3) Those showing abhorrence of all idols and the rejection of all subordinate deities. (4) Those giving prophetic glimpses of the Divine Son and of his redeeming work on earth. (5) Those showing the terrible nature of sin, the divine hatred of it and judgment of G.o.d upon sinners. (6) Those teaching the doctrines of forgiveness, divine mercy, and the duty of repentance. (7) Those emphasizing the beauty of holiness, the importance of faith and the soul's privilege of communion with G.o.d.