Wisdom Literature Part 04
Out of a whirlwind, God speaks to Job in a theophany. This encounter with God in an observable form leaves Job speechless. God has questions for Job, and Job humbly responds.
In Chapter 38, we arrive at the climax of the book—God addresses Job!
God answers Job out of the whirlwind. God’s speech seems to pick up right where Elihu stopped and with a great display of His divine power and sovereignty over all creation.
Job wanted to question God, but God arrives to question Job! Can you imagine God asking you this?
“Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you will answer Me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding?” (Job 38:2-4).
Through the following series of questions, God reveals the flaws in Job and his friends’ logic. God establishes Himself as the Creator and supreme authority in the universe, which Job had dared to question. Job had judged God, and God will be judged by no one.
God does not blast Job but treats him with mercy and patience, like a loving parent would with his or her naïve child.
Expositor’s (Vol. 4, p. 1035) states: “Job did not learn why he was suffering; but he did learn to accept God by faith as his Creator, Sustainer, and Friend.” Job better understood who God is by “walking with God through His created universe and being questioned about his limitations as a creature in comparison with God’s power and wisdom in creating and sustaining the universe.”
In Job 39 God questions Job concerning the animals He created. All animals wild and domestic, predators and prey, reveal God’s sovereignty and wisdom as Creator and His continuing care for all! Job had not considered these things that God patiently describes and explains to him as a Father would his son. Clearly Job had never considered the things that God questions him on. God wants Job to develop wisdom and perspective.
In Job 40 God challenges Job to reconsider his view of God, as God asks Job, “Do you still want to argue?” At this point Job is contrite (Job 42).
Tomorrow we will sum up the lessons we learn from Job and the end that God intends through Job’s suffering.
© Randy Urwiller, 2025. All rights reserved.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
