Jó 23
Matthew Henry · Citado em PreceptAustin
Jó 23:10-11
Henry comments on James 5:10-11: Observe here, The prophets, on whom God put the greatest honour, and for whom he had the greatest favour, were most afflicted: and, when we think that the best men have had the hardest usage in this world, we should hereby be reconciled to affliction. Observe further, Those who were the greatest examples of suffering affliction were also the best and greatest examples of patience: tribulation produces patience (Ro 5:3, 4-notes Ro 5:3; 5:4). Hereupon James gives it to us as the common sense of the faithful (v11): We count those happy who endure: we look upon righteous and patient sufferers as the happiest people. (See related thought in James 1:2-note; Jas 1:3 4-note Jas 1:5 6-note Jas 1:7 8-note Jas 1:9 10 11-note Jas 1:12-note). Job is proposed as an example for the encouragement of the afflicted… In the case of Job you have an instance of a variety of miseries,… (which) were very grievous, but under all he could bless God, and, as to the general bent of his spirit, he was patient and humble: and what came to him in the end? Why, truly, God accomplished and brought about those things for him which plainly prove that the Lord is very filled with pity (sympathetic sorrow for one suffering) and tender mercy. The best way to bear afflictions is to look to the end of them; and the pity of God is such that He will not delay the bringing of them to an end when His purposes are once answered; and the tender mercy of God is such that He will make His people an abundant amends (to put right, rectify, change for the better) for all their sufferings and afflictions. His bowels (= he seat of pity or kindness; hence, tenderness, compassion - see study of splagchnon) are moved for them while suffering, his bounty is manifested afterwards. Let us serve our God, and endure our trials, as those who believe the end will crown all. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of role models writing that… we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (He 6:11, 12-see notes He 6:11; 12) From the truth about Job in James and this exhortation in Hebrews, it follows that believers today should be stimulated to study Job's life that we might imitate his example of faith and patience. The question arises then "How did Job come to such a faith? How was he able to endure such incredible affliction?" We will look at Job's secret in the following discussion with the goal being to imitate his faith and endurance, that we too might be more than conquerors in this brief sojourn on earth. As we focus on the truths in Job 23:10-12, I think we will begin to understand Job's "secret inner strength". Study this section and see if you do not agree. Before we begin and especially because we are "yanking" these passages out of context (which is always dangerous as it leaves one vulnerable to misinterpretation), let's review some important background truths to help understand Job 23:10-12. JOB: A REAL MAN NOT A MYTHICAL MAN First, it is vital to understand that contrary to the liberal misinterpretation that Job was a "mythical" character and not a historical figure, Scripture clearly states otherwise. We have already seen the single New Testament reference to Job as a historical individual. In addition, Ezekiel has two specific references to Job, both declarations by the Lord God Himself (which should thoroughly convince even a liberal interpreter that Job was a real, historical human being!) testifying to Ezekiel that… even though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves," declares the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 14:14, cp Ezek 14:20). JOB: A RIGHTEOUS MAN Second, notice that Job although clearly living before the Cross of Christ and His death, burial and resurrection, was nevertheless declared by the Lord God to be a righteous man. How is this possible in such an ancient book? Was Job righteous because he offered sacrifices or because he had not departed from the command of God's lips (cp Job 23:12-note)? Clearly the answer is he was not righteous because of his works, for no man is saved by works (eg, cp Ro 4:6-note) but only by grace through faith in the Messiah, the Way, the Truth and the Life, for no one comes to the Father but through the Door of the Messiah! (cp Ep 2:8, 9, 10 notes Ep 2:8; 2:9; 2:10, John 10:9, 14:6) We do not know exactly what Job knew about the Messiah but we do know that he was saved by faith in Him, as were all the Old Testament saints, Moses recording the supreme example of Abraham in Genesis writing that… Then he (still called Abram at this time) believed (not a blind leap but a confident commitment to One about Whom abundant evidence bore ample testimony to Abram! Hebrew = 'Aman; Septuagint/LXX = pisteuo - word study) in the LORD (Jehovah = Jesus - see study of Jehovah); and He (God) reckoned (imputed, placed on his account; Hebrew = chashab; LXX = logizomai - word study) it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:6) Beloved, if you have not memorized this passage, then you should not go another day without doing so. The truths in this passage are so foundational that it is quoted three times in New Testament (Ro 4:3-note, Galatians 3:6 and Jas 2:23-note). It is fascinating that there are only five words in the Hebrew original of Genesis15:6, but what a wealth of meaning they contain especially the three key words believe, reckoned, and righteousness. It takes three NT chapters to unpack this single verse! As an aside note what Paul adds that… the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "ALL THE NATIONS SHALL BE BLESSED IN YOU." (Galatians 3:8) THE CONTEXT OF THE BOOK OF JOB Now let's briefly establish the context of the book of Job one of the books normally classified as poetic literature. J. Sidlow Baxter has a general statement about the poetic books noting that… These books portray real human experience, and grapple with profound problems, and express big realities. Especially do they concern themselves with the experiences of the godly, in the varying vicissitudes of this changeful life which is ours under the sun. Moreover, experiences which are here dealt with were permitted to come to men in order that they might be as guides for the godly ever afterward. These experiences are here recorded and interpreted for us by the Spirit of inspiration through “holy men of old” who spoke and wrote “as they were moved” by Him. Thus, in these poetical books we have a most precious treasury of spiritual truth. (Explore the Book) Irving Jensen has an excellent summation of the poetic books… Job The Problem of Pain Blessing Through Suffering Psalms The Way to Pray Praise Through Prayer Proverbs The Behavior of the Believer Providence Through Precept Ecclesiastes The Folly of Forgetting God Verity Through Vanity Song of Solomon The Art of Adoration Bliss Through Union Hardback = Jensen's Survey of the Old Testament - recommended resource or Computer version = Logos Here is the chapter and verse outline… Job 1:1-2:13 gives the prologue -- the trials allowed by God but wrought by Satan and the trust of Job (Job 1:21). Job 3:1-26 describes Job's despair. Job 4:1-38:41 record the dialogue between Job and his four counselors 3 Cycles = Job 4:1-14:22, Job 15:1-21:34, Job 22:1-31:40 and one set of 4 speeches by Elihu in Job 32:1-37:24, followed by God's challenge to Job - Job 38:1-41:34. Job 42:1-17 is the epilogue in which Job receives a new revelation from God (Job 42:5), repents (Job 42:6) and is rewarded by God (Job 42:12-16). "And Job died, an old man and full of days" (Job 42:17) Irving Jensen feels (and I agree) that the key verse of the book of Job is… But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10) For a well done, simple summary/overview of the book of Job see the free Discovery House Pdf booklet entitled Knowing God Through Job - addressing questions like "How could God do this to me?" JOB: KNOWING GOD BETTER THROUGH ADVERSITY PROLOGUE DIALOGUE EPILOGUE Job 1-2 Job 3 Job 4-41 Job 42 Job Tested Job Despairs Job Counseled Job Approved Satan's Challenge Job's Complaint Men's Judgment** God's Assessment Hardback = Jensen's Survey of the Old Testament - recommended resource or Computer version **Men's Judgment extends thru Job 37. God's Assessment begins Job 38:1-41:34 The book of Job begins with one of the most glowing descriptions of a human being in all of Scripture… There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job, and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God, and turning away from evil… and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east. (Job 1:1,3) This glowing character resume is repeated two more times, these declarations coming directly from God Himself (see Job 1:8, 2:3). So don't miss the profound truth that Job’s life was pleasing to God before he went into the fiery furnace of affliction! The subsequent events in the prologue provide some of the most fascinating insights into the supernatural world in all of Scripture and you are strongly encouraged to read (and meditate on this rich epilogue). In short, Satan obtains permission from God to afflict Job with the loss of personal possessions and children to a degree that is difficult to comprehend. And yet James says Job endured, bearing up under the load of unspeakable personal losses. Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped (Hebrew = shachah = bow down, prostrate oneself; LXX = proskuneo - see word study). And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God. (Job 1:20-22) The New Testament counterpart to Job's declaration is found in 1 Timothy 6:7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Our goal should be to be content as we serve the Lord, thanking God when we have good days choosing to trust Him when days seem not so good, learning to say like Job "Blessed be the Name of the LORD." WHY DID JOB BLESS THE NAME OF JEHOVAH? Why did Job bless the Name of Jehovah? Or one might ask how was it even possible for Job to worship and bless the name of Jehovah, not to mention not sinning nor blaming God? The only reasonable answer is that He knew and was convinced of the truth about the character and attributes of Jehovah. Proverbs gives us some insight into the why Job would bless the name of Jehovah in the midst of overwhelming personal loss. Solomon writes that… The name of the LORD is a strong tower. The righteous runs into it and is safe (Margin note - safe = "set on high") Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)-note Here are some other translations of Proverbs 18:10-note… "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the [consistently] righteous man [upright and in right standing with God] runs into it and is safe, high [above evil] and strong." (Amplified Version) "The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted." Septuagint (Greek translation of Hebrew OT) "The name of the Lord is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high." (Net) "The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe." (New Living Translation) What is in a name, especially the Name of Jehovah? The Lord's name stands for His person, since it reflects His attributes, character and qualities. Here the name of God is Jehovah, His covenant Name by which He made Himself known to Israel. To know God in covenant is a strong tower. Moses records his conversation with God where "God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you." (Exodus 3:14) (Click for more on the Name Jehovah) Persons may confidently and safely take refuge in God's covenant Name which conveys an assurance of security to those who are in covenant with Him by grace through faith. The Name of Jehovah is pictured as if it were a strong tower (see discussion of metaphor) because the reader can more easily understand the value of a strong tower. The metaphor “strong tower” indicates that God is a secure refuge. This picture helps us understand the value of knowing and living in the light of the truth of God's Names of which there are many in Scripture. The Septuagint drops the metaphor of a tower and simply states God's Name is "of great strength" which is not quite as easy to understand as is a "strong tower" (a tower is easier to "run into" than a Name) In either case one can readily discern the great value of meditating on the glorious Names of God. What does a tower picture? The Bible Illustrator note on ancient towers informs us that… Strong towers were a greater security in a bygone age than they are now. Castles were looked upon as being very difficult places for attack; and ancient troops would rather fight a hundred battles than endure a single siege. He who owned a strong tower felt, however potent might be his adversary, his walls and bulwarks would be his sure salvation. The image of a tower or citadel reminds us that as believers, righteous men and women, we like Job are aliens and strangers in this world and are in a very real struggle every day for the rest of our life until we see Jesus face to face. In the meantime, we need to remember that when the battle wages fierce against us, we have an ever present towering citadel, our Jehovah - Jesus, in Whom we can run and be safe, though the battle continues all around us! God’s almighty providence is the surest and strongest defense against all enemies of whatever kind. What action does the righteous man or woman need to carry out? Or stated another way how did Job and how do we "run into" the strong tower? There is no safety in looking at the "strong tower". It is necessary to flee to God in order to be protected by Him. Proverbs 18:10-note says they must "run". It does not say they are to amble or to stroll or to walk in a leisurely or idle manner but that they are to run. Job hears the horrible news and in almost as a reflex falls in worship, blessing the name of the LORD. How can we "run" into the Name of Jehovah? Clearly this is not literal running (although that may be what we feel like doing when trouble knocks - next time trouble knocks at the door don't send feelings [or fear] to answer the door. Instead send faith, a faith founded on the truth about God). The metaphor of “running” into the strong tower refers to a whole-hearted and unwavering trust in God’s Name and His willingness and ability to provide protection. It is only by faith that we can go to an invisible God. I think Lane is correct adding that… running describes faith and prayer, which give direct access to God Who responds by warding off the danger. Safe is literally ‘lifted high’, as if one who trusts God is not only behind thick walls, but above the range of the enemy’s weapons." (Lane, E. Focus on the Bible: Proverbs) (Bolding added) The Biblical Illustrator adds the following thought on how we run into the Name of Jehovah… The righteous “runneth into the name” by the exercise of fervent prayer. Praying is the immediate and direct means of imploring the Divine assistance and protection. Faith is the habitual principle, and prayer is the actual application of it. Though God knows all our wants perfectly, He requires that we implore His assistance by prayer. And prayer is the natural remedy to which all are ready to fly in extremity. In Paul's last known communication, he explained to Timothy that because he was a preacher, an apostle and a teacher of the gospel, he had experienced suffering (he was in a Roman prison as he wrote the letter and knew he would soon die!). But he quickly added that he was not ashamed for (and I loosely paraphrase) he had "run" into the strong tower of the LORD, writing… for I know Whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. (2Ti 1:12-note) Paul expressed an unshaken confidence in the LORD's ability to do what he trusted Him to do. He not only knew the truth about the LORD (the Strong Tower) but he had become firmly convinced of this truth. There is practical difference between knowing the truth about God which is inherent in His Names and being convinced of the truth. The difference is that we hold the former… While the latter holds us! Until the Word of Truth (the Name of God), becomes not just something we hold, but rather something which holds us, then we will likely not fully experience all that is available in the strong tower when the winds of adversity begin to blow. Job knew truth about God and this truth was the anchor of his soul in his hour of great trial. He knew the name Jehovah, I Am… I Am ___________. Fill in the blank, not with your greeds, but with your needs. Job who lost everything, but he ran into the "Strong Tower" of Jehovah, the great I Am, I Am everything you will ever need! And remember as far as we can discern Job did not even have this truth in writing but was truth he had heard and had treasured in his heart more than his necessary food! (see Job 23:12-note). Job had learned the secret of surviving the fire of affliction, even if he did not fully understand the reasons for the "fire". (For more discussion of Proverbs 18:10 see - notes on a simple inductive study on What it Means to be Safe in Jehovah's Name? and also see C H Spurgeon's sermon on Proverbs18:10) And how did he respond to a second volley of afflictions, this time directed at his body, Satan smiting "Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head." (Job 2:7)? (Job) took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes. Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. Job 2:8 9 10 And we see repeated testimonies that speak of his endurance and ultimately speak of his great faith in a good God. ><>><>><> Wind And Worship - Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. --Job 1:20 Job's calamities were enormous. His oxen and donkeys were stolen. Fire consumed his sheep. Raiders took his camels. But that was just the beginning. A great wind destroyed the house where his sons and daughters were feasting, and they all perished. His loss seemed unbearable! But notice Job's response. He humbled himself and worshiped God (Job 1:20). On April 2, 1977, the sky north of Olivet, Michigan, grew black and ominous. Just another severe thunderstorm, thought Norm Heddon. But when pressure began building in his ears, he instinctively rushed down the basement stairs—which took about 5 seconds. Then it happened—his house exploded into thousands of pieces from a killer tornado. Minutes later when Norm emerged, he couldn't believe his eyes. All his earthly goods had been swept away, but miraculously his family was unhurt. Bowing in prayer, they thanked God for His goodness. Heddon said, "He has a hand in everything that happens to us." Thinking It Over - Do you feel abandoned by God, as Job did? Tell Him how you feel. Then ask Him to help you believe the truth about His love for you. When you are swept off your feet, land on your knees. ><>><>><> In August 1992, Hurricane Andrew ravaged South Florida, destroying homes, businesses, and lives. The cost of that terrible disaster cannot be estimated only in terms of millions upon millions of dollars. What about the incalculable human suffering - physical, emotional, and spiritual? If people lost faith in God and prayer, they sustained the worst loss of all. In the spring of 1993, some pastors who had churches in that area gathered to share their experiences and reactions. They all agreed that everyone who had encountered the terrifying power of that hurricane had come to realize how helpless and vulnerable we human beings really are. Proud as we may be of our technological achievements, there are times when we are compelled to confess humbly, "We are not in charge." Some of the people whose trust was tested were able to say in the words of Job, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). My times are in Thy hand; Why should I doubt or fear? My Father's hand will never cause His child a needless tear. - Lloyd God doesn't promise security from life's storms but security in life's storms. BUT HE KNOWS THE WAY I TAKE: Ge 18:19 2Ki 20:3 Ps 1:6 139:1-3 Jn 21:17 2Ti 2:19) Context: Job 23 and Job 24 represent Job's third reply to Eliphaz. GOD KNOWS THE WAY (Play - God Will Make A Way) But He knows - This verse begins with a contrast (but) so we need to note the preceding context. In verse 3 of chapter 23 Job lamented… Oh that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat! (Job 23:3) In the immediately preceding context Job declared… Behold (a marker to emphasize the following), I go forward but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him. When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him. He turns on the right, I cannot see Him. So in the context of Job not being able to "find" God in front, behind, on his left or on his right, Job knows enough about God to testify that God knows the way I take, which speaks of God's omnipresence and omniscience. God knows that Job is in the furnace of affliction and that is enough for Job to know and it is enough for us to know beloved. Spurgeon (Go to p6 for beginning of exposition on Job 23) affirms the importance of Job's (and our) awareness that God knows what Job was (we are) going through writing… If I do not know His way, He knows mine. If I cannot find Him, He can find me. Here is my comfort. Henry
Jó 23:12
Henry reminds us that… Whatever difficulties we may meet with in the way of God's commandments, though they lead us through a wilderness, yet we must never think of going back (cp Job's "I have not departed"), but must press on towards the mark. The command of His lips - This indicates that Job had direct communication from the Lord. Job had heard God's Word and he had obeyed God's Word. Creationist Henry Morris who has authored an interesting commentary on Job agrees writing that… Although it is now lost to us, God had given early man some kind of law code, long before Moses. Whatever this was, it was eventually superseded by the Mosaic laws and the rest of the Scriptures as we now have them (Genesis 26:5; Job 22:22). Clearly Job's friends were also aware of God's communication, for in the preceding chapter Eliphaz had urged Job… Please receive instruction from His mouth and establish His words in your heart. (Job 22:22). Departed (04185)(mus/mush) pictures the withdrawing of something (or someone) and thus pictures a failing to be present. To depart, leave, move away, vanish. NIDOTT… In the qal stem the verb means to depart when used of people or to be moved when applied to inanimate objects… The verb can also mean to cease doing something. In a Jeremiah passage with obvious connections to Psalm 1 (Holladay, 489–90), the verb is used when comparing the person who trusts in the Lord to a tree that does not cease to produce fruit (Jer 17:8). In the negative sense, Nineveh is called a city that does not cease from plunder, filling the earth with her victims (Nah 3:1). The verb is also used in statements about the relationship between God and His people (Ed: See verses that use mus below - several uses are in the context of the promise of the New Covenant to Judah and Israel)… Job, too, contends that he has never departed from the command of God’s lips (Job 23:12), and so is certain that he will be vindicated when tested (Job 23:10-note). Mus is the word used by God in His famous exhortation to Joshua that he might prepare himself spiritually to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land… This book of the law shall not depart (mus) from your mouth, but you shall meditate (mutter, continually recite His words to himself) on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. (Joshua 1:8, cp the vivid picture portrayed by mus in Ex 33:11 where Joshua would not depart from the tent [where Jehovah met face to face with Moses]. May we seek to do likewise, practicing the presence of the Lord all through our day, wherever our path might take us!) Comment: If meditation on God's Word was vital in order to assure that Joshua could successfully lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land, is the discipline of meditation (see also meditate) any less crucial for God's appointed leaders (pastors and elders) in the New Testament so that they might lead God's children into the abundant life in Christ (Jn 10:10b), in Whom is every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies (Ep 1:3-note) and in Whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3-note)? Clearly this is a rhetorical question which expects, even demands, an affirmative answer! Lead as you are led by the living and active Word of the Living Lord, the Incarnate Word and His Spirit. JOB - A DOER NOT JUST A HEARER Even though he did not know Joshua, Job in fact pictures a man who heeded God's instructions to Joshua (Joshua 1:8-note), by not departing from the eating of His trustworthy Word, and not departing from the Word he had "eaten". Let us strive to imitate Job's example that we too "will make our way prosperous" and "have success." Mus - 19v in NAS - Ex 13:22; 33:11; Num 14:44; Josh 1:8; Judg 6:18; Job 23:12; Ps 55:11; Pr 17:13; Isa 22:25; 46:7; 54:10; 59:21; Jer 17:8; 31:36; Mic 2:3 4; Nah 3:1; Zech 3:9; Zech 14:4. NAS translates as - cease(1), depart(6), departed(1), departs(2), give way(1), left(1), move(2), remove(2), removed(2), removes(1), take away(1). Exodus 13:22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. Comment: The pillar was the visible symbol of God's presence to Guide them by day and to Guard them by night. (cp Ex 14:19 20). Exodus 33:11 Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. Comment: Note that the tent here is not the tabernacle, for the tabernacle had not yet been constructed. This was the tent where God met with Moses. Numbers 14:44 But they went up heedlessly (NET: "dared") to the ridge of the hill country; (NET "although") neither the ark of the covenant of the LORD (symbolic of the presence and power of Jehovah) nor Moses left (mus) the camp. Comment: Mus/mush is used here in the context of the description of the Israelites who failed to heed Moses' warning not to go up to fight in the promised land after they had disbelieved God's promise to give it to them! This passage is a sad commentary on Israel but a strong warning for all of us to be careful not to seek our will while we leave the Lord is left in the camp so to speak! Beloved, unless the Lord goes with us, we go in vain (Jn 15:6, 6:63), and like the Israelites might even be in physical danger or in line for God's hand of discipline (Heb 12:5 6 7 8 9 10 11). Moses' instruction to Israel in Dt 20:4 just as applicable to us today - "the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you." (See also Dt 1:30, Dt 3:22, Dt 11:25 Dt 32:30 Ex 14:14 Josh 10:42 - Notice Joshua did not just "let go and let God" but said "let's go and let God" - it is a mystery how this works but it works because God established the "ground-rules"! Josh 23:10 2Ch 32:7,8 Ps 144:1,2 Ro 8:37) Joshua 1:8-note "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Judges 6:18 "Please do not depart from here, until I come back to You, and bring out my offering and lay it before You." And He said, "I will remain until you return." Job 23:12 "I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. Psalm 55:11 Destruction is in her midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from her streets. Proverbs 17:13 He who returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. Isaiah 22:25 "In that day," declares the LORD of hosts, "the peg driven in a firm place will give way; it will even break off and fall, and the load hanging on it will be cut off, for the LORD has spoken." Comment: Isaiah warned that eventually even Eliakim the palace administrator and a godly man here personified as a peg would come to an end, which was in a sense a prophecy that eventually the southern kingdom of Judah would be taken away into captivity to Babylon. Isaiah 46:7 "They lift it upon the shoulder and carry it; They set it in its place and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may cry to it, it cannot answer; It cannot deliver him from his distress. Isaiah 54:10 "For the mountains may be removed (the topography will actually be changed in the Millennium) and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken (fall down, waver, be very insecure and undependable)," Says the LORD who has compassion on you. Comment: God's lovingkindness is more sure than the very foundations of the mountains which will be altered in the Millennium! The covenant of peace (Ezek 34:25; Ezek 37:26 = refers to it as an everlasting covenant) refers to New Covenant (see New Covenant in the Old Testament), promise which God made to Judah and Israel in the OT and which will be completely fulfilled in the Millennium. TWOT adds: Isaiah’s use of the term is theologically significant. While the mountains will depart (Isa 54:10a), God’s covenant of peace made with Abraham and David, and the new covenant of Jeremiah will not be removed (Isa 54:10b; 59:21). It is permanent! If God’s ordinances with the sun, moon, and stars depart, then his promise with Israel will do likewise (Jer 31:36). As of this writing, however, the sun, moon, and stars continue to shine and therefore his covenant promise to Israel continues. (Harris, R L, Archer, G L & Waltke, B K Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament. Moody Press or Logos or Wordsearch) Isaiah 59:21 "As for Me, this is My covenant with them (with Judah and Israel = Jer 31:31 32 33 34 = the New Covenant)," says the LORD: "My Spirit which is upon you (cp Ezek 36:26 27 also referring to the New Covenant. Joel 2:29 probably also refers to this event - which will be fulfilled in the Millennium), and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring's offspring," says the LORD, "from now and forever. (these promises will be fulfilled in the Millennium)" Jeremiah 17:8 "For (see Jer 17:7 for the "condition" or prerequisite necessary for the following promises to be realized) he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit. Jeremiah 31:36 "If this fixed order departs From before Me," declares the LORD, "Then the offspring of Israel also will cease from being a nation before Me forever." Comment: The fixed order refers to that of the sun, moon and stars (Jer 31:35). The context is God's promise of the New Covenant to Judah and Israel, a promise He will fulfill in the Millennium. Also, do not miss what this prophetic passage is clearly stating - Israel will continue as a nation. Prior to 1948 skeptics and non-literal interpreters of the Scripture would have referred to a passage such as this to undergird their interpretation that Israel in the OT has been replaced by the Church. And yet in our day we have seen a partial fulfillment of this promise with the rebirth of the nation of Israel in May, 1948. There is yet a greater fulfillment of this promise when Messiah returns to rule and reign from Jerusalem and Israel will be the leading nation of the world. Micah 2:3 Therefore thus says the LORD, "Behold, I am planning against this family a calamity From which you cannot remove your necks; And you will not walk haughtily, For it will be an evil time. 4 "On that day they will take up against you a taunt And utter a bitter lamentation and say, 'We are completely destroyed! He exchanges the portion of my people; How He removes it from me! To the apostate He apportions our fields.' Nahum 3:1 Woe to the bloody city (Nineveh), completely full of lies and pillage; Her prey never departs. Zechariah 3:9 'For behold, the stone (a metaphor referring to the Messiah - cp stone in Ps 118:22,23-note; Is 8:13 14 15; 28:16; Da 2:35,45-note; Mt 21:42; Ep 2:19 20-note Ep 2:21 22-note; 1Pe 2:6-note 1Pe 2:7 8-note - click for Scripture chain on Stone/Rock) that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave an inscription on it,' declares the LORD of hosts, 'and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. Comment: God will remove the iniquity from the land of Israel, in the day that the Messiah returns. Seven eyes is symbolic language, probably referring to His "all seeing" ability or omniscience. Zechariah speaks more of that future glorious day in Zech 12:10 11 12 13 14 13:1 (cp Ro 11:25 26 27-note). Zechariah 14:4 In that day (When the Lord Jesus Christ returns as King of kings and Lord of lords at the end of the Great Tribulation and the inception of His Millennial kingdom - Re 19:11-note Re 19:16-note) His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move (mus/mush) toward the north and the other half toward the south. Though trials come, though fears assail, Through tests scarce understood, One truth shines clear--it cannot fail-- My God is right and good. - -Hager BETTER or BITTER Wiersbe agrees with the sustaining role of God's Word to Job in the midst of overwhelming trials commenting that… God’s Word was Job's guide as he walked the path of life, and he was careful not to go on any detours (Job 23:11, 12). But even more, God’s Word was his nourishment that was more important to him than his daily meals. Like Jeremiah (Jer 15:16) and Jesus (Mt. 4:4; Jn 4:31 32 33 34), Job found in God’s Word the only food that satisfied his inner person. (See Ps 1:2; Ps 119:103; 1Pe 2:1 2 3.) Some people go into (God's) furnace of affliction, and it burns them; others go in, and the experience purifies them. What makes the difference? Their attitude toward the Word of God and the will of God. If we are nourished by the Word and submit to His will (Ed: Which is most clearly revealed in His Word!), the furnace experience, painful as it may be, will refine us and make us better. But if we resist God’s will (Ed: And His hand of loving discipline or "child rearing") and fail to feed on His truth, the furnace experience will only burn us and make us bitter. (Wiersbe, W: Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament. Victor or Wordsearch) (Bolding and color added) FORWARD, FORWARD! LET US NOT DEPART FROM THE COMMAND OF HIS LIPS
Jó 23:12
Henry writes: Eliphaz had told him to lay up God's words in his heart, Job 22:22. "I do," says he, "and always did, that I might not sin against him, and that, like the good householder, I might bring forth for the good of others." Matthew