Ob and In:
1. Repeated words:
v.23, 24 Job wishes that his words be preserved long after his death.
Why? This is the 2 of the 3 rounds of conversations Job had with his 3 friends. He was really really frustrated.
2. Difficult passages:
v.25 As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that as the last
he will stand upon the earth.
(NET) v.25 my Redeemer: The word is well-known in the OT because of its identification as the kinsman-redeemer (see the Book of Ruth). This is the near kinsman who will pay off one’s debts, defend the family, avenge a killing, marry the widow of the deceased. The word “redeemer” evokes the wrong connotation for people familiar with the NT alone; a translation of “Vindicator” would capture the idea more. The concept might include the description of the mediator already introduced in Job 16:19, but surely here Job is thinking of God as his vindicator. The interesting point to be stressed here is that Job has said clearly that he sees no vindication in this life, that he is going to die. But he knows he will be vindicated, and even though he will die, his vindicator lives. The dilemma remains though: his distress lay in God’s hiding his face from him, and his vindication lay only in beholding God in peace.
he will stand upon the earth (NET) The word “dust” is associated with death and the grave, the very earthly particles. Job assumes that God will descend from heaven to bring justice to the world. The use of the word also hints that this will take place after Job has died and returned to dust. Again, the words of Job come to mean far more than he probably understood.
v.26b yet in my flesh I will see God, 27 whom I will see for myself,...My heart grows faint within me (NET) Here Job says he will see God. This at the least means that he will witness his vindication, which it seems clear from the other complaints of Job will occur after his death (it is his blood that must be vindicated). But in what way, exactly, Job will see God is not clarified...Job is saying that he has expended all his energy with his longing for vindication.
Summary and reflection: Job's knew that his frustration could not be resolved with his friends or from God in this lifetime. However, he was sure that his salvation, vindication, or closure would come because his Redeemer God lives. He would descend from heaven to earth to bring the salvation/justice/closure to him. In a way, Job believed that he himself could see that with his own eyes. That was his utmost desire now. Would I have that kind of faith when I do not see a light in this world, I still believe that there is in God? My mind may not understand or figure out how, but somehow beyond me, in God, there is.
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