Bible Study

*Just for your thoughts.*

*Expository Commentary on the Book of Job*

*Bible study 9*

Job – Chapter 7: Questions Raised in Suffering and the Lessons God Teaches
Job had lost his children and all the livestock that, in those days, were regarded as the measure of a person's wealth. He was overwhelmed with grief. In addition, as recorded in chapter 2, his body was severely afflicted. Painful sores covered him from head to foot; his flesh became infested with worms, and his skin cracked, leaving him in a dreadful condition.
In chapter 3, unable to bear his suffering, Job cursed the day of his birth and poured out the anguish of his heart.
In chapter 4, his friend Eliphaz spoke to comfort him, but he failed to understand the depth of Job's pain. He reasoned, "God does not punish anyone without a cause; therefore, confess your sins and seek His forgiveness."
Job's response to God is recorded in chapter 7.
One of the most profound questions Job raises in this chapter invites us to reflect deeply. He asks God why He would give so much attention to him by allowing him to endure such intense suffering:
"What is mankind that You make so much of them, that You give them so much attention, that You examine them every morning and test them every moment?" (Job 7:17–18)
*Some of the Key Questions Job Asked God in This Chapter*
1. Job felt that God was constantly afflicting him (Job 7:12).
He asked, "Am I the sea, or the monster of the deep, that You set a guard over me?" He felt as though God was watching him like a dangerous enemy.
2. Job lamented that God would not even give him a moment's rest (Job 7:19).
He cried, "Will You never look away from me, or let me alone long enough to swallow my spit?" These words express the intensity of his suffering.
3. Job believed that God had made him His target (Job 7:20).
He asked, "Have I become a burden to You?" He felt as though God had singled him out for suffering.
4. Job wondered why God had not forgiven his sin (Job 7:21).
In his anguish he asked, "Why do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity?"
These words came from the heart of a man in deep distress. They are not the final theological truth but the honest expressions of a faithful believer overwhelmed by unbearable suffering.
Lessons This Chapter Teaches
1. Even a genuine believer can become confused in times of suffering.
Although Job was a man of steadfast faith, he did not hide his pain from God.
2. We can honestly express our feelings to God.
It is not sinful to bring our grief, doubts, and questions before Him. However, in the end, we must trust God's unchanging truth rather than our changing emotions and surrender ourselves to Him.
3. Human understanding is limited.
Job had no knowledge of the heavenly events taking place behind his suffering. Because of this, he came to several mistaken conclusions. Likewise, we cannot always understand everything God is doing.
4. Suffering is not proof that God hates us.
Job's life clearly demonstrates this truth. God had not rejected him. Instead, He ultimately restored him and blessed him abundantly.
5. We must be careful with our words during seasons of suffering.
In his anguish, Job expressed some incorrect ideas about God. Later, the Lord corrected Job's misunderstandings (Job 38–42).
6. God is a God who forgives.
Ultimately, Job's words reveal that his hope rested in God's grace and forgiveness.
Conclusion
Job, chapter 7, may be described as "the cry of a believer's heart in the midst of suffering." Although Job voiced some mistaken thoughts and accusations about God, he never completely turned away from Him.
The central lesson of this chapter is that we may speak honestly to God in our suffering, but in the end, we must not place our trust in our emotions. Instead, we must stand firmly on God's unchanging truth.