“He would surely rebuke you…” Job 13:10a
/Once Job detailed his own observations of God’s character traits (review chapter 12; v.1), he confronted his would-be friends by asserting his equality to them (v.2), while restating his desire to voice his ‘case’ to God, for relief from his suffering (v.3). Job accused them of condemning him without evidence by smearing lies about him (v.4a). He went on to say they were “worthless physicians” (remember, they came with the intentions of offering solace and comfort after hearing of the terrible sequence of events which occurred; see chapter 1; v.4b).
The tone of Job’s dialogue became more argumentative and he advised them the best wisdom they could exercise at that moment was silence (v.5). He implored them to listen to his side of the story (v.6), and then asked six pointed questions to them:
“Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf?” (v.7a)
One may often seek to ‘speak for God’ while enflamed with one of humanity’s severest weaknesses: indignation. Job’s friends may have become indignant after the first exchange of words between Job and Eliphaz (see chapters 3-7). Indeed, if Job’s friends had remained silent, allowing him to vent his sorrow, while seeking to understand his loss, the dialogue between Job and his friends may have been much different
“Will you speak deceitfully for Him?” (v.7b)
In the far east there is a practice known as justified falsehood. It ‘allows’ one to be deceitful to obtain justice. Our own law enforcement practice similar tactics when posing as someone else or a legitimate business in an effort to apprehend criminals.
“Will you show Him partiality?” (v.8a)
In other words, Job was asking how impartial his friends could really be, given their world view of ‘just deserts’ for those who secretly do wrong (which assumes guilt, instead of innocence).
“Will you argue the case for God?” (v.8b)
A bold inquiry by Job, as why would God need anyone to argue for Him? He is quite able to present His charges against someone and defend His own righteous standard.
“Would it turn out well if He examined you?” (v.9a)
his question would pierce right to the heart of Job’s friends, and reflects Christ’s teaching when He gave permission for the mob to stone a woman if each one casting a stone was without sin (read John 8:3-7).
“Could you deceive Him as you might deceive men?” (v.9b)
Without holding back any reservation of political correctness, Job confronted his friends with a question which shows just how equal we all stand before almighty God, for there is nothing hidden from Him (read Deuteronomy 29:29; Daniel 2:22; Jeremiah 33:3; Luke 8:17, 12:2-3).
Job then turned the tables on his friends by asserting how God would rebuke them if they even tried to continue their efforts to represent God in this matter (v.10a). He warned them that if they secretly showed partiality, God’s glory would terrify them (vv. 10b – 11). Job’s zeal may have led him to push the point further, when he stated:
“Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.” (v.12)
Job was calling a spade a spade. He was dealing in the realm of truth, having lived a transparent life… his suffering statements being no less transparent. Again, this passage offers the reader a reminder to offer comfort to those hurting… it is not a moment to wax on about the meaning of life or the possible cosmic purpose behind the trouble. The ministry of presence is the strongest message of love one may have to give during moments of great distress. If we do not learn from this story, we only set ourselves up to repeat history… replaying the story of Job in our own lives.
Have a blessed day…