What can we learn about God's justice from Job 4:9? “By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of His anger they are consumed.” Where this verse sits in the story - Spoken by Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, whose words are recorded accurately by the Spirit (Job 42:7). - Though Eliphaz wrongly applies his insight to Job, the description of divine justice remains true and consistent with the rest of Scripture. What God’s “breath” and “blast” reveal about His justice - Effortless authority —God needs only a breath to carry out judgment; nothing can oppose Him (Psalm 33:6, 9). - Righteous wrath —His anger is never capricious; it is the holy response to sin (Nahum 1:2–6). - Absolute finality —“Perish” and “consumed” show that when God judges, the outcome is certain and complete (Hebrews 10:31). Core truths about God’s justice highlighted here • Justice is inevitable for the unrepentant; no injustice slips past His notice (Romans 2:5–6). • Justice is swift when God determines the moment; He neither hesitates nor delays unnecessarily (Isaiah 30:27–28). • Justice is proportionate to guilt; the “blast of His anger” meets the seriousness of human rebellion (Deuteronomy 32:4). • Justice flows from God’s holiness; He cannot deny His own nature by overlooking sin (Habakkuk 1:13). • Justice coexists with mercy; the same breath that judges also gives life to those who seek Him (Genesis 2:7; John 3:16). Other Scriptures echoing the lesson - Psalm 18:15 — “Then the channels of the sea appeared… at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.” - Exodus 15:7–8 — “In the greatness of Your majesty You overthrow Your adversaries… the blast of Your nostrils.” - 2 Thessalonians 2:8 — “The Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth.” - Isaiah 11:4 — “He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips.” - Revelation 19:15 — “From His mouth proceeds a sharp sword, with which to strike down the nations.” Living the truth today - Approach God with reverent fear, recognizing His sovereign right to judge. - Flee sin quickly, knowing judgment is real and certain. - Rest in the Cross, where divine justice met mercy for all who believe (Romans 5:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21). - Reflect God’s justice by acting with integrity and defending the oppressed (Micah 6:8). |
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