Job 42:4
You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak. I will question you, and you shall inform Me.'
You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall inform Me.'
You said
This phrase indicates a direct address to God, acknowledging His authority and the initiation of divine communication. In the Hebrew text, the verb "אמר" (amar) is used, which is a common term for speaking or saying. This highlights the personal and relational aspect of God's interaction with Job. It underscores the importance of listening to God's words, as they are not just commands but a dialogue that invites response and reflection.

Listen now
The Hebrew word for "listen" is "שְׁמַע" (shema), which carries a deeper meaning than just hearing. It implies obedience and understanding. In the context of Job, it is a call to pay attention to God's wisdom and to be receptive to His teaching. This is reminiscent of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4, which is a central declaration of faith in Judaism, emphasizing the importance of listening to and obeying God.

and I will speak
Here, God promises to communicate directly with Job. The Hebrew root "דבר" (dabar) is used for "speak," which often conveys the idea of authoritative speech. This phrase reassures Job that God is not silent in his suffering but is actively engaging with him. It reflects the biblical theme that God desires to reveal Himself and His purposes to humanity.

I will question you
The phrase indicates a shift in the dialogue where God takes the role of the questioner. The Hebrew verb "שָׁאַל" (sha'al) means to ask or inquire. This is not merely an interrogation but an invitation for Job to consider his own understanding and limitations. It serves as a reminder of the vastness of God's wisdom compared to human knowledge.

and you shall inform Me
This phrase is somewhat ironic, as it highlights the futility of human attempts to fully comprehend God's ways. The Hebrew verb "יָדַע" (yada) means to know or to inform. In this context, it underscores the lesson that Job, and by extension all believers, must recognize their own limitations and the need for humility before God. It is a call to trust in God's greater wisdom and to submit to His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning God's justice.

2. God (Yahweh)
The Almighty Creator who engages in a dialogue with Job, challenging him to understand divine wisdom and sovereignty.

3. The Dialogue
This verse is part of the concluding dialogue between God and Job, where God challenges Job's understanding and perspective.

4. The Restoration
Following this dialogue, Job's fortunes are restored, symbolizing reconciliation and divine blessing.

5. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and divine sovereignty.
Teaching Points
Understanding Divine Sovereignty
Recognize that God's wisdom and plans are beyond human comprehension. Trust in His sovereignty even when circumstances are challenging.

The Role of Humility in Faith
Approach God with humility, acknowledging our limited understanding and the need for His guidance and wisdom.

The Importance of Listening to God
Prioritize listening to God's voice through Scripture and prayer, allowing His words to shape our understanding and actions.

The Value of Honest Dialogue with God
Engage in honest and open dialogue with God, bringing our questions and doubts to Him while being open to His responses.

Restoration and Reconciliation
Understand that God desires restoration and reconciliation, as seen in Job's life, and seek His healing in our own lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job's response to God's questioning in Job 42:4 reflect a change in his understanding of God's character and sovereignty?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of listening to God in our daily lives, especially during times of suffering or confusion?

3. How does the theme of divine wisdom in Job 42:4 connect with the teachings in Isaiah 55 and Romans 11 about God's incomprehensible ways?

4. What role does humility play in our relationship with God, and how can we cultivate a humble heart in our spiritual journey?

5. How can the account of Job's restoration encourage us to trust in God's plan for reconciliation and healing in our own lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 18
Abraham's dialogue with God about Sodom and Gomorrah reflects a similar theme of questioning and understanding divine justice.

Isaiah 55
This passage emphasizes God's thoughts and ways being higher than human understanding, paralleling the theme of divine wisdom in Job.

Romans 11
Paul speaks of the depth of God's wisdom and knowledge, echoing the themes of God's incomprehensible ways found in Job.
ContritionR. Green Job 42:1-6
Job's Answer and ConfessionE. Johnson Job 42:1-6
Job's Confession and RestorationS. G. Woodrow.Job 42:1-10
Job's Confession and RestorationD. J. Burrell, D. D.Job 42:1-10
Job's Confession and RestorationC. A. Dickinson.Job 42:1-10
People
Bildad, Eliphaz, Jemima, Job, Kerenhappuch, Kezia, Zophar
Places
Uz
Topics
Answers, Beseech, Cause, Declare, Demand, Ear, Inform, Instruct, Listen, Mind, Question, Questions, Speak
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 42:1-6

     8281   insight

Job 42:4-5

     1436   reality

Library
October 6 Morning
The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.--REV. 19:6. I know that thou canst do every thing.--The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.--He doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?--There is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?--Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee. Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 26. "Now Mine Eye Seeth Thee" (Job Xlii. 5).
"Now mine eye seeth Thee" (Job xlii. 5). We must recognize the true character of our self-life and its real virulence and vileness. We must consent to its destruction, and we must take it ourselves, as Abraham did Isaac, and lay it at the feet of God in willing sacrifice. This is a hard work for the natural heart, but the moment the will is yielded and the choice is made, that death is past, the agony is over, and we are astonished to find that the death is accomplished. Usually the crisis of life
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

'The End of the Lord'
'Then Job answered the Lord, and said, 2. I know that Thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can he withholden from Thee. 3. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. 4. Hear, I beseech Thee, and I will speak: I will demand of Thee, and declare Thou unto me. 5. I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Intercessory Prayer
The circumstance which attended Job's restoration is that to which I invite your particular attention. "The Lord turned again the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends." Intercessory prayer was the omen of his returning greatness. It was the bow in the cloud, the dove bearing the olive branch, the voice of the turtle announcing the coming summer. When his soul began to expand itself in holy and loving prayer for his erring brethren, then the heart of God showed itself to him by returning
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

The Sinner Sentenced.
1, 2.The sinner called upon to hear his sentence.--3. God's law does now in general pronounce a curse.--4. It pronounces death.--5. And being turned into hell.--6. The judgement day shall come.--7, 8. The solemnity of that grand process described according to scriptural representations of it.--9. With a particular illustration of the sentence, "Depart, accursed," &c.--10. The execution wilt certainly and immediately follow.--11. The sinner warned to prepare for enduring it. The reflection of a sinner
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Whether after the Resurrection the Saints Will See God with the Eyes of the Body? [*Cf. Fp, Q , a ]
Objection 1: It would seem that after the resurrection the saints will see God with the eyes of the body. Because the glorified eye has greater power than one that is not glorified. Now the blessed Job saw God with his eyes (Job 42:5): "With the hearing of the ear, I have heard Thee, but now my eye seeth Thee." Much more therefore will the glorified eye be able to see God in His essence. Objection 2: Further, it is written (Job 19:26): "In my flesh I shall see God my Saviour [Vulg.: 'my God']." Therefore
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Its Problem
In this and the following chapter our aim will be fourfold. First, to demonstrate the impossibility of any sinner obtaining acceptance and favour with God on the ground of his own performances. Second, to show that the saving of a sinner presented a problem which nought but omniscience could solve, but that the consummate wisdom of God has devised a way whereby He can pronounce righteous a guilty transgressor of His Law without impeaching His veracity, sullying His holiness, or ignoring the claims
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

Washed to Greater Foulness
Turning to my text, let me say, that as one is startled by a shriek, or saddened by a groan, so these sharp utterances of Job astonish us at first, and then awake our pity. How much are we troubled with brotherly compassion as we read the words,--"If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me!" The sense of misery couched in this passage baffles description. Yet this is but one of a series, in which sentence
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 32: 1886

Whether the Essence of God Can be Seen with the Bodily Eye?
Objection 1: It seems that the essence of God can be seen by the corporeal eye. For it is written (Job 19:26): "In my flesh I shall see . . . God," and (Job 42:5), "With the hearing of the ear I have heard Thee, but now my eye seeth Thee." Objection 2: Further, Augustine says (De Civ. Dei xxix, 29): "Those eyes" (namely the glorified) "will therefore have a greater power of sight, not so much to see more keenly, as some report of the sight of serpents or of eagles (for whatever acuteness of vision
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty
"Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight" (Matt. 11:26). In the present chapter we shall consider, somewhat briefly, the practical application to ourselves of the great truth which we have pondered in its various ramifications in earlier pages. In chapter twelve we shall deal more in detail with the value of this doctrine but here we would confine ourselves to a definition of what ought to be our attitude toward the Sovereignty of God. Every truth that is revealed to us in God's Word
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Whether Contention is a Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that contention is not a mortal sin. For there is no mortal sin in spiritual men: and yet contention is to be found in them, according to Lk. 22:24: "And there was also a strife amongst" the disciples of Jesus, "which of them should . . . be the greatest." Therefore contention is not a mortal sin. Objection 2: Further, no well disposed man should be pleased that his neighbor commit a mortal sin. But the Apostle says (Phil. 1:17): "Some out of contention preach Christ,"
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Character of Its Teachings Evidences the Divine Authorship of the Bible
Take its teachings about God Himself. What does the Bible teach us about God? It declares that He is Eternal: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou are God" (Ps. 90:2). It reveals the fact that He is Infinite: "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee" (I Kings 8:27). Vast as we know the universe to be, it has its bounds; but we must go beyond
Arthur W. Pink—The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

An Address to a Soul So Overwhelmed with a Sense of the Greatness of Its Sins, that it Dares not Apply Itself to Christ with Any
1-4. The case described at large.--5. As it frequently occurs.--6. Granting all that the dejected soul charges on itself.--7. The invitations and promises of Christ give hope.--8. The reader urged, under all his burdens and fears, to an humble application to him. Which is accordingly exemplified in the concluding Reflection and Prayer. 1. I have now done with those unhappy creatures who despise the Gospel, and with those who neglect it. With pleasure do I now turn myself to those who will hear me
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith: prove your own selves."--2 COR. 13:6. MY DEAR SISTER, In view of the positive injunction of Scripture, above quoted, no argument is necessary to show that self-examination is a duty. But if the word of God had been silent upon the subject, the importance of self-knowledge would have been a sufficient motive for searching into the secret springs of action which influence our conduct. A person ignorant of his own heart, is like a merchant, who knows
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
(from Bethany to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 1-12, 14-17; ^B Mark XI. 1-11; ^C Luke XIX. 29-44; ^D John XII. 12-19. ^c 29 And ^d 12 On the morrow [after the feast in the house of Simon the leper] ^c it came to pass, when he he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, ^a 1 And when they came nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage unto { ^b at} ^a the mount of Olives [The name, Bethphage, is said to mean house of figs, but the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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