JOB: The Plaintiff

Job – The Plaintiff

Job 16-18

In the great courtroom drama of the Book of Job, Traditional Faith is on trial, God is the Judge, and Job is the Plaintiff. Job is known as a faithful servant of God. His character is revealed in the opening sentence of the book where the author describes him as being blameless and upright, one who fears God and turns away from evil (Job 1:1) He was a very wealthy man who’s possessions were immeasurable.

God, the One who knows all men in their minds and hearts, knew Job was a man of true integrity and worthy to be tested. There is no one like Job on earth, so it appears that he was chosen by God to usher in a new way of thinking to break the cycle of godless traditions and doctrines. Only toward the end does Job come to realize that God is not his adversary, but a friend. But even so, Job still stayed true to God and did not waver.

In chapter 16, there is a turning point in the speeches of Job’s friends. Job no longer listens to them nor responds to their arguments. If you are familiar with opera, there are melodic and semi-melodic elements when the drama gets to such a point that all parties are on stage at the same time singing different songs which join in harmony. This is what is happening in the drama until chapter 32 when the young man Elihu joins the discussion and breaks the harmony. Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar continue to repackage their arguments with increased passion and vigor. Job continues to request an audience with God to state his case and get answers to his questions.

Job realizes that his friends are ‘miserable comforters’ (Job 16:2). He complains that his friends attempt to impart wisdom are only good at making a mockery of wisdom. Good friends are hard to come by, so as you read today’s chapters, think about your friends and how you can be a better friend. Are you a good listener? Do you have friends who are good listeners? Or do you just talk over people to state your point while ignoring what the other person is saying?