Job Pleads His Case to God (Job 5-13)

In contrast, Job has wisdom many Christians lack. He knows to direct his emotions at God rather than at himself or those around him. He believes the source of blessings — and even adversities — is God, so he takes his complaint to the source. “But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God….How many are my iniquities and my sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. Why do you hide your face, and count me as your enemy?” (Job 13:3, 23–24). He acknowledges he doesn’t understand God’s ways. “He does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number” (Job 5:9). He knows he can never prevail in an argument against God. “If one wished to contend with him, one could not answer him once in a thousand. He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength —who has resisted him, and succeeded?” (Job 9:3–4). But he knows his anguish has to come out somewhere. “Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul” (Job 7:11). Better to direct it at God, who can handle it easily, than against himself or those he loves, who cannot.

Job Pleads His Case to God (Job 5-13), Theology of Work Project, Copyright © 2014 Theology of Work Project, Inc. Also find this article in Theology of Work Bible Commentary, Volume 2: Joshua through Song of Songs. For additional resources, please see The Theology of Work Project Series.