20240718

Job shuts up

Job 40:1-24 (JDV)

Job 40:1 Yahveh answered Job and said:
Job 40:2 Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who argues with God give an answer.
Job 40:3 Then Job answered Yahveh:
Job 40:4 I am so insignificant. How can I answer you? I place my hand over my mouth.
Job 40:5 I have spoken once, and I will not reply; twice, but now I can add nothing.
Job 40:6 Then Yahveh answered Job from the whirlwind:
Job 40:7 Get ready to answer me like a healthy man; When I question you, you will inform me.
Job 40:8 Would you really challenge my justice? Would you declare me guilty to justify yourself?
Job 40:9 Do you have an arm like God’s? Can you thunder with a voice like his?
Job 40:10 Adorn yourself with majesty and splendor and clothe yourself with honor and glory.
Job 40:11 Pour out your raging anger; look on every proud person and humiliate him.
Job 40:12 Look on every proud person and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand.
Job 40:13 Hide them together in the dust; imprison them in the grave.
Job 40:14 Then I will confess to you that your own right hand can deliver you.
Job 40:15 Look at Behemoth, which I made along with you. He eats grass like cattle.
Job 40:16 Look at the strength of his back and the power in the muscles of his belly.
Job 40:17 He stiffens his tail like a cedar tree; the tendons of his thighs are woven firmly together.
Job 40:18 His bones are bronze tubes; his limbs are like iron rods.
Job 40:19 He is the first of God’s works; only his Maker can draw the sword against him.
Job 40:20 The hills yield food for him, while all sorts of wild animals play there.
Job 40:21 He lies under the lotus plants, hiding in the protection of marshy reeds.
Job 40:22 Lotus plants cover him with their shade; the willows by the brook surround him.
Job 40:23 Though the river rages, Behemoth is unafraid; he remains confident, even if the Jordan surges up to his mouth.
Job 40:24 Can anyone capture him while he looks on, or pierce his nose with snares?

Job shuts up

The LORD had reminded Job of all those ways of the animal world – both wild and tame, that are beyond the scientific enquiry of humans. There are some things that we are not meant to understand. How God works through suffering is sometimes one of those things. So, Job responds to God showing a wisdom greater than any of his well-intentioned therapists. He shuts his mouth.

LORD, sometimes the only thing we need to know is that we do not need to know. Help us to humbly submit to you, trusting that you have life under your control.