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Before the Lord answers Job from the whirlwind, one final voice steps up: Elihu, a confident young pundit making one last human attempt to explain Job's suffering. Examining Job 32–37, we unpack the tension of Elihu's speeches—where real truth meets misplaced counsel—and discover how the shortcomings of human wisdom prepare our hearts to finally hear from the living God
This week in Rick and Elaine Discuss the Book of Job, we reached a pivotal moment in the story as Elihu's final words prepare the way for God's appearance. What began as a discussion about suffering quickly unfolded into something much deeper. We explored why Satan dominates the opening chapters of Job only to disappear entirely from the narrative, and why the real focus of the book is not on the adversary but on the relationship between God and man. As Elihu points Job's attention away from himself and toward the majesty of God, we examined how affliction can become the very means by which God delivers the afflicted. The conversation led us through Job, John the Baptist, the ministry of Jesus, and the surprising connection between suffering, humility, and true spiritual awakening.We also spent time reflecting on Elihu's trembling before the approaching storm and how that posture mirrors the fear and reverence Scripture consistently calls believers to embrace. As the thunderclouds gather and God prepares to speak, Elihu fades into the background, having completed his task of directing attention away from human self-justification and toward the Creator Himself. Along the way we discussed John's baptism, the voice from heaven in John's Gospel, the casting down of the prince of this world, and the recurring biblical theme that God often uses hardship, loss, and pressure to draw His people into deeper relationship with Him. Next week we will enter the climax of the book and do a two hour series finale as God finally answers Job out of the whirlwind, bringing our long journey through this remarkable book to its conclusion.Elaine and I love each of you very much and appreciate all of your comments along the way.
What do you do when you've kept your covenants, guarded your heart, served the poor, and lived with absolute integrity—yet your whole world collapses anyway? In this complete, deep-dive masterclass on the Book of Job, we trace the entire arc of human suffering, theological wrestling, and divine revelation, discovering how a man sitting in ashes moved from raw questioning to the ultimate witness: "I know that my Redeemer liveth." Summary of the Video: This comprehensive guide walks step-by-step through the 42 chapters of the Book of Job. We begin in the pre-mortal council, exploring why God allows the "hedge" of protection to be lowered and why "divine restraint" is an act of love designed to build spiritual muscle. We analyze the four crushing waves of loss that wiped out Job's wealth, health, and ten children, offering a compassionate look at Job's grief and the silent ministry of his three friends. We then unpack the core conflict: the breakdown of "Retribution Theology" (the false idea that sin always equals suffering). We follow the three rounds of intense debate between Job and his accusers, exploring Job's desperate plea for a "Daysman" (Mediator) and his prophetic shadows of Jesus Christ. Finally, we study Job's final oath of innocence, Elihu's breakthrough teaching on the refining purpose of trials, God's breathtaking 59 questions out of the whirlwind, and the profound lessons of Job 42—where intercessory forgiveness for his friends unlocked a double restoration of everything he had lost. Key Doctrinal Insights Included: The Hedged Life & Divine Restraint (Job 1–2): Why God permits trials and how agency requires a space for opposition. The Trap of the Prosperity Gospel (Job 4–27): Why assuming suffering is always caused by personal sin leads to self-righteousness and spiritual collapse. Job as a Type of Christ (Job 16–19): How Job's unearned agony, betrayal, and crying blood prefigure the Garden of Gethsemane and Calvary. The Search for the "Daysman" (Job 9 & 19): The Old Testament promise of Jesus Christ as our Advocate and Redeemer. The Refining Purpose of Pain (Job 32–37): Elihu's perspective that suffering is a divine classroom to purge pride. Hearing vs. Seeing God (Job 42): How trials convert secondhand theology into firsthand, face-to-face relationship with the Divine. The Lesson of the Book of Job: You don't need a line-by-line explanation for every trial in your life as long as you know the God who holds you in His hands. When you stop demanding explanations and start seeking His presence, your crucible becomes your sanctuary. Call-to-Action: Have you ever experienced a season where God felt silent, but looking back, you realized He was refining your faith into pure gold? How has the Book of Job changed your perspective on personal trials? Share your thoughts and testimonies in the comments below! Like and Subscribe for more deep-dive scripture study! Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:16 Theodicy & the Book of Job 14:32 Perfect Job 21:31 Satan's Plan 33:26 Job's Trials & Testimony 50:11 Physical Suffering & Spiritual Doubt 1:01:39 Friends' Company & Job's Lament 1:16:05 Assuming that Suffering Equals Sin (Eliphaz Round 1) 1:27:16 Job's Self-Defense 1:42:41 Justifying the Lord (Bildad Round 1) 2:01:59 Revealing & Reasoning with God (Zophar Round 1) 2:16:38 Death & Resurrection 2:21:52 Job as Mortal Side of Jesus (Eliphaz Round 2) 2:41:46 Job's Testimony (Bildad Round 2) 2:53:59 Wickedness Never was Happiness (Zophar Round 2) 3:01:44 Accusations & Demanding a Day in Court (Eliphaz Round 3) 3:12:13 Innocence or Holiness (Bildad Round 3) 3:22:49 Wisdom & Worthiness 3:36:37 Job's Closing Argument 3:44:31 Elihu Speaks Up 3:53:25 God is Good and Can Be Trusted 4:17:27 God Reveals Himself 4:30:49 Job Repents & Reviews the Lessons Learned 4:47:56 A Double Portion 4:57:12 Conclusion - The Lesson of Job
In this episode of Rick and Elaine Discuss the Book of Job we explored this most important transition in the entire book as Elihu shifts the conversation away from Job's courtroom arguments and toward the character of God Himself. We examined Job chapters 33 through 36, including Elihu's powerful teaching on suffering, obedience, the Mediator, the Ransom, and God's purpose in affliction. Along the way, we discussed Hebrews 5, Christ learning obedience through suffering, and why Elihu serves as the final voice before God speaks from the whirlwind.We reflected on God's faithfulness through difficult seasons, and the surprising truth that God often delivers the afflicted through affliction rather than merely from it. As the storm clouds gather on the horizon of Job's story, Elihu begins moving us from the courtroom to the Judge. The arguments are fading, the thunder is rolling in, and we are standing on the threshold of one of the greatest moments in all of Scripture. We hope you enjoy this episode and continue on our journey through this incredible book!Much love to all of you!
Elaine and I just wrapped one of the most fascinating studies we've had yet in our journey through the book of Job. What began as a discussion about Elihu suddenly opened into something much bigger. We found ourselves tracing patterns from Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Elijah, John the Baptist, and even the coming of Christ himself. The deeper we dug, the more it felt like Job was telling the story of Israel's exile, suffering, restoration, and ultimately God bringing His people to Himself through grace and not mere outward wisdom. There were moments in this discussion where I honestly had to stop and just thank the Lord for opening my eyes to connections I had never seen before.This episode also turned deeply personal as Elaine and I reflected on suffering, rejection, faith, and how God uses difficult seasons to refine us. Elihu's sudden appearance in the story sparked a powerful conversation about the younger prophet class, the spirit of Elijah, John the Baptist preparing the way, and how God continually tears down human pride to reveal Himself in the whirlwind. If you've been following our Job study, this episode sets the stage for something huge as we move into Elihu's speeches next week. I truly believe this conversation is going to stick with a lot of people for a long time.
Elihu also proceeded, and said,2 Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf.3 I will fetch my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.4 For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.5 Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.6 He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor.7 He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.8 And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction;9 Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.10 He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.11 If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.13 But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.14 They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean.15 He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.16 Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.17 But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee.18 Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.19 Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength.20 Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.21 Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction.22 Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?23 Who hath enjoined him his way? or who can say, Thou hast wrought iniquity?24 Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.25 Every man may see it; man may behold it afar off.26 Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out.27 For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:28 Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly.29 Also can any understand the spreadings of the clouds, or the noise of his tabernacle?30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.31 For by them judgeth he the people; he giveth meat in abundance.32 With clouds he covereth the light; and commandeth it not to shine by the cloud that cometh betwixt.33 The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour.
Elihu spake moreover, and said,2 Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?4 I will answer thee, and thy companions with thee.5 Look unto the heavens, and see; and behold the clouds which are higher than thou.6 If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him? or if thy transgressions be multiplied, what doest thou unto him?7 If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? or what receiveth he of thine hand?8 Thy wickedness may hurt a man as thou art; and thy righteousness may profit the son of man.9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty.10 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;11 Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?12 There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men.13 Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.14 Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.15 But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity:16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.
In this episode of Rick and Elaine Discuss the Book of Job, we finally arrive at the emotional summit of Job's final discourse in chapters 29 through 31. Job looks backward at the man he once was, respected at the city gate, defender of widows and orphans, voice for the weak, and a man convinced that God's light rested upon him. Then the contrast crashes down around him. The same man who once comforted mourners now sits in ashes while even the lowest in society mock and spit upon him. Together, we explored not only the external collapse of Job's world, but the internal unraveling taking place inside his soul as he struggles to understand why suffering has found him despite his righteousness. One of the most powerful moments of the discussion centered on how Job's cries mirror the language of Psalm 22 and ultimately point us toward Christ, the true suffering servant who entered humanity's deepest darkness and still trusted the Father through silence, pain, and abandonment.We also spent time reflecting on the humanity behind the text itself. From Rick sharing the emotional experience of watching his daughter Annabelle get married in the rain, to Elaine drawing out the spiritual imagery of widows, orphans, and Israel's story throughout Scripture, this conversation became deeply personal, as usual! By the time we reached Job 31, Job had moved from defending his outward actions to examining the integrity of his inner life, declaring that even his secret thoughts stood open before God. That shift sets the stage for the arrival of Elihu, the young voice who burns with anger because Job justified himself rather than God. Next week we begin unraveling one of the most mysterious and fascinating sections in the entire book, as wisdom begins to emerge from the storm itself.
So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.2 Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.18 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
Elihu speaks about wisdom from God. He gets a lot of things right in his discourse to Job, but some things are wrong and we should be willing to learn from what he says.Remember, that Job suffered the loss of his children in addition to his businesses, his house, his health, his friends, and even his wife. Don't forget the humanity of people when you give out wisdom or advice from the Bible. Elihu did.Listen today (just press play like on youtube) and leave your comments below.#Elihu #Job #wisdom #understanding #knowledge #AlmightyGod #suffering #deathofChildren #tribulation
19:7 To cry, tsaaq, violence is implicitly a cry to God for help from violence. The weak party cries to God for relief from suffering (Ex. 8:12; 14:10; 22:23, 27; Deut. 22:24, 27). But I get no answer- Often God's servants uttered similar cries, and God heard them (Ps. 34:17). But in Job 35:12 Elihu is going to use both the verb cry and answer to say that sometimes God does not answer because of the pride of evil men. It is sometimes true that God does not answer one's cries because of our attitude or behavior. For example, the one who refuses to hear the cry of the poor will also call himself and not be answered (Prov. 21:13). However, that is not the case with Job.I shout for help, but there is no justice- The verb translated shout, shava is used in Job 24:12; 29:12; 30:20, 28; 35:9; 36:13; 38:41. Putting together several of these passages in Job is interesting. In 36:13 the godless does not cry for help. In 30:20 Job shouts to God and gets no answer (30:28). In 24:12 when the wounded cry out, God does not pay attention. However, when Job was able to help and the weak cried out to him, he delivered them (29:12). However, Job 38:41 offers hope because God hears the cry of raven's young therefore there is hope that He will hear Job's cry. 19:9 He has stripped my honor from me- This verb stripped is used of the brothers stripping Joseph's coat in Gen. 37:23, Aaron's garments (Num. 20:25, 28), and Saul's weapons (I Sam. 31:8, 9). Also see Ezek. 16:39. Honor is portrayed as a garment to be put on or stripped off. Character and blessings are garments to be worn in Job 29:14. It is God who has stripped off these things. And removed the crown from my head- God removed crowns in Jer. 13:18; Lam. 5:16. This language does not indicate that Job was actually a king, but the respect that Job had among his people was as great as that of any king in 29:8-10, 25. This line serves as quite a contrast with Psalm 8:5. “His experience is diametrically opposed to the traditional belief that God crowns (‘atar, the verb that corresponds to the noun used in Job 19:9) a man with glory (kabowd) and honor (hadar).”The Hebrew word translated honor in Psalm 8:5 does not appear in Job 19:9. Jesus and Job 1919:2 Job spoke of the words of his friends' crushing him. The word crush, daka, is used in Isaiah 53:5, 10 to speak of the servant of the LORD being crushed by God. 19:7 God's ultimate display of justice was the cross. The irony is that the most horrible act of injustice in all history demonstrated the justice of God. God punished sin in way to provide salvation to the sinner (Rom. 3:21-26).
Podcast Episode 228 - Elihu: God is Greater!
Click here for your free copy of When Faith is Forbidden by Todd Nettleton Dr. Ellie Paley received her Ph.D. from Cambridge University, where she studied the book of Job, and she's currently pursuing a post-doc at Bar-Illan University in Israel. Ellie literally memorized the entire book—in Hebrew…in 6 months! Job is her gig and she knows more about the book than anyone I know. In this episode, Ellie gives a master class on the book of Job, discussing its date, the setting, the meaning of “The Adversary” (hasatan, or Satan?), the purpose of the prologue (Job 1-2), the content of purpose of the dialogue cycle of Job's 3 friends, the purpose of the transitionary wisdom poem of Job 28, the role and function of Elihu's speech and why she thinks he's a rather presumptuous young buck who thinks he knows better than he really does, God's response to Job, and how the book resolves in the latter chapters. We end by reflecting on Job's contribution to the question of theodicy and the problem of evil. To follow Ellie's work, check out her Substack “Compulsively Contemplative.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Request a free copy of When Faith is Forbidden here.Dr. Ellie Paley received her Ph.D. from Cambridge University, where she studied the book of Job, and she's currently pursuing a post-doc at Bar-Illan University in Israel. Ellie literally memorized the entire book—in Hebrew…in 6 months! Job is her gig and she knows more about the book than anyone I know. In this episode, Ellie gives a master class on the book of Job, discussing its date, the setting, the meaning of “The Adversary” (hasatan, or Satan?), the purpose of the prologue (Job 1-2), the content of purpose of the dialogue cycle of Job's 3 friends, the purpose of the transitionary wisdom poem of Job 28, the role and function of Elihu's speech and why she thinks he's a rather presumptuous young buck who thinks he knows better than he really does, God's response to Job, and how the book resolves in the latter chapters. We end by reflecting on Job's contribution to the question of theodicy and the problem of evil. To follow Ellie's work, check out her Substack “Compulsively Contemplative” here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Elihu: God is Greater! by Saylorville Church
The Book of Job: Hearing God in the Storm
In part 2 through Proverb 8, wisdom is continuing to make her case that no matter who you are, those of high social status or not, heeding her words are important, just like wise Elihu, oh young wise Elihu among a bunch of older men, said “Wisdom does not [always] come with age.” (Job 32:8-9 AMP) Verse 17 “I love those who love me” uh what? God I thought you loved everyone, lets break that verse down and love God with all our minds by being critical thinkers (Matthew 22:37)** No episode next week guys, if God wills, sorry!josiahmovius10@yahoo.comProverbs 8 Blue Letter Bible Hebrew manuscript:https://www.blueletterbible.org/esv/pro/8/6/s_636006David Guzik's commentary on Proverbs 8:https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/proverbs/proverbs-8.cfm?a=636006Bible Portal site:https://www.bibleportal.com/commentariesEdward Michael Zerr complete commentary:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M7QW9CP?binding=paperback&ref=dbs_m_mng_rwt_sft_tpbk_tkinAbraham Cohen commentaries:https://bestcommentaries.com/author/abraham-cohen/Derek Kidner commentaries:kidner-classic-commentaries
The sermon unfolds a profound meditation on the greatness of God as Creator, using both scientific humility and the biblical narrative of Job to underscore humanity's limitations in understanding divine sovereignty. It begins with a reflection on the foundational constants of science—particularly the speed of light—highlighting how even our most precise measurements rely on unprovable assumptions, mirroring the human inability to fully comprehend God's nature. This leads into a theological exploration of Job's suffering, where his friends wrongly assume suffering is always divine punishment, while Job, though righteous, struggles to understand God's silence. Elihu and ultimately God Himself intervene, revealing that human beings, as creatures, cannot challenge or fully grasp the wisdom and power of their Creator. Through God's rhetorical questions about the cosmos and creatures, the sermon emphasizes that God's sovereignty extends over all creation, and that all things—both righteous and unrighteous—serve His ultimate glory. The message culminates in a call to humility: though humans cannot judge God, they can repent and be remade by Him, as illustrated in the potter and clay metaphor, affirming that God remains sovereign, just, and capable of transforming even broken lives for His glory.
Submit a Question or CommentIn this verse-by-verse study of Job 37 and Job 38:1–30, Reasoning Through the Bible reaches one of the most dramatic turning points in the entire book: God answers Job from the whirlwind. After chapters of suffering, accusation, confusion, and debate, the Lord finally speaks — not to explain everything Job wanted to know, but to reveal His greatness through creation, weather, wisdom, and power. This session explores Elihu's final words about thunder, lightning, snow, rain, ice, and storm as a preparation for the Lord's arrival. Then the chapter turns as God Himself begins asking Job questions about the foundations of the earth, the boundaries of the sea, the dawn, the depths, the light, the hail, the rain, and the design of nature. The message is unmistakable: Job does not understand the world well enough to sit in judgment over the God who made and sustains it. The episode also shows why human beings are not separated from God because He is too majestic, but because of sin. It points to the mercy of God in Christ, who provides the only way for sinners to be reconciled to the Creator whose wisdom, justice, and power are beyond human grasp. Topics in this episode include: Job 37 explained Job 38 explained God answers from the whirlwind thunder as God's voice God controls weather and creation why Job could not answer God creation and divine wisdom sin separates from God Christ reconciles sinners to God Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the BiblePlease prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
Submit a Question or CommentIn this verse-by-verse study of Job 36, Reasoning Through the Bible follows Elihu as he shifts the focus away from man-centered thinking and back onto the character of God. While Job and his friends were often preoccupied with human suffering from a human angle, Elihu gives a different perspective: God speaks in our affliction and teaches us through suffering. This session explores why so much modern Bible teaching becomes overly focused on what people can get from God rather than who God is in His nature. Job 36 pushes in the opposite direction. Elihu speaks about God's justice, power, mercy, wisdom, and greatness, and shows that true spiritual depth begins with theology proper — the study of God Himself. The episode also addresses the difference between outward religion and a renewed heart, why the Word of God renews the mind, how God delivers people in suffering rather than always from suffering, why the health and wealth gospel fails, and why no human being has grounds to judge God. The chapter closes with Elihu describing storms, rain, thunder, and lightning as testimonies to the greatness of the unsearchable God. Topics in this episode include: Job 36 explained God speaks in suffering theology proper God's character and nature renewed heart and renewed mind the failure of the health and wealth gospel who are we to judge God what we can know about God God's greatness in creation Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the BiblePlease prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
We are continuing in our journey through the book of Job with Part 5, "Job and the Big Questions." Join us in the conversation. This is the audio podcast.
We are continuing in our journey through the book of Job with Part 5, "Job and the Big Questions." Join us in the conversation. This is the audio podcast.
Submit a Question or CommentIn this verse-by-verse study of Job 34:10–35:16, Reasoning Through the Bible follows Elihu as he gives one of the clearest defenses of God's justice in the entire book. While Job and his friends spent much of their time talking about themselves, Elihu turns the focus back to the Lord and insists on a foundational truth: God never does wrong. This session explores how God is both Creator and Sustainer, why He shows no partiality between rich and poor, why no human being can hide from His sight, and why He does not owe man an explanation on man's terms. The passage also shows that if God were to withdraw His hand, all life would return to dust, which highlights His absolute sovereignty over creation and every human life. The study then moves into practical theology: why believers should ask God to reveal their own sin, why God's grace means He owes us nothing, why suffering teaches us to wait, and why following God is not about health or wealth but about loving Him for who He is. It also addresses whether God hears empty, prideful prayers and why sincere repentance is different. Topics in this episode include: Job 34 explained Job 35 explained God never does wrong Creator and Sustainer no favoritism with God why God owes us nothing suffering and waiting on God does God hear every prayer pride, repentance, and grace Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the BiblePlease prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
Submit a Question or CommentIn this verse-by-verse Bible study of Job 33:19–34:9, Reasoning Through the Bible explores one of the hardest but most important questions in suffering: can God use pain to get our attention and draw us back to Himself? Elihu argues that God may use physical pain, weakness, and affliction to humble a person, expose spiritual need, and turn the soul away from destruction. This session carefully explains the balance that must be maintained. Not every sickness or suffering is a direct punishment for personal sin, but suffering can still become a means through which God teaches, disciplines, and refocuses His people. The discussion shows how Elihu differs from Job's other friends by not merely blaming Job, but by pointing to the character and purposes of God. The episode also highlights the remarkable language of ransom in Job 33 and connects it to the larger biblical teaching that God provides redemption for sinners. It then turns to Job 34, where Elihu begins correcting Job's claim that there is no profit in following God. This becomes a deeply practical reminder that the Christian life is not about physical comfort first, but about spiritual life, relationship with God, and the fruit of the Spirit. Topics in this episode include: Job 33 explained Job 34 explained can God use suffering discipline and pain in the Bible ransom and redemption spiritual awakening through suffering why follow God if the righteous suffer the fruit of the Spirit God's purpose in affliction Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the BiblePlease prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
Submit a Question or CommentIn this verse-by-verse Bible study of Job 32–33, Reasoning Through the Bible reaches a turning point in the book as Elihu enters the conversation. He is angry with Job for justifying himself before God, and angry with Job's three friends because they condemned Job without answering him well. This session explores what Elihu gets wrong, what he gets right, and why his first words matter so much. This study also deals with practical Christian wisdom: how to respond when angry, why age alone does not guarantee wisdom, why flattery is dangerous, and why believers must measure all counsel by the Word of God rather than by personality, confidence, or volume. Elihu speaks with sincerity, but also with a very high opinion of himself, and that tension gives believers a needed warning. The second half of the episode turns to one of the most important themes in the passage: how God speaks to people. Elihu says that God speaks, but people do not notice. He describes people as spiritually asleep until God opens their ears, warns them, and turns them away from destruction. This becomes a powerful explanation of conviction, awakening, and the way God uses His Word to call sinners to Himself. Topics in this episode include: Job 32 explained Job 33 explained Elihu enters the book of Job anger and self-control wisdom and age flattery and pride God does not owe explanations how God speaks spiritual awakening and conviction Reasoning Through the Bible is a verse-by-verse Bible teaching ministry committed to careful exposition, biblical context, and faithful application.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the BiblePlease prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
Pastor Nick ends the series on endurance in the book of Job. What it means to be a plant tapped into the vine of God in the dessert.
What if the hardest season of your life is actually God's invitation to discover His goodness in ways you never imagined? Pastor Brandon reveals how Elihu, a fiery young man in Job's story, dismantles the dangerous "karma gospel"—the lie that good things happen to good people and bad things to bad people. Through Elihu's bold wisdom, we learn that God remains infinitely good even when life feels devastatingly unfair, and that our response to suffering reveals whether we'll become bitter or better. Don't miss this powerful message that could transform how you navigate life's storms—watch now and discover the unshakeable foundation that keeps you standing when everything falls apart! Brandon Bachtel www.stonepointchurch.com
Speaker: Brent Kercheville. Job has said many words that need to be addressed. Elihu is in the process of challenging Job on the words Job has said against God. Elihu has been defending God from what Job has said during the time of this trial. Elihu is speaking on God's behalf (Job 36:2). Further, Elihu declares that he […] The post God Is Not Powerless When Suffering (Job 36-37) appeared first on Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ.
The Birth of Samuel 1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but […]
This sermon focuses on the character of Elihu in the book of Job, presenting him as a passionate but prideful young man who rebukes Job for his self-righteousness and prepares the way for God's response. The speaker explains that while Elihu correctly defends God's justice and sovereignty, he also demonstrates the dangers of arrogance, harsh judgment, and speaking without compassion toward those who are suffering. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes that suffering can be used by God for sanctification and refinement, pointing believers toward humility, dependence on God, and the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ
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Speaker: Brent Kercheville. Job has said many words that need to be addressed. In Job 32-33 Elihu responds to Job who has contended that God was silent throughout his suffering. God is not silent in suffering but is speaking through suffering. Trials are protective and corrective, not punitive, transforming us and moving us closer to the image of […] The post God Is Not Unjust When Suffering (Job 34) appeared first on Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ.
5/17/2026 Rev. Paul Bang 1 Samuel 1:1-20 The Birth of Samuel 1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb.[a] 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” 9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” 12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. 19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”[b]
Show Notes: Charles Spurgeon's SermonWhen you're crying out to God in pain and getting only silence, is He ignoring you?Job has lost everything. He's been interrogated by three friends, talked over by a brash young man named Elihu, and God still hasn't said a word. In Job 35–37, Elihu makes his final case, and for one breathtaking moment he actually gets it right.As a storm gathers on the horizon, Elihu stops dissecting Job's theology and does something none of them have done yet. He looks up. And what he sees changes everything he says next.What you'll learn:Faith vs. transaction: Elihu lands a truth worth sitting with. Your relationship with God was never meant to be a deal. Faithfulness isn't a payment God owes you a return on.Why God sometimes seems silent: There's a difference between crying from pain and crying for God. And it turns out it matters deeply which one you're doing.Songs in the night: What an ancient phrase from Job 35 and a famous Spurgeon sermon reveal about finding peace when it makes no sense to worship.God's power reframed: Job feared God's power would crush him. Elihu argues it's actually the guarantee of justice, a tension that pays off big in the next episode.How not to comfort someone: After four men and dozens of speeches, the most practical lesson in these chapters may be the simplest. Listen before you speak and build bridges, not walls.Discussion Questions for Job 35-37Have you ever tried to comfort someone who was suffering, but your words made things worse instead of better?Is there a trial in your life right now where you need to cry out for God's presence rather than just His intervention?Has God ever used your own suffering to prepare you to comfort someone else?This podcast episode is part of our ongoing Bible Book Club series, Season 18: The Book of Job.We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Contact Bible Book ClubDONATE Buy merch Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's InstagramLike or comment on Susan's Facebook or InstagramLeave us an Apple reviewContact us through our website formThanks for listening and happy podcasting!
When life feels like God has gone silent and everything seems unfair, how do you keep believing He's still good?Job has defended his innocence, the three friends have finally run out of arguments, and an eerie silence has fallen over the city gate. Then a young man named Elihu steps out of the crowd, and he is furious. Furious at Job for questioning God. Furious at the friends for failing to prove their case. And absolutely convinced he has the answer everyone else has missed.But does he? In Job 32–34, Elihu delivers some genuinely fresh theology and some head-scratching contradictions. He says God speaks through suffering to redirect us, not just punish us. He even unknowingly describes a heavenly mediator who sounds remarkably like Jesus. Yet, by the end of chapter 34, he's doing the same thing the three friends did, accusing Job of wickedness and asking for him to be tested even further.What you'll learn in this episode:Who Elihu is: A young outsider with real spiritual insight but also an ego he can't quite keep in checkGod's surprising megaphone: How God speaks through dreams, pain, and messengers, and why your suffering may be redirection, not punishmentA hidden glimpse of Jesus: How Elihu accidentally describes the mediator Job has been crying out for since Chapter 9, a ransom-payer who rescues us from the pitThe pattern we all fall into: Why Elihu starts with compassion but ends up sounding just like Job's friends and what that says about how we handle people in painGod's justice on trial: Elihu's three-part case for why a just God cannot be wrong, and where his argument misses Job's heart entirelyDiscussion Questions for Job 32-34Elihu says that God speaks to us through dreams, suffering, and messengers. Has there been a moment in your life when you recognized that God might have been speaking to you through a difficult experience? What did that realization change for you?Elihu started out wanting to vindicate Job, but the longer he spoke, the more he ended up condemning him. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you began with good intentions but frustration caused you to say something you ended up regretting?Elihu's insight that suffering can be preventive rather than punitive is a powerful idea. Is there a "thorn in your flesh" in your own life that, looking back, you can see God may have used to redirect or protect you?This podcast episode is part of our ongoing Bible Book Club series, Season 18: The Book of Job.We love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Contact Bible Book ClubDONATE Buy merch Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's InstagramLike or comment on Susan's Facebook or InstagramLeave us an Apple reviewContact us through our website formThanks for listening and happy podcasting!
Send us Fan MailA thunderstorm rolls in across Job 37 and Elihu treats it like a sermon illustration: God directs lightning to the ends of the earth, commands snow to fall, sends wind and frost, and turns clouds by His counsel. We slow down in the text and let it say what it says about God's sovereignty, providence, and the limits of human understanding. If you've ever searched for clarity in chaos, Job 37 forces a hard kind of humility: creation obeys, and we are not the ones holding the sky in place.But we also press on the uncomfortable gap. Elihu's theology is often accurate and still feels useless to Job's pain. He offers grandeur when Job needs comfort, questions when Job needs companionship, and pressure to “confess” when the story has already shown deeper forces at work. Our panel reacts in real time, weighing Elihu's heart posture and noticing how easy it is to speak truth with no tenderness.From there we widen the lens to biblical counseling and Christian suffering: when someone is depressed, grieving, or crushed, what does it look like to put gospel truths into shoe leather? We talk about silence as love, presence as ministry, and why 1 Corinthians 13 becomes a warning for anyone who wants to help with facts but not compassion. If the Book of Job raises the question “Why is this happening?” we ask the equally practical one: “How should we show up while we wait for God's perspective?”Subscribe for the next chapter as God finally speaks, share this with a friend who cares for hurting people, and leave a review with your answer: what has comforted you most when life made no sense?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Send us Fan MailSomething is off about the way Job's friends talk. They say true things about God, but Job is still sitting in the dirt with no comfort, no explanation, and no advocate. We pick up in Job 37 and ask the hard question believers still ask in grief, trauma, and loss: why would God allow this, and what do we do when the reason stays hidden?Jonathan is joined by Sister Mariah, Sister Lisa, and Brother Jeffrey to unpack Elihu's speech and the repeated warning about speaking “by reason of darkness.” We explore the difference between sound doctrine and wise care, why the “it must be sin” instinct misses the point of Job's suffering, and how the book shows the limits of human certainty when God has not made the story public. Along the way we connect Job's ache to modern struggles like depression, anxiety, and the pain of unanswered prayers.We also get personal about prayer and authenticity. If God already knows our hearts, what does reverence look like when we're angry, scared, or desperate for God to speak? We close by looking ahead to the moment when God finally answers, not with easy explanations, but with questions that reshape Job's humility and trust.If this challenged you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs wiser comfort, and leave a review so more people can find it. What's the most helpful thing someone has ever said or done when you were suffering?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Send us Fan MailSome of the harshest lines in the Book of Job sound like proof that Job “went too far” until you ask one simple question: who was he talking to? We dig into that distinction and it changes everything. When Job speaks to his friends, he's debating. When Job speaks to God, he's praying, and raw prayer often sounds like complaint before it sounds like peace.We walk through why context matters, how Job's words get mischaracterized, and why God's correction is aimed at Job's response rather than some hidden sin that “earned” his suffering. Along the way we talk about Elihu's role, including places where Elihu appears to misquote Job or exaggerate what Job meant, and why confident theology can still fail a hurting person if it cannot explain affliction with humility.Then the panel gets personal: prayers that include anger, confusion, and big questions, plus the experience of conviction and course-correction mid-prayer. We also explore lament as worship, the fear of the Lord as wisdom, and what it looks like to trust God when He does not explain the plan, only calling us to keep coming back as children to a faithful Father.If you've ever wondered whether God can handle your honest words, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with someone walking through suffering, and leave a review with your answer: what does honest prayer look like for you?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Send us Fan MailJob has friends who can quote true things about God all day long, but Job still sits in ashes with no comfort and no explanation. That's where we camp out as we continue our verse by verse Bible study through the Book of Job, focusing on Job 36 and the speech of Elihu. He's younger, louder, and convinced he's defending God's righteousness with “perfect knowledge” on his side. The problem is not that Elihu only says false things. The problem is what happens when true statements get forced into a neat story that doesn't fit the sufferer.We walk through Elihu's claims about God's power, wisdom, justice, and mercy, then slow down when he reframes suffering and affliction as correction. Is hardship always pointing to sin? Is it discipline meant to open our ears? Or can it be something else entirely? Our group discussion tests Elihu's logic against the full context of Job, including the dangerous idea that obedience guarantees prosperity and that pain proves guilt. Along the way, we talk about transgression, repentance, hypocrisy, and what “humility” really means when someone is already crushed.This is a practical conversation for anyone doing Christian discipleship, pastoral care, or simply trying to make sense of suffering without turning God into a formula. We end by naming the tension Elihu never resolves: Job's real “why” is still unanswered until God speaks. Subscribe for the next part, share this with a friend who loves the Book of Job, and leave a review if this study helps you. What's a “true” spiritual line you've heard that still didn't help in pain?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Send us Fan MailSomeone can say a lot of true things about God and still miss the moment completely. That's the question driving our deep dive into Elihu's speeches in the Book of Job: are we hearing wise correction, or a softer form of the same accusation Job's friends keep pressing?We argue through the turning point in Job 32 where the narrator says Elihu's anger is kindled against Job, then trace what that anger produces. On one side, Elihu's theology is strong: God is great, God teaches perfectly, no one can accuse God of wrongdoing, and creation itself displays God's power. On the other side, we keep asking the pastoral question: what does any of that do for Job's actual suffering? If the warning is “don't choose sin in affliction,” is Elihu applying a true principle to the wrong person?Along the way, we bring in Job 33 and Job 36, discuss whether Elihu misquotes Job's words, and explore why a “correct” speech can still feel like blame. If you care about Christian suffering, biblical lament, God's sovereignty, and what wise counsel sounds like in real life, this conversation will sharpen how you read Job and how you speak to hurting people.Subscribe for more Bible-centered conversations, share this with a friend who loves Job, and leave a review. Do you read Elihu as helper or accuser?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Send us Fan MailThunder, clouds, and changing weather sound like small talk until you realize Elihu is using them to make a towering claim: God actively rules the world. We sit with Job 36:30–33 and trace Elihu's argument that the same creation God uses to feed people can also bring storms, harsh seasons, and judgment. That launches us into the deeper issue behind so many conversations about suffering and the sovereignty of God: if God is truly in control, what is a hurting person supposed to do with that truth? We push on a hard question that shows up in real pastoral care and real friendships. Elihu says many correct things about God's power, wisdom, and providence, but does any of it actually help Job's specific situation? We talk through the difference between knowing doctrine and gaining understanding through affliction, and why reminders of God's greatness can feel hollow when someone is “in the toilet” emotionally. We also weigh whether Elihu is simply defending God or whether he is, in fact, accusing Job of pride, empty talk, and even rebellion, just with a more sophisticated tone than the three friends. Along the way, we challenge arguments from silence, ask what it means to “defend God” while you're suffering, and name the tension between right theology and right timing. If you care about the Book of Job, Christian suffering, biblical wisdom, and the question of why the righteous suffer, you'll find plenty here to think through with us. Subscribe for the next chapter, share this with a friend who loves deep Bible study, and leave a review with your take: is Elihu wisdom, misfire, or both?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Send us Fan MailElihu's speeches can sound like worship, but they can also feel like a sermon aimed at an open wound. We sat with that tension and argued it out: does Elihu actually accuse Job, or is he doing something “better” than the three friends by framing suffering as correction instead of condemnation? We camped in Job 35:16 and the surrounding logic, because one verse can be both accurate and weaponized, and that difference matters when you're trying to comfort someone in real pain.From there, we zoomed out to what the Book of Job teaches about the way we speak. We talked about how easy it is to hide judgment inside general statements about prosperity, obedience, and God's greatness, and why “right theology” is not the same as a right heart. Several of us connected Job's miserable silence and boils with Jesus' warnings about religious words that sound beautiful while hearts stay far away, and we asked a hard question: are we tending wounds, or just talking?We also explored the bigger backdrop that makes Job so staggering. Scripture hints that God's wisdom is displayed beyond earth, that angelic beings watch and learn, and that faith under suffering may be teaching more than we realize. That reframes endurance, humility, and repentance as public realities in a spiritual sense, even when life feels private and unfair.If you've ever tried to help a hurting friend and worried you might say the wrong thing, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share, and leave a review, then tell us: when does “truth” stop being helpful and start becoming harm?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
Send us Fan MailIf you've ever felt the quiet pressure of “I did the right thing, so God should reward me,” this conversation will unsettle you in the best way. We're deep in the Book of Job, listening to Elihu, and testing a claim that sounds airtight: human righteousness doesn't enrich God, and human sin doesn't harm him the way it harms other people. That's true, but it's also the seed of a bad conclusion if you use it to explain away suffering or to accuse the hurting.We talk through why God's justice and wisdom are not driven by need, and why God is never “obligated” to pay back good behavior with comfort. Then we ask the big interpretive question: is Elihu actually wiser than Job, or is he repeating the same assumption as Job's three friends with better vocabulary. Along the way we contrast what the friends argue about Job's supposed past and what God confronts when he finally speaks, focusing on Job's words under affliction and the line between ignorance and outright rebellion.We close in Job 35:9–13, where Elihu claims many cries under oppression are not sincere prayer. That pushes us to examine unanswered prayer, motives, and what it means to seek “God my Maker” when life hurts. If you care about biblical theology, Christian suffering, and reading Scripture with clarity, you'll find plenty to think about here. Subscribe, share this with a friend studying Job, and leave a review with your take: is Elihu mostly right or confidently wrong?Support the showBE PROVOKED AND BE PERSUADED!
This was the first podcast I did on AI in 2024: https://drlaurendeville.com/podcasts/what-the-bible-says-about-artificial-intelligence And these are the rest of my notes, if you want to visit some of the verses I didn't read... שָׁמַע šāmaʿ: - to hear, listen to, obey, discern, perceive, understand- Listening to God specifically, and obeying: - Solomon's request (1 Kings 3:9): what he asks for is a heart that שָׁמַע šāmaʿ - to hear, listen to, obey, discern, perceive, that he might שָׁפַט šāp̄aṭ - judge, govern, vindicate, punish, and בִּין bîn - discern, understand, consider between good and evil. God gives him a heart that is חָכָם - ḥāḵām - wise, skilful, shrewd, learned, prudent, as well as בִּין bîn - discern, understand, consider between good and evil. - Gen 22:18: Abraham obeys God and was willing to offer Isaac (and now all the nations of the earth will be blessed), and then God reiterates this promise to Isaac (Gen 26:5) - Ex 15:26: If the people will listen and do God's commandments, they will be healed - Ex 23:22: if the people will listen, God will fight against their enemies - Ex 24:27: The people promise they will do what God said - (and many more examples of listening to God and obeying, esp in Psalms)- God's šāmaʿ to our prayers--if He hears, He responds (1 John 5:14-15) - Gen 16:11: He heard Hagar's distress and told her she'd have Ishmael - Gen 17:20: Abraham asks God to bless Ishmael and God agrees - Gen 29:33: Leah's prayers to God for children because she is hated - Ex 2:24: God heard the groanings of the Israelites - (and many, many more)- Listening and taking action (whether the action is good or bad, doing what the other person wanted or not--what is heard just prompts a response): - Gen 3:8: Adam and Eve šāmaʿ God after they ate the fruit, and hid themselves. - Gen 3:17 Adam šāmaʿ Eve (hearkened to): he ate the fruit when she asked him to. - Gen 11:7: God confused speech at the Tower of Babel so that they would not šāmaʿ each other - Gen 14:14: Abram heard (šāmaʿ) Lot was taken captive, and it caused him to gather an army - Gen 16:2: Sarai told Abram to sleep with Hagar, and he listened (šāmaʿ) to her - Gen 18:10: Sarai overhears (šāmaʿ) God's promise of a child... but her response is to laugh - Gen 27:5: Rebekah overhears (šāmaʿ) Isaac's word to Esau and takes matters into her own hands. - (and many, many more) שָׂכַל śāḵal: to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper, skill. Interesting that the same word means the knowledge of how to act, and also to prosper and gain favor - cause and effect are wrapped up in the same word. - Incidentally, the same word (sāḵāl), but spelled with a samekh (סָכָל) instead of a shin (שָׂכַל), means fool (Ecclesiastes 2:19, 7:17, 10:3, 10:14, Jeremiah 4:22, 5:21) - samekh סָ root meaning: a shield, leaning on, "supporting" or, in a negative sense, "blocking" (blocking one from God's wisdom) - vs shin שָׂ: A letter of fire, illumination, light - This is the word used in Gen 3:6, describing the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. It apparently thus also means the ability to choose your allegiance. It is spelled there with a shin... - To understand the bigger picture and act accordingly: - Deut 32:29: "O that they were wise, that they understood (śāḵal) this, that they would consider their latter end!" - 1 Sam 18:5: "And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely (śāḵal): and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants." - Same word twice - for emphasis? 1 Sam 18:15: "Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself (śāḵal) very wisely (śāḵal), he was afraid of him." - Ps 32: 8: "I will instruct thee (śāḵal) and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." - Prov 1:2-3: This is the purpose of Proverbs: - "To know wisdom (hok-maw) and instruction; to perceive (bîn) the words of understanding (bînâ), To receive the instruction of wisdom (śāḵal), justice, and judgment (mišpāṭ), and equity." - This is the action as well as the adjective in most Proverbs translated "wise": 10:5, 10:19, 14:35, 15:24, 16:20, 16:23 (here it was the verb, to teach), 17:2, 19:14 (translated prudent here), 21:11 (here it's the passive verb, is instructed), 21:2 (here it's to consider), 21:16 (understanding here), - Isa 44:18: Jesus quoted this about people not understanding his parables " They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand (śāḵal)" - To prosper or to have favor: - Deut 29:9: "Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper (śāḵal) in all that ye do." - Joshua 1:7-8: "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper (śāḵal) whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (śāḵal)." - Also used for this meaning in Proverbs: 17:8- To be skillful: Dan 1:4, 1:17 (describing the Hebrew children) - In Job 34:35, Elihu speaking: "Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom (śāḵal)."- Prophecies of Jesus having śāḵal: Isaiah 52:13 Wisdom: חָכְמָה: (hok-maw):—skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," Ps 111:10, and "For the LORD giveth wisdom" (Prov 2:6). You can't have wisdom apart from His counsel (Prov 21:30).- God made the earth with wisdom (Jer 10:12, 51:15, Ps 104:24)- Humility precedes wisdom (Prov 11:2)--because fear of the Lord is a posture of humility (Prov 15:33, 1 Pet 5:6-7, Matt 5:3, 5). - If instead you trust in your own heart (reasoning), you are a fool - but wisdom will deliver you from trouble (Prov 28:26). - But too much wisdom can also somehow lead to pride, and pervert: Isaiah 47:10, Eze 48:4-17 (allegory of Satan) - and "knowledge puffs up" (1 Cor 8:1)- It's "the principal thing" (Prov 4:7), better than anything else we can desire (Prov 8:11, 16:16).- It described the Israelites if they followed God's laws (Deut 4:6), leaders anointed by God with the wisdom to lead (Deut 34:9) - For children, physical discipline eventually teaches wisdom (Prov 29:15).- An example: 2 Sam 20:22: the Israelite woman whose city is besieged because Sheba son of Bichri, a rebel against King David, was within. She speaks to Joab, finds out they want Sheba and if they give him up, Joab will spare the city. So "in her wisdom" (hok-maw) she promises they will throw his head to them over the wall. They do so, and Joab and his army departs. This is wisdom: not simply reacting with the typical emotions of anger, fear, etc from being besieged, but instead identifying and articulating both problem and solution. - Elihu says that he will teach Job and his three friends, who accuse God, wisdom (Job 33:33). - He later says that it is God who puts wisdom and understanding in our hearts (Job 38:36), and that he deprived animals of the same ability. A person who lacks understanding can only be controlled with physical consequences, by contrast (Prov 10:13) - and kids have to start out learning by physical discipline (Prov 29:15) as they are inherently foolish. - Numbering our days leads to wisdom (Ps 90:12) - bc we're "redeeming the time bc the days are evil?" (Eph 5:16) This sounds like wisdom is also discerning what truly matters vs what is passing away. - 2 Chron 1:10: in this version Solomon does ask for חָכְמָה: (khok-maw), and knowledge מַדָּע madāʿ- Then 1 Kings 3:28: after Solomon's judgment between the two would-be mothers (where he infers from the story that the real mother will love the child more than herself, and uses that to reveal hearts), the people conclude that he has חָכְמָה: (khok-maw). The Queen of Sheba came and asked him hard questions and there was nothing he couldn't answer (1 Kings 10:1-9).- Jesus displayed this kind of wisdom: - Prophesied: Isaiah 11:2 "And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD" In the NT: akouō (to hear, hearken, give audience): carries a similar "and to understand and obey/respond" implication as does šāmaʿ: Matt 15:10, 17:5, 18:15, Mark 7:14, Mark 12:29, Luke 8:21, 9:35, 10:16, 11:28, John 6:60, 8:23, 8:47, John 10:20, John 11:41-42- Matt 7:24, Luke 9:47-48: the man who hears and does what Jesus says is like the house built on the rock- John 5:25: those who hear Jesus (and respond) will have life--spiritually and literally (v 28)- If the people in the cities don't hear your words, shake the dust off your feet: Matt 10:14, Mark 6:11 - Matt 10:27: preach whatever you akouō from Me- Matt 12:42, Luke 11:31: The Queen of Sheba went to akouō Solomon's wisdom- Luke 10:39: Mary prioritized hearing Jesus- John 10:3, 16, 27: the sheep hear His voice- John 16:13 The Holy Spirit tells us what He hears from the Father- "He who has ears to hear, let him hear": Matt 11:15, 13:9, 13:43, Mark 4:9, 4:33, 7:16, 8:18, Luke 8:8, 14:35- Those who heard and understood were astonished: Mark 6:2- Luke 16:29-31: Those who hear Moses and the prophets and understand what they hear will also hear about Jesus (because they pointed to Him)- Matt 11:4-5, Luke 7:22: John's disciples were to go back and tell him what they had seen and heard- Luke 10:24: Wise men of old desired to hear what the disciples heard - He speaks in parables bc the people don't have ears to hear: Matt 13:13-18, Mark 4:12, 4:23, Luke 8:10 - The parable of the sower: those who hear but don't understand have nothing to take root. This is the precondition for wisdom. Matt 13:19, Mark 4:15, Luke 8:12 - But if you do understand, you still have to maintain single focus so it's not choked out: Matt 13:20-23, Mark 4:16-20, Luke 8:13-15- "Take heed what/how you hear" precedes "with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you" (Mark 4:24, Luke 8:18: what you listen to (and respond to) determines the direction of your life. - Also often used to just mean to hear with your ears (many places) phronimos (intelligent, wise, prudent, i.e. mindful of one's interests)- Matt 7:24: the man who builds his house upon a rock by doing what Jesus says rather than just hearing it is phronimos - Matt 24:45, Luke 12:42: the wise servant is the one whom the Master will find doing what he was told, when the Master returns. - Matt 25: the parable of the wise virgins (also prepared with oil); the parable of the talents right after this seems to imply the same (looking ahead and making the most of what we've been given) though the word 'wise' doesn't appear there. - Luke 12:42-48: describes the foolish servants who know the will of their master but when he returns, he finds them disobeying. - Matt 10:16: wise as serpents, harmless as doves: - AW: This means we aren’t totally defenseless. Wisdom is a powerful force that gives us an advantage. - Luke 16:8: the parable of the unjust steward - he's called wise (shrewd) for looking out for his own interests. (Still not sure what the point of this parable was) Sophia: wisdom, broad and full of intelligence; used of the knowledge of very diverse matters. The varied knowledge of things human and divine, acquired by acuteness and experience, and summed up in maxims and proverbs, the science and learning, the act of interpreting dreams and always giving the sagest advice, the intelligence evinced in discovering the meaning of some mysterious number or vision, devout and proper prudence in intercourse with men not disciples of Christ, skill and discretion in imparting Christian truth, the knowledge and practice of the requisites for godly and upright living; supreme intelligence, such as belongs to God.- Matt 12:42, Luke 11:31: Jesus used this word to describe Solomon's wisdom - Acts 7:10 same word describes Joseph, and 7:22: Moses - Matt 13:54, Mark 6:2: the people said Jesus had this after listening to his teachings and were astonished- Luke 12:11-12, 21:15: God promises to give His followers such godly wisdom that none of our adversaries would be able to resist it - Acts 6:10: example of this - 1 Cor 1:17, 2:5: and yet Paul says the wisdom of words is insufficient; the gospel needs power to back it. That's because (worldly) wisdom wouldn't receive it--the world considers godly wisdom foolishness (1 Cor 1:19). The wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God are diametrically opposed! (1 Cor 1:20-25) - 1 Cor 2:6-8: Paul again contrasts the wisdom "of this age" with the wisdom of God. (Makes me think of sāḵāl - same word, two spellings, one meaning foolish, depicting that the person is blocked off from God's wisdom, and one meaning wise, and the letter means that he is guided by the light of God's wisdom). Even so, the natural man considers the things of God foolish (1 Cor 2:14), and God likewise considers the wisdom of this world foolish (1 Cor 3:19-20). - Jesus also said God hid Him from the "wise and prudent" (of that age) and revealed them to babes (Matt 11:25).- James 1:5: we can ask God for sophia- Matt 5: The Beatitudes teach an inversion of the world's wisdom: how the world actually works. - It's summed up with Matt 6:33 (and Luke 12:22-34): "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." - Matt 10:27-31 says similar: don't fear men; fear God (trusting that He loves you). Live in single-minded allegiance to Him. And 11:39: "He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." If you "find your life" apart from Him, you've lost everything: the ultimate foolishness. He repeats this: Matt 16:25-26 - and Deny yourself, take up your cross - if you desire to save your life you'll lose it, and if you lose your life for Him you'll find it (Luke 9:23-27, John 12:25). - As you do this, by abiding in Him, You get whatever you desire (John 15:7-8, 16) - Mary and Martha: another lesson about singleness of focus on Him being the most important thing (Luke 10:38-42). - Luke 11:33-36: it takes light and a receptive eye to see. Jesus is always shining - It’s our eyes that don’t see. Jesus was telling us how to get our eyes opened to His light: we have to be single in our focus on Him. The Greek word that was translated “eye” in this verse is “OPHTHALMOS.” Vine’s Expository Dictionary defines this Greek word as “singleness of motive.” If our attention is divided, however, we will have the darkness of this world in us instead of God’s light. - So it isn't that we have to have "VIEW" rather than a POINT of view in order to see the bigger picture. Rather, our point of view needs to be fixed on Him, and then everything else will find its proper alignment. - True leaders must serve all (Mark 9:35, 10:43-45, Luke 22:26). Last will be first, and first will be last (Mark 10:31, Luke 13:30). If you humble yourself you will be exalted, and if you exalt yourself you will be humbled (Luke 14:11, 18:14). - What you give, you get back and then some (Luke 6:38, 14:14, 18:29-30) - Luke 12:16-21: Conversely, a fool is one who lays up treasure for himself in this life. - Luke 19:12-27: the parable of the minas: The wicked servant was motivated by fear; he didn't trust the master's heart, and didn't use what he had. So he lost even that. - He draws a hard line: all in or all out (Luke 11:22)-- because this is a war (Luke 9:58-62). You must comparatively hate everyone, even your own life, in comparison to Him (Luke 14:26). No one is neutral. He describes opponents in adversarial language ("lambs among wolves", Luke 10:3), and everything hinges on what people do with the message of the Kingdom (10:11-16). You either love the light or love the darkness (John 3:19-21). - So many parables Matt 24:45, Matt 25, Luke 12:42-48, Luke 13:24-30) are about servants doing what their master wants while he is away so that he will find them so doing when he returns... probably bc the point is "redeem the time bc the days are evil" (Eph 5:16) and numbering our days gives wisdom (Ps 90). It seems the point is, time is short, and the stakes are very high, so be single-minded in your focus on Jesus and the Kingdom. - Luke 14:25-33: Just as a king wouldn’t engage in war without thoroughly considering all the possible outcomes, so no one should attempt to become a disciple of Jesus without counting the cost. It would be better never to start following Jesus than to start and then turn back (Luke 9:62 and 2 Peter 2:20-22). - The rest of the Sermon on the Mount: teaches that what matters isn't actions (as all their teachers had told them), but motive--and ultimately this goes back to allegiance. - Matt 11:28: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden" - with trying to follow the law. So stop both trying to be good enough, and also trying to follow your own wisdom. - Spirit vs flesh: allegiance determines this too. We have to come to Him, and He will give us the Spirit, without which we cannot successfully worship Him (John 4:24). Outwardly keeping the OT was all in the flesh, and it would never work. It was never meant to. Only the Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing (John 6:63).- He repeatedly says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Matt 11:15, 13:9), and explains that those who have [wisdom] will get more, and those who have chosen not to hear and see will lose even what they have (Matt 13:10-17) - The parable of the sower: God's word brings wisdom (Prov 21:30), but the people have to hear and understand (šāmaʿ). If they don't, the enemy will steal it right away (13:19). The one who hears, understands, and receives with joy, but has no root--he might šāmaʿ, but if he doesn't śāḵal (act accordingly), he won't bear fruit either. Same with the one who is choked with the cares of the world. But the one who both šāmaʿ (hears and understands) and śāḵal (acts accordingly, is a doer of the word) is the one who will bear a harvest--seeking the Kingdom and letting God bring the supply for their needs and increase. - The parable of the two sons: the one who says he won't do the will of the father but does has truly śāḵal, while the one who says ok and doesn't is just a hypocrite: Matt 21:28-32 - In dealing with the Pharisees: their "wisdom" said good was following the law, and anyone who didn't do so according to their own teachings must be evil. The people surely could have been confused by what is good and what is evil. So Jesus clarifies: - makes the distinction of the spirit vs the letter of the law (Matt 9:11-13, 12:3-8, 12:11-12, 15:17-20, John 7:22-24) -- and also illustrates how they've added their own "letters of the law" and elevated those above what God actually said (Matt 15:3-9) - Uses the logic of motive (a house divided cannot stand): Matt 12:24-30, Luke 11:16-22). - tells the people to judge good and evil by the fruit it produces: Matt 12:33-35 - When they're trying to trap them, He: - turns the tables and asks them a question He knows they won't answer for political reasons: Matt 21:23-27 (John's baptism: from heaven or men), Matt 22:41-45 (how David can call his son 'Lord' - bc He's also God, which they didn't want to admit) - gives them an accurate non-answer: Matt 22:15-22 (the image of Caesar on the denarius) - answers the real question, rather than the one they were asking: Matt 22:23-33 (is there a resurrection of the dead?)- Enigmatic, dark sayings: Matt 8:20-22, 9:16-17, 12:31-32, Matt 13:35 (prophesied that this would be the case, in Ps 78:2) - He seems to jump topics without bothering to explain the connection (Matt 12:38-42: the pharisees ask for a sign. He says they'll get the sign of the prophet Jonah - in retrospect we know this was his death and resurrection. Then because they still won't believe, they will be condemned... and says "this wicked generation" will be like a wicked spirit cast out that then returns and brings more evil spirits, 12:43-45) - He jumps from one metaphor to another without explaining the connection (from the parable of the sower - God's word - to a lamp - God's word too) and then just says "if anyone has ears to hear, let him hear" (Mark 4:21-22). Then "take heed what you hear" - if you steward and obey the word you have been given, you'll get more. But he never says that this refers to the word explicitly either (Mark 4:24-25) - Luke 12: all over the place: the "do not worry" passage, followed by servants being faithful while their master is away, followed by Christ bringing division on the earth within families, and then "discern the time," and then "make peace with your adversary" -- are these related? - He speaks to John's disciples in a riddle only John will likely understand (Matt 11:2-6) - In what way is the kingdom of God "tiny" only to later grow and become large? (Luke 13:18-21) and what is the point of saying so? - He just changes the subject to what He wants to talk about (Matt 12:48-50): "your mother and brothers are here," and he says, "those who are my mother and brothers are those who do the will of My Father." - Another example: Luke 12:14-15: someone comes to him and asks him to arbitrate inheritance between brothers. He says that's not his job, and then warns the crowd against covetousness. - He clearly understood the foundations of how the world worked--why things were the way they were. Everyone around him saw only the carnal, visible, literal reality, and lived and reacted on that level. He was frustrated by this, and tried to teach: - What matters is not external actions, but the motive of the heart, which eventually comes out in words (Matt 15:16-20) - Reality bows the knee to faith: Matt 16:8-11, 17:20-21, 18:18-20, 21:21-22, Mark 11:22-24 - This is why He was so impressed with the Centurion: he understood that Jesus' authority transcended the physical world (Luke 7:9). Everyone else was so focused on the practical reality that this never even occurred to them. - Jesus met people on this physical level and gave them evidence (Luke 24:38-43) but said that wasn't the highest form of faith (John 20:29) - He understood the big picture: not just what was, but why things were the way they were, God's original purpose, and how He fit in (Luke 4:18-21, 24:25-27) - Because He knew context, rather than just the words and commands of scripture, Satan couldn't twist it to trap Him either (Luke 4:2-12.) - All the prophets that the Pharisees spent their life studying pointed to Jesus, and they missed it (Matt 16:2-4, John 5:38-40, 46-47)... because they were focusing on keeping the literal letter of the law (to the point of physical phylacteries, from Deut 6:8). It seems to never have occurred to them why things were the way they were. - I suspect their focus on minutiae and not on the underlying realities was also what allowed them to stop looking at the Lord as their source, which led to misplaced priorities, and greed (John 2:16 - buying and selling at the temple). I can see how they might have justified this, that it didn't *preclude* prayer and sacrifice to have a little side business going there too. But it revealed the focus of their hearts, and where their trust was, and effectively made God's real purpose for the Temple into a footnote. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Come Bible Study WITH ME through Job 35 & 36 and ask all the questions!
Come Bible Study WITH ME through Job 34 and ask all the questions!
Come Bible Study WITH ME through Job 32 & 33 and ask all the questions!
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