POPULARITY
Categories
Welcome back beloved! Through Job 36 this is probably my favorite chapter through all of Elihu's words because there is so much wisdom in these verses, just so much eye opening. Today will be a little bit of a longer episode because it's a longer chapter, but we will be looking at some original language of course and commentary, answering questions like what does it mean to be bound in chords of affliction how does God deliver the afflicted through their affliction, and many other questions :)Josiahmovius12@yahoo.comHttps://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-does-god-deliver-me-from-pain-by-pain
As we resume this series through Elihu's continued words to Job, we will look at the words Elihu says in chapter 35 in Job and why they are true in today chapter. Josiahmovius12@yahoo.com
ILLUSTRATION: You know what is one of the most terrifying questions as a dad? It's when I go to the pharmacy to pick up medication for one of my kids and they say, “What's their birthday” lol, I can tell you the day they were born on, but the year they were born? I still have to ask everytime. I get all nervous pulling up to the window. Can we all admit that there is something really special about moms? Whether you have a mom, are a mom, or just know a mom, there is something special about them. This morning, I just want to speak to the ladies in the crowd and encourage all of us when it comes to the responsibility God has put in our hands… SCIPTURE: In the Old Testament there is a story that I thought would be appropriate for today: There was a man named Elkanhah who had two wives - I know, I have no idea how he did it.. He had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Every year Elkanhah and his family would go up to Shiloh to worship God, this is before Israel had a temple and they would worship God in a tent called the Tabernacle. When Elkanah would go up to worship God he would sacrifice an animal and give a portion to Peninnah for her and his children with her but he would give his other wife Hannah a double portion because he loved her and she was unable to have kids… Every year this would happen but a rivalry between the women happened. Can you imagine your husband having another wife - imagine the jealousy and the rivalry that would come up. You think comparison is bad with today's social media, imagine living next door to that person… Listen to what happened to Hannah 1 Samuel 1:6-8 6 Because the Lord had closed Hannah's womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?” Can I just speak for a moment to those of you who on this mother's day are feeling excluded? I want you to know that God sees you and you are not alone. I know for some Mother's day is a reminder of loss. The loss of a mother, the loss of becoming a mother or never able to become a mother. Hannah knew what that was like, she was a woman who couldn't have children and had to share a husband with a woman who could and made her feel less than.. and her husband didn't get it… If that's you today, can I remind you of Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. God is close to those who are brokenhearted. Jesus said those who mourn are blessed because they will be comforted. If mother's day is difficult for you, I'd encourage you to run to God and let Him draw you near. Listen to Hannah's desperate prayer to God… 1 Samuel 1:9-11 9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord's house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” this is the prayer of the desperate… We've all prayed this prayer… The priest Eli actually thinks she's drunk because he doesn't know what's going on and she just keeps mouthing the prayer. when Hannah goes home God answers her prayer and gives her a son that they name Samuel, and this is the part I want to hone in on and challenge us all with. listen: 1 Samuel 1:21-22 24 After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull,[e] an ephah[f]of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. 25 When the bull had been sacrificed, they brought the boy to Eli, 26 and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. Here's what strikes me about Hannah The thing she wanted most was the very thing she gave back to God. b As parents, it's tempting to believe our children are ours, but Hannah knew better. b Our children are gifts from God and it's our job to give them back to Him. b For most of us this means leading them to know Him, to disciple them, to talk to them about Jesus as a normal part of life. CLOSING ILLUSTRATION: The reality is, Jenni is the one who knows things about our kids that no one else knows. She remembers all the sweet things they did when they were little and she has been watching over them all their life. But so have I. As your kids get older one of the hardest lessons to learn is they are not yours really. You are just a steward of them. The question I think God will ask us about one day is what we did with what He gave us. Did we teach them to love others like He does? did we teach them to love God? Or did we just make sure they were good at sports, or didn't annoy us too much? This sermon isn't meant to make you feel guilty, but to remind us of the how much God has entrusted to you - He believes you are capable of raising your children to know Him, it starts with giving them back to Him and realizing He knows everything about your child. Hannah dedicated her son to the Lord and He changed the world, He will be the one who anoints King David and out of King David will come Jesus - all because a mom faithfully committed her son to God's service… ------------------ 1 Samuel 1:1-28 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite[a] from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 3 Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord. 4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. 6 Because the Lord had closed Hannah's womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?” 9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord's house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” 12 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” 15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” 17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” 18 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. 19 Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. 20 So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel,[b] saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.” Hannah Dedicates Samuel 21 When her husband Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always.”[c] 23 “Do what seems best to you,” her husband Elkanah told her. “Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the Lord make good his[d] word.” So the woman stayed at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him. 24 After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull,[e] an ephah[f] of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. 25 When the bull had been sacrificed, they brought the boy to Eli, 26 and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. Hannah prayed for children and God finally gave her Samuel. What's wild is she gives him back to God. The very thing she longed for, she gave to God. The reality is none of our children are ours, we all have the unreal expectation that we can control the outcomes of their lives, but that's not true. What we can control is giving them to God - committing them to Him through: Prayer Intention - raising your kids to know God as a friend Personal commitment
In today's study through Job 34, there are some true and false things that Elihu says and we will be examining what those are. Had a commentary controversy with some of the claims Elihu makes and then I personally looked at all the different things being said by other commentators and didn't agree with some of it; I'll break all that down. Hope this series is blessing you guys :)Josiahmovius12@yahoo.com
As we continue this series on looking at “Elihu” and his words to Job part 2, we will be examining what is true and false in what Elihu says, looking at lots of interesting commentary and Hebrew language; let us continue to learn from our trials through Gods Word!Josiahmovius12@yahoo.com
Elihu chides Job for his pride and his failure to grasp God's transcendence.
The book of Job is one of the most interesting books in the Bible, we can learn SO much from this particular book. There is a man name. “Elihu” that comes on later in the book that scholars say was written by Moses possibly, that is not rebuked by the Lord at the end of the book of Job. Why is this? Come join me today as we dive into part 1 of this series :)Josiahmovius12@yahoo.com
I hope you had a wonderful Good Friday and a blessed Resurrection Sunday! He is risen. Praise God.I can't believe we are on part 5 of the Story of Job. We only have one more episode after this one. In this episode, we hear from someone new--Elihu. Job has stopped speaking and his friends are also done with their opinions and "words of wisdom." Elihu is younger, but has much to share. He is not happy with Job or his three friends.We are reading Job 32 through 37.If you have been blessed by this podcast and would like toshow your support with a $1 donation, please go to paypal.me/hcharltoncrespin. 10%of any donations I receive goes to the church. Don't forget to Like and Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BedtimeBibleStoriesforAdults 15% off ClevrBlends Sleeptime Latte: https://www.clevrblends.com/discount/BLONDE15?rfsn=6713548.9b6046f
Elihu counsels Job to allow God to teach him through his suffering and understand His justice and sovereignty.
Join Pastor Balla in today's Daily Devotion from Job 36:22-26 (ESV) and be drawn into awe at the unsearchable greatness of our God. Elihu invites us to behold the Almighty—exalted in power, unrivaled in wisdom, and beyond the counsel of men. In a world that constantly seeks to define and limit God, this passage lifts our eyes to His majesty. Though we may question His ways in suffering, we are reminded that His power is matched by His love, made known to us fully in Jesus Christ. From creation's grandeur to the mystery of the Incarnation, God reveals Himself as both unknowable in greatness and intimately near in grace.
Verses 1 to 8 of 1 Samuel 1. There was a man named Elkanah who lived in Ramah in the region of Zuph in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, of Ephraim. Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah did not.Each year Elkanah would travel to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of Heaven's Armies at the Tabernacle. The priests of the Lord at that time were the two sons of Eli—Hophni and Phinehas. On the days Elkanah presented his sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to Peninnah and each of her children. And though he loved Hannah, he would give her only one choice portion because the Lord had given her no children. So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the Lord had kept her from having children. Year after year it was the same—Peninnah would taunt Hannah as they went to the Tabernacle. Each time, Hannah would be reduced to tears and would not even eat.“Why are you crying, Hannah?” Elkanah would ask. “Why aren't you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn't that better than having ten sons?”
In contrast to Job's three friends, Elihu chastises them and Job as he answers Job's questions.
Join Pastor Balla for today's Daily Devotion from Job 34:10-13 (ESV) as we reflect on the unchanging justice of Godin a world full of shifting values. Elihu boldly proclaims that God will not do wickedly—a reminder that our Lord's justice is rooted in His holy and unchangeable character. Though suffering and evil often seem to go unanswered, Scripture assures us that God's justice never fails and is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who bore our sin on the cross. In Him, justice and mercy meet. Even when we do not understand His ways, we can trust that God is working for our good and His glory. Today's devotion offers hope to the suffering, clarity to the confused, and rest to those weary of the world's instability.
Welcome to today's Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla from Job 33:12-14 (ESV). Elihu reminds us of a vital truth: God is always speaking, even when we don't perceive it. In our suffering, confusion, or silence, we may feel forgotten—but Scripture assures us that God speaks in one way, and in two, though we may not recognize it. Through His Word, His creation, His people, and even through trials, the Lord makes Himself known. Join Pastor Balla for this Christ-centered devotion rooted in Lutheran theology and discover how to listen for God's voice with humility and faith. Whether you're seeking direction or comfort, this message encourages you to trust in God's divine communication and unshakable presence. Subscribe for daily Biblical encouragement that helps you walk faithfully before the God who speaks.
Welcome to today's Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla, featuring Job 32:6-9 (ESV). In this powerful passage, Elihu—a young and humble voice—reminds us that true wisdom comes not from age or experience, but from the Spirit of God. While honoring the wisdom of elders, Elihu speaks a timeless truth: it is the breath of the Almighty that gives understanding. In a culture that prizes credentials and human knowledge, we are called back to the source of divine insight—God's Word and His Spirit. Whether young or old, experienced or new in faith, our wisdom is grounded not in ourselves but in Christ. Pastor Balla offers faithful Lutheran reflection, rooted in Scripture, humility, and trust in the Holy Spirit's work. Subscribe for daily devotions that deepen your faith and draw you closer to the heart of God.
One more interruption occurs before we get to God's reply, as Elihu comes out of nowhere and rebukes both Job and his friends. But is he right? Read Job 32 and 37 and thanks for listening!
Hallelujah bless you guys and let's live by faith in the Holy Spirit! Basham Banned Broadcast for all lost souls going live now...GET NOTIFIED WHEN WE GO LIVE HERE AND DOWNLOAD THE APP!fringeradionetwork.comHOW TO SOW THE SEED FINANCIALLY:PAYPAL:spiritforce01@gmail.comBITCOIN:3H4Z2X22DuVUjWPsXKPEsWZmT9c4hDmYvyVENMO:@faithbucksCASHAPP:$spiritforcebucksPATREON:Michael BashamHOME BASE SITE:FAITHBUCKS.COM
PSA.74:2 Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.We are in the midst of a major spiritual war before the Antichrist shows up and then Jesus shows up! SO LET'S HAVE FUN SHARING THE WORD TOGETHER !!!FEAR IS A SIN! Let's move our lives into God and receive His rest and peace on all sides no matter how much of a drama queen the Enemy is. We further explore the parallell battles between David and Saul leading up to his "inaugeration"GET NOTIFIED WHEN WE GO LIVE HERE AND DOWNLOAD THE APP!fringeradionetwork.comHOW TO SOW THE SEED FINANCIALLY:PAYPAL:spiritforce01@gmail.comBITCOIN:3H4Z2X22DuVUjWPsXKPEsWZmT9c4hDmYvyVENMO:@faithbucksCASHAPP:$spiritforcebucksPATREON:Michael BashamHOME BASE SITE:FAITHBUCKS.COM
Daily Dose of Hope March 26, 2025 Day 4 of Week 25 Scripture: Job 37-39; Psalm 103: Revelation 21 Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida. Tonight is Recharge night so please come and join us at 6:30pm in the Garage for community, worship, fellowship, and study.37-39. The Old Testament Scripture is Job 37-39. The first chapter is the continuation of Elihu's response. Then, we hear from the Lord. He speaks directly to Job. God basically asserts his authority. He speaks of how he is creator and knows everything about the world. He asks Job if he was there when the ocean was created, when the morning was spoken into being... Basically, he is asking Job, who are you to question me??? God is sovereign, he is in control, and Job is not. These are questions not meant for Job to actually answer, but to humble him. I'm not sure what I think about this yet. More tomorrow. The New Testament passage is Revelation 21. John's final vision is that the redemption of creation is now complete. The old earth and creation, that which was broken and sinful, has passed away and a new earth has come. Finally. this is what we have been waiting for. God's people reside in this new earth. There is no more populace simply mechanically following the ways of the world. There is passion. God's people dwell with the Almighty himself, his glory fully revealed. And now, there will be no more tears, suffering, or loss. All is new, all is healed, and all is redeemed. Then, there is a description of God's Holy City. Please be sure to read through this beautiful vision. This city is a place of perfect worship, where humanity is not seeking achievement but rather exists to worship God in the presence of God. God's Kingdom is fully revealed and it is incredible. I have a seminary professor who used to tell us that our lives, as believers, are intended to be a preview to the world of the perfect world to come. So very convicting! If someone were to look at your life, what might they deduce about God's perfect world to come? Blessings, Pastor Vicki
Daily Dose of Hope March 25, 2025 Day 3 of Week 52 Scripture: Job 34-36; Revelation 20 Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope. We are on day 3 of our very last week of reading the whole Bible in a year. I'm so proud of all of you! Our Old Testament Scripture is back in the book of Job. Today, we look at chapters 34-36. We continue to hear from Elihu, Job's friend who showed up yesterday in the Scripture. Elihu operates under the same assumption as Job's other friends. God is just and so God must operate the world according to his justice. But Elihu's statements are a bit more complex than the others. He states that God may use tragedy and suffering to build someone's character. God may also allow people to suffer so they will avoid sin in the future. Elihu is adamant that Job is wrong for accusing God of being unjust. Tomorrow, we will finally hear the Lord speak. Our New Testament Scripture is Revelation 20. John sees an angel chaining up Satan and throwing him in the lake of fire, where he will be for one thousand years. That means, for one thousand years, Satan won't have his normal influence on humanity and our world. Jesus will be in charge. But after these many years of peace, Satan is released and some people still decide to follow him. It is a sad state that people who have known the peace of Jesus would choose rebellion against God. But it happens all the time. What is it about us as humans that we think we know better than God? Ultimately, Satan will be defeated permanently. And those who have died before will be judged by what they did in their lives. If they knew Jesus Christ, then they will be saved by his blood. Their name will be in the Book of Life. Those who didn't know Jesus will be judged on their own deeds, which won't turn out so well. By this point, Satan and death have been firmly defeated. All that was wrong has been made right. While the events in this chapter may not be a literal depiction of what will occur, there are definitely some things we can know for sure: Satan will be defeated, Jesus wins, and all of us will be judged. More tomorrow... Blessings, Pastor Vicki
Receive Jesus into your heart and be kept from every pit! Jesus is Lord... bless you guys we're continuing through Job in this late night fellowshipping talk.FAITHBUCKS.COM
Daily Dose of Hope March 24, 2025 Day 2 of Week 52 Scripture: Job 31-33; Psalm 102; Revelation 19 Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan. Let's get started with our Scripture for today. Our Old Testament Scripture is Job 31-33. In chapter 31, we hear Job's final speech. He again speaks of the specific ways that he is blameless before God. If he has done anything sinful or caused slight to anyone, then call him on it, he says. As we have seen, Job is struggling to comprehend why any of this has happened. Job was righteous in his own eyes. His whole understanding of God's justice has been turned upside-down. And in chapter 32, a new friend appears, Elihu. Again, we are using the word friend very loosely here. Elihu is angry with Job and the other friends. He is positive that he actually has the answers. He obviously thinks highly of himself. Maybe you have known someone like that. Tomorrow, we hear Elihu's supposed words of wisdom. Let's take a moment and just mention Psalm 102. It is a prayer of an afflicted person. The author is unknown. And yet, as we read it, we realize it could have been Job, David, Daniel, Ezekiel, or you and me. There are always times in our lives in which it feels like God hides his face. The author so appropriately points out the frailty of human life. Our lives are like the evening shadow, our days wither away like grass. We are small and God is big. We are weak and he is all-powerful. Sometimes, I think we need to be a bit humbled. God loves us and adores us and yet, we are just human beings. He is God. Our New Testament Scripture is Revelation 19. In this chapter, John sees heaven standing open. Just for reference, the word apocalypse means “a revealing,” and its root has to do with this concept of being open. If you think about the whole book of Revelation, it's about open doors, open seals, open scrolls, open books, open temple, and even an open abyss. Now, heaven is open and God allows his people to see. There are no secrets. With the destruction of Babylon, the heavenly one, Jesus himself, comes riding in on a white horse. He is called Faithful and True. While some may struggle to see Jesus come ready for battle, this war has an eternal purpose and is done for true justice to occur. These images of Jesus are clearly war-like. He has come to kill the beast and those who follow him and throw them into the lake of fire. Evil is being vanquished. Finally. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
Hallelujah bless you guys and let's live by faith in the Holy Spirit! Basham Banned Broadcast for all lost souls going live now...GET NOTIFIED WHEN WE GO LIVE HERE AND DOWNLOAD THE APP!fringeradionetwork.com HOW TO SOW THE SEED FINANCIALLY:PAYPAL:spiritforce01@gmail.comBITCOIN:3H4Z2X22DuVUjWPsXKPEsWZmT9c4hDmYvyVENMO:@faithbucksCASHAPP:$spiritforcebucksPATREON:Michael BashamHOME BASE SITE:faithbucks.com
Wisdom Literature of the Old TestamentReadings this week:Job 32Job 33Job 34Job 35Job 36-37 For more information, please see the Reading Plan
2 Corinthians 5:6-82 Timothy 1:101 John 4:11 Thessalonians 5:21Paul Tournier – “We are always nearly longing for an easy religion, easy to understand and easy to follow. A religion with no mystery, no insoluble problems, no snags. A religion that would allow us to escape from our miserable human condition. A religion in which contact with God spares us all strife, all uncertainty, all suffering, and all doubt. In short, religion without the cross.”Alexander Whyte – “But what Satan could not do with all his Sibeans and all the Chaldeans and all his winds from the wilderness to help him, that he soon did with the debating approaches and the controversial assaults of Eliphaz and Zophar and Bildad and Elihu. Oh, the unmitigable curse of controversy.”
The storm is here. Elihu has been building to this moment—his words have been thundering like distant rumblings in the sky, but now the storm arrives in full force. As Job 37 begins, Elihu stands in awe of God's power. His voice trembles as he describes the raw majesty of the Almighty with lightning splitting the sky, thunder shaking the earth, and the breath of God turning rain into ice. This is no distant, detached deity. This is the God who speaks through the whirlwind, the God Job has been demanding an audience with. And Elihu knows when God finally answers, no one will stand unmoved. The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 37. Why do the righteous suffer? That's the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job's story isn't just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it's about wrestling with God's will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God's grace rather than human understanding. As Job's friends offer simplistic answers, Job demands the truth, and God's response reminds us of His infinite wisdom and mercy. Through it all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Imagine standing at the foot of a mountain as a storm gathers overhead. The sky darkens, thunder rumbles in the distance, and a mighty wind begins to howl. You feel small—insignificant—before the raw power of nature. This is the kind of scene Elihu is building toward in Job 36. He's not finished speaking, and now he shifts his focus to something even greater than God's justice: God's overwhelming majesty and wisdom. He wants Job to stop looking at his suffering through the lens of personal injustice and start seeing it as part of God's greater purpose. Elihu is setting the stage for what's coming next—the voice of God Himself. But before that moment arrives, he has one more argument to make: The Almighty is beyond our reach, but He is not beyond our trust. The Rev. Mark Loder, pastor of St. James Luth. Ch. & School in Howard Lake, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 36. Why do the righteous suffer? That's the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job's story isn't just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it's about wrestling with God's will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God's grace rather than human understanding. As Job's friends offer simplistic answers, Job demands the truth, and God's response reminds us of His infinite wisdom and mercy. Through it all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
The debate has been raging. Job has insisted on his innocence. His friends stubbornly clung to their belief that suffering must be the result of sin. Then came Elihu—young, passionate, and unwilling to let either side go unchallenged. He has listened long enough, and now he speaks. In Job 34 and 25, Elihu sharpens his argument. He turns his focus entirely to God's justice, confronting Job's complaints head-on. Does the Almighty pervert justice? Can the One who governs the world with perfect wisdom ever be accused of wrongdoing? The question is no longer about Job's suffering alone. Now, it's about the very nature of divine justice itself. The Rev. Brandon Metcalf, associate pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 34 and 35. Why do the righteous suffer? That's the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job's story isn't just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it's about wrestling with God's will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God's grace rather than human understanding. As Job's friends offer simplistic answers, Job demands the truth, and God's response reminds us of His infinite wisdom and mercy. Through it all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
The debate has been raging. Job has insisted on his innocence. His friends stubbornly clung to their belief that suffering must be the result of sin. Then came Elihu—young, passionate, and unwilling to let either side go unchallenged. He has listened long enough, and now he speaks. In Job 34 and 25, Elihu sharpens his argument. He turns his focus entirely to God's justice, confronting Job's complaints head-on. Does the Almighty pervert justice? Can the One who governs the world with perfect wisdom ever be accused of wrongdoing? The question is no longer about Job's suffering alone. Now, it's about the very nature of divine justice itself. The Rev. Brandon Metcalf, associate pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 34 and 35. Why do the righteous suffer? That's the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job's story isn't just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it's about wrestling with God's will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God's grace rather than human understanding. As Job's friends offer simplistic answers, Job demands the truth, and God's response reminds us of His infinite wisdom and mercy. Through it all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
"Job, you've been demanding a hearing before God. You've said He won't answer you. But what if He's been speaking this whole time—and you just haven't recognized His voice?" That's the challenge Elihu brings in Job 33. He steps forward, claiming he has something new to say—something Job's friends failed to understand. Elihu insists that God does answer people, but not always in the ways they expect. Sometimes He speaks through dreams, sometimes through suffering, sometimes through a mediator who intercedes on our behalf. Is Elihu on the right track? Speaking of a mediator, does he have Jesus in mind? The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 33. Why do the righteous suffer? That's the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job's story isn't just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it's about wrestling with God's will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God's grace rather than human understanding. As Job's friends offer simplistic answers, Job demands the truth, and God's response reminds us of His infinite wisdom and mercy. Through it all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Have you ever held your tongue, waiting for the right moment to speak—only to finally explode because you just couldn't take it anymore?" That's Elihu. For 31 chapters, he's been silent, sitting there, listening to Job and his friends argue back and forth. He's younger, so he waited. Let the older men talk first. Let wisdom speak. But now? He's furious. He's watched Job justify himself rather than God. He's heard Job's friends fail to give an answer. Frankly, he's pretty upset with all parties involved. And finally, he can't take it anymore. So, he speaks. But is Elihu wise, or is he just another misguided voice? Is he correcting Job—or condemning him? The Rev. Sean Willman, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 32. Why do the righteous suffer? That's the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job's story isn't just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it's about wrestling with God's will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God's grace rather than human understanding. As Job's friends offer simplistic answers, Job demands the truth, and God's response reminds us of His infinite wisdom and mercy. Through it all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Job 32: 1 - 8 So these three men ceased answering Job, because he wasrighteous in his own eyes. Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends his wrath was aroused, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. Now because they were years older than he, Elihu had waited to speak to Job. When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was aroused. So Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said: “I am young in years, and you are very old; Therefore I was afraid, And dared not declare my opinion to you. I said, ‘Age should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.' But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.
Chris Sallade teaches on Hannah from the book of 1 Samuel in a message entitled, "Our Eyes, God's Eyes: Avoiding Comparison Traps."1 Samuel 1There 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. 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.”
Today's Scripture passage is Job 31 - 32.(Please note Job 31:7 should read "If my footsteps have strayed...")Read by Ekemini Uwan.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
929 bonus: Rabbi Gamliel Shmalo completes his series on the Elihu chapters with a bonus recording on the book of *Iyov in the writings of Maimonides* - a hugely important topic. On behalf of the whole group, a huge thank you to Rabbi Shmalo for his great work on the Elihu chapters
Iyov 36 and 37: Elihu's final speech - the fourth and final argument of the fourth and final friend - according to many of the medieval commentators, it is the speech that finally presents the appropriate response to Iyov's sufferings.Rabbi Gamliel Shmalo, in a masterful third installment on Elihu, channels Rav Soloveitchik's Kol Dodi Dofek develops the idea that suffering should direct our attention to the future rather than to the past - an idea that Iyov and Eliphaz for all their differences have failed to understand. Text here: https://www.sefaria.org/Job.36?lang=bi, https://www.sefaria.org/Job.37?lang=bi
Elihu's final words. In Elihu's view, just as you don't know how to predict the weather, you will never fully comprehend God.
Iyov's 4th Speech. Until now, we have seen suffering as a result of past actions. The question has been whether Iyov is guilty or innocent. But now, Elihu adjusts our perspective. Can we see suffering as future oriented?
This is Elihu's 3rd Speech. His essential argument is that God is transcendent; consequently Iyov cannot expect that God is directly manipulating and punishing him. In the course of time, justice is done. In the meantime, most people suffer the consequences of their own actions.
Elihu's 2nd Speech addresses Iyov's claim that if: a.Iyov is just, an b. Iyov is suffering, then c. God must be unjust. Elihu is outraged that Iyov is accusing God, and he gives his own approach.
33-35: Elihu begins the longest speech of the book thus far. He speaks and Iyov says nothing. Is it because he is listening?Rabbi Gamliel Shmalo unpacks these chapters with the help of Rabbi Menashe Viner's Torah on Iyov. In this elegant reading each one of today's chapters is the response to a different one of three friends who has spoken until now. Elihu takes issue not only with the friends' arguments but also with Iyov's responses. Rabbi Viner's shiur can be listened to at https://yesmalot.co.il/7617 Text here: https://www.sefaria.org/Job.33?lang=bi, https://www.sefaria.org/Job.34?lang=bi, https://www.sefaria.org/Job.35?lang=bi
Elihu's first speech explains the theory of "yissurin shel ahava" - corrective, or educational suffering.
Iyov has said his piece. The three "friends" are out of words. Enter Elihu! A young man who has sat listening to each of the arguments. He is angry. He is besides himself. He cannot hold his words inside. With great irony, in this chapter, Elihu just talks about talking, but in fact says very little. See the chart of the instances of the word "milah" in Tanakh here: https://mg.alhatorah.org/Graph/4405
In Job 36 and 37, the young man Elihu extols God's greatness and proclaims God's majesty. These are his final words before the Lord Himself speaks in chapter 38. We can't wait. Do you praise the majesty of God?
Yesterday, we were introduced to the young man, Elihu. Today in Job 34-35, we hear more from him. In chapter 34, Elihu asserts God's justice. In chapter 35, he condemns Job. Have you been condemned; falsely accused?
The young man named Elihu continues to present a case against Job and his friends, saying that the Lord doesn't listen to empty cries or baseless claims to injustice. Moreover, the God who created all things is accountable to no one; in other words, He doesn't owe anything to anyone– therefore nobody can say that He is unfair or unjust. The God who made all things also sees all things, knows all things, and will rightly judge all things. Man, with his limitations, cannot know or understand these things and therefore cannot claim to be a better authority than a sovereign God. As we reach chapter 38, we begin to hear a rebuke from God Himself.Job 35 - 1:01 . Job 36 - 2:56 . Job 37 - 6:56 . Job 38 - 11:05 . Psalm 11 - 15:56 . Psalm 12 - 17:02 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
This is teh final speech of Iyov's friends. After this, our "guests" will be Elihu and God himself!
As Job concludes his remarks on sin and suffering, he maintains that he has been faithful to the Lord, abstaining from lust and from adultery, that he has cared for those in need, and has kept himself from the worship of false gods such as the worship of sun and moon. When Job concludes his words, a young man named Elihu, who has yet to speak, begins to voice his anger. He has respectfully waited until those older than him have had their say, but they have argued inadequately against Job and Job has spoken with a self-righteous posture.Job 31 - 1:01 . Job 32 - 6:50 . Job 33 - 9:43 . Job 34 - 13:36 . Psalm 10 - 18:22 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
It won't be long before Job receives a proper rebuke from Elihu and then from God Himself, but until that time comes, Job continues to vent and express frustration with the situation he finds himself in. His friends have told him to repent of his evil, assuming that his sin is the cause of his current state. Meanwhile, Job continues to declare himself as pure, which is also untrue, but in his state of despair he doesn't see his self-righteous posture. Job thinks so highly of himself that he unabashedly accuses God of not executing justice properly, and in so doing, exalts himself above His Maker. At times he gives God his due with words, but in his heart, Job is sure that God has treated him unfairly.Job 27 - 1:01 . Job 28 - 3:47 . Job 29 – 8:04 . Job 30 – 11:04 . Psalm 9 - 15:34 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org