Job 21

Jb 21


Job 21

1 But Job answered and said,

2 Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations.

3 Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.

4 As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?

5 Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth.

6 Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.

7 Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?

8 Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes.

9 Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.

10 Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf.

11 They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.

12 They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.

13 They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.

14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

16 Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.



18 They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.

19 God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it.

20 His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

21 For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?

22 Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.

23 One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.

24 His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow.

25 And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.

26 They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.

27 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.

28 For ye say, Where is the house of the prince? and where are the dwelling places of the wicked?

29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,

30 That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.

31 Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?

32 Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb.

33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him.

34 How then comfort ye me in vain, seeing in your answers there remaineth falsehood?

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Summary and the Meaning of Chapter 21 of the Book of Job

In the Book of Job, chapter 21 is a continuation of the conversation between Job and his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. In this chapter, Job responds to the arguments of his friends, who believe that his suffering is a punishment from God for his sins. Job argues that the wicked often prosper in life while the righteous suffer, and questions why God allows this to happen. This chapter explores the themes of justice, suffering, and the role of God in human suffering.

Job's Response to His Friends

At the beginning of chapter 21, Job responds to his friends' arguments by pointing out that the wicked often prosper in life while the righteous suffer. He asks his friends to listen to his words and to consider his arguments. Job argues that his suffering has not been caused by any sin on his part, but rather by God's mysterious ways. He also questions why his friends continue to accuse him of wrongdoing and suggest that his suffering is a punishment from God.

Job then goes on to describe the prosperity of the wicked. He says that they live long, happy lives and have many children and grandchildren. They also have wealth and power, and their houses are safe from fear and calamity. Job's description of the wicked's prosperity is in stark contrast to his own suffering and the suffering of the righteous. He points out that the wicked are not punished in this life, and their lives seem to be free from the troubles that plague the righteous.

The Frustration of Job

Job expresses his frustration and confusion at the apparent injustice of the world. He asks why the wicked are allowed to prosper and enjoy their lives while the righteous suffer. He questions the role of God in this injustice, saying, "Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power?" (Job 21:7). He also asks why God seems to be silent and does not intervene to bring justice to the world.

Job's frustration and confusion are understandable, as he has lost everything and is suffering greatly. He cannot understand why God would allow the wicked to prosper while the righteous suffer. He also cannot understand why God does not answer his prayers and bring an end to his suffering.

The Role of God in Human Suffering

In this chapter, Job also questions the role of God in human suffering. He acknowledges that God is all-powerful and has the ability to intervene in the world and bring justice to the wicked. However, he also recognizes that God often does not do so, and the wicked are allowed to continue in their prosperity and their sins.

Job's questioning of God's role in human suffering is a common theme throughout the book. He struggles to understand why God allows suffering and why He does not always intervene to bring justice to the world. Job's friends believe that his suffering is a punishment from God, but Job argues that this cannot be the case, as the wicked often prosper and the righteous suffer.

The Meaning of Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of the Book of Job highlights the ongoing struggle to understand the role of God in human suffering. Job's arguments challenge the traditional belief that suffering is a punishment from God for sin. He points out that the wicked often prosper in life while the righteous suffer, and questions why God allows this to happen.

This chapter also shows the frustration and confusion that can arise when we try to make sense of the injustices of the world. Job struggles to understand why God allows the wicked to prosper and why He does not intervene to bring justice to the world. This struggle is one that many people can relate to, as we often question why bad things happen to good people.

The meaning of this chapter can be summed up in Job's words, "Why do the wicked live, reach old age, and grow mighty in power?" (Job 21:7). This question reflects the universal struggle to understand the role of God in human suffering and the apparent injustice of the world. Chapter 21 reminds us that although we may not always understand God's ways, we can still trust in His goodness and His ultimate plan for our lives.

Conclusion

Chapter 21 of the Book of Job is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle to understand the role of God in human suffering. Job's arguments challenge the traditional belief that suffering is a punishment from God for sin and highlight the frustration and confusion that can arise when we try to make sense of the injustices of the world. Ultimately, this chapter reminds us to trust in God's goodness and His plan, even when we do not understand His ways.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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