Job 7-10

“The earth is handed over to the wicked; he blindfolds its judges. If it isn’t he, then who is it?”

Job 9:24

Required Reading

Devotional

Today we enter another series of debates between Job and his less-than-compassionate friends. We’ll dive more deeply into his friends’ responses tomorrow. For today, let’s look into this question that Job poses in chapter 9. “...If it isn’t he [God], then who is it?”

We encounter this question after Job describes the anguish of his life. He is wrestling with the belief that God almighty is bringing all of this terror against him and no one can say anything to God because He's God. This brings about a sense of hopelessness. Although the initial words of Job in chapters 1 and 2 were ones of humility and acceptance, as the days progress, Job falls into a bout of depression. Multiple times we will see Job mention that he wants his life to be over. Take a look chapter 7 verses 13-16 with me:

“When I say, ‘My bed will comfort me, and my couch will ease my complaint,’ then you frighten me with dreams and terrify me with visions, so that I prefer strangling – death rather than life in this body. I give up! I will not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are a breath.”

Job is tired. Job is confused. Job wants to end his suffering. Has anyone felt like this before? I have. In this same chapter, Job goes on to question why he has become God’s target. However, the missing piece to Job’s understanding is not God’s actions, its satan’s. One thing we will notice in the language of Job and his friends throughout this book is an incomplete understanding of God and a complete ignorance of satan. Yes, God has allowed satan to harm Job, but satan is the one who brings the destruction. 

Remember, between chapters 1 and 2 satan has attacked Job’s sources food, income, and transportation in destroying his cattle and camels. He kills his support (the servants) and his legacy and prestige (his children). Then satan harms his body, bringing him to days, maybe even years, of constant pain and agony. Chapter 2 verse 9 shows that satan has caused division in his marriage. Recall, yesterday in chapter 6, satan shows up to Job’s friend, Eliphaz, and causes Eliphaz to question Job’s integrity. So now Job’s friends are against him and not believing in who Job has proven to be over the years. And now in chapter 7, we just read at the beginning of this devotional that satan is frightening Job with terrifying dreams and visions. As much as we would hope the torment ended after chapter 2, we see that satan hasn’t left Job nor his friends. He is continuously nagging, taunting, and afflicting Job. Satan is persistent and has a lot of time and energy. 

Today, I want us to reflect on the truth that we have a real enemy, and it’s not God, it’s satan. Job may not have had a thorough understanding of the spiritual realm in regards to satan, his demon friends, and their capabilities, but we do have some insight. The Apostle Paul instructs us to “Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11) That armor begins with the belt of truth. We must know the truth. As we mentioned yesterday, we are privileged to have this Bible that is filled with truths that Job and his friends did not have access to. The truth here is that satan makes us his target. The truth is that he is still limited to God’s permissive will. The second piece of armor is the breastplate of righteousness. Job has this part down, the rest of us are probably struggling. 

To address Job’s opening question (Job 9:24), if God has blindfolded his judges, the answer is no. God plans to judge satan and the powerful demonic beasts with him. Thankfully, we see a glimpse of this in Revelation chapters 19-20. I encourage you to read this for yourself. Even before we get to the end of Job’s story, this prophecy is encouraging. In short, Jesus will come on his white horse with his army against the army of satan, bind up satan and eventually throw them into the lake of fire forever. God is a perfect judge. He will repay satan for all he has done and take care of his suffering children. 

Just keep reading. This is only the beginning. 

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you ever considered that you had a target on your back?
  2. Have life circumstances ever turned you away from God? In light of today’s conversations, could it be that those circumstances were consequences of your own sin or an attack by satan? 
  3. How well are you doing with filling your mind with truth and demonstrating righteousness in your actions?
  4. Knowing that not all dreams and visions are from the Lord, will you ask God for the ability to discern the spirits?

Go Deeper

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