Conclusion of Job--Job 42:7-17

The Book of Job concludes with a very important Epilogue, recorded in Job 42:7-17. This little section falls into two parts.

I. Yahweh Reprimands Job's Friends and Restores Job. Job 42:7-9.
a. After Yahweh delivered his two speeches and Job responded by admitting that Yahweh won the debate (Job 38:1-40:5) and repenting of sinning against Yahweh in rebuking God for being unjust and challenging God to meet Job in a fair court trial (Job 40:6-42:6), Yahweh turns to speak with Job's three friends. (Verse 7a).
b. Yahweh rebukes Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar because they have not spoken of Yahweh what is right as Job has. Verse 7b. This certainly does not mean that Yahweh is conceding that Job is right and God is wrong. NO!!! Look at the text!!! The contrast here is between Job and Job's three friends. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar tenaciously held on to their traditions, especially the belief that "all righteous people prosper and all wicked people suffer." They refused to think, to reason, to change, to empathize with others. In contrast to this, Job dared to think, to reason, to change. In the process, Job thought and said many things that are wrong. But, in the eyes of God, this was good BECAUSE Job was "thinking through" one of the most difficult and serious issues of life: Why do people suffer? AND, Will a human being FEAR GOD when all the arguments are against doing this? God wants people to think, not to cling to old traditions and beliefs and ideas. THEN, God can change each and every one of us to be more like God wants us to be.
c. Yahweh then calls Job's three friends to brings appropriate sacrifices to God, and then Job will pray for them and Yahweh will accept their prayers. Job's friends obey, and Yahweh accepts Job's prayer. Verses 8-9.

II. Yahweh Restores Job's Fortunes. Job 42:10-17.
a. When Job struggled through his spiritual issues, repented, and prayed in behalf of his friends, Yahweh "restored Job's fortunes" and gave Job twice as much as he had before the afflictions hit. Job's brothers and sisters and all who had known him came and showed Job sympathy and comforted him over his suffering. Yahweh gave Job twice as much of his possessions that he had before, and gave Job seven sons and three daughters: Jemimah, Keziah, and Keren-happuch. Job gave his children a rich inheritance. Verses 10-15.
b. After this, Job lived 140 years in addition to his prior 60 years, indicating he was approximately 200 years of age. He enjoyed four generations, and died in a good old age. Verses 16-17.

Often, struggles in life are very valuable and fulfilling. They prepare us for life and for eternity. The story of Job gives us insights and encouragement.

How are YOU doing in YOUR life? Share YOUR experiences with others. Let me hear from YOU. Next, we will turn to a series in the Book of Amos. I hope this will be uplifting to all of YOU.

John Willis