HARMATOLOGY INDEX
Even then, the problem will not be solved for the sinner. His folly will be punished
forever, but this certainly will not be the solution as far as the sinner is concerned.
To be sure, this will be God's answer to man's sin, but only because it was necessary
to put this secondary solution into motion. God's answer to sin and the problem
created by it has not been primarily to punish the sinner, but to provide him with
the way to escape the results of his sin. For the sinners who will not obey their
Creator in accepting His answer to their problem, there remains no other way out for
God but to bring the penalty to bear upon the rebellious ones.
No other problem has brought man more heartaches than the problem of sin. Every tear
that has ever been in your eye has been there because of sin's presence in the world.
Every disappointment you have ever had has come to pass because sin deprived you of
that which was good. Every frustration you have ever experienced. every unfulfilled
good ambition can be laid at the doorstep of sin. The one time God has ever been
pictured as crying has been because of the results of sin.
Today, we worship a Savior who bears, on the Throne in Heaven, a body that still
reveals evidence of the mutilating work of sin. It was sin that separated the only
begotten Son of God from His loving heavenly Father. It was sin that drove the sword
through the heart of Mary as she saw her Divine Son suffering the penalty of sin in
her place and for the world.
(Luke 2:35)
It was sin that turned Hitler into a beast. It was sin that transformed a John
Dillinger into a gun happy madman. It will be sin that will take that precious little
daughter and turn her into a harlot. It will he sin that will fill our detention homes
with its victims, overcrowd our jails, but will never fill Hell.
(Proverbs 27:20)
It was sin that splattered the blood of hundreds of thousands of our young men across
several continents during the many wars in our brief history. An anonymous pundit has
declared:
War is God's judgment on sin now, while Hell is God's judgment on sin
hereafter.
Where did this awful catastrophe of sin begin? No one could possibly guess apart from
Divine Revelation. It all started, for those who walk planet earth, in a beautiful
garden that God had planted eastward in the land of Eden.
(Genesis 2:8).
The man
unfamiliar with God's Divine Revelation might ask, "But what was the issue?" The
issue was the matter of authority. Would Adam as the Federal Head or King over God's
planet earth yield to the authority of his Creator or would Adam prefer to be his
own authority and disown God as his Sovereign? Regret fully, Adam chose the latter
course. The result was that sin was introduced into the human race. Adam, who was
created in the image of God, lost that image.
(Genesis 2:15-17; 3:6-7; 3:11; 3:24; 1 Corinthians 15:22; See SRB 1 Corinthians 15:22.).
As a result of this rebellion against God. Adam could no longer reflect the image of
God. Adam became as a broken mirror capable only of reflecting his own sinful image
rather than the image of God. Not until the Savior redeems man will man be able to
reflect God's glory once more.
(2 Corinthians 3:18.)
God proclaimed that everything reproduces alter its own kind.
(Genesis 1:21; Genesis 1:24-27).
This reveals that Charles Darwin and all evolutionists are spiritually
demented. For a man believe sincerely that corn can produce rabbits and
monkeys can produce whales, fish and hum ans must be suffering from some
form of psychosis, dementia or aberration that subjects him to
hallucinations and general mental unbalance.
God's primary plan was for man to reproduce children who would be born in the
likeness of God. When Adam sinned, however, reproducing children that were
like God was impossible. Adam alter sinning was no longer an image of God.
Therefore, Adam could reproduce only after his own likeness. Since Adam was
now a sinner, he could reproduce sinners only who were made in Adam's sinful
likeness. Note this truth given in
Genesis 5:1,3.
Genesis 5:1, "This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him."
(In the beginning before Adam sinned).
(After Adam sinned, we note the following):
Genesis 5:3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty ye&s, and begat a son in his own
likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth" (KJB).
(Seth was not horn in the image of God, but in the image of sinful Adam from whom
Seth received the Adamic sin nature).
There would never be another man walk the face of this earth made in the
image of God until tile Lord Jesus Christ appeared as the Last Adam
(1 Corinthians 15:45). The Lord Jesus Christ, who is God, is now able to
reproduce "Sons of God" in the likeness of God through the New Birth
experience. (John 1:12; 1 Peter 1:23.)
Charles Hodge confirms this position. (Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology
(Grand Rapids, 1946), Vol. II, pp. 197-198). lie states:
The first argument, therefore, in favor off the doctrine of imputation is that the
Scriptures present Adam as not only the natural, but also the federal head of his
posterity. This is plain, from the narrative given in Genesis. Everything there said
to Adam was said to him in his representative capacity . . . . All the evils
threatened against him in case of transgression, included them, and have in fact
come upon them . . . . As therefore, the evils which men suffer on account of the
air, of Adam, are inflicted in execution of the penalty threatened against him,
they are truly penal in our case as they were in his; and he was consequently
treated as the federal head and representative of his race. It was because Adam
was the representative of his race, that his sin is the judicial grounds of
their condemnation; and it is because Christ is the representative of his
people, that His righteousness is the judicial ground of the justification
of believers.
In this world where "fools make a mock at sin" (Proverbs 14:9), it becomes
necessary to de fine precisely the terms we are using, especially the term,
sin. A. M. Fairbairn gives these definitions:
1. Sin is a religious term, intelligible only in the realm of religious experience
and thought.
2. Evil is a philosophical term and denotes every condition, circumstance,
or act that in any manner or degree interferes with complete perfection or happiness
of being, whether physical, metaphysical or moral.
3. Vice is an ethical term; it is moral evil interpreted as an offense
against the ideal or law given in the nature of men; it is the blot or stain
left by the departure from nature.
4. Crime is a legal term, denotes the open or public violation of the law
which a society or state has framed for its own preservation and protection of its
members.
But sin differs from these in this respect; ? they may be in a system which
knows no God, but without Cod there can be no air,. (A. M. Fairbairn, Christ In
Modern Theology (London, 1902), p. 452).
In our quest for the correct understanding of the various terms that will be used in
our study of the Book of Job relative to Hamartiology, we next turn to Lewis Sperry
Chafer for his evaluation of the ten terms involving personal sins. He classifies
them in this way. (Lewis Sperry Chafer, Systematic Theology (Dallas, 1947), Vol.
IT, pp. 267-268):
Personal sins may be classified somewhat accurately by the familiar Biblical
terms employed to the Authorized Version of both Old and New Testaments to
designate them.
(1). Transgression, which is the stepping to one side, or the overstepping of those
boundaries which God has marked off.
(2). Iniquity, referring to that which is altogether wrong.
(3). Error, that which disregards the right or goes astray.
(4). Sin, which is coming short, or missing the mark.
(5). Wickedness, the outworking and expression of an evil nature, depravity.
(6). Evil, with reference to that which is actually wrong, opposing God.
(7). Ungodliness, lacking any worthy fear of God.
(8). Disobedience, an unwillingness to be led or guided in ways of truth.
(9). Unbelief, failure to trust in God,
(10). Lawlessness, which consists in the persistent contempt of divine law and a
breaking through all restraint to the end that self may be gratified regardless of
divine admonition.
Herbert Lockyer gives us these very pertinent comments on this vastly
important subject of sin. He challenges us with these words. (Herbert Lockyer,
All The Doctrines Of The Bible, (Grand Rapids, 1964), p. 153):
There is no fact as evident and no subject so important as that of sin, which is as
old as man, nay, older still, since it originated in the mind of Satan before the
creation of man,... A right concept of sin is therefore imperative for if man errs
here, he errs everywhere. If he does not have scriptural views of sin's nature, he
will not have a scriptural view of sin's efficacious remedy.... In these apostate
days there is an insistence upon a change of evangelical phraseology. Ruin by the
Fall, redemption by the blood, are deemed to be out of date. Terms like "sin,"
being "lost," "Hell-bound," "Saved by the blood," are no longer intelligible to
the modern, cultured mind. Such language is antiquated. Old truths must be given
a modern dress. But no matter how we try to camouflage sin, it still is SIN.
Having thus carefully laid a solid foundation based upon these informative
remarks by these eminent scholars of the word of God, we can proceed to open
the Book of Job together and see what Job knew about sin. Once again a
Biblically uninformed inquirer might protest that a society over 4,000
years old could scarcely have much of a concept of sin. How terribly wrong
such an evaluation would be. We could more correctly say that Job and his
contemporaries knew more about what sin was really all about than the
average church member in America in 1981.
There is absolutely no question but that Job lived a life of personal
righteousness. the equal of which, could not be found anywhere in the
world today. Job had no Bible, no Indwelling Holy Spirit, he was not
"born again," he was not in the Body of Christ, nor did he have any concept
of the local church. Nevertheless, his standard of righteousness would make
most fundamental Bible Christians blush with shame to have their lives
compared with Job's life. It is to be feared, that in this Laodicean
period, most Christian standards have fallen appallingly low (Revelation 3:15). Job would
have never set an evil thing before his eyes. (Psalm 101:3.)
Yet, as an example, television with all of its evil, is a most welcome
guest in most Christian's homes. Someone has noted with pointed sarcasm
that the Devil has through television made it possible for Christians to
"catch up" on all the old movies that they missed during the days when they
had convictions about going to the movies. The Book of Job will amaze the
reader who picks up this ancient Book and sees what real Bible standards
and Bible morality are all about.
Dorothy Miller has observed, Dorothy Ruth Miller, A Handbook Of Ancient
History In Bible Light. (New York, 1937), p. 43):
The standards of justice and morality in Job's day were high . . . . And from the
way in which Job pleads his guiltlessness of these things, it is evident that his
standards were the standards of those he addressed, and doubtless those of the
community in which he lived.
To confirm the author's remarks as being recognized by others, we present
this quotation from Dorothy Miller. (ibid., pp.4647):
Though civilization was of so high an order in Job's day and land; though science
and art had been cultivated to such an extent, though many industries and trades
flourished and the spiritual light enjoyed by Job and his friends might well be
the envy of the majority of people in our land and our own day, yet the men of
that time looked upon their predecessors as wiser than they.
1) Bildad appealed to the wisdom of a former age and asked,
"Shall they not teach thee?" He attributed the comparative ignorance of their own
generation to the brevity of human life at that time (Job 8:8-10).
2) Job said, "With the ancient is wisdom and in length of days is understanding."
3) Eliphaz evidently believed that to Adam had been given surpassing wisdom and
that to him God had disclosed His secret things; for he said, "Art thou the first
man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills? Hast thou heard the secret
things of God? And dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself"' (Job 15:7-8, Art thou
the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills? 8 Hast thou heard
the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?).
4) The very aged men, even of Job's day, were considered wiser than the younger men
(Job 15:10); but their greatest treasures of wisdom were handed down from their
fathers (Job 15:18).
We conclude, therefore, that Job and his contemporaries had received their
understanding of sin, morality and standards of righteous living by direct
revelation from God This information was supplemented by Divine truth and
transmitted orally from generation to generation without any error or
contradiction. This confirms the remarkable truth that God is able to
preserve His words infallibly whether by oral transmission or by written
words.
Following the completion of the entire Canon of Sacred Scriptures, we
observe there are absolutely no contradictions between what Job knew through
orally transmitted Sacred Truth and the Divinely inspired word of the Living
God that we hold in our hands today. Every thing Job knew about sin is
absolutely confirmed elsewhere in the word of God as proof
(Job 23:12; Psalm 119:89;
Matthew 4:4;
2 Timothy 3:15-16;
2 Peter 1:20-21;
Both Job and the Psalmist declared: (Job 6:10) "Then should I yet have comfort; yea,
I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the
words of the Holy One"
Psalm 12:6-7, "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of
earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, 0 LORD, thou shalt preserve them
from this generation for ever" (KJB).
Index This Page
A. The Concept Of Sin In The Book Of Job:
Herbert Lockyer makes this comment concerning how the word sin is used in the
Bible.
He states: (Lockyer, All The Doctrines Of The Bible, p.154):
The most common word in the Bible used for "sin" is Chata, meaning "missing the
mark," or coming short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and
come short of the glory of God; (KJB), for all have sinned, and fall short of the
glory of God; (ASV), 1 John 3:4: Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the
law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (KJB), 1 John 3:4, Every one that
doeth sin doeth also lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. (ASV).
Behind the term is the illustration of the archer, releasing the arrow, but
failing to hit the bull's eye. Sin. then, is man's failure to reach his true end.
Where "Chata" is employed, it signifies deviation from the divine will, and indicates
that man has missed his true cen ter, proving that having deliberately overstepped the
divine boundary, lie has become unable to attain the divine standard.
1. It is said of Job that he did not sin with his lips in the midst of all of his
trials (Job 2:10).
2. Eliphaz knew that in the midst of trouble, it was not necessary for man to sin
(Job 5:24;
1 John 2:1)
3. Job knew that sin has a way of putting a mark on sinners, (Job 10:14.)
The study of the marks of the Bible show the continuity of the truth throughout the
word of God. Examples:
(1). Cain was marked because of his sin, (Genesis 4:15).
(2). We are to mark those who cause divisions in the church of the body of Christ
because this is sin. Romans 16:17, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause
divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid
them.", 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions
and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn
away from them. (ASV) Philippians 3:17, "Brethren, be followers together of me,
and mark them which walk; so as ye have us for an ensample" (KJB), Brethren, be ye
imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an
ensample. (ASV).
(3). The marks put in our bodies because of sins cannot be washed off with soap.
(Jeremiah 2:22).
(4). Under the law, the Jews were forbidden to tattoo or mark their bodies because
of the significance of marks in the Bible. (Leviticus 19:28).
(5). During the Tribulation Period, the Devil will see that all of his converts
are marked with the name, the number or the mark of the beast.
(Revelation 13:16-17.)
See also, (Revelation 14:9-11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4).
(6). In contrast the Lord will mark His Jehovah Witnesses in the Tribulation
Period in the forehead with the Tetragrammation (YHWH or JHVH) the sacred Name for
Jehovah God. (Revelation 14:1; See also Revelation 7:1-2).
The Hebrews never speak this Name for they consider it too sacred. They never write it
with vowels to eliminate the possibility of pronouncing the Name. Instead they use
some form of the Hebrew word "Adonoot" which can be spoken as "Lord." Obviously,
those running around America today calling themselves Jehovah's Witnesses are
impostors for they do not have "JHVH" in their foreheads.
4. Zophar knew that sin will make a young man old and will follow him in his bones
to the grave (Job 20:11).
5. Job had been taught of God that wishing a curse on a man who is your enemy was
a sin (Job 31:30).
The Lord Jesus Christ confirmed the message in the New Testament,
(Matthew 5:44)
6. Elihu had falsely accused Job of adding rebellion to his sin, neither of which
was true (Job 34:37).
7. Job was well aware that sins can accumulate and pile up as a treasure
(Job 13:23). This is confirmed in Romans 2:5.
8. Not only that, but God searches after sin, indicating that it cannot be hidden
from Him (Job 10:6; Job 14:16).
9.They were very conscious of the sins that brought about the Deluge in Noah's
day; such as, the sins of the fallen angels and the notorious wickedness of the
days of Noah. (Job 4:18; 8:8; 21:15-17; 22:14-16).
10. God had plainly revealed to the people of Job's day and to the world that it
was a sin to worship the heavenly bodies (Job 31:26-27).
One of the marks of sin is that people do as they please in spite of God's
warnings and instructions to them.
Although Job and his close friends obeyed God and did not worship the heavenly
bodies, their neighbors to the east most certainly did. John Whitcomb points out
(Whitcomb, The Moon, pp. 157-159):
What exactly were these enormous influences toward the worship of the
moon that so threatened Job and his contemporaries in the late third millennium B.C.
and the people of Israel for over 800 years after the exodus from Egypt?
The science of archeology has demonstrated the deification of the moon from early
Sumerian times (third millennium B.C.) to Islamic times throughout western Asia,
the cradle of post dilution civilization.
The great Sumerian city of Ur, was especially devoted to the worship of the
moon, under the name of Nanna, long before the time of Abraham.
Soon after 2,000 B.C., the moon temple at Ur was greatly enlarged by
Ur-Nammu . . . . . A cuneiform inscription has been found there in which
"Nabonidus concluded with a dedication to Nannar, the lord of the gods of heaven
and earth, and a prayer for himself and his son, Belshazzar."
The Akkadians called the moon-god by the name of SIN, "the lamp of heaven and
earth," "the king of all gods," and the Divine Crescent." . . .
When the far off Hittites appealed to the Sun-god in their hours of special
need, they referred to him as "the favorite son of SIN."
The great Hammurabi ?. 1700 B.C.) introduced himself in his famous Code as
"the descendant of royalty, whom SIN begat."
Such blatant defiance of God's commands cannot be ascribed to ignorance,
but to the wicked sin of rebellion.
11. Elihu had reminded Job that he had said during his terrible time of suffering,
(Job 35:3).
Job knew better, of course, but in his hour of suffering, Job said many things that
God did not record against him.
12. In moments when the pain would ease and Job had better thoughts, he most
certainly acknowledged his sins and sought God's forgiveness and cleansing.
(Job 7:20; 10:6; 13:23).
Index This Page
B. God's Actions Against Sins:
Not only did God reveal to humanity the nature of sin, but God also made it
perfectly clear by spoken word and by demonstration that He hated sin and
He would take action against it in a variety of ways, both here on earth
and in eternity.
1. In Job 8:20 "Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help
the evil doers:", God revealed that He would not be on the side of evil doers nor
would he help them in anyway.
2. God made it clear that He was angry with sinners and in Job 9:13 that anger
was specifically leveled against the proud. [If God will not withdraw his anger,
the proud helpers do stoop under him.]
3. Job knew that sin, or any action of man for that matter, could not remain
hidden from the eye of God. (Job 28:10; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Zechariah 4:10).
4. Job then lists the many ways in which God brings punishment to man for his
sins both on earth and in Hell.
a. God can destroy that which man builds, plus imprison a man in his own
wickedness (Job 12:14; Cf Isaiah 22:22; See Job 12:14, SRB).
b. God can withhold the rain or He can send a flood (Job 12:15). (Cf. Noah).
c. God can cause a wicked man to he deceived and believe a lie (Job 12:16).
(Cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12),
d. God can cause ungodly counselors to give foolish advice and judges to behave
as fools (Job 12:17), (Cf. Samson, Judges 16:20-21).
e. God can imprison wicked kings and then loose them again (Job 12:18; Cf.
Manasseh, 2 Chronicles 33:11-13. See also, Isaiah 22:21-25).
f. God can humble and disgrace wicked leaders
(Job 12:19; Cf. Jehoikin,
2 Kings 24:6-16; and Zedekiah, 2 Kings 25:6-7).
g. God can overthrow those who think they are mighty
(Job 12:19; Cf.
Amenhotep
H, Exodus 15:19;
Nebuchadnezzar,
Daniel 4:28-33;
Check any world history book for
Xerxes, Scipio, Hannibal, Alexander the great, the Caesars, Napoleon, Charlemagne,
Mussolini, Hitler, Tojo, ad-nauseam).
h. God can take away man's speech capability
(Job 12:20; Cf. Zechariah, Luke 1:20).
i. God can judge the wicked with presenile dementia (Job 12:20; Cf. Nebuchadnezzar).
j. God can judge the brawny with weakness
(Job 12:21; Cf. Samson, Judges 16:17).
k. God can uncover the secret sins (Job 12:22; Cf. Numbers 32:23).
l. God can destroy wicked nations (Job 12:23; Cf. Any book of world history).
m. God can bring confusion to wicked leaders so that they wander around in
confusion (Job 12:24; Proverbs 28:1).
n. God causes the wicked to wander around as in the dark without light and then
stagger as a drunken man (Job 12:25; Cf. 1 Samuel 8:3).
o. God can bring terrible physical punishment upon a wicked man
(Job 15:20-35).
p. God can cause a wicked man to experience a horrible life before God brings him
to a premature death (Job 18:5-21).
q. God reserved a place in eternity for the wicked
(Job 21:27-30).
r. God has opened Hell before the wicked (Job 26:6; Cf. Rich man, Luke 16:19-31).
Index This Page
C. Transgressions In The Book Of Job:
We have already noted that sins take on many forms. Although we have a
tendency to lump all of man's evil actions under the one term, sin. God
uses many different terms to define its nature more specifically. The word,
transgression, is one of these variations given to us in the word of God.
Herbert Lockyer describes "Transgression" in the following terms:
Sin is the transgression of a divine command: Hosea 6:7 ["But they like men
have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against
me." (KJB) ] gives us the word "abar" for sin -- a term applied to Adam's
transgression--and it means to "pass over." It is akin to "Hebrew"
(Genesis 14:13, "And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the
Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol,
and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram." (KJB).
"Passing over a boundary" is at the heart of the term, "transgression."
It signifies the breaking of a known command, going beyond as signed
limits, thus, to trespass or transgress. An illustration of this aspect
greets us when we are about to wander over prohibited land. "Trespassers
will be persecuted:" It is this aspect of sin presented in Genesis 3.
Adam, when he fell, over-stepped certain limits set by divine command,
and the same view of sin is consistently maintained throughout Scripture.
(Lockyer, All The Doctrines Of The Bible. p. 154), Buy The Book
1. Job acknowledged that he had transgressed God's unwritten
laws and thus sought
God's forgiveness and pardon (Job 7:21; 13:23).
2. Bildad cruelly suggested that God killed Job's children because they had
transgressed (Job 8:4). Bildad was entirely wrong in both Job and his children's
cases, for had they transgressed, Job made sure that he offered daily burnt-offerings
to God as a precaution lest any of his children had cursed God in their hearts
(Job 1:5). Although Bildad was terribly wrong to so accuse Job, nevertheless, we
are given the principle. They believed that God would prematurely end a life that
persisted in transgression. This principle is taught throughout the Bible.
(Psalm 37:9; Proverbs 2:22; Romans 11:22; 1 John 5:16).
3. Job believed his transgressions were sealed up in a bag
(Job 14:17),
an expressive way to say
that they were forgiven and hidden from God's view. Old Testament sins were remitted,
but were not taken away until the Savior died on the cross and paid the propitiation
for sins. (Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 10:1-8).
4.Elihu reminded Job that he had said, "I am clean without transgression"
(Job 33:9; Job:34:6).
The truth of the matter was, since his transgressions were sealed up in a bag and God
him self had declared Job to be perfect and upright
(Job 1:1; Job 2:3).
Elihu could
look only on the outward appearance. but he could not look on the heart as God can
and does. Job was without transgression.
5.Job knew the story of how Adam in the Garden in Eden had tried to cover his
transgressions. Job, however, knew better (Job 31:33-34).
6.Elihu understood perfectly well that God reveals the transgressions to the wicked
with the intent of the wicked repenting (Job 36:9). This truth is echoed throughout
the word of God.
(Cf. 2 Peter 3:9).
Index This Page
D. Iniquity In The Book Of Job:
The people of Job's day knew of this terrible aspect of sin. Twenty seven
specific references are made to iniquity in the Book of Job. Herbert Lockyer
makes these comments about the sin of iniquity:
That sin is crooked, a perverse, distorted thing, is taught by the term "Avon,"
translated "iniquity" (as in Isaiah 64:6).
Sin perverts man's thoughts of God and His law, and is contrary to equity. At the
same time it:
? works for the destruction of the human soul.
? Sin not only perverts, but pollutes.
Loose thinking leads to loose living. (Lockyer, All The Doctrines Of The
Bible, p. 165).
1.Eliphaz knew that they that plow iniquity and sow wickedness will reap the same
(Job 4:8-9). The same Lord who revealed this truth to Eliphaz confirmed the same truth
to Paul:
(Galatians 6:7-8).
2. Eliphaz also knew the New Testament truth that iniquity will stop the mouths of
the wicked (Job 5:16; 6:29,30;
Romans 3:19).
3.Eliphaz knew of the grace of God, in that, He always gives less in the way of
judgment for sin than the sinner deserves (Job 11:6; Ephesians 1:6-7).
Zophar also knew that even though God's grace keeps Him from giving the sinner all
the he deserves, nevertheless, we are to put iniquity away from us (Job 11:14; 22:23).
Zophar proved the New Testament truth that salvation by grace does not encourage antinomianism (lawlessness).
(Romans 6:1-2).
4.Eliphaz observed that it was with the mouth that the wicked uttered iniquity
(Job 15:5; 15:16).
5.Unfortunately, Eliphaz accused Job of committing iniquity
(Job 22:5).
6.Job certainly knew what iniquity was and inquired of God if he had committed
iniquity (Job 13:23).
? If he had, Job asked God to remove that iniquity (Job 7:21; 10:6).
Job knew that to be deceived by a wicked woman was iniquity that was to be
punished (Job 31:9-11).
He also knew that following superstitious religious rituals was iniquity
(Job 31:26-28).
7.Job knew that if he sinned, God would mark him and not acquit him of his
iniquity (Job 10:14).
Yet, Job pleads innocent of iniquity (Job 33:9; 34:32).
for Job believed that God had sewed up all of his iniquity in a bag
(Job 14:17).
Job well knew that God has reserved a strange punishment for the workers of
iniquity (Job 31:3).
8. Zophar understood very well what God meant when he declared that He would reveal
iniquity from Heaven (Job 20:27;
2 Thessalonians 1:3-9).
9. Zophar was acquainted with the New Testament truth that those who are workers of
iniquity seek the company of like wicked men (Job 34:8; Romans 1:32).
10. Elihu, who was also familiar with the workers of iniquity, pleads with them to
return from their iniquity and seek God's forgiveness (Job 36:10; 36:21; 36:23).
It should impress our hearts that over 4,000 years ago, God had men who preached
as do our later Bible believing evangelists, pastors, missionaries, and especially,
the great Apostle Paul.
(Acts 26:20).
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E. The Concept Of Wickedness In The Book:
This principle of sin is the aspect of wickedness. God's promised action to
be taken against wickedness forms the largest section in the study Of
Hamartiology in the Book of Job God appears to be particularly angry with
this phase of sin. Herbert Lockyer gives this brief analysis of the
background to the subject:
There is a word "rasha," ordinarily translated "wicked" or "bad." It is an
expressive term implying that the sinner is actuated by an evil principle.
and therefore becomes desperately wicked (Psalm 9:19). Alas, what low, vile
depth the sinner often reaches! (Lockyer, All The Doctrines Of The Bible,
p.156)
1. Since Job knew of the sin of Adam, he was also aware, that Adam sinned and
lost his kingship over the earth, it somehow was given into the hands of Satan who
Is called "the god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4; Job 9:24).
In one of the Messianic passages in the Book of Job, Job knew that he had been turned
over to Satan by God (Job 16:11).
2. Job knew that the wicked cause trouble (Job 3:17).
and that be would have to defend himself against the wicked
(Job 9:27; 10:7; 27:15).
He considered the wicked his enemies (Job 27:7).
and refused to accept any counsel from a wicked man (Job 10:3; 21:16).
3.One fact puzzled Job, however. While he was suffering as a
righteous man.
Job could not comprehend why God allowed the wicked to prosper (Job 21:7-14).
This remains a mystery to God's people today, for God has never. as vet, seen fit
to reveal this secret to His children. We can answer only in the words of our Savior,
"Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight" (Matthew 11:26).
4. Job was not a secular humanist who believed that the wicked should have the
right to "do their thing" no matter whom it hurts. Job believed in corporal
punishment. As a ruler among his people (Job 29:9-17),
it was Job's responsibility to act as judge in civil affairs and then pass
sentence on the guilty offender. In this capacity, Job speaks of having to mete
out justice to the wicked by breaking their jaws (Job 29:17).
If any faint hearted follower of Dr. Spock should read this, the author would like
to share a personal account of this action working in the 20th century. An
acquaintance had a son who would not trust the Savior. Rather, he became increasingly
rebellious. One night, after coming home from a drunken party, his father was waiting
for him. As the son entered the door, the father hit him in the jaw with his fist,
knocking his son unconscious. When the lad awakened, he found his father cradling
his son's head in his arms and bathing his face in tears. After the doctor set the
boy's jaw and while the son was recuperating, the father led his son to Christ.
Later the lad dedicated his life to full time service for the Lord. This measure
may seem extreme, but somehow God's way always beats the wisdom of the next fifty
Dr. Spocks who will come along thinking they are smarter than God.
We are reminded that when God gave the law to Moses, God demanded that rebellious sons
were to be stoned to death. (Deuteronomy 21:1, 8-21).
5. Elihu questioned the right of any wicked man to govern and even extends this
prohibition to the king (Job 34:18).
He knew that wickedness could hurt a man (Job 35:8).
because God might shorten the life of the wicked one by bringing judgment upon
him (Job 36:6; 36:17).
Elihu knew that God could never act wickedly no matter what His actions might be
(Job 34:10-12).
6. Bildad believed that the home of the wicked would come
to nought (Job 8:22).
7. Zophar believed that the eyes of the wicked would fail and their only hope would
be in death (Job 11:20).
He also believed that the triumphing of the wicked would be short (Job 20:5).
and that the days of the wicked would be full of trouble (Job 20:6-29).
8.Eliphaz, very unwisely, accused Job of wickedness (Job 22:5).
Job defended himself by assuring Eliphaz that he would never speak wickedness
(Job 27:4).
It is little wonder that Job accused his four amateur psychiatrists of being
miserable comforters (Job 16:2).
and speaking wickedly for God (Job 13:7).
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F. God's Response To Man's Wickedness
God's promised action to be taken against the wicked should strike terror into
the heart of any human being who plans to live a life of wickedness and
ignores the warnings of God.
1. God warns that He will destroy the wicked (Job 9:22).
2.God notifies the wicked, "woe to the wicked" (Job 10:15) for he cannot escape from
God (Job 10:7; 11:11).
3. God promises that He does judge the wicked
(Job 21:17-18, 21:20, 21:30).
4. Elihu believed God would judge the wicked kings with death (Job 34:18-20).
5.God also promises to shake the wicked out of the earth (Job 38:13).
and will withhold light and break their high arm (Job 38:15).
He warns that the wicked will be trodden down (Job 40:12).
and God will put out the light of the wicked (Job 18:5).
Not only that, but when God is finished with him, the wicked will not be
remembered (Job 18:17-21; 21:28).
We are reminded of the words of the Savior concerning Judas Iscariot when He
said, "The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man
by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been
born" (Mark 14:21).
The prophet Obadiah wrote, "For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall
all the heathen [nations] drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down,
and they shall be as though they had not been" (Obadiah 1:16).
6.The wicked have the promise from God that they will reap what they sow
(Job 4:8; 20:11-12; 24:6).
Paul declared in Galatians 6:7-8, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for
whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh
shall of the flesh reap corruption: hut he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the
Spirit reap life everlasting."
God promises the wicked shall be eaten of worms, his birth shall be forgotten
and he shall be broken as a tree, (Job 24:20).
7. God warns unfailingly that the dwelling place of the wicked will come to nought
(Job 8:22).
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G. The Sin Of Wrath
1.The sin of wrath is said to kill the foolish man, while wrath in turn brings the
punishment of the sword (Job 5:2; 19:29).
2 Hypocrites in heart heap up wrath (Job 36:13; 36:18).
Job testified that there were those about him who tore him up because of their
wrath (Job 16:9).
while Job walked cautiously before the Lord because he feared God's wrath
(Job 14:13).
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H. God's Actions In Regards To Wrath
1. God shall make the sinner drink of His wrath (Job 21:20).
2. God shall cause the goods of the wicked to flow away in the day of His wrath
(Job 21:28).
3. God shall bring forth the wicked in the day of His wrath (Job 21:30).
4. In Job 40:11, God speaks of the rage of His wrath.
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I. The Sin Of Envy
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J. The Sins Of Folly, Fools And Foolishness
1. The sin of folly is mentioned three times. God charged His angels with folly
(Job 4:18).
Strangely enough, God does not charge some men with the sin of folly
(Job 24:12).
Job's three comforters were required to apologize to Job so God would not charge
them with folly (Job 42:8).
2.Although Job suffered agonies that are beyond human description, he was wise
enough not to charge God foolishly (Job 1:22).
Job's wife had this problem, however, in her counsel with her husband. Job had
to accuse her of acting foolishly (Job 2:10).
Job had been taught of God that foolish people have a permanent problem
(Job 5:3).
for it is by their anger that foolish men are killed (Job 5:2).
3. Fools are referred to twice. In Job 12:17, we learn that God has made some
judges fools [He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.],
while the children of base men are called the children of fools who are viler
than the earth (Job 30:8).
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K. The Sins Of Robbers
1. Job informs us that there were some robbers in his time who were so heartless
that they would steal from the poor whose harvest was not sufficient to feed their
children (Job 5:4-5).
2. The Lord then reminds us of how He oft times allows poetic justice to take
effect. In Job 18:5-9, we learn that God allows the robbers to punish the wicked.
3. Evidently, they had infamous religious cults in Job's day that pretended to
have the spiritual well-being of the people at heart, when actually, they were
serving their own selfish interests. In Job 12:6, we are informed that the
tabernacles of robbers prospered.
Since we have all heard of religious charlatans who prey on the gullible and
spiritually deceive those about us and become wealthy doing this, it is not hard to
understand Job's sentiments about them. Herbert Lockyer gives us one classic example
of the tabernacles of robbers:
Article XXII of "the Church of England" says, "The Romish doctrine concerning
purgatory is a fond thing vainly invented and grounded upon no warrant of Scripture,
but rather repugnant to the word of God." Doubtless this system is a source of much
wealth to a corrupt church, seeing that the prayers along with the pounds (or dollars)
of course, of the living can hasten the exist of the suffering from the purgatorial
flames. Thus Tetzel's cry: "When money clinks at the bottom of my box a soul is
released from purgatory." The Romish Church, however, accepts the stern doctrine of
Hell. It remains a state of burning torture, for all those who have been
disobedient, unless they have their penalty remitted on the grounds of
"invincible ignorance." (Herbert Lockyer, All The Doctrines 0f The Bible
pp.287-288).
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L. The Sins Of The Tongue
The sins of the tongue is a continuous theme throughout the Bible. It is not
surprising, therefore, to find this unruly member causing its damage in the
days of Job. James informs us, "If any man among you seem to be religious,
and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart. this man's
religion is vain" (James 1:26). The entire third chapter of James is
devoted to the tongue.
(James Chapter 3)
1. Job tells us that among so many other things, the tongue is a scourge
(Job 5:21). We are familiar with the term, "tongue lashing" and all have probably
felt the keen cutting edge of a whip-like tongue.
2. Job speaks of the crafty tongue (Job 15:5).
He also mentions, however, that many choose the cunning deceit of the crafty
tongue and enjoy being deceived (Job 15:5).
It was P. T. Barnum who made his fortune with the philosophy that there is a
"sucker born every minute and another born to take him." Job knew this quirk in human
nature 4,000 years before P.T. Barnum was born.
3. Job then relates that wickedness is sweet in the mouth and is hidden under the
tongue. (Job 20:12, 13).
Solomon warned his son about the ways of the Harlot, (Proverbs 7:21). He continues,
"Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith,
have done no wickedness" (Proverbs 30:20).
4. Job uses the exact thought that Paul used in Romans 3:13-14.
5. Job speaks of the iniquity of the tongue (Job 6:30).
6. Although the tongue is the most unruly member of our entire body, it can be
controlled.
If we do not learn to control the tongue, Job reminds us that God will bring it
under control. He promises to take the wise in their own craftiness (Job 5:13-14).
and to disappoint the devices of the crafty (Job 5:12).
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M. The Sins Against The Poor
Some unknown author has quipped, "God must love poor people. because He made
so many of them." The fact is that God does Have a special love for certain
groups of people, including the poor, the fatherless, and the widows. Job
has much to say on all of these subjects, as does the entire Bible. Our
study will be confined to the Book of Job alone.
1. Zophar knew that it was the sacred obligation of God's people to please and
care for the poor (Job 20:10).
He knew that physical punishment comes from God upon those who oppress the poor
(Job 20:19-20).
The Book of Job teaches that it is a sin to take a pledge from a poor man when he
cannot repay (Job 24:9-10).
Later God made this a part of the Mosaic Law. Deuteronomy 24:10 states, "When
thou dost lend thy brother any' thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his
pledge " (KJB).
Job reports shamefully what we read in our newspapers daily. that the poor are
killed by murderers in the daytime (Job 24:14).
Do you recall Bergen-Belsen, Treblinka, Auschwitz and Buchenwald?
2. Since Job knew of God's intentions in the area of the poor, Job made every
effort to use his vast wealth in the aiding of the poor.
Job testified that he delivered the poor that cried and the fatherless and him
that had none to help (Job 29:12).
Job affirmed that his soul would grieve for the poor (Job 31:19).
Job used his enormous resources to help the poor of his community. (Job 31:16-22).
3. God promised in the Book of Job to protect the poor and to give them hope
(Job 5:15-16).
God promised to judge those who turn away the needy and cause them to hide in
fear (Job 24:4).
God also pledged deliverance for the poor (Job 36:15).
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N. The Sin Of Forsaking The Fear Of God
The word "fear" and its components are used 22 times in the Book of Job in
twenty two verses. The fear of God is grossly misunderstood by many
Christians. As a result, this sin of neglecting the fear of God is prominent
in our Laodicean church age. Note how fear is described in the Book of
Proverbs: (Proverbs 1:7; 8:13; 9:10.).
When the Bible speaks of fear of God it is not referring to some type of
paranoia or heathen like phobia. The Bible defines its own terms. The Bible
most certainly defines the type of fear God expects from His people.
Dr. C. I. Scofield has given to the world one of the best reference Bibles on
the market in the Old Scofield Reference Bible, in the opinion of the author.
However, his footnote on the subject of fear is one with which the author
cannot agree. He says: The "fear of the Lord," a phrase of the O.T. piety,
meaning reverential trust with hatred of evil. (C. I Scofield, Reference
Bible, (New York, 1909), p. 607).
Psalm 19:9: "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever..."
1 The "fear of the Lord," a phrase of the Old Testament piety, meaning reverential trust,
with hatred of evil. -- Note Page 607, SRB.
The author has checked every reference in the Bible on the subject of
fear
and can find no hint that "fear of God" means anything else but a sound,
healthy fear of God. Perhaps a few examples will suffice to clarify the Bible
teaching on the subject of fear. When fear came upon Eliphaz, he trembled,
his bones shook, and his hair stood up on end. (Job 4:14, 15).
At the foot of Mount Sinai, fear of God meant the people were just plain
scared. (Exodus 20:19-20).
Once again in the Sinai, God promised to send His terror upon Israel's
enemies. (Exodus 23:27).
In the days of King Jehoshaphat, God's fear upon Israel's enemies scared the
wits out of them. (2 Chronicles 20:29).
In Philippians 2:12, fear is connected with trembling.
In Revelation 11:11, fear means fear, most certainly not reverential trust.
We conclude, therefore, that Bible fear means: fearing God (Proverbs 15:33).
("The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is
humility.");
not man.
(Deuteronomy 3:22, "Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God he shall fight
for you."); being more worried about what God thinks
(Psalm 25:12-14, "What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the
way that he shall choose. His soil shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit
the earth. The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them
his covenant.");
than what man thinks (Job 31:34; Psalm 119:74; Jeremiah 33:9).
With this background, let us observe what Job has to say about fear.
1. Job testified that he did fear God (Job 1:1, 1:9).
as we all need to fear Him (Job 37:23-24).
Eliphaz reminded Job that what he feared had come upon him (Job 4:4-6).
Job repeated this same truth (Job 3:25)
Job describes those who have forsaken the fear of the Almighty(Job 6:14).
Eliphaz speaks of a fear that came upon him that caused him to tremble and made
all his bones to shake (Job 4:14).
Eliphaz gives us a solemn warning that when we cast off the fear of God we will
neglect prayer(Job 15:4).
Job assures the believer that he can know that God will protect the houses of
those who fear God (Job 21:9).
God warns of those silly people who mock at the fear of God and foolishly boast
that they are not afraid of Him (Job 39:22).
God also reminds the arrogant that God is not afraid of them (Job 22:4).
Job knew without a doubt that the fear of the Lord is wisdom and to depart from
evil is understanding (Job 28:28).
God then uses a pertinent illustration to confirm the point. He uses an
ostrich as an example of man's foolishness. He describes how the ostrich
will lay her eggs in the dust and leave them unattended without ever
considering that some man might come along and step on her eggs or a wild
beast might tramp on them causing her labors to be in vain. God excuses the
ostrich, however, because God said He had deprived her of wisdom and
understanding since she has no fear of God. (Job 39:13-17).
This illustration is given to show how ridiculously man can act when he no
longer fears God. Like the stupid ostrich, God will deprive such a man of both
wisdom and understanding. Although man will think he is acting intelligently,
he is really acting as a fool. When God speaks of Leviathan, He notes that
Leviathan has no fear of God as well (Job 41:33).
Since Leviathan is used by God to describe Satan, we note that although Satan
has wisdom and knowledge, God has deprived him of understanding, as the
ostrich, since Satan has no fear of God, See Chapter Five for a complete
study of Leviathan.
2. God describes some punishments for those who have forsaken their fear of God.
In Job 4:6-8 ["Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of
thy ways?"].
God reminds men through Eliphaz, as they have sowed, so shall they reap. God
warns that those who no longer fear Him will perish with a blast of God (Job 4:9).
For those who will not willingly fear God, He punishes them by bringing a
supernatural fear upon them that will cause them to panic (Job 9:34; Job 22:10).
God promises He will extract a penalty for forgetting Him (Job 8:13-14).
He also notes that He can bring His supernatural fear upon a man or He can
withhold it (Job 25:2).
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O. The Sins Of Deceitfulness And Lying
These two common sins, considered in many circles as merely good business
practices, are considered loathsome to God. Turning once again to Herbert
Lockyer for clarification of the words, he explains:
The word already considered, "Avon" speaks of a crooked or perverse attitude and
illustrates the terrible twist within human nature as the result of sin. . . . Sin
entered the world through a blasphemous lie and maintains its hold upon men by asking
them to believe a lie . . .
So we have:
Our Lord confirms the lying nature of sin when He speaks of the devil as one
who is a stranger to truth (John 8:44).
*(Lockyer, All The Doctrines Of The Bible, pp. 156-157).
1. Job knew what it was to have his brethren deal with him deceitfully
(Job 6:15).
2. Not only does the foot hasten to deceitfulness (Job 31:5).
3. Additional references to deceitfulness are found in Job 12:16; 15:31; 15:35.
4. Lying is usually evident, especially if one of the Lord's own would be guilty of
this sin (Job 6:28).
5. If you know you are right, do not lie by pretending that maybe you are not
right, (Job 34:6; 31:6).
A personal note: Not sure the connection of 5. If you . . . with Job 34:6?). This
is not humility, but false modesty and is a lie. Not only that, but liars should not
cause honest people to hold their peace, (Job 11:3).
6. Liars forge their own lies (Job 13:4).
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P. The Sins Of Complaining And Bitterness
Job was perplexed as to why. all of a sudden, he is faced with these terrible
calamities. He knows he has been turned over to Satan for some reason, but he
cannot understand why (Job 16:11). As a result, Job was guilty of these two
sins of complaining and bitterness, according to his own testimony. We have
no record, however, that God charged Job with these sins. When James
speaks of the "patience of Job"(James 5:11), we must remember Job did not
remain patient through out his entire experience: In fact, after the
first seven days and seven nights on the ash heap, concluding with
Chapter Two, Job begins in Chapter Three with a series of complaints
and bitter remarks. Who among us could blame Job, however?
Nevertheless, these sins are recorded in the Book, but do not appear
to be charged against Job by God.
1. Examples of Job's complaining about his state before God:
(Job 7:11; 7:13; 9:27; 10:1; 21:4; 23:2).
2. Not only did Job complain, but Job acknowledged that he was bitter. Note the
references in Job,
(Job 3:20; 7:11; 9:18; 10:1; 23:2).
3. Job felt that Elihu had written bitter things against him (Job 13:26).
4. Job tells us of those who become bitter and then die in bitterness of soul
(Job 21:25). Thank God, this was not true in Job's case. We find Job repenting
(Job 42:6), and having the assurance that all his sins were forgiven by His
Wonderful Lord.
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Q. The Sin Of Vanity
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R. The Sin Of Hypocrisy
The Hebrew word for "hypocrite" is "chaneph" which means, someone who is
soiled or impious. One who is morally filthy. (James Strong, Strong's
Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible, (Nashville, 1890), Heb. Note, 2611, p.
41.).
W.E. Vine gives the Greek New Testament etymology of the word. He informs us,
"Hupokrites, a stage-actor. It was custom for Greek and Roman actors to speak in
large masks with mechanical devices for augmenting the force of the voice: hence
the word became used metaphorically of a dissembler, a hypocrite." (W.E. Vine,
An Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words, (Westwood, N.J., 1940), p. 242.).
The Britannica World Language Dictionary describes the word as meaning. "The feigning
to be what one is not; extreme insincerity."
1. Hypocrisy and hypocrites were prevalent in Job's day. Job makes it plain, that
their sham will soon be exposed, not only by man, but certainly by God. Job declares,
the hypocrites hope shall perish (Job 8:13).
Not only that, but Job is assured that the innocent shall rise up against the
hypocrite (Job 17:8).
2. The hypocrite's joy will last but for a moment (Job 20:5), and he will not reign
long (Job 34:30).
3. Job once again seems to be referring to the religious cults of his day when he
says."the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate:" (Job 15:34). He also knows
that the hypocrites in heart shall heap up wrath (Job 36:13).
4. God promises to take action against the hypocrites by noting that the hypocrite
shall not come before Him (Job 13:16). . The reason is to be found in the fact that
God will take away the hypocrite's soul (Job 27:8).
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S. The Sins Of Idle Words And Flattery
Since God has communicated with man with words, God considers words to be
highly significant. God has a particular aversion to idle words or feigned
words of hypocrisy. For this reason the Savior gives strong warnings in
Matthew 12:36-37).
God requires that there be two or three witnesses to verify and establish the
truth of a word. See Matthew 18:16.
God used three witnesses to establish His own words. Read 1 John 5:7-8.
God is so firm in His position on words that lie threatens anyone who tampers
with His Sacred Words with plagues and Hell. (Revelation 22:18-19; See
Note Page 1353_3.)
1. This, however, does not stop men from engaging in this sin. Compare references
in Job 11:2; 15:3; 15:13; 16:3).
2. Eliphaz warned in Job's day that a man's mouth would condemn him and his own
lips would testify against him (Job 15:6). These are nearly the exact words of the
New Testament.
3. Very significantly, Job knew that God had kept a record
of all of his own
words and actions (Job 16:19, "Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my
record is on high."). Notice God's record keeping system as is explained in
Revelation 20:11-15.
4. The sin of flattery is referred to in Job 17:5, together with God's promise
that He will judge with death those who are guilty of this sin (Job 32:22).
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T. Man's Sins Against His Fellowman
This division of the variations of sins found in the Book of Job is also a
large list. We must remember, however, that although we may think our sins
are merely against another human being, the Bible principle defines for us
the truth that all sin is against God. King David committed adultery with
Bathsheba and then had her husband Uriah killed to cover his sins. Note
the story in
2 Samuel 11:3-5; 11:14-17; 12:9.
David was then convicted of his terrible deeds. When he confessed his sins
to the Lord, however, notice how David prayed as recorded: (Psalm 51:4)
We conclude, therefore, as we list the sins of man against man in the Book
of Job, that they are all really sins against God and sins for which the
perpetrator will be held responsible as though they committed these sins
directly against God Himself.
1. Job lists war as one of the sins of man against his fellow man
(Job 5:20; 10:17).
An unknown author has made this observation, "War is God's judgment on sin here and
Hell is God's judgment on sin here alter."
2. Job speaks of overwhelming the fatherless (Job 6:27).
3.The Book of Job warns against digging a pit for your
friends (Job 6:27).
of crooked neighbors who move their land marks and thus steal a portion of their
neighbor's property (Job 24:2).
Job also reminds us that it is a sin to in any way endanger a neighbor's life
(Job 31:39).
to steal our neighbor's flocks (Job 24:2).
or to be dishonest in our business dealings (Job 24:4).
4. Job lists the sins of misrepresenting
God before others (Job 13:7).
the actions of the ungodly against believers (Job 16:11).
Job even acknowledges that he had been mocked (Job 17:2; 21:3).
while others spit in his face (Job 30:10).
They were classified as workers of iniquity (Job 31:3).
5.Job also lists some very obvious sins such as bribery
(Job 15:34)
6. Job then enumerates a list of sins that may sound strange to the ears of the
20th century Christians as being in the category of sin. Some examples: Not caring
for your servants (Job 31:13).
refusing to practice hospitality (Job 31:32).
fearing to stand with the minority against the majority in the cause of truth
(Job 31:34).
not abusing his land as a farmer (Job 31:38).
and not being concerned about the problems of others (Job 29:16; 30:25).
7. Job speaks of persecuting a brother in the Lord
(Job 19:22; 21:27).
This reminds us of Paul's admonition in Galatians 6:1-5.
8. Job mentions the sin of adultery (Job 24:15),
but then moves into New Testament
truth when he declares he had never sinned by looking lustfully at a maid (Job 31:1).
9. Job warned against sinning by rejoicing at the destruction
of one of your
enemies(Job 31:29-30).
10. Job again included on his list of sins, actions that are probably rarely
considered sins by modern day Christians. He includes, not caring for widows
(Job 29:13; 31:16), although this is New Testament doctrine found in
1 Timothy 5:3-9.
The following are also considered sins in the Book of Job:
11. Although Job was a wealthy man, he knew the dangers
of riches; how they could
destroy a man and that no trust was to be placed in them Job 31:24-25.
Again it is so impressive to see how God's revelations to His Old Testament
saints corresponds exactly with the truth revealed in the New Testament. Our Savior
warned against trusting in riches in Matthew 19:21-26.
James also sounds the warning of the dangers of riches leading to sins
(James 2:1-7; 5:1-6).
Herbert Lockyer adds this helpful advice; (Lockyer, All The Doctrines Of The
Bible. p. 251):
My money! Mine own! ? And yet our handling of money suggests that it is
ours. But it is His, all His, and no one else's, not even yours. Therefore, we
should allow Him to trade with it, and use it for spiritual purposes. It has been
said that all men adopt as their motto: "Win gold," but men are distinguished from
each other by the practical ending of that motto:
The miser adds, "and spare it."
The vain man adds, "and wear it."
The generous man adds, "and share it."
The prodigal adds, "and spend it."
The gambler adds, "and lose it."
The usurer adds, "and lend it."
The fool adds, "and end it."
But the wise man adds, "and use it." ?
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U. The Sins Of Man Against God
Although Job identifies the sins that man commits against his fellow-man which
are really sins against His Creator, nevertheless, Job is also aware of
definite sins that man purposely commits against God.
1. Job speaks of men provoking God (Job 12:6), and knowingly opposing His will
for their lives (Job 15:25).
2. Pride caused them to rebel against the truth that God had revealed to them
(Job 35:12; 41:34; 24:12; 31:33).
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V. Their Relationship With God
It is normal for the sinner to try and plead ignorance when he is caught
in the act of sin. This will never work with God, however, for the Lord
knows exactly what He has revealed to man. Not only that, in these latter
days, we have that completed revelation written down in the Book we call
the Bible. Therefore, man is without excuse. (Romans 3:19; 1:20).
1. Mankind knew in Job's day that there was a real Heaven and a literal Hell.
(Job 11:8; 26:6).
2. They knew that God corrected the erring sinner with chastening (Job 5:17),
which is also taught plainly in Hebrews 12:5-11.
3. They were well aware that God gives the sinner less than he deserves.
Job 11:6; Ephesians 2:8-9).
4. They were knowledgeable that it is impossible for man to bring a clean thing
out of an unclean. (Job 14:4; Romans 5:15).
5. Those who were God's children were conscious of the fact that God would deal
with their sins as well. (Job 21:19). Note the truth on this matter in
1 Corinthians 3:11-15.
6. The unsaved knew that the wicked do live, become old, sometimes prosper, but
that Hell would be waiting for them. (Job 21:7-34).
7. Finally, Job teaches us that his contemporaries understood that there was a
reward awaiting all of those who would faithfully serve Almighty God. (Job 36:10-11).
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