Job 21:2 - Job: God will Punish the Wicked
Listen carefully to my words;
Job is addressing his friends, urging them to pay close attention to his defense. This plea for attentive listening is a common theme in wisdom literature, emphasizing the importance of understanding and discernment. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, oral communication was a primary means of conveying wisdom and knowledge. Job's request reflects a deep desire for his friends to truly hear and understand his perspective, rather than merely preparing their next argument. This echoes the biblical principle found in James 1:19, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak."
let this be your consolation to me.
Job is asking his friends to offer him the comfort of being heard, rather than the misguided consolation they have been providing. In the historical context, friends were expected to offer support and solace during times of suffering. However, Job's friends have instead accused him of wrongdoing. This phrase highlights the importance of empathy and genuine support in relationships, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, such as in Romans 12:15, which encourages believers to "mourn with those who mourn." Job's request for consolation through listening also foreshadows the ultimate comfort found in Christ, who is described as the "Wonderful Counselor" in Isaiah 9:6.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. In this chapter, Job is responding to his friends who have been offering explanations for his suffering.
2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who have been attempting to console Job with their own understanding of God's justice, often suggesting that Job's suffering is due to his own sin.
3. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.
4. God
The ultimate sovereign being, whose justice and ways are being questioned and explored throughout the Book of Job.
5. Suffering and Consolation
The broader theme of the book, focusing on the nature of suffering and the search for comfort and understanding in the midst of trials.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Listening
Job's plea underscores the value of truly listening to others, especially those who are suffering. In our interactions, we should prioritize understanding over offering premature advice.
Seeking True Consolation
Consolation comes not from empty platitudes but from genuine empathy and understanding. As believers, we are called to offer comfort that reflects God's compassion.
The Role of Friends in Times of Suffering
Friends can be a source of great comfort or additional pain. We should strive to be friends who listen and support rather than judge and assume.
Understanding God's Justice
Job's discourse challenges us to consider the complexity of God's justice and the mystery of suffering. It invites us to trust in God's wisdom even when we do not understand our circumstances.
Patience in Suffering
Job's endurance encourages us to remain patient and faithful in our trials, trusting that God is present and working even when His ways are not clear to us.
(2) Hear diligently my speech.--"Listen to my words, and let that be the consolation you give me."
Hebrew
“Listen
שִׁמְע֣וּ (šim·‘ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently
carefully
שָׁ֭מוֹעַ (mō·w·a‘)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently
to my words;
מִלָּתִ֑י (mil·lā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4405: A word, a discourse, a topic
let this
זֹ֝֗את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,
be
וּתְהִי־ (ū·ṯə·hî-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be
your consolation [to me].
תַּנְח֥וּמֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃ (tan·ḥū·mō·ṯê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 8575: Compassion, solace
Links
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Job 21:2 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Job 21:2 Listen diligently to my speech (Jb)