Job 7:1-21
Q.1. What was Job’s view of life while in the midst of his suffering? Did he still hope for a reversal of his fortunes? What did Job need? – (Job 7:1-10)
Job’s loss of health had made him feel like a number in a system, and no better than a hired man or slave seeking relief from the burden of the day. His sleep did not refresh him. He could not find any comfort. He was convinced that nothing would improve and that he would never experience any good again. He just needed someone to listen to him uncritically, and with some measure of compassion.
Q.2. What anguish did Job experience because he could not understand his suffering? How did he respond to being the target of God’s chastening? What did he long for? – (Job 7:11-21)
Job felt that he was being treated like a monster – that was trapped by a dreaded foe. He felt like Jeremiah of old – O Lord, You have deceived me and I was deceived; You have overcome me and prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all day long; Everyone mocks me (Jer.20:7 c.f. Job 7:11-12). He cried out his complaint – 17 “What is man that You magnify him, and that You are concerned about him, 18 That You examine him every morning and try him every moment? 19 “Will You never turn Your gaze away from me, nor let me alone until I swallow my spittle? 20 “Have I sinned? What have I done to You, O watcher of men? Why have You set me as Your target, so that I am a burden to myself? (Job.20:17-20). Through the influence of his friends, Job examined his heart and asked – “Why then do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust; And You will seek me, but I will not be.” (Job.7:21). Job longed for relief, not only from his pain, but also from the torturous questions of his mind. Suffering can do that to anyone.