Job 40:1-2 (ESV)
And the LORD said to Job:
“Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
He who argues with God, let him answer it.”
In the middle of God’s speaking to Job, God inserts the above statement. During Job’s discourse with his friends, he had begged for an audience with God that he might plead his case before God:
Job 16:20-21 (ESV)
My friends scorn me;
my eye pours out tears to God,
that he would argue the case of a man with God,
as a son of man does with his neighbor.
Job 31:35 (ESV)
Oh, that I had one to hear me!
(Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!)
Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary!
As a result of these words, God does give Job an audience. The proceeding chapters have been God unfolding His omnipotence and His omniscience displayed in His creation. Job has been humbled, as result. Notice Job’s response to God’s rebuke of him:
Job 40:3-5 (ESV)
Then Job answered the LORD and said:
“Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you?
I lay my hand on my mouth.
I have spoken once, and I will not answer;
twice, but I will proceed no further.”
God will go on, but this interlude is to capture Job’s mind and correct his presumptuous attitude about God. God will give us an audience, but it is not an “on-demand” action. God wants to speak to us. He desires that we reach out to him. But, in the above rebuke we see God telling Job, “I am here, I am giving you your audience. Do you still wish to tell me I have been wrong, or do you want to correct me in my plans, purpose and practices?” God is giving Job the very thing Job wants. Job wanted God to show and tell his three friends that he was innocent. God will actually do that in chapter 42. He will correct Job’s three friends and Job will be vindicated. But, first and foremost, God wants Job to learn of His power and purposes. Job is, rightly so, put to silence. Job received the audience he wanted with God, but just not the God he thought he would see in that audience.
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