Job 9-10: If God Were Only Human!

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of Job.

When the bottom falls out of life, we cry, "Where is God when I am hurting? Does he really understand? Can he do anything? Does God dwell in heaven unmoved by our cries?" Sometimes the Bible presents the most important truths not in a frontal attack or a prophetic pronouncement, but in a pregnant hint. This passage is a case in point. It takes us one step farther to the edge of the greatest of all discoveries, the gospel itself—that God should become a human being, making himself totally accessible to his own creatures.

Warming Up to God

Try to remember your first pictures or impressions of God. Was God distant, close, awesomely different, totally unlike anyone human, or very similar to your earthly father or mother? Explain.

Read Job 9-10

Discovering the Word

• Notice that Job's friends talk about God, but Job talks to God. How does Job characterize God (9:1-13)?
• Why does Job feel it is becoming pointless to complain to God (9:14-20)?
• Why is it equally pointless to put on a happy face (9:27-31)?
• What does Job feel is wrong about his God (9:32-35 and 10:1-7)?
• In none of his petitions does Job ask for his sickness to be cured. Describe what it is he wants from God.

Applying the Word

• In what ways has Jesus Christ made Job's deepest dream a reality?
• When tragedy strikes what difference does it make to know that God has come in the flesh (Jn 1:14)?

Responding in Prayer

Follow Job's model and talk to God about the concerns on your heart—even if you are concerned about God's own character.