_Moreover Job continued his parable._ POINTS IN JOB’S PARABLE I. A solemn asseveration. “As God liveth.” The words imply a belief-- 1. In the reality of the Divine existence. Whilst some deny this fact, the bulk of the race practically ignore it. 2. In the awfulness of the Divine existence. Ther... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Almighty hath vexed my soul._ A VEXED SOUL COMFORTED The word “who” was put into this verse by the translators, but it is not wanted; it is better as I have read it to you, “The Almighty hath vexed my soul.” The marginal reading is perhaps a more exact translation of the original: “The Almight... [ Continue Reading ]
_Till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me._ MORAL COURAGE It is the aim of all men to secure happiness. As to the course they think best adapted to secure this they differ most widely, and as to what constitutes real happiness the most different opinions are entertained, yet the desire f... [ Continue Reading ]
_For what is the hope of the hypocrite?_ THE CHARACTER AND HOPE OF THE HYPOCRITE I. The character of the hypocrite. By a hypocrite we understand not a self-deceiver, but a deceiver of others. To himself his real character is known, as it is also to God, the Judge of all; but it is hid from his fel... [ Continue Reading ]
_Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?_ THE PRIVATIONS OF GODNESSNESS I. He has no refuge in trouble. When “trouble cometh upon him” he cannot cry unto God with any hope of being heard and answered (Job 27:9) . What shall we think of the man who, in the ordering of his life, does not... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will teach you by the hand of God._ GOD’S TREATMENT OF WICKED MEN Looking at Job’s lecture or address, we have to notice two things. I. Its introduction. The eleventh and twelfth verses may be regarded as an exordium; and in this exordium he indicates two things. 1. That his arguments are dra... [ Continue Reading ]
_Though he heap up silver as the dust._ HOARDING I. The wicked hoarding their wealth. They “heap up silver as the dust.” As a rule, this is the grand work of wicked men on the earth. On it they concentrate all their energies; to it they devote all their time. II. The hoarded wealth of the wicked... [ Continue Reading ]
_Men shall clap their hands at him; and shall hiss him out of his place._ HISSED OFF THE STAGE This allusion seems to be dramatic. The Bible more than once makes such allusions. Paul says, “We are made a theatre or spectacle to angels and to men.” It is evident from the text that some of the habits... [ Continue Reading ]