Dr. Kim Riddlebarger: One thing is now becoming clear–Job, the sufferer, is now longing to probe deeper into the mysteries of God’s providence, while Job’s friends focus entirely on the their distorted views of the suffering of the wicked. Bildad is clearly resentful of Job’s low estimate of his three friends’ theological abilities.Whereas Eliphaz tried … More Bildad is much more cantankerous.
Dr. Kim Riddlebarger comments on Job 17: Because of his glimmer of hope and because he has faith in the God of the promise (however, weak that faith may be), Job knows his friends cannot help him. This is why his hope is in God. As Job’s mood swings widely, even to the point of despair as … More Glimmer of hope and faith
Dr. Kim Riddlebarger continues his commentary on Job, Chapter 16: As we see in verses 9-14, Job feels like God has turned against him. “God assails me and tears me in his anger and gnashes his teeth at me; my opponent fastens on me his piercing eyes. Men open their mouths to jeer at me; … More Job’s eschatology is much better than Eliphaz’s!
Dr. Kim Riddlebarger comments on Job 11: In Zophar’s estimation, Job refuses to see the obvious. Even if Job were granted what he requests–an open debate with God–God’s justice would consume him immediately. Job is an exaggerator and an impatient man. But Zophar has missed Job’s point and now mocks his friend. What Zophar cannot grasp is that … More More self-righteous lectures
Dr. Kim Riddlebarger continues in the commentary on Job: In Job 10:1-7, without breaking stride, Job turns from debate to prayer, demanding a hearing before the heavenly court. “I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to … More Job cries out to God in despair
Dr. Kim Riddlebarger on Job 8: This brings us to cycle one, round two, and the speech from Bildad and Job’s response. Bildad picks up where Eliphaz left off. Utterly insensitive to Job’s lament and his defense against Eliphaz’s accusation, Bildad doggedly returns to the theme of divine justice, even calling Job a windbag in … More Round 2 from Job’s Insensitive Friends
Dr. Kim Riddlebarger comments on Job 6 Job cannot take anymore. And so in 6:1-7:2, he responds to his friend. Eliphaz’s words do not bring Job comfort. Instead, they bring forth an emotional outbrust and protest from Job against the insinuation that there is some hidden sin in his life which has caused God to … More “A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends”
Behold, this we have searched out; it is true. Hear, and know it for your good.” —Job 5:27 ESV Dr. Kim Riddlebarger sheds some light on Job 5: The problem is not so much with Eliphaz’s theology, but his ineptness as a counselor. A sufferer not need to be told to take his … More The last thing Job needs is a lecture
“Remember: who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off? As I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same. —Job 4:7-8 ESV Dr. Kim Riddlebarger preached a sermon series in Job, and here is an excerpt from Job 4-14, “Though … More Job’s friends all infer that Job has committed some great sin
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. —James 5:16 ESV Kim Riddlebarger: What is the most important thing that a persecuted and suffering church can do? The answer is so obvious that … More Prayer is not a magical “abracadabra”
