Job calls out Bildad for his shameless attacks, pointing out that Bildad is not trying to help Job, but rather to exalt himself (5). Job wants his friends to see how "God has wronged" Job by not responding to his cry for justice. It seems that God is personally angry with him as an enemy (11). As a result, all of Job's family and friends have abandoned him. He only escaped his own death by the skin of his teeth!

Job appeals again to his friends: "Have pity on me!" (21), but they continue to act as enemies, pursuing him. Job longs that his story be written down, both on a scroll to be shared and inscribed on rock, so generations of the public could read it. Stories are powerful. We do well to take time to listen to each other's stories, rather than give simple answers to the suffering of our friends.

But Job had another reason to have his story written: he had faith that there is one who will indeed advocate for him: "my redeemer lives" Job states. Who is this redeemer? The Hebrew word refers to a kinsman-redeemer, like Boaz who took in Ruth (Ruth 4:1-6). But Job had already stated that all his family rejected him (13-19). Job has faith in God in spite of his impending death. Job's heart yearns to see God, even though God treats him as an enemy! Why? The redeemer who will intercede.


Application: Father, thank you for redeeming us through your Son Jesus. Help me put my faith in him today.
One Word: I know that my Redeemer lives