The Book of Job, Chapters 22-28

Job Chapter 22

(Job 22:1-2 [KJV])

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

• The implied answer here is no, from Eliphaz

(Job 22:3 [KJV])

Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?

• This is a man who does not understand salvation at all
• He has thrown in the towel on serving and glorifying God........it is not worthwhile

(Job 22:4 [KJV])

Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?

• This is a nonsensical statement, showing his lack of understanding of who God is
• Actually, we saints get to judge, in the future

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(1 Corinthians 6:2-5 [KJV])

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?  Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?  If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.  I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

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(Job 22:5 [KJV])

Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite?

• In God's eyes, no
• In man's eyes, he was perfect and upright
• In Eliphaz's eyes, Job was a wretch who deserved all he got in this trial!

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(Job 1:1 [KJV])

There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.

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(Job 22:6 [KJV])

For thou hast taken a pledge from thy brother for nought, and stripped the naked of their clothing.

• Job has done nothing wrong he can find, so he makes things up.

(Job 22:7 [KJV])

Thou hast not given water to the weary to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from the hungry.

• If Job had done all of this, he would not have been declared a "man that was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil."

(Job 22:8 [KJV])

But as for the mighty man, he had the earth; and the honourable man dwelt in it.

• A mocking statement directed as Job, disrespectful
• Sort of like saying, "Oh yeah. You!  Mr. Might Man!"

(Job 22:9 [KJV])

Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

• Very doubtful Job ever did this.
• Job prayed and made sacrifices for his own children, just on case they might have sinned
• He did this 'continually"
• This is not the type of person who would abandon orphans and widows at all

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(Job 1:5 [KJV])

And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

(James 1:27 [KJV])

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

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(Job 22:10-11 [KJV])

Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee; Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee.

• Snares in Proverbs, Psalms, etc. are for the foolish and the wicked
• Which has nothing to do with Job.............again

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(Proverbs 3:25 [KJV])

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

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(Job 22:12 [KJV])

Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are!

• Well, at least Elpihaz sees the Creation as God's handiwork
• Well, at least Elpihaz knows where God dwells

(Job 22:13 [KJV])

And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?

• Did Job ever say this?  Job knows that God knows
• Job knows God can see through the dark clouds-he created them!

(Job 22:14 [KJV])

Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven.

• Um, thick clouds and solid granite with lead  a trillion miles thick cannot prevent God from seeing anything or anyone.
• God sees everything and everyone. he is transcendent

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(Psalm 139:7-8 [KJV])

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

(Proverbs 15:3 [KJV])

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

(1 Samuel 16:7 [KJV])

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

(Psalm 14:2-3 [KJV])

The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

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(Job 22:15-17 [KJV])

Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men have trodden? Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood: Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?

• He is asking if Job hangs out with the old, wicked unbelievers who rejected God and were destroyed

(Job 22:18 [KJV])

Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

• "the counsel of the wicked is far from me" is a joke, since he is a wicked counselor!

(Job 22:19 [KJV])

The righteous see it, and are glad: and the innocent laugh them to scorn.

• Eliphaz includes himself in the righteous
• He thinks that the wicked are mocked by the world-they are not, they are loved by it

(Job 22:20 [KJV])

Whereas our substance is not cut down, but the remnant of them the fire consumeth.

• One fate for the good Eliphaz, one fate for the wicked, according to Eliphaz
• Eliphaz always equates Job's tragedies with his wickedness, never once considering any other cause, such as God allowing it.

(Job 22:21 [KJV])

Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

• "Just come to God like me, Job, and be blessed"

(Job 22:22 [KJV])

Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.

• Eliphaz does not even know God's Word, but he is telling Job to follow it!
• Eliphaz would make a truly great religious man in any religion.
• Eliphaz could be a televangelist, Rabbi, Imam, Lama, Manu

(Job 22:23 [KJV])

If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles.

• More if-then statements, implying that Job is far from God
• Being "built-up" in Eliphaz's mind is physical blessings
• Job is built-up already in God, with rich blessings

(Job 22:24 [KJV])

Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks.

• Job will have many physical, earthly riches, if he would just return or go to God!
• Definitely a part of the modern, mainstream, American church

(Job 22:25-26 [KJV])

Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God.

• God the Almighty is Job's defence, and ours also
• His delight is already in the LORD

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God Is Our Defense

(Genesis 15:1 [KJV])

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

(Deuteronomy 33:29 [KJV])

Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.

(2 Samuel 22:3 [KJV])

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

(2 Samuel 22:36 [KJV])

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.

(Psalm 3:3 [KJV])

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

(Psalm 5:12 [KJV])

For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

(Psalm 18:35 [KJV])

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.

(Psalm 28:7 [KJV])

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

(Psalm 33:20 [KJV])

Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.

(Psalm 59:11 [KJV])

Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.

(Psalm 84:9 [KJV])

Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.

(Psalm 84:11 [KJV])

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

(Psalm 91:4 [KJV])

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

(Psalm 115:9 [KJV])

O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

(Psalm 115:10 [KJV])

O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

(Psalm 115:11 [KJV])

Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

(Psalm 119:114 [KJV])

Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

(Psalm 144:2 [KJV])

My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

(Proverbs 30:5 [KJV])

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

(Ephesians 6:16 [KJV])

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

We Delight In God; He Delights In Us

(Psalm 37:4 [KJV])

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

(Psalm 1:2 [KJV])

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

(Proverbs 8:30 [KJV])

Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

(Proverbs 11:20 [KJV])

They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.

(Proverbs 12:22 [KJV])

Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.

(Proverbs 15:8 [KJV])

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

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(Job 22:27 [KJV])

Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.

• God always wants to hear our prayers as believers

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(Psalm 5:3 [KJV])

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

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(Job 22:28 [KJV])

Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person. He shall deliver the island of the innocent: and it is delivered by the pureness of thine  hands.

• He does know a lot ABOUT God
• Again, he speaks "Christianese" very, very well.

Job Chapter 23

"Job's Vacillations"

(Job 23:1-2 [KJV])

Then Job answered and said, Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.

• Now, it seems, the problems in his life are beginning to pale in comparison to his idiotic friends
• But Job is beginning to shift away from them and focus on God

(Job 23:3 [KJV])

Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!

• Hanging around such faithless friends makes even the most hardened spiritual warrior not be able to see God

(Job 23:4 [KJV])

I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

• Job wants to talk directly to God for answers
• He has lots to say to justify himself
• Ordering a cause is a legal term to show cause, explain, justify or prove something
• This is a sign of both faith in God, and not enough faith in God.  He knows who to talk to, but does not know that he does not need to justify himself, because he is already declared righteous before God

Order to show cause

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the legal order. For the NCAA form of sanction of the equivalent name, see show-cause penalty.

An order to show cause, in most Anglo-Saxon law systems, is a type of court order that requires one or more of the parties to a case to justify, explain, or prove something to the court.[1] Courts commonly use orders to show cause when the judge needs more information before deciding whether or not to issue an order requested by one of the parties.[2] For example, if a party requests that the court find another party in contempt of an existing court order, the judge will typically issue an  "Order to Show Cause Re Contempt" to the party accused of being in contempt of court. At the hearing on the order to show cause concerning contempt the judge will take evidence from both sides concerning the alleged failure to comply with the court order. Appellate courts often issue orders to show cause to lower courts requesting that the lower court explain why the appellant should not be granted the relief requested by the writ or appeal. An order to show cause is always an interim order because it is never the first nor the final action in a legal action.

In some jurisdictions, such as New York, an "order to show cause" is used routinely to initiate a motion when a traditional "notice of motion" would not be sufficient—for example, when the moving party wishes to vary the usual schedule for considering a motion, or when a temporary restraining order or other provisional remedy is being sought. By presenting an order to show cause with supporting papers, the moving party has the opportunity to obtain the judge's input at the outset of the motion, rather than waiting until all the moving, answering, and reply papers are fully submitted. The use of an order to show cause instead of a notice of motion does not affect the parties' burden of proof on the underlying motion.

(Job 23:5 [KJV])

I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

• If he were standing directly before God, he thinks he would get some answers about this situation
• But standing directly before God does a lot more than that
• He would not be asking questions, but he would be getting answers and glorifying God

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FACE TO FACE WITH GOD

Isaiah, Face to Face

(Isaiah 6:1-7 [KJV])

In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.  Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.  Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.  Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Angels, Face to Face

(Revelation 4:6 [KJV])

And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

Paul, Face to Face

(2 Corinthians 12:4 [KJV])

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Us, Face to Face

(1 Corinthians 13:12 [KJV])

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Thomas, Face to Face

(John 20:28 [KJV])

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

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(Job 23:6 [KJV])

Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.

• Now he is showing how he personally knows God and His attributes.

(Job 23:7 [KJV])

There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.

• Now in a second later he is showing how he does NOT know how eternity will work!
• The righteous will have nothing to dispute nor discuss, only to discover.
• Our judge is now our attorney on our behalf, showing us to the father as our paid-for-redeemed-clients.

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(Matthew 10:32 [KJV])

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

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(Job 23:8 [KJV])

Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:

On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

• Job cannot find God in any direction he looks or faces.
• But he then comes back to faith.
• Job knows that God knows where we go, and is our refining fire

(Job 23:11 [KJV])

My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

• Throughout all of this, Job has not denied God, no matter what
• This despite his wife, his "friends", despite the uncertainty of why this happened

(Job 23:12 [KJV])

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

• This is a strong faith commitment and declaration
• This also says a lot about the Bible as well

(Job 23:13 [KJV])

But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

• God is not like man-double-minded and therefore unstable

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(James 1:8 [KJV])

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

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(Job 23:14 [KJV])

For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

• God's future and our lives are in His Hands
• Job knows this well, despite the recent events to his life.

(Job 23:15 [KJV])

Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

• Job has a healthy fear of God, which is great
• Notice it is just God's presence and not what He does that is frightful to Job, and should be to us.

(Job 23:16 [KJV])

For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:

• Adversity makes us soften our hearts or harden them.  Good for Job to choose the right road
• However, it is not God, but the enemy who is troubling Job-not to mention his wife and friends

(Job 23:17 [KJV])

Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.

• Job repeats his desire never to have been born, as at the beginning of this whole ordeal
• In this case, though, he may mean right before all of this happened, perhaps showing he does appreciate the life he did have.
• The only way to cover darkness on his face is with God's light and with God.  Job is not feeling God's presence.

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(Job 3:3-7 [KJV])

Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child conceived.  Let that day be darkness; let not God regard it from above, neither let the light shine upon it.  Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it; let a cloud dwell upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it. As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months. Lo, let that night be solitary, let no joyful voice come therein.

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Job Chapter 24

(Job 24:1 [KJV])

Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days?

• Perhaps Job means that they do not know that their days are numbered, or think they will ever die, or when. They simply do not care about their death.

THE WAYS OF THE WICKED

(Job 24:2 [KJV])

Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof.

• Removing landmarks was stealing land, was important to God and brought a curse
• Stealing livestock was stealing food
• This was especially true of widows and orphans

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(Deuteronomy 19:14 [KJV])

Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God giveth thee to possess it.

(Deuteronomy 27:17 [KJV])

Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.

(Proverbs 22:28 [KJV])

Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.

(Proverbs 23:10 [KJV])

Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:

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(Job 24:3 [KJV])

They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge.

• The ass and the ox are for farming, carrying loads, doing work, a livelihood
• Driving them away takes that from the widows and orphans

(Job 24:4 [KJV])

They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.

• These people put fear and dread in the hearts of the poor people, who gather together for comfort

(Job 24:5 [KJV])

Behold, as wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness yieldeth food for them and for their children.

• The wicked get up early to devise wickedness
• They think it is their job to do evil
• All innocent, helpless people are their prey
• They fill themselves with the loot, the booty of their mischief

(Job 24:6 [KJV])

They reap every one his corn in the field: and they gather the vintage of the wicked.

• They prosper with crops, food, wine

(Job 24:7-8 [KJV])

They cause the naked to lodge without clothing, that they have no covering in the cold. They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.

• They turn a blind eye to the needy, leaving them "out in the cold"
• The rain comes down on the poor and naked  also
• They now have to dwell in dark caves, lairs, dens to live in, as do all prey who hide from predators

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(Hebrews 11:38 [KJV])

(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

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• But one day..........the wicked themselves will live in those same caves, some dug by themselves and for themselves

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(Revelation 6:15 [KJV])

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

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(Job 24:9 [KJV])

They pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor.

• They even steal adopted orphans from their mother
• They even lend money, like a pawn shop.

(Job 24:10 [KJV])

They cause him to go naked without clothing, and they take away the sheaf from the hungry;

• Job repeats the crime of leaving the less fortunate without clothes and stealing their food
• This time, the food is their grain crops

(Job 24:11 [KJV])

Which make oil within their walls, and tread their winepresses, and suffer thirst.

• Oil is wealth, wine is partying, dry mouth is a hangover.
• Or perhaps because they are not allowed to drink the wine that the poor tread out for the wicked

(Job 24:12 [KJV])

Men groan from out of the city, and the soul of the wounded crieth out: yet God layeth not folly to them.

• In this life, they suffer no judgment from God
• In the human realm, this seems unfair, until you see their end

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(Psalm 73:1-17 [KJV])

A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.

They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?

Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.

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(Job 24:13 [KJV])

They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

• They continually strive against God and His people

(Job 24:14 [KJV])

The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.

• Killing in the day, stealing in the night.
• The victims are the world's helpless
• There is not much to steal from the poor, which makes this especially egregious

(Job 24:15 [KJV])

The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth his face.

• Darkness is when those who steal other men's wives come out
• Perhaps or probably this is the poor man's wife
• "No eye" does not include God's eyes

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(Psalm 94:2-7 [KJV])

Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud. LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?  How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?  They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.  They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.  Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.

(Proverbs 15:3 [KJV])

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

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(Job 24:16 [KJV])

In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light.

• They case houses, make plots to rob in a deliberate, organized manner
• They are lost

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(John 11:10 [KJV])

But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

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(Job 24:17 [KJV])

For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.

• These people are so wicked that their friends, acquaintances are not only like them, they are also scared of them

(Job 24:18 [KJV])

He is swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.

• When they steal and murder, they do it all quickly under cover of day or night
• All of their loot will eventually catch up to them
• They will die young not to enjoy it
• Someone else will get it from them

(Job 24:19 [KJV])

Drought and heat consume the snow waters: so doth the grave those which have sinned.

• In other words, it is guaranteed that, as the snow melts, so do the wicked perish.

(Job 24:20 [KJV])

The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.

• His own mother will not acknowledge that he exists while he is still alive and after he dies
• He is forgotten........except by maggots and earthworms
• His memory is cut off forever and will die

(Job 24:21 [KJV])

He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow.

• He has no respect for women who cannot get pregnant
• He has no respect for widows
• Since he is also an adulterer, he also simply does not respect women period.

(Job 24:22 [KJV])

He draweth also the mighty with his power: he riseth up, and no man is sure of life.

• He hangs out with huge brute beasts, and no one is safe around him

(Job 24:23 [KJV])

Though it be given him to be in safety, whereon he resteth; yet his eyes are upon their ways.

• God is watching them, though it seems not to be so.  Nothing escapes God's notice
• All will be brought into account.

________________________________

(Matthew 12:36 [KJV])

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

________________________________

(Job 24:24 [KJV])

They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low; they are taken out of the way as all other, and cut off as the tops of the ears of corn.

• The wicked are love by the world-this should come as no surprise to anyone
• "As all other", meaning the death rate is one per person

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(James 4:14 [KJV])

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

___________________________________

(Job 24:25 [KJV])

And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?

• This  all is so evident to those who believe that Job challenges them to show him wrong; and confidently does so as well

Job Chapter 25

Job Chapter 25

(Job 25:1-2 [KJV])

Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, Dominion and fear are with him, he maketh peace in his high places.

• OK. A truth.  What does this have to do with Job, anyways?

(Job 25:3 [KJV])

Is there any number of his armies? and upon whom doth not his light arise?

(Job 25:4 [KJV])

How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

• A repeating theme throughout the Book of Job is justification with God
• Job and all Three Stooges say it.
• Elihu later on says Job is self-justifying, which Job is not

_____________________________

JOB

(Job 9:2 [KJV])

I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?

ELIPHAZ

(Job 15:14 [KJV])

What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

BILDAD

(Job 25:4 [KJV])

How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?

ZOPHAR

(Job 11:2 [KJV])

Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?

ELIHU

(Job 32:2 [KJV])

Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

_____________________________

(Job 25:5-6 [KJV])

Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?

• One thing Bildad understands is the fall
• Unfortunately, he is  misapplying it to Job, and that incorrectly
• Speaking truths which do not apply, or are irrelevant, is dishonest on its face.

Job Chapter 26

(Job 26:1-2 [KJV])

But Job answered and said, How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?

• Job interviews him and asks him  if he  likes playing savior and what is his experience doing it
• How do you save an arm that has no strength? Apparently not like they are trying
• This may be to Bildad's referral in chapter 25 to the number of God's army

(Job 26:3 [KJV])

How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?

• He asks about his ability to impart wisdom to his fellow man
• Job wants Bildad to know that all that Bildad has said that is of a truth came from God........all else that he has said came from the flesh or the enemy

(Job 26:4 [KJV])

To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?

• Apparently Job is referring to the fact that his counsel is spiritual, or attempting to be
• This implies that it is not the spirit of God, but his own spirit or a lying spirit Bildad is speaking through
• There is such as thing as a lying spirit from the LORD as well

______________________________

(2 Chronicles 18:21 [KJV])

And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the LORD said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so.  Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee.

(1 Kings 22:22-23 [KJV])

And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee.

(Job 26:5 [KJV])

Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof.

• Speaking of Creation, and a mystery....perhaps about the afterlife, perhaps something we do not know about, perhaps again about Creation of the "fowls of the air"
• This can also easily be speaking of hell, which is in the next verse, as being under the earth, under the oceans.

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(Genesis 1:20 [KJV])

And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.

(Mark 5:13 [KJV])

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

(Revelation 20:13 [KJV])

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

___________________________________

(Job 26:6 [KJV])

Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.

• Going with verse 5, this could be the "dead things that are formed from under the waters"
• God see everything in hell, heaven, on earth

_____________________________________

(Psalm 139:7-8 [KJV])

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

_____________________________________

(Job 26:7 [KJV])

He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.

• It would seem that Heaven is northward in relation to earth, since asking anyone where Heaven is makes them point up and not down!
• There is also a massive empty space in the northern part of our galaxy area, three to four times the size of many or perhaps any other known voids.

_____________________________________

http://www.nytimes.com/1981/10/02/us/vast-hole-in-space-appears-to-defy-theories.html

VAST 'HOLE' IN SPACE APPEARS TO DEFY THEORIES

By WALTER SULLIVAN

Published: October 2, 1981

¶Using telescopes at three major observatories, astronomers have found what appears to be an almost total void so large it would make up about 1 percent of the observable universe. It is by far the largest departure from a uniform distribution of galaxies yet detected, and the discovery is said to demand revision of current theories on how the universe evolved.

¶So great a volume of the universe would ordinarily contain about 2,000 galaxies. In the newly discovered void, galaxies seem rare. The ''hole'' in space is estimated to be 300 million light years wide. In contrast, the Milky Way, the luminous band of billions of stars forming the galaxy within which the Earth lies, is 100,000 light years wide. A light year is the distance traveled by light in one year at 186,000 miles a second.

¶Scientists Are Puzzled

¶One of the observers, Dr. Paul L. Schechter of the Kitt Peak National Observatory, said that finding a region where the average density of material was one-tenth that of the universe as a whole ''is exceedingly hard to understand.''

¶A foundation of modern theories regarding the universe, the cosmological principle, states that the distribution of matter and motion in the universe on the average is homogeneous in all directions. The current finding is a major challenge to that principle.

¶It is widely believed that the universe was formed in a great explosion, or ''big bang,'' 10 billion to 20 billio n years ago. Clustering of Galaxies

¶When the universe was still very young, about 1.5 million years old, according to Dr. Schechter, the galaxies are thought to have still been quite uniformly scattered through space. Since then, gravity has gradually drawn the galaxies into clusters and superclusters, forming great voids in between.

¶But until now, no void comparable to the one just identified had been observed. It was discovered with telescopes on Kitt Peak and Mount Hopkins in Arizona and Palomar Mountain in California. They were being used to survey the large-scale structure of the universe, depending on ''red shift,'' a standard astronomical yardstick, to record the distribution of galaxies.

¶As a byproduct of the initial explosion, or ''big bang,'' the galaxies appear to be flying apart in all directions and the rate at which any one seems to be receding from the earth is taken as an indication of its distance. This rate of recession is evident in the extent to which its light is shifted toward the red end of the spectrum - its ''red shift.''

¶As explained yesterday by Dr. Schechter, surveys in three directions, all of them near the constellation Bootes, showed big gaps in red shift distribution, implying an absence of galaxies within a broad and deep region of the universe there.

¶But it is still possible, according to an announcement by the Kitt Peak Observatory, that matter lies concealed within the great void; for example, in galaxies too small or faint to be observed.

¶The research, partly financed by the National Science Foundation, has been reported in Astrophysical Journal Letters by Dr. Robert Kirshner of the University of Michigan, Dr. August Oemler Jr. of Yale University, Dr. Schechter and Dr. Stephen A. Shectman of the Mount Wilson and Las Campanas Observatories, based in Pasadena, Calif.

¶Illustrations : map of part of Milky Way Galaxy showing area of void (page A10)

Giant Void

13h 01m+38.7°

z=0.116

Diameter = 300-400 Mpc

"Giant Void in NGH" or "AR-Lp 36" ; NGH stands for "Northern Galactic Hemisphere" ; discovered in 1988 [3] It is the largest void in the NGH where z<0.14 [4]

(Leviticus 1:11 [KJV])

And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar.

(Psalm 103:11 [KJV])

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

(Psalm 48:1 [KJV])

A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

(Psalm 148:1 [KJV])

Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.

(Psalm 75:6 [KJV])

For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.

(the only thing left is the NORTH)

(Isaiah 14:13 [KJV])

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:

(Daniel 4:23 [KJV])

And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him;

(Revelation 3:12 [KJV])

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

(Revelation 21:2 [KJV])

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

• The earth is not hanging, suspended on string, thread, or sitting on the backs of elephants.
• It took N.A.S.A. to reveal this to mankind.

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(Job 26:8 [KJV])

He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.

• God decides when it rains, no matter how much water is in any cloud.

(Job 26:9 [KJV])

He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it.

• God is currently holding back His throne, but one day....

(Job 26:10 [KJV])

He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.

• The oceans cannot go past the shore until God says so. And He will not say so until the new Creation.

_______________________________

(Proverbs 8:27-29 [KJV])

When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

_______________________________

(Job 26:11 [KJV])

The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.

(2 Samuel 22:8 [KJV])

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.

Eagle Nebula Pillars

_______________________________

(1 Samuel 2:8 [KJV])

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

(Joel 2:30 [KJV])

And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

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(Revelation 10:1 [KJV])

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

(Job 26:12 [KJV])

He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.

• God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites by His power, understanding

________________________________

(Exodus 14:21 [KJV])

And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

(Psalm 33:7 [KJV])

He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

(Psalm 66:6 [KJV])

He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him.

(Psalm 78:13 [KJV])

He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.

(Psalm 106:9 [KJV])

He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

(Joshua 2:10 [KJV])

For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.

(Psalm 136:13 [KJV])

To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:

(Hebrews 11:29 [KJV])

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

________________________________

(Job 26:13 [KJV])

By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.

• He is referring to Leviathan, which does also represent the enemy.

__________________________

(Proverbs 3:19 [KJV])

The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

(Isaiah 27:1 [KJV])

In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.

__________________________

(Job 26:14 [KJV])

Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?

• God is unsearchable, and to understand God fully is impossible in this life.

_______________________________

(Job 5:8-9 [KJV])

I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:

(Psalm 145:3 [KJV])

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

(Isaiah 40:28 [KJV])

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

(Romans 11:33 [KJV])

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

(Ephesians 3:8 [KJV])

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

(Philippians 4:7 [KJV])

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

(Colossians 2:2 [KJV])

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

_______________________________

Job Chapter 27

Job Chapter 27

(Job 27:1-2 [KJV])

Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,  As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul;

• Inability to think, reason straight, and vexation.......what a combination!

_________________________

(James 5:11 [KJV])

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

PAR'ABLE, n. [L. parabilis.] Easily procured. [Not used.]

PAR'ABLE, n. [L. parabola; Gr. to throw forward or against, to compare to or against; as in confero, collatum, to set together, or one thing with another.]

A fable or allegorical relation or representation of something real in life or nature, from which a moral is drawn for instruction; such as the parable of the trees choosing a king, Judg 9; the parable of the poor man and his lamb. 2 Sam 12; the parable of the ten virgins, Mat 25.

JUDG'MENT,

n. The act of judging; the act or process of the mind in comparing its ideas, to find their agreement or disagreement, and to ascertain truth; or the process of examining facts and arguments, to ascertain propriety and justice; or the process of examining the relations between one proposition and another.

1. The faculty of the mind by which man is enabled to compare ideas and ascertain the relations of terms and propositions; as a man of clear judgment or sound judgment. The judgment may be biased by prejudice. Judgment supplies the want of certain knowledge.

2. The determination of the mind, formed from comparing the relations of ideas, or the comparison of facts and arguments. In the formation of our judgments, we should be careful to weigh and compare all the facts connected with the subject.

3. In law, the sentence of doom pronounced in any cause, civil or criminal, by the judge or court by which it is tried. Judgment may be rendered on demurrer, on a verdict, on a confession or default, or on a non-suit. Judgment, though pronounced by the judge or court, is properly the determination or sentence of the law. A pardon may be pleaded in arrest of judgment.

4. The right or power of passing sentence.

5. Determination; decision.

Let reason govern us in the formation of our judgment of things proposed to our inquiry.

6. Opinion; notion.

She, in my judgment, was as fair as you.

7. In Scripture, the spirit of wisdom and prudence, enabling a person to discern right and wrong, good and evil.

Give the king thy judgments, O God. Psa 72.

8. A remarkable punishment; an extraordinary calamity inflicted by God on sinners.

Judgments are prepared for scorners. Prov 19. Isa 26.

9. The spiritual government of the world.

The Father hath committed all judgment to the Son.

John 5.

10. The righteous statutes and commandments of God are called his judgments. Psa 119.

11. The doctrines of the gospel, or God's word. Mat 12.

12. Justice and equity. Luke 11. Isa 1.

13. The decrees and purposes of God concerning nations.

Rom 11.

14. A court or tribunal. Mat 5.

15. Controversies, or decisions of controversies. 1 Cor 6.

16. The gospel, or kingdom of grace. Mat 12.

17. The final trial of the human race,when God will decide the fate of every individual, and award sentence according to justice.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Eccl 12.

Judgment of God. Formerly this term was applied to extraordinary trials of secret crimes, as by arms and single combat, by ordeal, or hot plowshares, _c.; it being imagined that God would work miracles to vindicate innocence.

VEX, v.t. [L. vexo.]

1. To irritate; to make angry by little provocations; a popular use of the word.

2. To plague; to torment; to harass; to afflict.

Ten thousand torments vex my heart.

3. To disturb; to disquiet; to agitate.

White curl the waves, and the vex'd ocean roars.

4. To trouble; to distress.

I will also vex the hearts of many people. Ezek 32.

5. To persecute. Acts 12.

6. To stretch, as by hooks. [Not in use.]

VEX, v.i. To fret; to be teased or irritated.

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(Job 27:3-4 [KJV])

All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;  My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.

• Job knows and acknowledges that he is saved

(Job 27:5 [KJV])

God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.

• Justifying his "friends" would not be the right thing to do, so to keep his integrity, he will not

(Job 27:6 [KJV])

My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.

• Holding fast his integrity and his righteousness......leads to no reproach from his heart
• He is secure in his action, attitude towards God and his "friends".
• This is more than he can say for them

(Job 27:7 [KJV])

Let mine enemy be as the wicked, and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous.

• He now counts his "friends as his lost, unsaved enemies

(Job 27:8 [KJV])

For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?

• These men are called out as having one standard for Job, another for themselves-true hypocrites

____________________________

(Mark 8:36-37 [KJV])

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

____________________________

(Job 27:9 [KJV])

Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?

• The implied answer and the biblical one are the same-no!
• instead, God will laugh and have them in derision.

____________________________

(Psalm 2:4 [KJV])

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

(Psalm 37:12 [KJV])

The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.

DERISION, n.

1. The act of laughing at in contempt.

2. Contempt manifested by laughter; scorn.

I am in derision daily. Jer 20.

3. An object of derision or contempt; a laughing-stock.

I was a derision to all my people. Lam 3.

____________________________

(Job 27:10 [KJV])

Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?

• The wicked only delight in doing wicked things and having evil thoughts
• God wants us to delight ourselves in Him

__________________________

(Proverbs 1:22 [KJV])

How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

(Proverbs 2:14 [KJV])

Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

(Psalm 37:4 [KJV])

Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

__________________________

(Job 27:11 [KJV])

I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.

• Job knows about God
• Job can and is willing to teach them
• They must be willing to learn, as apparently they have not been so thus far

______________________________

MATTHEW HENRY:

Job27:11-23

Job's friends, on the same subject, spoke of the misery of wicked men before death as proportioned to their crimes; Job considered that if it were not so, still the consequences of their death would be dreadful. Job undertook to set this matter in a true light. Death to a godly man, is like a fair gale of wind to convey him to the heavenly country; but, to a wicked man, it is like a storm, that hurries him away to destruction. While he lived, he had the benefit of sparing mercy; but now the day of God's patience is over, and he will pour out upon him his wrath. When God casts down a man, there is no flying from, nor bearing up under his anger. Those who will not now flee to the arms of Divine grace, which are stretched out to receive them, will not be able to flee from the arms of Divine wrath, which will shortly be stretched out to destroy them. And what is a man profited if he gain the whole world, and thus lose his own soul?

(Job 12:7-8 [KJV])

But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.

______________________________

(Job 27:12-13 [KJV])

Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus altogether vain? This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.

• By this time all three of these guy have seen what happens when a wicked man dies
• God has a plan for our lives; and a plan for their deaths, since they reject Him

(Job 27:14 [KJV])

If his children be multiplied, it is for the sword: and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.

• Wickedness is passed upon the next generation
• Either his children will be so ravenous that nothing will satisfy them, or they will not even have bread available to them

_______________________

(Exodus 20:5 [KJV])

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

(Exodus 34:7 [KJV])

Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

_______________________

(Job 27:15 [KJV])

Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep.

• His children will be so bad and like him they will not even be mourned when they die

(Job 27:16-17 [KJV])

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay; He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.

• There is no such thing as a cart behind a hearse, carrying the dead man's wealth to his grave and beyond.
• Even the Pharaohs were looted of their wealth after death.

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(Proverbs 13:22 [KJV])

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

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(Job 27:18 [KJV])

He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth that the keeper maketh.

• Moth nests and booths are both buildings
• Whoever makes one lives in it. They are not built for another

(Job 27:19-21 [KJV])

The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he is not. Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him away in the night.  The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth: and as a storm hurleth him out of his place.

• Death to the wicked is a sudden departure from this life into hell, no matter how long it takes them to die.
• Their death is always sudden destruction; their life on earth is always ending abruptly and they lose it all in an instant

(Job 27:22 [KJV])

For God shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand.

• Death is inevitable to all men

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(Genesis 2:17 [KJV])

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

(Job 15:21 [KJV]) (ELIPHAZ)

A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.

(Job 18:11 [KJV]) (BILDAD)

Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.

(1 Thessalonians 5:3 [KJV])

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

(Hebrews 9:27 [KJV])

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

(Hebrews 10:31 [KJV])

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

(1 Corinthians 15:21-22 [KJV])

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

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(Job 27:23 [KJV])

Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.

• People seem to rejoice when the wicked die, especially if they were rich oppressors or tyrants

Job Chapter 28

(Job 28:1-2 [KJV])

Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it.

Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone.

• Interesting that the same place that wealth really comes from (precious metals) is the place we came from and return to

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Man, From the Dust

(Genesis 2:7 [KJV])

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Precious Metals, from the Dust

(Genesis 2:11-12 [KJV])

The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold; And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.

The Final Resting Place For Both

(Genesis 3:17-19 [KJV])

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;  Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

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(Job 28:3 [KJV])

He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection: the stones of darkness, and the shadow of death.

• God's desire is to shine light in the utter dark places on earth, especially our hearts
• The shadow of death can refer to terrible darkness, trouble or death. (chapter 3)
• God's word does the same to us:

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(Hebrews 4:12 [KJV])

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

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(Job 28:4 [KJV])

The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant; even the waters forgotten of the foot: they are dried up, they are gone away from men.

• It seems that, biblically speaking, floods are both physical and spiritual always horrific things which carry destruction

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GILL'S COMMENTARY

The flood breaketh out from the inhabitant,.... Or, "so that there is no inhabitant" {z}; of the mine, as the miner may be said to be, who lives there continually; and, when a flood of water arises, which is an usual thing in mines, he is obliged to flee, and make haste to save his life:

[even the waters] forgotten of the foot; such as never any foot of man touched, or was acquainted with, being subterraneous water, and never seen with the eye of man before, and who before knew not there were such floods underground {a}. A like figurative expression in

Ps 137:5;

they are dried up, they are gone away from men; though such a flood of waters rise apace, and flow in with great force, and threaten the miners' lives, and the ruin of their works; yet they are not discouraged, but by means of engines, pumps, and buckets, and such like things, draw up the waters, and clear the mines of them; and they are gone from the workmen, who return to their work again, and go on with their mining: and so sometimes spiritual miners are interrupted by a flood of Satan's temptations, the world's persecutions, and various afflictions; but, by the assistance of the spirit and grace of God, whereby a standard is lifted up against them, they get clear of them, and receive no hurt by them, but go on cheerfully in the work of the Lord,  Isa 59:19.

(Psalm 32:6 [KJV])

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

(Isaiah 59:19 [KJV])

So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

(Jeremiah 46:8 [KJV])

Egypt riseth up like a flood, and his waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, and will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof.

(Daniel 9:26 [KJV])

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

(Daniel 11:22 [KJV])

And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

(Amos 8:8 [KJV])

Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein? and it shall rise up wholly as a flood; and it shall be cast out and drowned, as by the flood of Egypt.

(Amos 9:5 [KJV])

And the Lord GOD of hosts is he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn: and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as by the flood of Egypt.

(Revelation 12:15 [KJV])

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

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(Job 28:5-6 [KJV])

As for the earth, out of it cometh bread: and under it is turned up as it were fire.  The stones of it are the place of sapphires: and it hath dust of gold.

• Precious metals, gems, food.  All good things come from the dust, eventually.

(Job 28:7-8 [KJV])

There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen:  The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.

• There apparently are places only God has ever seen on earth

(Job 28:9-10 [KJV])

He putteth forth his hand upon the rock; he overturneth the mountains by the roots. He cutteth out rivers among the rocks; and his eye seeth every precious thing.

• Mountains have pillars and sockets that they sit in.

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(Job 9:6 [KJV])

Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.

(Psalm 46:2 [KJV])

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

(Psalm 69:2 [KJV])

I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

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(Job 28:11 [KJV])

He bindeth the floods from overflowing; and the thing that is hid bringeth he forth to light.

• God's Sovereignty is over all waters
• There are hidden things, but there is always light to reveal the things God wants to reveal
• Those things are always treasures

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The FLOODS STAYED

(Proverbs 8:29 [KJV])

When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

Job 38:8  (KJV)

Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?

Job 38:10-11  (KJV)

And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,  And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

Psalm 104:9  (KJV)

Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

The LIGHT and the TREASURES

(Deuteronomy 29:29 [KJV])

The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

(Matthew 5:14-16 [KJV])

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

(Isaiah 45:3 [KJV])

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

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(Job 28:12 [KJV])

But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

• Not the last person to ask that question
• It is always found with God, through Creation, through humility, the fear of the LORD, the discipline of one's parents, through walking with God over many years, through the Trinity, etc.
• God gives it to those who are humble and fear Him

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(Job 38:36 [KJV])

Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? or who hath given understanding to the heart?

(Matthew 13:54 [KJV])

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

WHERE WISDOM ORIGINATES

(Mark 6:2 [KJV])

And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

(Luke 21:15 [KJV])

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

(Job 12:12-13 [KJV])

With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.

(Job 28:28 [KJV])

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

(Psalm 104:24 [KJV])

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

(Psalm 111:10 [KJV])

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

(Psalm 136:5 [KJV])

To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

(Proverbs 1:7 [KJV])

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(Proverbs 2:6 [KJV])

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

(Proverbs 3:19 [KJV])

The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

(Proverbs 8:12 [KJV])

I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

(Proverbs 8:14 [KJV])

Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

(Proverbs 9:1 [KJV])

Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

(Proverbs 9:10 [KJV])

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

(Proverbs 14:33 [KJV])

Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding: but that which is in the midst of fools is made known.

(Proverbs 15:33 [KJV])

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

(Proverbs 29:15 [KJV])

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

(Jeremiah 10:12 [KJV])

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.

(Jeremiah 51:15 [KJV])

He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.

(Daniel 1:17 [KJV])

As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

(Daniel 2:20 [KJV])

Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:

(Daniel 2:21 [KJV])

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

(Daniel 2:23 [KJV])

I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king's matter.

(Acts 7:9-10 [KJV])

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

(Ephesians 1:17 [KJV])

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

(Ephesians 3:10 [KJV])

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

(Romans 11:33 [KJV])

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

(1 Corinthians 1:24 [KJV])

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

(1 Corinthians 1:30 [KJV])

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

(Ephesians 1:7-8 [KJV])

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

(James 1:5 [KJV])

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

From the TRINITY

(Colossians 2:2-3 [KJV])

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;  In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

WHERE WISDOM IS NOT FOUND

(Ecclesiastes 9:10 [KJV])

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

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(Job 28:13 [KJV])

Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living.

• The natural man in the natural world, using natural methods, cannot perceive or achieve wisdom as coming from God, nor comprehend what it takes to get it from God

(Job 28:14 [KJV])

The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me.

• It cannot be found by searching the entire earth, even under the oceans

(Job 28:15-19 [KJV])

It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.  The gold and the crystal cannot equal  it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.  The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold.

• It cannot be purchased, even at the costly price of
• Gold, silver, onyx, sapphire, crystal, coral, pearls, rubies, topaz

(Job 28:20 [KJV])

Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?

• So Job now repeats the same question
• So far he has mentioned every place that it is NOT found; every method NOT to get it.

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(Job 28:12 [KJV])

But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?

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(Job 28:21 [KJV])

Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.

• The natural man does not know wisdom apart from God, who imparts it as He wills and gives it even to unbelievers.
• It is lofty-just like the flying birds- which is why some call it that exact thing.

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lofty

[lawf-tee, lof-]   Origin

loft·y

   [lawf-tee, lof-] Show IPA

adjective, loft·i·er, loft·i·est.

1. extending high in the air; of imposing height; towering: lofty mountains.
2. exalted in rank, dignity, or character; eminent.
3. elevated in style, tone, or sentiment, as writings or speech.
4. arrogantly or condescendingly superior in manner; haughty: to treat someone in a lofty manner.
5. Nautical. noting a rig of a sailing ship having extraordinarily high masts.

Also:

Lofty [lawf-tee, lof-]  

Main Entry:	lofty  [lawf-tee, lof-] Show IPA
Definition:	high, elevated
Synonyms:	aerial, airy, high-rise, lifted, raised, sky-high, skyscraping, skyward, soaring, spiring, tall, towering
Antonyms:	below, beneath, low
Main Entry:	lofty
Part of Speech:	adjective
Definition:	arrogant, high and mighty
Synonyms:	ambitious, cavalier, condescending, disdainful, grandiose, haughty, high-minded, immodest, insolent, overbearing, patronizing, pretentious, proud, snooty, supercilious
Antonyms:	humble, modest

Main Entry:	aerial
Part of Speech:	adjective
Definition:	occurring in the air
Synonyms:	aeriform, aeronautical, airy, atmospheric, birdlike, ethereal, flying, lofty, pneumatic, up above, vaporous

(Colossians 2:2-3 [KJV])

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;  In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

(1 Corinthians 2:7 [KJV])

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

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(Job 28:22 [KJV])

Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears.

• Even these two know that there is such a thing as godly wisdom.

(Job 28:23 [KJV])

God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.

• From God alone flows godly wisdom, from above.

(Job 28:24 [KJV])

For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven;

• Heaven and earth.  The importance of earth over all of the heavenly bodies (stars, galaxies, moons, planets, comets, clouds-and one tiny dot becomes His important place to put and love mankind.

(Job 28:25-26 [KJV])

To make the weight for the winds; and he weigheth the waters by measure. When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:

• The system God set up for earth, including the weather system and the influence of the oceans with their tides and storms, is tremendous-but only appreciated when they truly roar as in a tempest.

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WEIGHT, n. Wate. [See Weigh.]

1. The quantity of a body, ascertained by the balance; in a philosophical sense, that quality of bodies by which they tend towards the center of the earth in a line perpendicular to its surface. In short, weight is gravity, and the weight of a particular body is the amount of its gravity, or of the force with which it tends to the center. The weight of a body is in direct proportion to its quantity of matter.

2. A mass of iron, lead, brass or other metal, to be used for ascertaining the weight of other bodies; as a weight of an ounce, a pound, a quarter of a hundred, _c. The weights of nations are different except those of England and the United States, which are the same.

3. A ponderous mass; something heavy.

A man leaps better with weights in his hands.

4. Pressure; burden; as the weight of grief; weight of care; weight of business; weight of government.

5. Importance; power; influence; efficacy; consequence; moment; impressiveness; as a argument of great weight; a consideration of vast weight. The dignity of a man's character adds weight to his words.

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(Job 28:27 [KJV])

Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out.

• Everything on earth and in the heavens was by superb design to fit and to work perfectly together

(Job 28:28 [KJV])

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

• The fear of the LORD being the beginning of wisdom is a recurring theme in Scripture.

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(Proverbs 1:7 [KJV])

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

(Proverbs 9:10 [KJV])

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

(Proverbs 15:33 [KJV])

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

(Psalm 111:10 [KJV])

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

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