Written by Paul J Bucknell on December, 30, 2021
Job 8:1-7 Delays: When Things Don’t Work Out Like Expected with Study Questions
Making assumptions can quickly ruin the trust built up in long-term friendships. These speculations lead us to make wrong conclusions, resulting in hurtful words. Let’s see how Bildad was vulnerable to a misconception that spoiled his friendship with Job. More likely than not, you have experienced such pain. “I didn’t expect that!”
“1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered, 2 “How long will you say these things, And the words of your mouth be a mighty wind? 3 Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert what is right? 4 If your sons sinned against Him, Then He delivered them into the power of their transgression. 5 If you would seek God And implore the compassion of the Almighty, 6 If you are pure and upright, Surely now He would rouse Himself for you And restore your righteous estate. 7 Though your beginning was insignificant, Yet your end will increase greatly” (Job 8:1-7).
Bildad’s assumptions influenced his attempt to expose Job’s sins in chapter 8. His argument centers on timing. Bildad assumes that God would have restored him if there was actual innocence with Job or his children. Look what Bildad says:
“If you are pure and upright, surely now He would rouse Himself
for you and restore your righteous estate” (Job 8:6).
Is this true?
Does God always immediately restore those unjustly accused, robbed, hurt, or otherwise ruined? I think many of us can see the problem with Bildad’s assumption.
The issue is not with restoration. God will ultimately restore the righteous; God is just; it’s His duty to do so. But Bildad assumed that the restoration of the righteous—if indeed Job and his sons were righteous—would happen right away.
When we read the end of the Book of Job, we find that God restores Job and Bildad apologizes (Job 42:7-17).
We need to allow for delays in correcting the unjust treatment of the righteous on earth. True, it’s not fair. Correct, that’s why we call it unfair. God cares, but we should not conclude that the restoration is immediate. The Bible is filled with persecuted characters, including Jesus. But often, things are difficult for a while. Bad things can happen to the godly. It did with Job, and it happens again and again in this sin-infested world.
Timing and Restoration
God eventually restored Job (Job 42), but God did it in His timing. In other words, we must soften our demands for God to help our loved ones or us; we must be patient. God often, as in Job’s situation, delays restoration.
Summary
Bildad was wrong to judge Job’s guilt from his tragic circumstances. Instead of blindly judging a person who faces extreme difficulty, we need to step back and carefully assess the possibilities. For example, Jesus suffered unjustly and only found His reward—true restoration after His death. While God will judge the unrighteous, complete judgment does not occur in this era—nor does restoration. God is returning for judgment and awarding the righteous.
Bible Study Questions on Job 8:1-7
# misconceptions, misunderstandings, friends, accusation, rejection, Job, Jesus
- Describe an unjust situation. How did you respond?
- Why do we tend to think that unjust situations shouldn’t happen?
- Why do they happen?
- Why might God allow them to happen?
- What was Bildad accusing Job of in Job 8:1-7?
- Summarize Bildad’s argument in verses 5-7?
- Do you believe God always restores the righteous?
- Why is this issue of timing so important?
- How does God prove this through the person of Job? Through Jesus?
- Are you facing any such situations now? Teach yourself to be patient. All will be well.Other Articles by Paul Bucknell related to Job 8
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