READ CHAPTER 20
Zophar is the last one to speak in this round of speeches.
We see in the first three verses that Zophar is insulted by Job's rebuke. He says he is greatly disturbed, and he is dishonored. In the remaining verses in this chapter (Verses 4-29), Zophar revisits his earlier conversation of describing the sad fate of the wicked.
Zophar gives the list of things that befall the wicked. He outlines them to Job because he insists that Job is wicked.
Notice some of the ways of the wicked Zophar mentions.
--- The mirth of the wicked is brief.
--- The joy of the godless lasts but a moment.
--- He is full of pride.
--- He will perish forever like his own dung.
READ CHAPTER 21
Just as Zophar attacked Job, Job attacks Zophar's false assumptions that the wicked are always punished for their sins in this life (21:1-14).
Job tells Zophar the following things:
1. Job contends that the more wicked people are, the more they prosper.
2. Job rejects the idea that children of the ungodly are punished.
3. Job tells Zophar that death is the same fate that comes to all people whether they are good or bad, rich or poor.
4. Finally, he says there is no guarantee of justice in this life because often the wicked flourish until death, and then is buried with great honor.
READ CHAPTER 22
Eliphaz begins the third cycle of speeches. Again, he rebukes Job for the same reasons he has done before. This time he tells Job the following things:
1. Your guilt has no limit. Your sin is endless.
2. Eliphaz gives a list of sins Job might have committed.
3. Eliphaz says that Job must think God doesn't see him or care about what he does.
4. Eliphaz advises Job to repent so that he can be restored and God can bless him again.
READ CHAPTER 23
Job's response to Eliphaz this time is different. In fact, he responds less to Eliphaz, and he speaks directly to God.
Job let it be known that he longs to find God so he can plead his case before him. He is certain that he will be found innocent because he has endured his trials like gold in a refining fire. Job acknowledges that God will do as He pleases, and whatever God's decree for his life will be carried out regardless of what Job has done or said.
READ CHAPTER 24
Job questioned why the ungodly aren't judged. He cannot understand why God allows the unrighteous to go unpunished. In this, we see that Job is certain about his righteousness instead of being one of the wicked.
In the final verses, Job admits that the wicked do not last long.
Who do you think will speak in the next chapter?
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