Saturday 5 October 2024
"O that with an iron pen and with lead [my words] were engraved on a rock forever!" (v. 24)
Background
Christians use familiar versions of verses 25-27a to summarise the story of Jesus, our crucified and risen Redeemer. That is legitimate when the verses are isolated from their context in the Book of Job.
But what is their meaning within that context? The Hebrew original is uncertain in places, so reconstruction has to be partly speculative.
In verses 21-22 Job’s three friends and God are implicitly criticised. God has inflicted intolerable suffering on Job. The friends and God seem determined to persecute Job to the point of death. Job pleads with his friends for pity.
We read in verses 23-24 that Job wants to make a witness statement, in preparation for a court hearing. It needs to last for posterity. It should be engraved on a rock or a stone monument, rather than on fragile parchment.
Verses 25-27a is Job’s statement. A ‘Redeemer’ was a legal role that was undertaken by one person in an extended family; he had to avenge the murder of any family member (Numbers 35:19; Deuteronomy 19:6).
Job, though near to death, is confident of his innocence. He is equally confident that there must be a kinsman alive who will rise up to vindicate him – probably after Job’s death. The Redeemer, it must be assumed, will take revenge on God for what God has done to Job. (vs 25-26a)
Job would prefer to confront God in the flesh, that is, while he is still alive (v. 26b). Only Job would see God with his own eyes (v. 27a); and prove his innocence.
Such an interpretation suggests that the author wants to assert the ultimate significance of morality and truth for the meaning of human life on earth. If God is found wanting, by inflicting suffering without good cause, God comes under judgement. Or, the premise is deeply flawed that attributes human suffering to God directly intervening in individual lives to punish wickedness.
To Ponder:
- In what ways does our society affirm or reject the absolute value of goodness, integrity and truth? If you belong to a church, are they unquestionably characteristic of your congregation? Are they unquestionably characteristic of your own life? What is the importance of penitence and forgiveness for each individual, congregation, and for the wider community? Are these complex themes talked about confidently in church and in everyday settings?
- The Christian vision of Jesus the Redeemer focuses on his self-giving love that saves us from whatever alienates our hearts from communion with the God of love. Do you have a favourite hymn, prayer, poem or Bible story that crystallises this faith meaningfully for you?
Bible notes author: The Revd David Deeks
David is a Methodist supernumerary presbyter, living in Bristol.