Job 20-21 ~ Let’s get real
(Our Reforming Groups Bible studies are designed to be inductive, using the COMA form of study: Context, Observation, Meaning, Application). For more on this method, check out this article.)
By way of introduction: How would you describe the worldview our friends hold when it comes to suffering?
Read Job 20
In 20:3-11, what does Zophar say happens to the wicked? And where does Zophar think Job fits into this worldview that Job’s three friends speak about? (look closely at 20:4-5)
In our world it is sometimes the case that evil “tastes good” - but what does the aftertaste bring? (Job 20:12-19)
Job has cried out about God’s poisonous before (6:4) and now Zophar speaks about arrows in the last part of his speech here - what is the pointy end of this for Job?
Read Job 21
Job 21 has similarities to Psalm 73, what do you get is the vibe of Job’s big point here?
Job’s friends keep asserting that the wicked will suffer in this life, but Job effectively says: “Let’s get real. It’s a fairy tale world where life goes well for good people and badly for bad people. That’s Disney, that’s not the real deal.” From what we have seen from the Book of Job so far, why do we see good people suffer in life?
Job’s conclusion to his friends and their comfort for him is very strong. Is it because his friends are not being nice to Job? (21:34)
Application through Christ
How do you think the pages of Job 20-21 point to Jesus?
How can we have words of comfort that are true about how life works, and yet give hope for sinners and sufferers?
Who do we know that is suffering now that we could pray for ways to comfort them with the gospel of Christ?
Pray for one another, that the Lord Jesus would comfort us in our suffering, and prepare our hearts for suffering.
