Life, Death, and Misery

Job 3

ReviewA book about human suffering

Job was a good, godly manSatan caused him to lose all his

possessions, children and healthAn attempt to get him to sin

Job did not sin after these lossesHis friends came and sat silently with

him for seven days

Outline for Book of JobPrologue (Job 1 - 2)Job’s Introductory Speech (3)First Cycle Of Speeches (4 - 14)Second Cycle Of Speeches (15 - 21)Third Cycle Of Speeches (22 - 31)Speeches Of Elihu (32 - 37)The Lord & Job (38 - 42:6)Epilogue (42:7-17)

Outline of Job’s Introductory Speech:Expressing Depth of Job’s Sorrow

Would have been better not to be born Job 3:1-12 Why did I ever have to be born?

Death to be desired in some cases Job 3:13-19 Why can’t I just die & not be an outcast?

Trial of living when death is preferable Job 3:20-26 Why must I live when I would prefer to die?

Better Not To Be Born (3:1-12)Job curses the day of his birthVariety of expressions declaring his sorrow

Wished the day would disappear from calendar Let day be one of darkness & gloom His life should have ended before his birth

Job is not the only one to express such ideas Jeremiah 20:14-18 “I wish I hadn’t been born; I didn’t ask to be born” Common to all that sorrow over present tragedy

Job’s words show concept of life before birth Job did not act to end life, but to express his sorrow

No suicidal desire, wouldn't even “Curse God, and die” as suggested by his wife

Desirable View of Death (3:13-19) Job sees death as bringing rest and equality to all Various descriptions of death are given:

RestTime to lay down & be quietTime of sleep or rest from wearinessPlace where wicked cannot trouble one

Not different from New Testament view (Rev 14:13)Death is rest for the righteousNot personally concerned with the death of the

wicked, since he is a righteous manBut he knows the wicked will not trouble the

righteous (Lk 16:19-26)

Desirable View of Death (3:13-19) Death as equality

Place where all are together, both great & small Equalizes rich & poor, captive & free... Not that they would all be in the same place

(righteous and wicked) But that all the righteous would be together

Makes no difference what one had in this lifeAgain Lk 16:19-26, Gal 3:26-29

In his desire, Job shows the depth of sorrow Not unlike the desire of Jeremiah & others Mankind identifies with this desire at some time

Should comfort us that another has been thereJob took no action to end his own life

Life Given Amidst Misery (3:20-26)Job questions why life is given to one who would

prefer deathJob’s descriptions concerning state of misery:

Bitter in soul - Thing I feared comes upon meNo one wants to sufferWe all fear a protracted, painful death

Long for death, but it comes not Rejoice exceeding & are glad when find the grave Search for death more than a hidden treasure Life is a constant reminder of misery & affliction

Life Given Amidst Misery (3:20-26)Life Given Amidst Misery (3:20-26) Don't think you are alone in wishing you didn't Don't think you are alone in wishing you didn't

have to sufferhave to sufferEven Jesus prayed that His suffering might be Even Jesus prayed that His suffering might be

avoided (Lk 22:41-44)avoided (Lk 22:41-44)1 Pet 1:6-91 Pet 1:6-9

Suffering is grievous, but it can be borneSuffering is grievous, but it can be borneThis actually answers Job's question of why we have This actually answers Job's question of why we have

to go on suffering even when we may wish for an to go on suffering even when we may wish for an easier way outeasier way out

ConclusionSome Lessons to Learn Despair of life in times of great trial & pain is

common to all mankind Expression of grief does not always lead to rash

action - sometimes needs expression May find solace in knowing God knows of the trial &

cares for His servants May gain strength by recalling Job’s end after such

expressions of despair Reason for our lives not found in our desire, but

God’s purpose for man (Eccl 12:13)