Fifty Two Weeks / Job 28

Job

Job is considered to be the oldest book in the Bible. Certainly the events covered in this book do not precede those found in Genesis, but there is evidence that it was written before Moses wrote. The style of the writing and the manner of the dialogue are clues to its age; however, the most obvious evidence of it being older than the writings of Moses is the fact that there is no hint of any reference to the Law of Moses, the nation of Israel, or any of the Patriarchs. 

This does not mean that there is no mention of the Lord. The picture of the Lord presented in this book is quite consistent with the rest of scripture. There is even some veiled reference to the One to come as Job cries out for One who could serve as a mediator between him and God. He also boldly declares what every believing Christian can echo, “ I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.”

We can get sidetracked by the words of Job’s “comforters” because they often make such lucid arguments. Yet, in the end they are rebuked by God and Job is declared right. Bear in mind that they were not there to explain Job’s situation, but to comfort him. As humans we too often feel compelled to explain things when sometimes that is neither possible nor called for. They were miserable comforters indeed.

Some Things Are Beyond Our Wisdom

This brings us to the wonderful chapter 28. This chapter is about Wisdom and where it is, or more precisely “isn’t”, found.

Allow me to take this beautiful poem and reduce it to my simple prose.

Man can discover some remarkable things here on earth. We can dig down to the roots of mountains, to places where no other creatures can go. We can find the source of waters and gather all kinds of geological data. But by doing this we won’t find Wisdom.

We don’t really have any idea of the remarkable value of Wisdom. All of the “things” we consider to be of great value cannot start to buy Wisdom. Wisdom cannot be found in the land of the living, nor in the domain of the dead. 

Only the Lord knows where Wisdom can be found. He sees everything and knows everything. He even knows the value of Wisdom. You can’t actually get Wisdom by trying to “get” Wisdom. You must do something else and Wisdom will come to you. Fear the Lord and shun evil. 

In Conclusion

Don’t try to be wise. You will simply end up failing at what you can do. Fear the Lord and shun evil. Your Redeemer lives and He will come.