Zophar’s Second Attack On Job Series

Zophar’s second attack on Job

Job Sermon Series, Part 10

Introduction (Job Slide)

- We are continuing to examine Job’s conversations with his friends

-- Re: These men came in Ch. 2 to sit with him and mourn his loss

- They appear to come to comfort … but quickly their real motives are shown

-- They are discouragers; ones who desire Job to stop holding onto his faith

-- In their eyes, there is a cause/effect with his sin and his condition

- These friends have three conversations with him…

• Round 1: they suggest Job has sinned

• Round 2: they imply Job is a sinner

• Round 3: they state Job’s sin

- Round two continues with Zophar looking to further accuse Job of sin

-- It’s curious to note how the tone has changed with these discussions

-- First, they were merely trying to offer guidance; now it’s an assault

- Read Job Ch. 20

- Pray

Point 1 – Zophar’s declaration for the wicked (Ch. 20)

- Zophar begins his attack reminding him about God’s punishment for sin

-- His main concern for Job is that he has yet to name (and repent) of his sin

-- Zophar is now focused on, and more concerned with, Job’s reply to them

-- Even though Job insists on being innocent; the friends persist (v1-2)

- So, he begins to attack Job’s implied sin and does it quiet sarcastically

-- The charge: Surely you know everything since you are old and wise (v4)

-- You now that that God will punish the wicked, even if they have joy

-- And their joy can end just as suddenly and fall under God’s wrath (v5)

- His summation is Job is a godless person because of his pride: (read v6)

-- He is so elevated himself that even his head touches the clouds…

- And what happens to those who are like this? (v7)

-- Will perish forever; like his own waste (repulsive and without memory)

-- Even though people will ask about him, he’ll still not be remembered (v8)

- A prideful and wicked man will be swept away; banished like a vision

-- He’ll be so removed that no one will even look for him anymore (v9)

-- Even his children will be responsible for making amends (v10)

-- Death is the only reward received; even for young/strong sinner (v11)

- Then over the next few verses, he does something quite telling

-- He describes how those who are evil ENJOY taking part in it (v12-19)

• Evil is sweet in their mouth

• He longs for it, like a favorite food

• His stomach will turn sour from it

• And all of his riches will be lost and spit out

• There will be no benefit, no cool streams or rivers with milk and honey

• No more prosperity; just paying back what he has taken

• The wicked oppress the poor; this is their joy to do so

• And nothing they have gained will ever last

- Therefore, in the face of a holy God, the wicked cannot stand (v20)

-- Everything the wicked love will be overtaken by God’s wrath and anger

-- IMP: This judgment will occur in this life AND the next

- NOTE: Zophar is pleading for Job to repent and avoid this outcome

-- But … if you note the tone … there is almost an enjoyment in his words

- Nothing he does will save him; no amount of money will rescue him (v20)

-- The wicked will consume it until there is nothing left to take from others (v21)

-- And at the height of it all going in his favor … misery strikes (v22)

- Now, watch the tone that Zophar takes with Job – re-read v23-27

-- Emphasis on cause and effect … man does something; God retaliates

- Zophar even goes so far to say there is no advocate in Heaven (v27)

-- Re: Job has mentioned twice wanting someone to speak on his behalf

- God’s wrath will be poured out like a raging flood on his head (v28)

-- “Such is the fate” … “Oh well, it’s all over for that person now” (v29)

- Obviously, Zophar needs to work on his delivery and tact here…

-- APP: His “k sera sera” attitude here is really not helping matters…

- His assertion to Job? Justice is coming for the wicked, count on it

-- And … if you fall into this category, then you’re gonna get it!

-- Perspective: (sarcastically) “Good luck with all that … you sinner.”

- TRANS: “Then Job replied …”

- Read Ch. 21

Point 2 – Job’s Response (Ch. 21)

- Jobs first asks them to listen; to lend their ear; to pay attention