Yesterday’s reading ended with Job talking about how he used to be well respected by the community – “Men listened to me and waited, and kept silence for my counsel. After my words they did not speak again, and my speech settled on them as dew… I chose the way for them, and sat as chief; so I dwelt as a king in the army, as one who comforts mourners” (Job 29:21-25).
However, the public response to Job is quite different now that he isn’t prosperous. We see the contrast in today’s reading – “And now I am their taunting song; Yes, I am their byword. They abhor me, they keep far from me. They do not hesitate to spit in my face.” So the people around Job loved him when he was rich and healthy, but now they are disgusted with him because he has nothing and is suffering greatly.
But does Job have nothing? He actually has something pretty great. He has the Lord! Also, remember how God can change people’s circumstances just like that?! I’m thinking of Joseph – And yes, He can do the same for Job! It’s always too soon to make a call about a person.
Job’s final words include a request to stand before the Almighty Lord, about which we will read in a couple of days. But first, we will hear from a wise young man named Elihu. Tomorrow Elihu will explain to Job, who keeps professing his innocence, that no man is without sin, so keep reading. (Job 30:1-31:40)
Chronological Bible in Layman's Terms 