The Ninth Chapter of the Book of Job - Article Example

Analysis of the Ninth Chapter of the Book of Job The ninth chapter of the Book of Job is of particular interest in view of the fact that it introduces Christians with a singular point of view on Gods justice. Every believer wants and hopes to get the reward for his/her deeds from God. He/she hopes that God will appreciate his/her good life and reward him/her for it. However, Job makes it clear that Gods justice is inextricably linked with Gods power. The main emphasis, which makes Job in the book, is that he denies the traditional concept of justice, which suggests that "that every person gets exactly what he deserves in this life" (Coffman). In contrast to the traditional concept of justice, Job substantiates the need for God’s choice in favor of one or another method of punishment or reward. Job sees God as the sole supreme judge, who has the right to determine justice for every person, and that justice is a free decision of God not dependent on the actions of man. In general, this idea is consistent with the basic Christian concept, which is based on the idea that God is able to destroy as well as to save humanity. In some cases, Gods justice is a cruel punishment in the form of the Flood, and in others - the salvation of humanity for example in the form of the coming of Jesus Christ as the Redeemer of the human sins. In this respect, human suffering and pain lose their crucial meaning to God, and He is the only one who determines the forms and methods of implementation of justice. The chapter begins with Job’s recognition of the fact that one cannot measure swords with God, because God exceeds the strength of all human beings, regardless of their number: "If he will contend with him, he can not answer him one of a thousand" (Job 9: 3). Considering the justice of God, Job begins with the fact that he emphasizes the omnipotence of God, which cannot be challenged by anyone or anything. God is the mightiest power that possible and nothing is able to hide from His will: “which removeth the mountains, and they know not; which overturneth them in his anger; which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble” (Job 9:5-6). Thus, the absolute power of God is manifested in His ability to destroy or create all-around, depending on His will, which cannot be subservient to anyone else. Subsequent lines allow one to understand that a person is regarded as an insignificant creature, whose life depends primarily on God. God is able to pass unnoticed and unperceived by the human eyes and the human senses of perception (Job 9:11). In these lines, Job expresses the belief that man cannot know Gods justice. The man cannot understand the causes of suffering as well as happiness. All this happens according to Gods will, which remains a mystery to all people. Moreover, one cannot rebel against Gods will and he/she cannot influence the decision of God for justice. No word, no cry, no actions can force God to change His decision, and man can only accept Gods justice (Job 9: 15-22). God’s omnipotence is connected with the fact that human suffering and pain, as well as human actions including righteous pale against the backdrop of Gods will. A person should not rely on the fact that his/her good deeds will ensure him/her a happy and carefree life, because only the chief judge (God) is able to determine the justice for each individual. In this regard, the meaning of life is above all a willingness to give one’s life to God, who has every right to send suffering or happiness to any person. This concept is consistent with the fact that God sent his only Son Jesus Christ for the salvation of all mankind. It was above all the will of God, and for that, he did not spare His son, who was sent to people for the highest spiritual goal. "Christ reveals himself throughout his earthly life as the Saviour sent by the Father for the salvation of the world" ("Christ the only Saviour"). Thus, Gods determines human life. Job clearly argues the idea of obedience to Gods will, which causes a person to face a great fear about his/her fate. However, a person cannot change his/her life and destiny. All that one can do is to trust in God and hope that he/she will be able to master his/her fear of the omnipotence of the supreme judge (Job 9: 34-35). "The book of Job is the story of a normal human being who is beset by misfortune and suffering" (Ogwyn). Nevertheless, this amazing man demonstrates great courage and bravery in the face of the Lord is ready to meet directly with the judgment of God, while no one can stand next to him and he will be alone with God (Job 9:33). God does not give a direct answer to Job. Instead of explaining the reasons for the suffering of Job, God puts before him a number of seemingly unrelated ironic issues that convince Job in the insignificance of the knowledge and power of people. The moral pathos of the book can be seen in the approval of the following three truths. The first truth is that the traditional doctrine of the causal link between suffering and sin is false. In addition, the greatness of Gods works excessing the human understanding, serves as proof of Gods justice. The connection between a factual fate of the individual and his/her moral merits remains a mystery to the man. Finally, in the light of Jobs knowledge of the greatness and strength of God, the issues addressed by Job to God lose their relevance. The reason is that only on condition that the person is able to understand the wisdom and power of God, he/she can understand the way of Gods providence. Interpretation of the ninth chapter of the Book of Job allows one seeing significant differences between the concept of Gods justice represented by Job and the criminal justice system. As is well known, "the criminal justice system is the set of agencies and processes established by governments to control crime and impose penalties on those who violate laws" ("The Criminal Justice System"). The criminal justice system assumes certain principles of justice, according to which the violation of the laws entails certain measures and forms of punishment. In turn, justice is defined as "the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals under the law" ("Justice"). Justice is the result of compliance with a number of legal principles. Thus, justice presented in the criminal justice system is not the result of someones will. In fact, it is the result of the application of legal rules and laws that govern the punishment depending on the characteristics of the crime. To sum up, Job demonstrates comprehension of the concept of justice within the understanding of God as the omnipotent ruler of the whole world, including humans. Gods justice is presented not as a result of the actions and deeds of a man, but as a result of a free will of God. Because of limitations of their knowledge, people cannot realize the cause of their suffering, pain and misery. All that they can do it to trust God and try to get rid of the fear of Gods will and Gods judgment. Human life and its meaning as well as deeds are worthless before God, and only faith can help a person. Gods will is presented as a great power that can destroy as well as to give life. Freedom of Gods will finds many incarnations, including the day when God sent His only son to save mankind from sin. The originality of the given concept of justice is obvious if one compares it with the criminal justice system, as the latter claims the authority of the law as a court, which is not regulated by someone’s will and is a set of legal rules and regulations adopted in a given society. Works Cited “Christ the Only Savior.” Vatican. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. Coffman, James Burton. “Commentary on Job 9:1.” Abilene Christian University. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. “Justice.” The Free Dictionary. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. Ogwyn, John H. “Study Topic: Seven Lessons from the Book of Job.” Leaving Church of God. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. "The Criminal Justice System." The National Center for Victims of Crime. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. The Holy Bible. n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2014. Read More