Job is challenged to demonstrate his righteousness, power, and wisdom
Chapter 40:6-14
Job had been humbled into silence after the LORD reminded him of the wonders of creation, but Job hadn't yet admitted that he had been wrong in his judgement, and came short of repentance.
The LORD asked him to stand up like a man and answer a few questions to prove his ability to save himself (as he had declared his righteousness in his former speeches).
These were the questions:
- Would Job indeed annul the LORD's judgement? Job had questioned God's judgement in the way he had been treated. In the name of justice he thought he was sufficiently righteous to be able to criticise His judgement.
- Would he condemn the LORD to justify himself? Job regarded himself as being punished unjustly because he was righteous, so he thought he would be justified by accusing God of injustice.
- Have you an arm like God? Arm is a symbol of power. Of course Job would have to give a negative answer here.
- Or can you thunder with a voice like God's? Thunder is a symbol of authority. Again Job would have to give a negative answer.
If Job was able to give an affirmative answer to these questions, then he would indeed be entitled to great majesty, splendour, glory and beauty, to show his rage, humiliate and subdue all the proud people, to crush and punish the wicked. Then the Lord would admit that he was strong enough to save himself.
R David Jones
6 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said:
7 "Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me:
8 "Would you indeed annul My judgement? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?
9 Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His?
10 Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendour, and array yourself with glory and beauty.
11 Disperse the rage of your wrath; look on everyone who is proud, and humble him.
12 Look on everyone who is proud, and bring him low; tread down the wicked in their place.
13 Hide them in the dust together, bind their faces in hidden darkness.
14 Then I will also confess to you that your own right hand can save you.