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Morning Bible Reading - Job 33

  1 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.  2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.  3 My words [shall be of] the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.  4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.  5 If thou canst answer me, set [thy words] in order before me, stand up.  6 Behold, I [am] according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay.  7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee.  8 Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of [thy] words, [saying],  9 I am clean without transgression, I [am] innocent; neither [is there] iniquity in me.  10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy,  11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths.  12 Behold, [in] this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.  13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.  14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not.  15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;  16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,  17 That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose, and hide pride from man.  18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.  19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong [pain]:  20 So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.  21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones [that] were not seen stick out.  22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.  23 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:  24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.  25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth:  26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.  27 He looketh upon men, and [if any] say, I have sinned, and perverted [that which was] right, and it profited me not;  28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.  29 Lo, all these [things] worketh God oftentimes with man,  30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.  31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.  32 If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.  33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   0-999 Chapter Outline Elihu offers to reason with Job. (1-7) Elihu blames Job for reflecting upon God. (8-13) God calls men to repentance. (14-18) God sends afflictions for good. (19-28) Elihu entreats Job|s attention. (29-33)

Matthew Henry Commentary:   1-7 Job had desired a judge to decide his appeal. Elihu was one according to his wish, a man like himself. If we would rightly convince men, it must be by reason, not by terror; by fair argument, not by a heavy hand.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   8-13 Elihu charges Job with reflecting upon the justice and goodness of God. When we hear any thing said to God|s dishonour, we ought to bear our testimony against it. Job had represented God as severe in marking what he did amiss. Elihu urges that he had spoken wrong, and that he ought to humble himself before God, and by repentance to unsay it. God is not accountable to us. It is unreasonable for weak, sinful creatures, to strive with a God of infinite wisdom, power, and goodness. He acts with perfect justice, wisdom, and goodness, where we cannot perceive it.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   14-18 God speaks to us by conscience, by providences, and by ministers; of all these Elihu discourses. There was not then, that we know of, any Divine revelation in writing, though now it is our principal guide. When God designs men|s good, by the convictions and dictates of their own consciences, he opens the heart, as Lydia|s, and opens the ears, so that conviction finds or forces its way in. The end and design of these admonitions are to keep men from sin, particularly the sin of pride. While sinners are pursuing evil purposes, and indulging their pride, their souls are hastening to destruction. That which turns men from sin, saves them from hell. What a mercy it is to be under the restraints of an awakened conscience!

Matthew Henry Commentary:   19-28 Job complained of his diseases, and judged by them that God was angry with him; his friends did so too: but Elihu shows that God often afflicts the body for good to the soul. This thought will be of great use for our getting good from sickness, in and by which God speaks to men. Pain is the fruit of sin; yet, by the grace of God, the pain of the body is often made a means of good to the soul. When afflictions have done their work, they shall be removed. A ransom or propitiation is found. Jesus Christ is the Messenger and the Ransom, so Elihu calls him, as Job had called him his Redeemer, for he is both the Purchaser and the Price, the Priest and the sacrifice. So high was the value of souls, that nothing less would redeem them; and so great the hurt done by sin, that nothing less would atone for it, than the blood of the Son of God, who gave his life a ransom for many. A blessed change follows. Recovery from sickness is a mercy indeed, when it proceeds from the remission of sin. All that truly repent of their sins, shall find mercy with God. The works of darkness are unfruitful works; all the gains of sin will come far short of the damage. We must, with a broken and contrite heart, confess our sins to God, 1Jo 1:9. We must confess the fact of sin; and not try to justify or excuse ourselves. We must confess the fault of sin; I have perverted that which was right. We must confess the folly of sin; So foolish have I been and ignorant. Is there not good reason why we should make such a confession?

Matthew Henry Commentary:   29-33 Elihu shows that God|s great and gracious design toward the children of men, is, to save them from being for ever miserable, and to bring them to be for ever happy. By whatever means we are kept back from the we shall bless the Lord for them at least, and should bless him for them though they be painful and distressing. Those that perish for ever are without excuse, for they would not be healed.

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Job 33:1-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Job 33:5-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Job 33:13-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Job 33:16-999 

Morning Bible Reading - Job 34

  1 Furthermore Elihu answered and said,  2 Hear my words, O ye wise [men]; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.  3 For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.  4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what [is] good.  5 For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment.  6 Should I lie against my right? my wound [is] incurable without transgression.  7 What man [is] like Job, [who] drinketh up scorning like water?  8 Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men.  9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.  10 Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, [that he should do] wickedness; and [from] the Almighty, [that he should commit] iniquity.  11 For the work of a man shall he render unto him, and cause every man to find according to [his] ways.  12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.  13 Who hath given him a charge over the earth? or who hath disposed the whole world?  14 If he set his heart upon man, [if] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;  15 All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust.  16 If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.  17 Shall even he that hateth right govern? and wilt thou condemn him that is most just?  18 [Is it fit] to say to a king, [Thou art] wicked? [and] to princes, [Ye are] ungodly?  19 [How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.  20 In a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away: and the mighty shall be taken away without hand.  21 For his eyes [are] upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings.  22 [There is] no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.  23 For he will not lay upon man more [than right]; that he should enter into judgment with God.  24 He shall break in pieces mighty men without number, and set others in their stead.  25 Therefore he knoweth their works, and he overturneth [them] in the night, so that they are destroyed.  26 He striketh them as wicked men in the open sight of others;  27 Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:  28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.  29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth [his] face, who then can behold him? whether [it be done] against a nation, or against a man only:  30 That the hypocrite reign not, lest the people be ensnared.  31 Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne [chastisement], I will not offend [any more]:  32 [That which] I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.  33 [Should it be] according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.  34 Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.  35 Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words [were] without wisdom.  36 My desire [is that] Job may be tried unto the end because of [his] answers for wicked men.  37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth [his hands] among us, and multiplieth his words against God.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   0-999 Chapter Outline Elihu accuses Job of charging God with injustice. (1-9) God cannot be unjust. (10-15) God|s power and providence. (16-30) Elihu reproves Job. (31-37)

Matthew Henry Commentary:   1-9 Elihu calls upon those present to decide with him upon Job|s words. The plainest Christian, whose mind is enlightened, whose heart is sanctified by the Spirit of God, and who is versed in the Scriptures, can say how far matters, words, or actions, agree with true religion, better than any that lean to their own understandings. Job had spoken as if he meant wholly to justify himself. He that say, I have cleansed my hands in vain, does not only offend against God|s children, Ps 73:13-15, but gratifies his enemies, and says as they say.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   10-15 Elihu had showed Job, that God meant him no hurt by afflicting him, but intended his spiritual benefit. Here he shows, that God did him no wrong by afflicting him. If the former did not satisfy him, this ought to silence him. God cannot do wickedness, nor the Almighty commit wrong. If services now go unrewarded, and sins now go unpunished, yet there is a day coming, when God will fully render to every man according to his works. Further, though the believer|s final condemnation is done away through the Saviour|s ransom, yet he has merited worse than any outward afflictions; so that no wrong is done to him, however he may be tried.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   16-30 Elihu appeals directly to Job himself. Could he suppose that God was like those earthly princes, who hate right, who are unfit to rule, and prove the scourges of mankind? It is daring presumption to condemn God|s proceedings, as Job had done by his discontents. Elihu suggests divers considerations to Job, to produce in him high thoughts of God, and so to persuade him to submit. Job had often wished to plead his cause before God. Elihu asks, To what purpose? All is well that God does, and will be found so. What can make those uneasy, whose souls dwell at ease in God? The smiles of all the world cannot quiet those on whom God frowns.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   31-37 When we reprove for what is amiss, we must direct to what is good. Job|s friends would have had him own himself a wicked man. Let will only oblige him to own that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips. Let us, in giving reproof, not make a matter worse than it is. Elihu directs Job to humble himself before God for his sins, and to accept the punishment. Also to pray to God to discover his sins to him. A good man is willing to know the worst of himself; particularly, under affliction, he desires to be told wherefore God contends with him. It is not enough to be sorry for our sins, but we must go and sin no more. And if we are affectionate children, we shall love to speak with our Father, and to tell him all our mind. Elihu reasons with Job concerning his discontent under affliction. We are ready to think every thing that concerns us should be just as we would have it; but it is not reasonable to expect this. Elihu asks whether there was not sin and folly in what Job said. God is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works, Ps 145:17. The believer saith, Let my Saviour, my wise and loving Lord, choose every thing for me. I am sure that will be wisest, and the best for his glory and my good.

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Job 34:1-999 

A Commentary By J Vernon MCgee For Job 34:12-999 

Evening Bible Reading - Acts 13

  24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.  25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not [he]. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of [his] feet I am not worthy to loose.  26 Men [and] brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.  27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled [them] in condemning [him].  28 And though they found no cause of death [in him], yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.  29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took [him] down from the tree, and laid [him] in a sepulchre.  30 But God raised him from the dead:  31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.  32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,  33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.  34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, [now] no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.  35 Wherefore he saith also in another [psalm], Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.  36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:  37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.  38 Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:  39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.  40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;  41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.  42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.  43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.  44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.  45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.  46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.  47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.  48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.  49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.  50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.  51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.  52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   32-37 The resurrection of Christ was the great proof of his being the Son of God. It was not possible he should be held by death, because he was the Son of God, and therefore had life in himself, which he could not lay down but with a design to take it again. The sure mercies of David are that everlasting life, of which the resurrection was a sure pledge; and the blessings of redemption in Christ are a certain earnest, even in this world. David was a great blessing to the age wherein he lived. We were not born for ourselves, but there are those living around us, to whom we must study to be serviceable. Yet here is the difference; Christ was to serve all generations. May we look to Him who is declared to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead, that by faith in him we may walk with God, and serve our generation according to his will; and when death comes, may we fall asleep in him, with a joyful hope of a blessed resurrection.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   38-41 Let all that hear the gospel of Christ, know these two things: 1. That through this Man, who died and rose again, is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins. Your sins, though many and great, may be forgiven, and they may be so without any injury to God|s honour. 2. It is by Christ only that those who believe in him, and none else, are justified from all things; from all the guilt and stain of sin, from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses. The great concern of convinced sinners is, to be justified, to be acquitted from all their guilt, and accepted as righteous in God|s sight, for if any is left charged upon the sinner, he is undone. By Jesus Christ we obtain a complete justification; for by him a complete atonement was made for sin. We are justified, not only by him as our Judge but by him as the Lord our Righteousness. What the law could not do for us, in that it was weak, the gospel of Christ does. This is the most needful blessing, bringing in every other. The threatenings are warnings; what we are told will come upon impenitent sinners, is designed to awaken us to beware lest it come upon us. It ruins many, that they despise religion. Those that will not wonder and be saved, shall wonder and perish.

Matthew Henry Commentary:   42-52 The Jews opposed the doctrine the apostles preached; and when they could find no objection, they blasphemed Christ and his gospel. Commonly those who begin with contradicting, end with blaspheming. But when adversaries of Christ|s cause are daring, its advocates should be the bolder. And while many judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, others, who appear less likely, desire to hear more of the glad tidings of salvation. This is according to what was foretold in the Old Testament. What light, what power, what a treasure does this gospel bring with it! How excellent are its truths, its precepts, its promises! Those came to Christ whom the Father drew, and to whom the Spirit made the gospel call effectual, Ro 8:30. As many as were disposed to eternal life, as many as had concern about their eternal state, and aimed to make sure of eternal life, believed in Christ, in whom God has treasured up that life, and who is the only Way to it; and it was the grace of God that wrought it in them. It is good to see honourable women devout; the less they have to do in the world, the more they should do for their own souls, and the souls of others: but it is sad, when, under colour of devotion to God, they try to show hatred to Christ. And the more we relish the comforts and encouragements we meet with in the power of godliness, and the fuller our hearts are of them, the better prepared we are to face difficulties in the profession of godliness.

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