Today I am wondering how Job really “felt” during the long months of his ordeal, his hardship, his virtual season of “persecution” from Satan.

And, thankfully, throughout the whole Book the man details (nearly catalogues) his feelings.

For example, today’s Lesson, in Job’s first response to Eliphaz … he graphically describes his great “burden.”

“Job answered and said, Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.” Job 6:1-4

The noun “grief” is “kaas” in Hebrew, meaning “sorrow” 3 times in the Old testament. It also means “wrath” 4 times and “anger” 2 times! It is also translated “provocation” 4 times, King James Version!

Then “calamity” is “havvah,” meaning “ruin” or “destruction.” But it is also written as “wickedness, iniquity, and naughtiness” 6 times! Job never claims complete sinlessness, not once in all 42 chapters, just no major sin contributing to his crises!

How severe was Job’s “burden?”

All I know to say, based on reading the Passage above … is VERY HEAVY!

Weightier than “the sand of the sea!”

Tons!

Next Job gives a second picture of how he feels, suffering so deeply.

He sees God as an Archer!

With his “Bow and Arrow.” Make that “bows,” plural.

God shoots at Job, and hits the target!

Poisoned arrows, nonetheless!

Thirdly, Job believes God is “terrorizing” him!

God as Holy Terrorist!

Oh, the agony this godly man must have been facing, enduring.

Let’s read our passage again: “Job answered and said, Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.”

Yet I mention to you again … though he was in pain (physically and emotionally and spiritually) Job did NOT once curse God! Job stayed faithful!

Someone reading here today has, no doubt, a heavy weight pressing on his or her shoulders (or heart) … loads of sorrow or grief or doubt or pain.

Job would have known exactly how you feel.

In fact, so does Jesus!

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell