The Pulpit Commentary — Job — Section 24

intoneity of the pe.trle.roh'e emotion, e.nd the second pointing to its calmness and moderation, 2. With piO'Us resignation. Acknowledging: (I) His originally destitute condition:" No.ked co.me I out of my mother's womb;" so that hie calamities had only set him where he was o.t first-o.n argument for contentment (1 Tim. vi. 7). (2) His prospective departure from the world: "Naked shall I return thither;" so that after all he had but experienced o. liWe earlier what was certain to befall him in the end (cf. Eccles. v. 15; xii. 7; and 'Measure for Measure,' act iii. sc. 2)-an argument for submission. (3) Hie entire dependence upon God for all the blessings of his earthly lot: "'l'he Lord gave;" so that he himself could claim no absolute ownership in any- thing he had lost (1 Cor. iv. 7; Jas. i. 17)-an argument for acquiescence. (4) His devout recognition of the hand of God ,in his afflictions and losses: "The Lord bath taken away;" so that not only bad he laid hi8 hand upon him who had perfect right to do so, but in removing his possessions and children be had merely taken what was first his own-a fourth argument for resignation. 3, Wit.h lowly adoration. Falling on the ground and worshipping; thus giving the lie to Satan's calumny by retaining his steadfastness and maintaining his integrity; not cursing God to hie face, but solemnly, reverently, and devoutly adding," Blessed be the Name of Jehovah I" IV. TBE VERDIOT ON THE TRIAL. The complete vindication of the patriarch. His triumphant passage through the appalling ordeal is : 1. Commended by God. The statement of the historian we must regard as but the transcript of the Divine judg- ment upon the trial: "In all this Job sinned not, neither charged God foolishly." 2. .Admitted by Satan. This appears from eh. ii. 4, where, though the devil is prepared with an explanation of the cause, he is yet constrained to admit the fact of Job's steadfast allegiance to Jehovah throughout his first onslaught. 3. Recorded by the historian. So that wherever this ancient poem finds a reader there shall the courage and fidelity of the stricken patriarch be known and admired. Learn : 1. That if God has hie times and seasons, and Christ has his hours, and man his opportunities for working, so also the devil has his days for his Satanic move- ments. 2. That the devil's assaults upon human virtue and Christian fidelity are always characterized by consummate wisdom as regards both the times and the instru- ments as well as the methods of attack. 3. That the power of Satan to injure man is well-nigh unlimited, at least when God permits. 4. That the most prosperous estate of man may, in a moment, be converted into the profoundest misery, as the brighteat day may be followed by the darkest night. 5. That calamities seldom fall upon God's people singly and alone, are apt to be misconstrued as to their origin and design, but should never fail to lead the heart closer to God. 6. That God's people should in times of adversity remember their origin and prepare for their end. 7. That, whether suffering or rejoicing, saints should imitate the piety of Job, recognize God's hand in everything, and "in everything give thanks."