Ellen Gould White
What does Ellen White write about...
Ellen Gould White über: "Job 20 interpretation and explanation"
Answer
In the available documents there is no specific exposition of Job chapter 20 (the second speech of Zophar). The texts instead focus on the general behavior of Job's friends and the theological classification of Job's suffering.
However, it is clearly emphasized that Job's friends were wrong when they claimed that his suffering was a direct punishment for sins committed. While Zophar in chapter 20 describes the fate of the wicked in order to indirectly accuse Job, the writings make clear that these human judgments portrayed God in a false light and that Job's trials were rather an expression of the struggle between God and Satan.
Misfortune is not a measure of sin
»It is very natural for people to believe that great catastrophes are a sure sign of great crimes and enormous sins; but people often err when they measure character in this way. We do not live in a time of retributive judgment. Good and evil are mixed, and misfortune strikes everyone. [...] Job was severely afflicted, and his friends sought to make him acknowledge that his suffering was the result of sin, and to make him feel condemned. They presented his case as that of a great sinner; but the Lord rebuked them for their judgment concerning His faithful servant.«
Job's friends misrepresented God
»His friends came to comfort him, but they tried to make him understand that he was responsible for his suffering because of his sinful way of life. He, however, defended himself and rejected the accusation... By trying to pronounce him guilty before God and portray him as someone who deserved His punishment, they imposed a severe trial upon him and misrepresented God; but Job did not stray from his fidelity, and God rewarded His faithful servant.«
Accusations amid distress
»Another bitter element was added to his cup. His friends, who saw nothing but retribution for sin in the misfortune, pressed his wounded and burdened spirit with their accusations of misconduct. Apparently abandoned by heaven and earth, he nevertheless held fast to his faith in God and his awareness of righteousness.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
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Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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