Chapter Summary

Job answers Bildad, denying he is a hypocrite.

Discussion Questions for Job, Chapter 9

1. In chapter 9, Job responds to the words of Bildad. Do you think he agrees with what Bildad has said? Explain. Which verses would you point to in order to explain your answer?
2. How does Job view God based on what you read in verses 2-10? Would you say that he has a proper view of God? What can we learn about God from these verses?
3. Answer Job's question from verse 2: "But how can a man be in the right before God?" (ESV).
4. Throughout this chapter, Job uses speech that is overwhelmingly legal in nature. What are some key words in this chapter that indicate this legal emphasis? As you reflect on his words, how do you relate to Job? What legal words could we use to describe our own standing before God? Discuss how the gospel relates to law.
5. In verses 11-14, Job acknowledges God's power, but he then asks, "How then can I answer him, choosing my words with him?" This leads to his response in verses 15-21. What does Job say in these verses? Is he accusing God of injustice? What makes you say this?
6. Twice Job says, "Though I am in the right" (v.15, 20). Then in verses 20 and 21, he says, "I am blameless." What does Job conclude in verse 22? How do you relate to these words? What is your own standing before God?
7. In verses 22-24, Job admits that God is sovereign as he says, "He destroys both the blameless and the wicked...if it is not he, who then is it?" However, he again seems to accuse God of injustice. What does he say in verses 23-24 that shows this? What do you think may be a deeper meaning of Job's words in these verses?
8. After Job seems to accuse God, it is as though he comes to his senses again and recognizes that he must answer to God. What does he say in verses 27-29 to make this point? What would you say if you were to stand before God and have to give an answer about the things you have said and done?
9. Job knows that he is a sinner and there is nothing he can do to make himself clean. Read verses 30-31. What does Job conclude about God in verses 32-33? Do you agree with Job's conclusions in these verses? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
10. In the final verses of chapter 9 (v.27-35), Job comes up with three possible solutions: 1) To just forget about his circumstances and move on (v.27); 2) To wash himself and try to clean himself up (v.30); and 3) To have an arbiter or mediator who could intercede on his behalf (v.33). How do we at times fall into one of these same three positions?

Key Words/Phrase

Complaint, v. 17.

Characters

God, Job, Bildad.

Strong Verse(s)

20, 32.