Sharper Iron — There Is a Redeemer – Job 18:1-21: Are Job’s Friends Stupid?
As Bildad begins his second speech, he takes exception to Job’s apparent conclusion that the three friends are no smarter than cattle. Bildad says that he knows what happens to the wicked. With vivid imagery, Bildad explains to Job that the light of the wicked is extinguished, the strength of the wicked is sapped, and the memory of the wicked is forgotten. Because Job has suffered so horribly, Bildad assumes that Job must be among the most egregiously wicked.
Rev. Phillip Fischaber, pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Job 18:1-21.
To learn more about Holy Trinity in Walnut, visit htlcwalnut.org.
“There Is a Redeemer” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the book of Job. The suffering of Job raises important questions. Does man fear God for no reason? Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? Who can be an arbiter for man? As this book of wisdom literature wrestles with such questions, God reveals to us that He is our Living Redeemer whom we are right to fear, love, and trust above all things.
Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Together in faith, LCEF helps to start, sustain and strengthen LCMS ministries through financial and strategic partnerships. Visit lcef.org.
Job 18:1-21
Bildad Speaks: God Punishes the Wicked
[1] Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said:
[2] “How long will you hunt for words?
Consider, and then we will speak.
[3] Why are we counted as cattle?
Why are we stupid in your sight?
[4] You who tear yourself in your anger,
shall the earth be forsaken for you,
or the rock be removed out of its place?
[5] “Indeed, the light of the wicked is put out,
and the flame of his fire does not shine.
[6] The light is dark in his tent,
and his lamp above him is put out.
[7] His strong steps are shortened,
and his own schemes throw him down.
[8] For he is cast into a net by his own feet,
and he walks on its mesh.
[9] A trap seizes him by the heel;
a snare lays hold of him.
[10] A rope is hidden for him in the ground,
a trap for him in the path.
[11] Terrors frighten him on every side,
and chase him at his heels.
[12] His strength is famished,
and calamity is ready for his stumbling.
[13] It consumes the parts of his skin;
the firstborn of death consumes his limbs.
[14] He is torn from the tent in which he trusted
and is brought to the king of terrors.
[15] In his tent dwells that which is none of his;
sulfur is scattered over his habitation.
[16] His roots dry up beneath,
and his branches wither above.
[17] His memory perishes from the earth,
and he has no name in the street.
[18] He is thrust from light into darkness,
and driven out of the world.
[19] He has no posterity or progeny among his people,
and no survivor where he used to live.
[20] They of the west are appalled at his day,
and horror seizes them of the east.
[21] Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous,
Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).
