Day 11

Bildad’s Second Speech and Job’s Reply

from the Job reading plan


Job 18:1-21, Job 19:1-29, Isaiah 50:7-10, John 3:17-18

BY Guest Writer

In the wake of Bildad’s second speech (Job 18)—a terrifying description of the darkness, entrapment, and utter destruction awaiting the wicked—Job lamented. He returned his focus once again to how God had destroyed him in every way. He mourned his lost hope and the feeling of being trapped in his circumstances (Job 19:10,12). He lamented that he was a physical wreck and that all of his household—relatives, guests, servants, and even his own wife—now despised him (vv.13–19,20).

In other words, Job’s extreme suffering continued. But now it was interlaced with crushing social abandonment. Nevertheless, what Job said next stands as a radical alternative to despair:

“But I know that my Redeemer lives” (v.25).

A “redeemer” was a family member who bought back persons or property that had been lost to the family due to poverty. We know the practice well from the selfless action of Boaz, when he redeemed the property of Naomi’s family and married the widowed Ruth. We know of the redemption and deliverance of God’s people Israel from their enslavement in Egypt. And we remember how Isaiah repeatedly called the Lord “God of Israel,” “the Redeemer,” and “the Holy One of Israel.”

Job’s own declaration about God is woven within this same rich tapestry of faith. Having just said that his own relatives, or “kin,” had completely deserted him, Job fully affirmed that his “kinsman-redeemer,” his God, would not fail to rise up to vindicate and buy him back. “But I know” tells us something about Job’s confidence in God—so much so, that he asked that his words be inscribed as a witness for the future (vv.23–24)—and so they were!

Job’s profound vow of hope continues on as he proclaims that he will see his Redeemer:

“Even after my skin has been destroyed,
yet I will see God in my flesh.
I will see him myself;
my eyes will look at him, and not as a stranger.
My heart longs within me (vv.26–27).”

Perhaps he was echoing the symbolism of dust from Genesis 3, or maybe he anticipated restoration from his present illness (2:8;7:5). Regardless, his words are telling: he knew God would remain faithful. The bottom line is this: Job affirmed that he would see God. He was clinging to the truth that he knew. Seeing his Redeemer was what Job wanted more than anything else, and indeed he did, as we will read later in the book (ch. 38–41).

The beauty of this beloved passage lies in a paradox. On one hand, we see the ambiguity of never really knowing how or when our pain, suffering, and weariness will end. But on the other, we see Job’s fierce, unwavering hope. Hope compelled him forward, re-anchoring and recentering him to his faith. May we learn to do the same. Let us trust in the name of the Lord, relying on Him alone (Isaiah 50:10).

Elaine A. Phillips received a BA in social psychology from Cornell University, an MDiv from Biblical Theological Seminary, and an MA in Hebrew from the Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem, where she and her husband, Perry, studied and taught from 1976–79. She holds a PhD in rabbinic literature, and teaches Biblical Studies at Gordon College. She also serves as a historical geography field instructor for Jerusalem University College. She has published a commentary on Esther in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary; a devotional book, With God, Nothing Is Impossible; and, most recently, An Introduction to Reading Biblical Wisdom Texts.

Post Comments (43)

43 thoughts on "Bildad’s Second Speech and Job’s Reply"

  1. Andrea Martin says:

    For I know that my Redeemer lives! My heart cannot truly grasp the immensity of that truth in this season. It means so much more that I can understand nor see.

  2. Brandy Deruso says:

    Lord i thank you!

  3. Caitlyn Stark says:

    How comforting, knowing in the midst of suffering, that my Redeemer lives!

  4. Andie Battles says:

    Encouraged by this. At times we suffer and it seems no one understands or they try to fix it. However, we serve a redeemer who fully understands. He knows what it is like to be betrayed, abandoned, doubted and mocked. He felt all these things throughout his time on earth and on his way to the cross. He went so that this life could be redeemed. Job was pointing his finger at God but he still knew that his way was sure and that the present suffering would be redeemed.

  5. Amanda L says:

    Job stating that he knows he redeemer lives is so powerful! He is so sure that he will see God and nobody can tell him otherwise! I feel like Job right now! There’s been a lot going on in the world but I have so much never ending hope. Many people think that I’m being to positive and that this suffering that has been placed upon us is eternal. But I know in my heart that OUR redeemer lives! The Lord will end our suffering I know it. People can write my word down that’s how sure I am. And when this all ends those who have denied me and turned away from God will realize that he always had it taken care of.

  6. Ashley G says:

    Praying for a hope that will re-anchor and re-center faith, especially for my coworker who lost her faith a couple of years ago when her adult son unexpectedly passed. I would truly appreciate any advice on how to continue to walk with her during this time and still trying to redirect her faith to Christ. It’s a blurry line to walk between validating her pain and maintaining the goodness of Gods sovereignty.

  7. Elizabeth McCready says:

    This whole study has been uplifting to me, but this particular day of study struck a deep chord. My dad is about to go on trial next week and the last year and a half of his court dates and how all this has affected my family and our lives has been devastating and harsh, at times. I’m thankful for my Redeemer who lives. I don’t know how else I would survive without Him and my sweet husband and friends.

  8. Selina Loggins says:

    For I know that my redeemer lives…words like water to an already springing garden.. I love You God. And I love all you ladies. I try to read every post and pray over your needs and the comfort of those that have lost loved ones. I’ve experienced a lot of pain- like many of you- but the joy after that pain is unimaginable. Let us stay in faith in trusting God to our fullest – just like Job did. OUR REDEEMER LIVES!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *