Wes,

Thanks for this well thought out post. I agree with what Dave said. I actually found myself wanting to quote all of your post it in my reply.

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Wes said:
Like the Psalmist, Job often complains to God in the language of legal disputes. Some of what Job says shocks his friends. While they say all the right things about God, they never say anything to God. Job wrestles with God and tells Him every doubt and fear. His relationship with God is vital while theirs consists of dead aphorisms. It is not so much what they say, as how they apply it to Job, that shows the arrogance of their insisting that they know why Job is suffering. They are insensitive (Job 13:4, 5; 16:2; 19:21), as well as shallow and presumptuous regarding divine things. Job has been falsely accused; he is not suffering for his sins, though he cannot avoid wondering about this. But even though he imagines God is angry with him, in his better moments he still believes God is just and will provide a Redeemer (Job 16:19-21; 19:23-27).

I think this was the most helpful part for me, especially concerning his friends' dialogue. I'm not sure I've ever heard it quite explained that way, but it really seems to hit the nail on the head. I'm about half way through Job right now, but I think I'm going to start over with your comments in mind. I too love how Job is looking forward to God providing a Redeemer, and, not just in Job, but in the rest of the Old Testament.

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Wes said:
Some of our sufferings like the trials of Job, are for God's glory, either through our resulting refinement or through a spectacular healing as in the case presented in John 9. God's purpose is not always presently known to us, but we have God's assurance that His purpose is good (Romans 8:28).

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When his eyes have seen the Lord and he has repented in dust and ashes, Job has come to understand that God on His throne is sovereign, and rewards those who belong to Him despite times of pressure and pain. The reader learns that Job suffered, not because he was one of the worst of men, but because he was one of the best, and that his ordeal Glorified the Lord.

I think this is one of the most encouraging aspects of Job
to Christians in times of trouble (as well as good times too). It returns the focus of our minds from our troubles to God's ultimate purpose for our life, his glory. Of course, it's one of the easiest things to forget in times of trouble, but is also the most comforting. I think this is one of the main facts Paul has in mind when he says he is content with all things.

John