Unit 1 LESSON 7

July 13, 2025

Study Text: Job 42:5-6 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee: Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes (KJV)

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"I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance" (NLT).

             Central Truth: Restoration begins with repentance.

KEY VERSE: Job 42:5-6 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes (KJV).

"I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance"(NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

People have lots of questions. You know this firsthand if you're ever taken care of a toddler! As we grow older and our questions become more complex, we start to realize that some of them will never be answered. There are some questions that will never be answered on this side of eternity. But as God's children, we can rest in His goodness--even when ee don't know all the details of His plan. The longer Job clung to his unanswered questions, the more frustrated he because. But once he met with God, he had to choose: Would he hold on to his anger or would he let go and trust God?

PART 1- Job Repents

Speaking from ignorance        Job 42:1-3

Job's "I know" statement (Job 42:2) was his way of saying he agreed with everything God had just said and was making claims through ignorance. Job was finally ready to repent. Though his life had spiraled out of control for a time, Job could now see that God still ruled the universe--even when Job suffered. Many people suffer in ways only God understands. When we try to reach out to them, we should be cautious about trying to explain the reasons behind life's tragedies. People in pain can deal with unanswered questions as long as they know God is on their side.

Discuss? How hard is it for you to trust God when you have unanswered questions?

Changed and Repentant                      Job 42:4-6

This fundamental shift in Job's understanding of God's nature completely changed his mindset. God had presented a mountain of evidence that Job had no idea what it takes to be in God's position (Job 42:4). Job had only ever heard of God before this encounter and had not had a personal experience with Him (verse 5). He had wanted to present his case directly before God, but things changed when his request was granted (verse 6). God had not answered Job's questions about why the innocent suffer. But Job still recognized that God is sovereign and just. In the end, Job did not need to know why. Job repented--not of the sins his friends had accused him of committing but of his lack of trust in God.

 Discuss?  What changed Job's mind and led him to repentance?

Part 2-- God Rebukes Job's Friends

God's Anger toward Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar                        Job 42:7-8

Now that God had finished speaking to Job, His attention turned to Eliphaz, Bilidad, and Zophar (Job 42:7). In His anger, God demanded a costly sacrifice from them (verse 8). They had misrepresented God to a righteous, suffering man. Reversal of fortune continues to be the theme of the Book of Job, even in the epilogue. While the friends may have deserved to be disciplined for their foolishness, they instead received an offer of mercy. It's a good reminder that not getting what we deserve can be a blessing.

DISCUSS? What "sacrifice" might you need to make to restore a relationship with a friend or family member?

                Joy Prays for His Friends           Job 42:7-8

Job's friends had to ask Job to pray for forgiveness on their behalf (Job 42:8-9). If the men would humble themselves and if Job would agree to pray for them, God's wrath would be turned away. Repentance requires an acknowledgment of sin and the humility to ask God for forgiveness. However, when our actions wrong other people, we must take the extra step of reconciling with them (Matthew 5:23-24).

DISCUSS? Is there someone you need to be reconciled with? If so, what is the first step?

      Part 3- God Honors Job's Integrity

Friends Restored      Job 42:10-11

Job repaid his friends' judgment with forgiveness, The effects of Job's choice spread immediately. His brothers, sisters, and former friends celebrated with him (Job 42:11). Though there is no direct mentions of Job's physical healing, it would be reasonable to assume his health was restored since his friends and family joined him in a feast at his home. There is power in forgiveness. Jesus made it clear that forgiveness must be offered for forgiveness to be received) (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiving others is he natural response to the forgiveness God offers us (Ephesians 4:32).

Discuss?  How can forgiveness restore a relationship?

Fortune Restored and Family Renewed                  Job 42:12-17

God doubled Job's livestock (Job 42:12) and renewed his family (verse 13). The doubled blessings God gave Job demonstrated that He wasn't only bringing restoration but also gifts of grace. The story of Job is a challenging view of God's sovereignty that God and a revelation that God's perspective on the way the world works is much higher than ours. We get to the end of the story and expect to have our why questions answered. Instead, we're offered a Who. We learn Who is in charge and that His ways are infinitely beyond our comprehension.

Discuss? What are some scriptural truths believers can hold on to when going through hard times?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

Forgiveness can free us from the pain and confusion that might otherwise destroy us. Job chose to forgive his friends. He learned to trust God with his unanswered questions. Even when we're confused or suffering, we can keep believing God is good. We can trust Him to guide us and care for us, no matter what.

LIVING IT OUT

Offer forgiveness to people who hurt you and seek forgiveness from people

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

        Monday: Jacob Sees God. Genesis 32:22-32

                                       Tuesday: Moses Sees God's Glory. Exodus 33:17-22; 34:5-8

                     Wednesday:  Isaiah Sees God's Glory. Isaiah 6:1-8

                      Thursday: Everyone Called to Repent. Acts 2:37-41 

                         Friday. When Christ Is Revealed. 2 Thessalonians 13-10

                   Saturday: John sees the Savior. Revelation 1:9-18

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 106 Number 4. Jun. Jul. Aug 2025