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“Summaries, Job 25-26, Psalms 44-46”
Categories: Bulletin Articles
Job 25 is the shortest chapter in the book. In it, Bildad the Shuhite emphasizes the wisdom and power of God. Given those things, he argues that it’s impossible for man to be righteous in the sight of One who is so perfect. This argument is certainly correct, but it misses the point. If everybody is unrighteous before God, why is Job being singled out for punishment?
Job 26 begins Job’s longest speech in the book. Once again, he resorts to sarcasm. Bildad believes that he has been helpful and wise, but his wisdom is nothing before God’s wisdom. God can see into even the abode of the dead. He supports the earth, orders the heaven, controls the seas, and defeats His enemies. However, even these things, as impressive as they are, cannot begin to reveal the extent of His power.
In many ways, Psalm 44 is similar to the book of Job. It opens by remembering God’s help for the Israelites in conquering the land of Canaan. Even today, God’s people look to Him and trust in Him.
However, there’s a problem. Rather than blessing His people, God has humiliated them. They have been defeated in battle, sold into slavery, and made a laughingstock for the people around them. The psalmist asserts that this is not due to their sin. They have been faithful to God, and God knows that they have been faithful, but He has allowed them to be slaughtered anyway. The psalm concludes with a plea to God to rise up and rescue them from their plight.
Psalm 45 was written on the occasion of the marriage of one of the kings. It opens by praising the king. He is blessed by God and mighty and victorious in battle. Because he is righteous, God will continue to bless him and uphold his throne forever. Note that vss. 6-7 appear to be addressed to God about the ways that God will bless Him. This is a Messianic prophecy quoted in Hebrews 1:8-9 and a hint that one day God would be King.
The rest of the psalm is addressed to the king’s bride. It encourages her to leave behind her father’s house and devote herself entirely to her husband. It praises the beauty of her attire. If she is willing to submit to her husband, she will be blessed with many sons and remembered.
Psalm 46 celebrates the protection of God. Even in the middle of an earthquake, His people still can be unafraid. God will continue to safeguard His holy city even when all others are opposed to it. His people see the evidence of His care in His previous actions. He has devastated the earth and destroyed armies. Everyone must acknowledge that He is God, and He will be a refuge for Israel.
