Resource > Expository Notes on the Bible (Constable) >
Job >
Exposition >
II. THE DIALOGUE CONCERNING THE BASIS OF THE DIVINE-HUMAN RELATIONSHIP 3:1--42:6 >
G. The Cycle of Speeches between Job and God chs. 38:1-42:6 >
1. God's first speech 38:1-40:2 >
God's concluding challenge to Job 40:1-2
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God's first speech began and ended with a challenge to Job. Job had found fault with God for allowing him to suffer when he was godly. He had said he wished he could meet God in court to face Him with His injustice and to hear His response (13:3, 15). Now God asked Job if he still wanted to contend with Him after God had reminded him of His power and wisdom. "It"(40:2b) may refer to the question in 40:2a, though it could refer to all the evidence God had presented in chapters 38-39.165
"Yahweh ironically challenged Job to teach (or correct) Him in the matters of the universe to prove that he was equal to God and thus capable of arguing with God in court."166
