Job 2:11 - 3:26 ~ Speaking on Dark Days

(Our Reforming Groups Bible studies are designed to be inductive, using the COMA form of study: Context, Observation, Meaning, Application). For more on this method, check out this article.)

By way of introduction: We are in a book that chronicles a person’s deep suffering, and now about to enter a section that hears this suffering person speak about their life in very dark ways. How can we help each other prepare for such a Bible study?

Read Job 2:11 - 3:26

1. For a little bit of context, what did we see from the Book of Job chapters 1-2 on Sunday?

2. As Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar come to comfort Job, what is their reaction to his suffering?

3. Why do you think, do Job’s three friends not do any talking to Job at this point? (Notice from 2:13, does this mean there is no speaking going on at all?)

4. Job breaks the silence in chapter 3.

   Look at the way words are used throughout chapter 3 to see how the chapter may have some structure to Job’s words of suffering. (Look for words like “let”, “why” etc.)

5. In 3:3-10, Job now does curse. What is he saying in this section?

6. In 3:11-19, what does Job lament?

   In Job 3:17-19, does Job want to be with the wicked? - What does he really seek?

7. In 3:20-26, Job asks “why”.

   Look at the connections between 3:23 and 1:10, how was Job hedged-in before in chapter 1, and how is he now hedged-in?

8. Focus on Job 3:25, and look at the connections to Job 1:4-5.

   What had Job secretly feared?

9. There doesn’t seem like there is hope in Job 3, yet as we see Job’s closing first speech finish at 3:26 and reflect upon how every part of the Bible points to Jesus (Luke 24:25-27 and Luke 24:44-49), how does Christ connect to Job 3?

10. After reflecting upon the connection of Christ on the cross to Job 2:11-3:26, how does that help us in applying this part of the Bible to our own hearts and suffering of self or friends?

Pray for one another, that the Lord Jesus would change everything