goes into a long monologue. He says that he longs for the past and for the days in which he had an intimate companionship with God. Then, he was continuously blessed by Him. He was held in honor and respect above all other men because he helped the helpless, was righteous, just and opposed the wicked. Job expected prosperity and blessing all the days of his life. At one point, he was the most respected of all men and now he is mocked by all. All he has left is a few remaining days of pain. God has surrounded him in His attack so that he was left helpless. Job begs for mercy but God ruthlessly attacks him with the intent of totally destroying him. Surely it is unreasonable to destroy a person who is already beat and broken. He went to others when they were hurt, yet no one come to his aid. Though he begs for health, all he receives is misery and horror. Job then goes into an oath of innocence. He never looked lustfully at a woman, was never deceitful, never committed a sexual sin. He had never been unjust to his servants, never turned those away who were in need, never loved money or any other form of idolatry. He had never failed to demonstrate love and compassion. Job challenges God to prove him wrong. If ever he had committed any sin, then may he be utterly cursed to the highest degree. Now, God replies to this through a voice in a whirlwind. He asks who it is that speaks these words that lack knowledge. He tells Job to prepare himself to answer Him. He asks Job what he knows about the formations of the earth's foundations or how he formed and controls the oceans. He asks if he ever caused the morning to arrive or controlled the stars and clouds. Surely he must have lived zillions of years in order to speak with such great knowledge and power, says God. God asks whether he provided for the lion or the raven and kept watch over the mountain goat and deer when they give birth to their offspring. Did he give the donkey his freedom to roa...
