“In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath
of all mankind?” (v.10)
Here in chapter 12 Job not only answers Zophar, but Eliphaz and
Bildad as well. From beginning to end,
his response is filled with sarcasm and contempt for their “wisdom”, while it
maintains his denial of personal guilt. Additionally, beyond his contempt for
their "collective wisdom", Job's underlying faith and conviction about God are well evident.
Here in our text Job recognizes that all life is sustained by
God - from all living creatures to man, but it's recorded in the form of a question to his ditractors. Meaning, don't you get it? nothing ever escapes from the
rule of God - not kings, nor kingdoms, princes or judges, you, me, nothing! (vv.18-23). He is in
complete and absolute control. This higher level of thinking about God by Job shows why Job never cursed God. Oh he questioned Him yes, but never denied God's authority over his life.
This speaks to us (as it did to Job) that we are in God’s hand
as well – Our soul, our very breath, our lives, all sustained by God. Therefore, we must trust in the LORD in all His dealings with us, and not curse Him, nor deny Him in the process. Knowing that He is in complete and
The Truth: “Fear
not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold
you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
