Job 1:21 and Job's Laments — Group Study

Opening: Briefly summarize the key themes we've discussed in the book of Job so far.

1. Read Job 42:7.

1. Last week we discussed how this verse is likely best translated by changing "about" to "to" or "toward." How does this change the meaning of the verse?
2. How does that affect how we think about what Job did right throughout the book?

2. Read Job 1:21.

This is likely the most well-known verse in the entire book — and it is Job's initial response to his suffering, in chapter 1 of 42. Why is that important to notice when it comes to how we apply this verse?

3. Split into groups.

Each group takes two passages. In your group, work through:

• How would you summarize Job's words here?
• Who are these words directed toward?
• What is Job longing for?

Group 1: Job 7:7–21; Job 10:2–22
Group 2: Job 9:32–35; Job 16:19–21
Group 3: Job 13:15–16; Job 19:25–27
Group 4: Job 14:7–15; Job 23:16–24:1

4. Come back together and share what you found.

1. How are Job's words here different from 1:21? How are they similar?
2. How do Job's words show us a realistic picture of what suffering does to us and to our view of God?
3. Job directs all of this toward God. How is that a model for what we are meant to do with our own suffering, questions, and longings?

5. Read Matthew 5:6.

Jesus says those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.

1. How does Job show us that suffering, though not good, can produce in us a longing for something that is good?
2. Why is it good to long for justice?
3. How can we allow our suffering to birth these longings in us, rather than shutting them down?



6. Closing.

1. How can our suffering enable us to see God more clearly?
2. How does feeling the weight of our suffering show us the wonder of God's love given to us through Jesus' death and resurrection?
3. Read Job 19:25–27 again. How does the hope of Jesus fulfill Job's trust that he will see God himself