Job 30 Footnotes

30:16-23 Job’s characterization of God as one who had abused his power by causing Job’s pain and refusing to answer Job’s pleas should not be interpreted as normative theology. Job’s accusations arose out of suffering and psychological trauma. The Scriptures plainly teach that God is not the author of evil (Jms 1:13) but that he is holy, just, and perfect in all that he does (Lv 11:44-45; 19:2; Dt 32:4). His grace and goodness flow out of his love to needy human beings (Ps 145:8-9). He answers those who call upon him in their distress (Ps 22:24; 102:1-2), unless they have broken fellowship with him (Ps 66:18). Although all must face the eventuality of death, even then God lovingly cares for his own (Ps 16:10; 23:4).