Job 27:9
Will God hear his cry when distress comes upon him?
Will God hear
The phrase "Will God hear" raises the question of divine responsiveness to human pleas. In Hebrew, the word for "hear" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just auditory reception but also understanding and action. In the context of Job, this reflects the deep-seated belief in a God who is not only aware of human suffering but is also capable of intervening. Historically, the Israelites believed in a covenant relationship with God, where obedience and faithfulness were met with divine attention and care. This phrase challenges the reader to consider the conditions under which God chooses to respond to human cries, especially in times of moral or spiritual crisis.

his cry
The "cry" here refers to a desperate plea for help, often associated with distress or suffering. The Hebrew word "צְעָקָה" (tzeakah) is used, which conveys a sense of urgency and deep emotional turmoil. In the broader scriptural context, a "cry" is often a turning point, a moment when individuals reach out to God in their most vulnerable state. This highlights the human condition of dependency on divine mercy and the hope that God will respond to sincere supplications. Theologically, it underscores the importance of humility and repentance in seeking God's intervention.

when distress comes upon him
The phrase "when distress comes upon him" speaks to the inevitability of suffering in human life. The Hebrew word for "distress" is "צָרָה" (tzarah), which can mean trouble, adversity, or affliction. This reflects the universal experience of hardship and the testing of faith that often accompanies it. In the historical context of Job, distress is not merely a personal misfortune but a profound spiritual trial. It serves as a catalyst for introspection and growth, challenging believers to maintain their faith and integrity despite overwhelming circumstances. This phrase invites readers to reflect on their own responses to adversity and the role of divine providence in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith.

2. God
The Almighty Creator, who is sovereign over all creation. In the context of Job, God is the one who allows Job's trials to test his faith.

3. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to comfort him but end up arguing that his suffering must be due to sin.

4. Distress
The trials and tribulations that Job experiences, which include the loss of his wealth, health, and family.

5. The Wicked
Those who live in opposition to God's ways, often referenced in Job's speeches as a contrast to the righteous.
Teaching Points
The Nature of God’s Justice
God is just and righteous, and His responses to human cries are based on His perfect wisdom and justice. We must trust in His timing and decisions.

The Importance of Righteous Living
Living a life aligned with God's will is crucial for maintaining a relationship where God hears our prayers. Sin can hinder our communication with God.

The Role of Suffering in Faith
Suffering can be a test of faith and character. Like Job, we should remain steadfast and trust in God's ultimate plan, even when we don't understand our circumstances.

The Consequences of Wickedness
A life lived in opposition to God leads to spiritual deafness, where cries for help may go unheard. Repentance and turning towards God are essential.

The Assurance of God’s Presence
For the righteous, God is always near, ready to hear and respond. This assurance should encourage us to maintain our faith and integrity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 27:9 challenge us to examine the sincerity and righteousness of our own prayers?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are aligned with God's will so that He hears our cries in times of distress?

3. How do the experiences of Job encourage us to remain faithful during our own trials and sufferings?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid the spiritual pitfalls of the wicked, as described in Job 27:9 and related scriptures?

5. How can we support others in their faith journey, especially when they feel that God is not hearing their prayers?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 66:18
This verse speaks about the importance of having a pure heart for God to hear our prayers, similar to the theme in Job 27:9 about God not hearing the cries of the wicked.

Proverbs 1:28-29
These verses discuss how those who reject wisdom and the fear of the Lord will not be heard when they call out in distress, paralleling Job's assertion about the wicked.

Isaiah 59:1-2
This passage explains that sin creates a separation between God and people, preventing their prayers from being heard, which aligns with Job's discourse on the wicked.
Points in Job's ParableHomilistJob 27:1-10
Job a Victor in the ControversyE. Johnson Job 27:1-23
An Empty HopeW.F. Adeney Job 27:8-10
The Hope of the HypocriteR. Green Job 27:8-12
The HypocriteThe EvangelistJob 27:9-10
The HypocriteJames Stewart.Job 27:9-10
The Hypocrite Detected by His PrayersHenry Melvill, B. D.Job 27:9-10
The Hypocrite DiscoveredJob 27:9-10
The Hypocrite's Inconstancy in Prayer ExplainedR. Hall, M. A.Job 27:9-10
The Privations of GodnessnessThe ThinkerJob 27:9-10
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Cry, Distress, Ears, Trouble
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 27:8-10

     6169   godlessness

Library
The Touchstone of Godly Sincerity
Who, then, is this "wicked man," thus portrayed before us? And what are the first symptoms of his depravity? We ask not the question idly, but in order that we take heed against the uprise of such an evil in ourselves. "Beneath the saintly veil the votary of sin May lurk unseen; and to that eye alone Which penetrates the heart, may stand revealed." The hypocrite is very often an exceedingly neat imitation of the Christian. To the common observer he is so good a counterfeit that he entirely escapes
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Whether Hypocrisy is Contrary to the virtue of Truth?
Objection 1: It seems that hypocrisy is not contrary to the virtue of truth. For in dissimulation or hypocrisy there is a sign and a thing signified. Now with regard to neither of these does it seem to be opposed to any special virtue: for a hypocrite simulates any virtue, and by means of any virtuous deeds, such as fasting, prayer and alms deeds, as stated in Mat. 6:1-18. Therefore hypocrisy is not specially opposed to the virtue of truth. Objection 2: Further, all dissimulation seems to proceed
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

On the Interior Man
The interior man is the rational soul; in the apostle: have in your hearts, in the interior man, Christ through faith. [Eph. 3:16] His head is Christ; in the apostle: the head of the man is Christ. [I Cor. 11:3] The crown of the head is the height of righteousness; in Solomon: for the crown of your head has received the crown of grace. The same in a bad part: the crown of hairs having walked about in their own delights, that is, in the height of iniquity. [Prov. 4:9; Ps. 67(68):22(21)] The hair is
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

Wesley in St. Albans Abbey
Monday, July 30.--l preached at Bingham, ten miles from Nottingham. I really admired the exquisite stupidity of the people. They gaped and stared while I was speaking of death and judgment, as if they had never heard of such things before. And they were not helped by two surly, ill-mannered clergymen, who seemed to be just as wise as themselves. The congregation at Houghton in the evening was more noble, behaving with the utmost decency. Tuesday, 31.--At nine I preached in the market place at Loughborough,
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
1. Conviction of guilt necessary.--2. A charge of rebellion against God advanced.--3. Where it is shown--that all men are born under God's law.--4. That no man hath perfectly kept it.--5. An appeal to the reader's conscience on this head, that he hath not.--6. That to have broken it, is an evil inexpressibly great.--7. Illustrated by a more particular view of the aggravations of this guilt, arising--from knowledge.--8. From divine favors received.--9. From convictions of conscience overborne.--10.
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

God's Sovereignty and Prayer
"If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us" (1 John 5:14). Throughout this book it has been our chief aim to exalt the Creator and abase the creature. The well-nigh universal tendency now, is to magnify man and dishonour and degrade God. On every hand it will be found that, when spiritual things are under discussion, the human side and element is pressed and stressed, and the Divine side, if not altogether ignored, is relegated to the background. This holds true of very much of the
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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