Job 23:6

Would He contend with me in His great power? No, He would certainly take note of me.

Study Bible

Would He contend with me
The word "contend" in Hebrew is "רִיב" (riv), which means to strive or dispute. In the context of Job, this reflects Job's deep desire to understand why he is suffering and to present his case before God. Historically, the idea of contending with God is significant, as it shows Job's boldness and faith in God's justice. Job is not accusing God of wrongdoing but is seeking a fair hearing, which is a testament to his belief in God's righteousness.

in His great power?
The phrase "great power" emphasizes God's omnipotence. The Hebrew word for power here is "כֹּחַ" (koach), which denotes strength and might. This reflects the awe and reverence Job has for God's supreme authority. In the ancient Near Eastern context, gods were often seen as distant and unapproachable, yet Job acknowledges God's power while still yearning for a personal encounter. This highlights the unique relationship between the God of Israel and His people, where power is coupled with personal care.

No, He would certainly take note of me
The word "certainly" in Hebrew is "אָכֵן" (aken), which conveys assurance and confidence. Job expresses a profound trust that God, despite His immense power, is attentive to individual human beings. The phrase "take note of me" suggests a personal and intimate awareness. In the Hebrew, "שִׂים" (sim) means to set or place, indicating that God would set His attention on Job. This reflects the biblical theme of God's personal involvement in the lives of His people, as seen throughout Scripture, where God is depicted as both mighty and intimately concerned with human affairs.

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, enduring immense suffering and seeking understanding of his trials.

2. God
The Almighty, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe. In this context, Job is contemplating God's response to his plea for justice and understanding.

3. Job's Suffering
The series of calamities that befall Job, including loss of wealth, family, and health, which set the stage for his dialogues and reflections on God's justice and power.

4. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom, often attributing it to sin or lack of righteousness.

5. The Heavenly Court
The setting at the beginning of the Book of Job where God and Satan discuss Job's faithfulness, leading to the trials Job faces.

Teaching Points

God's Power and Compassion
While God is all-powerful, He is also compassionate and attentive to our needs. Job's confidence that God would "take note" of him reflects a deep trust in God's character.

The Nature of Divine Justice
Job's question about God contending with him in power challenges us to consider how divine justice operates. It is not merely about power but also about righteousness and mercy.

Approaching God with Confidence
Job's assertion encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is just and will listen to our pleas, not merely overpower us with His might.

Understanding Suffering
Job's experience teaches that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. It invites us to seek God's wisdom and understanding rather than jumping to conclusions.

Faith in Trials
Job's faith amidst trials serves as a model for maintaining trust in God's goodness and justice, even when circumstances are challenging and confusing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's understanding of God's power and justice challenge or affirm your view of God's character?

2. In what ways can you relate to Job's desire for God to "take note" of him in your own life experiences?

3. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 103:13-14 and Hebrews 4:15-16, enhance your understanding of God's compassion and approachability?

4. What lessons can we learn from Job about maintaining faith and integrity during times of suffering and uncertainty?

5. How can Job's account encourage you to approach God with confidence, even when you don't understand your circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 103:13-14
This passage speaks of God's compassion and understanding of human frailty, echoing Job's hope that God would not contend with him harshly.

Isaiah 57:15
Highlights God's transcendence and immanence, showing that He is both high and holy yet close to the contrite and lowly in spirit, similar to Job's expectation of God's attention.

Hebrews 4:15-16
Describes Jesus as a high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses, encouraging believers to approach God's throne with confidence, paralleling Job's desire for a fair hearing.