Job 14-17

In Ch. 14 Job reflects on the fact that man's time on earth is very short and full of trouble.  He compared man's life to a withering flower.  He then starts to question what happens after death.  Up until this point I don't have any recollection of man's assention into heaven being mentioned.  Does this understanding come with the walk with Jesus?

He continues to to suffer and mourn.

Chapter 15:  Yet another "friend" attempts to talk with Job.  He lays into him right away.  He calls Job's complaining sinful.  He tells Job that he is not special.  He claims that all Job's complaining is adding to his wickedness.  He joined Job's other friends by telling him that he has earned his pain and he is doing the wrong thing by complaining about it.  They believe that Job needs to follow their advise b/c they know better.

I love in Ch. 16 Job calls his friends "miserable comforters".  He wants them to shut their traps!  He also tells them that their speeches are all fine and good b/c they are not the ones in this situation.  He the speeches from his friends are only another way he is being attacked.  But he says:

(16-17)  My face is red and weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes;
 yet my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure.

In the last part of 16 there is a shift.  Job is surrendering and you can tell.  He no longer wants to be erased. I thought vs. 7-9 worth noting.

My eyes have grown dim with grief;
my whole frame is but a shadow.
Upright men are appalled at this;
the innocent are aroused against the ungodly.
Nevertheless, the righteous will held to their ways,
and those with clean hands will grow stronger.