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Job Challenges Retribution Theology

Job 21:1-34

21
Chapter 21
1 He answered Job and said: 2 Hear my words attentively, and may this be your comfort. 3 Bear my scorn, and I will speak. Afterward you will mock my words. 4 Am I speaking to Adam to complain? And if so—why not shorten my spirit? 5 Turn to me and be appalled, and put your hand on your mouth. 6 And if I remembered, then I was dismayed, and it seized my flesh with shuddering. 7 Why do the wicked live? They grow mighty in power; their wealth increases. 8 Their seed stands firm before them, their people with them, and their offspring before their eyes. 9 Their houses are at peace from fear, and the rod of God is not upon them. 10 His ox goes forth and does not loathe; his heifer calves and does not miscarry. 11 They send out their young children like a flock, and their children dance. 12 They lift up the tambourine and harp and rejoice to the sound of the pipe. 13 They spend their days in good fortune, and in a moment they go down to Sheol. 14 And they say to God, "Depart from us, for we do not desire the knowledge of your ways." 15 What is Shaddai that we should serve him, and what profit is there that we should meet with him? 16 Behold, their good is not in their hand; the counsel of the wicked is far from me. 17 How often does the lamp of the wicked dim? Their calamity comes upon them; he divides birth pangs in his anger. 18 They will be like chaff before the wind, like chaff that a storm-wind steals away. 19 God will store up his iniquity for his sons; he will repay it to him, and he will know. 20 His eyes will see his violence, and he will drink from the wrath of Shaddai. 21 For what is his delight in his house after him? And the number of his months—they have divided it. 22 Will God teach knowledge? He judges those on high. 23 One dies in the bone of his completeness, full of tranquility and quiet. 24 His fat parts are full of fat, and the marrow of his bones makes them drink. 25 And this one dies with a bitter nephesh, and he did not eat with good. 26 They lie down together upon the dust, and the worm covers them over. 27 Behold, I know your thoughts and the schemes by which you oppress me. 28 For you say, "Where is the house of the noble, and where are the tents of the dwellings of the wicked?" 29 Haven't you asked travelers on the way, and don't you know their signs? 30 For on a day of calamity the wicked will grow dark; on a day of divine wrath they will be brought. 31 Who will declare to his face his way? And he—he has done it—who will repay him? 32 And he will be brought to the burial sites, and one will watch over a heap with care. 33 The clods of the stream-bed are sweet to him, and after him all Adam draws along, but before him there is no number. 34 How do you comfort me with vanity, when your answers remain treachery?