Job·Chapter 35

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to reflect before you express your feelings or requests—whether in prayer or to someone you trust. Ask yourself: 'Am I being genuine? Am I sharing what truly matters to me?' Practice being honest about your struggles and desires. You might want to write down your feelings or talk them out loud. By making your cries sincere, you create a deeper connection, not just with God, but with the people around you. This small step can transform how you communicate and feel heard.

Chapter Context

In this chapter, Job is in a deep conversation about suffering and the nature of God. He's grappling with the idea that even in his pain, maybe he’s not being heard. Just before this moment, there's a back and forth about whether God pays attention to human struggles. This verse hits at the heart of that debate—it suggests that if our cries are empty, they won’t reach God. It’s a turning point in the discussion, emphasizing the importance of true connection and sincerity with the divine as Job continues to express his anguish and confusion. This sets the stage for deeper reflections on faith and honesty.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• surely - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• god - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• not - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• hear - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• empty - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• nor - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• almighty - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• regard - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

When you think about your own cries for help, are you being completely honest with yourself and with God? What might change if you let your true feelings come to the surface?

Related Verses

• Psalms 34:18 - This verse reminds us that God is close to those who are hurting and broken-hearted, showing that sincere cries do matter.
• Matthew 6:7 - Here, Jesus talks about not just rambling empty words in prayer, aligning with the idea of needing sincerity.
• Proverbs 15:29 - This verse supports the idea that God listens to the prayers of the righteous, emphasizing the importance of a genuine heart.
• Isaiah 59:2 - This verse talks about how sins can separate us from God’s ears, again highlighting the need for authenticity in our relationship with Him.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Job 35:13. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Divine Sovereignty, Human Suffering, Transcendence of God, Righteousness and Justice, The Nature of Prayer, Pride and Humility, Understanding God

Key Verses

Job 35:2, Job 35:6, Job 35:10, Job 35:13, Job 35:16

Historical Context

Job Chapter 35 is part of a larger discourse in the Book of Job, where Job grapples with the reality of his suffering despite being a righteous man. Elihu, who appears later in the narrative, presents a unique perspective that contrasts with the views of Job and his friends. While Job's friends argue that suffering is a direct result of sin, Elihu introduces the idea that God's ways are beyond human comprehension and that suffering can serve purposes unknown to humanity. Elihu's speech emphasizes the need for humility and a deeper understanding of God's nature, setting the stage for the eventual divine response that will follow in the later chapters.