Job 24:1
"Why does the Almighty not reserve times for judgment? Why may those who know Him never see His days?
Why does the Almighty not reserve times for judgment?
This phrase reflects Job's struggle with understanding God's timing and justice. In the context of the Book of Job, Job is questioning why God does not set specific times for judgment, especially when the wicked seem to prosper. This reflects a common theme in wisdom literature, where the righteous suffer while the wicked thrive, as seen in Psalms and Ecclesiastes. Theologically, this question challenges the understanding of divine justice and sovereignty. The term "Almighty" emphasizes God's omnipotence, suggesting that He has the power to set such times but chooses not to reveal them. This can be connected to the New Testament, where Jesus speaks of the unknown timing of the final judgment (Matthew 24:36).

Why may those who know Him never see His days?
Here, "those who know Him" refers to the righteous or those in a covenant relationship with God. Job is lamenting that even those who are faithful do not witness God's intervention or judgment in their lifetimes. This reflects a deep yearning for divine justice and vindication. The phrase "His days" can be interpreted as the times when God acts decisively in history, often associated with judgment or deliverance. This echoes the prophetic literature, where "the day of the Lord" is a time of both judgment and salvation (Isaiah 13:6, Joel 2:31). Theologically, this points to the eschatological hope found in the New Testament, where believers await the return of Christ and the final establishment of God's kingdom (Revelation 21:1-4).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and questions the justice of God.

2. The Almighty (God)
Referred to as the ultimate judge and sovereign ruler, whose timing and purposes are often beyond human understanding.

3. Those who know Him
This phrase refers to the righteous or those who have a relationship with God, who are perplexed by the apparent delay in divine justice.
Teaching Points
Understanding Divine Timing
God's timing for judgment and justice is perfect, even when it seems delayed from a human perspective. Trust in His sovereignty and wisdom.

The Struggle with Injustice
Like Job, believers may struggle with the apparent success of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. This struggle is a part of the human experience and should lead us to deeper trust in God.

Faith in God's Character
Even when we do not understand His ways, we can have faith in God's unchanging character—He is just, loving, and merciful.

Living Righteously Amid Uncertainty
In times of uncertainty and perceived injustice, continue to live righteously and maintain a close relationship with God, trusting that He sees and knows all.

Encouragement in Community
Engage with fellow believers to find encouragement and strength when grappling with questions about God's justice and timing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job's question in Job 24:1 reflect common human concerns about justice and timing?

2. In what ways can we find comfort in God's timing, even when it seems delayed, as seen in 2 Peter 3:8-9?

3. How can the struggle with the prosperity of the wicked, as seen in Psalm 73, help us understand Job's perspective in this verse?

4. What practical steps can we take to maintain our faith and righteousness when we do not see immediate justice?

5. How can we support and encourage one another in our faith communities when we face doubts about God's timing and justice?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ecclesiastes 3:17
This verse speaks to the belief that God will judge both the righteous and the wicked, affirming that there is a time for every activity and deed.

Psalm 73
The psalmist struggles with the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, similar to Job's lament, but ultimately finds solace in God's ultimate justice.

2 Peter 3:8-9
These verses remind believers that God's timing is not like human timing, and His patience is meant for salvation, not a delay in justice.
God's Special DaysW.F. Adeney Job 24:1
Examples of God's Incomprehensible DealingsE. Johnson Job 24:1-12
Apparent Anomalies in the Divine JudgmentR. Green Job 24:1-22
Consideration for OthersJ. Ruskin.Job 24:1-25
Great Crimes not Always Followed by Great Punishment in This LifeHomilistJob 24:1-25
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Almighty, Aren't, Hid, Hidden, Judgment, Kept, Laid, Mighty, Ruler, Seeing, Stored, Treasured, Vain, Wherefore
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 24:1

     5562   suffering, innocent

Job 24:1-4

     5448   poverty, attitudes to
     9210   judgment, God's

Job 24:1-12

     5339   home
     5554   status

Library
Whether the Husband Can on his Own Judgment Put Away his Wife on Account of Fornication?
Objection 1: It would seem that the husband can on his own judgment put away his wife on account of fornication. For when sentence has been pronounced by the judge, it is lawful to carry it out without any further judgment. But God, the just Judge, has pronounced this judgment, that a husband may put his wife away on account of fornication. Therefore no further judgment is required for this. Objection 2: Further, it is stated (Mat. 1:19) that Joseph . . . being a just man . . . "was minded to put"
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether to be Eternal Belongs to God Alone?
Objection 1: It seems that it does not belong to God alone to be eternal. For it is written that "those who instruct many to justice," shall be "as stars unto perpetual eternities [*Douay: 'for all eternity']" (Dan. 12:3). Now if God alone were eternal, there could not be many eternities. Therefore God alone is not the only eternal. Objection 2: Further, it is written "Depart, ye cursed into eternal [Douay: 'everlasting'] fire" (Mat. 25:41). Therefore God is not the only eternal. Objection 3: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether in Hell the Damned are Tormented by the Sole Punishment of Fire?
Objection 1: It would seem that in hell the damned are tormented by the sole punishment of fire; because Mat. 25:41, where their condemnation is declared, mention is made of fire only, in the words: "Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire." Objection 2: Further, even as the punishment of purgatory is due to venial sin, so is the punishment of hell due to mortal sin. Now no other punishment but that of fire is stated to be in purgatory, as appears from the words of 1 Cor. 3:13: "The fire
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members of the Household?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law set forth unsuitable precepts about the members of the household. For a slave "is in every respect his master's property," as the Philosopher states (Polit. i, 2). But that which is a man's property should be his always. Therefore it was unfitting for the Law to command (Ex. 21:2) that slaves should "go out free" in the seventh year. Objection 2: Further, a slave is his master's property, just as an animal, e.g. an ass or an ox. But it is commanded (Dt.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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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