Job's Third Speech (Part 2)
Job continues his third speech in chapter 10. He declares that he hates his life. Job feels there is nothing to like about his life and wants to vent his bitterness. He speaks to God - "Show me why You contend with me" (Job 10:2). What Job wants more than anything else is some answers.

Job is inclined to believe that apparently God hates his life too. "Does it seem good to You that You should oppress, that You should despise the work of Your hands, and smile on the counsel of the wicked?" (Job 10:3). Job is essentially asking: "God, why aren't you contending with those who really are Your enemies?" Job knows he has been faithful, yet he sees the wicked prospering in their immorality.

The patriarch asks in 10:4 - "Do you see as man sees?" It is common for those undergoing difficult times to wonder if others really understand. The desire for a mediator is implied here. Can you really see things from my perspective, God? The answer is "yes," especially when one considers Jesus' earthly ministry (cf. Heb. 4:15; 2:14).

Job believes that God knows that he is not wicked (and Job is correct; cf. Job 1:8). But, this belief combined with his extensive suffering is puzzling to Job, to say the least. He knows there must be something more to his suffering than his sins, but he has no idea what it might be.

"Your hands have made me and fashioned me, an intricate unity; yet You would destroy me. Remember, I pray, that You have made me like clay. And will You turn me into dust again?" (Job 10:8,9). Job understands that God made him, has power over him, and can do to him whatever He desires. However, he cannot understand why God would create him in order to destroy him, especially since God has granted Job great loving-kindness in the past. This may be the only thread that is keeping Job alive--God's previous wonderful care. Job had higher hopes for his life and believed God had higher plans for him than just to cycle him from dust to dust. Why would God bother with the planning and effort necessary for Job's existence to become a reality just to crush him?

"And these things You have hidden in Your heart; I know that this was with You" (Job 10:13). Job believes God knows exactly what is happening to him and why.

Job indirectly acknowledges the omniscience and justice of God in 10:14 - "If I sin, then You mark me, and will not acquit me of my iniquity." There are two significant points to note here: (1) There is a clearly defined system of right and wrong, and (2) Job and his friends know what to do to receive forgiveness for their sins (cf. 1:5). These truths have led to Job's confusion. Even if he was righteous (which he believes he is), he wouldn't dare to lift up his head because he is currently at a total loss as to what to do to approach God. His prolonged suffering makes no sense to him. He is full of disgrace, which makes him feel unworthy to lift up his head to speak with God.

Job concludes his thoughts in this speech with a plea to God to just let him die. He wishes he would have gone straight from the womb to the tomb. This is essentially a repeat of 3:11-13. Job knows the power of death is in God's hands, and he wishes for a little comfort before he dies.