Look at Joseph’s words to his brothers “don’t be angry and upset – God sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives” (Gen. 45:5). He’s been through bad times and his family has suffered famine but he sees it as God’s plan to provide for them and has faith that the suffering is under the sovereignty of God to bring good things to his people. Zophar, on the other hand, sees Job’s suffering simply as deserved punishment for Job’s sin – if he is suffering, he must be a terrible sinner. In Job 11:6b Zophar says “Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin.” (NIV), - his intent is rendered a bit more clearly in the NLT: “Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve!” Contrast this with Job’s response to his suffering back in 1:21: “The LORD gave me what I had and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!” (NLT). Paul, quoting Psalm 69:9 reminds us of the suffering of the sinless one Jesus Christ (Rom.
