Yesterday we heard of the plague against the livestock, the plague of boils, and the plague of hail. We are not told how much time there was in between each plague. It seems there was enough time for many Egyptians to buy more livestock before they were again decimated by the hail. Then we heard about the plague of locusts followed by the plague of darkness.
As I noted following yesterday’s reading, I hope you noticed Who is doing the hardening of hearts and causing the stubbornness? Paul talks about that in Romans 9.
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/exo.11.nlt
Elihu's 5 th chapter.
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/job.36
We turn to James 5. In chapter 4, James preached against the way the world had infiltrated the church— and we could say, still infiltrates the church. He gave an important clue about why God doesn't answer our prayers. And he taught that we need to purify our hearts from pride and having divided loyalty between God and the world. He gave a big clue on how to be rid of Satan's influence. Finally James taught us how prideful it is to judge others, and warned about prideful planning.
Note that in verses 1-6 of our reading today, James is using the rhetorical device apostrophe, where he harshly rebukes rich people who are not actually in his audience. He is is doing this to give comfort to his actual audience, which includes many who are poor. It is likely that rich people who were part of James’ audience had not done the crimes James mentions.
Translation notes:
11 We give great honor to those who endured under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great
endurance. You can see how[-- at the end/0], the Lord was kind to him [0/at the end], for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
15 [ [PET] And God will answer their prayers for healing which are supported by fully believing that the Lord is answering. The Lord will bring him back to health. And if his sickness was caused by his sins, through such prayers, the Lord will forgive him. //Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.]
https://www.bible.com/bible/116/jas.5.nlt
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