“The Troubles” (Job 42:11) [Spanish Jerusalem Bible Series - Job sub-series - # Job 42:11]

The Hebrew word, unusual, I understand it means
The “exile-troubles”, decades seven, when hometown life was lean,
But those who lived in Babylon, in exile all that time
Did not too badly, but it seems it’s like that story, mine –

I spun a yarn called “The Return” and problems that I heard
Between the lines when they went home in Scripture’s Holy Word;
A reference to the Spanish text said Job was written down
At time exiles came back home and settled back in town.

Initial question I then asked was, why was it told then?
It was an ancient fabula (that’s fable) told again
At this transition-point in life of Hebrews through the years;
Why was it God had author write this saga of Job’s tears?

I had no clue until I saw a reference to this word –
Just like the Irish “Troubles”, it has meaning’s understood
Within their own community, just like a term reserved
For special use in writing code, “Computer-only” word.

That says to me, “You’re warm there Stu, press on until you find
The point which other folks now miss, the point I had in mind” –
It’s somehow ’bout inheritance for women as for men,
The legacy which God anoints, as we begin again.

From Kingdom-layer what can one see, as three friends scurry ’round
Commiserating, yet don’t get “what’s up” there on the ground?
The Kingdom’s coming – God persists on giving gift of life
To all mankind, since Eden’s days and our resulting strife.”

For that’s what “Exile” was about – to smarten up the guys,
That after seven decades they might do life as advised
By God through Prophets and their ilk as they learned how to live
As back in Eden, from the tree of life – which new life gives.

To me, this ending says a word or two about the scene
We often witness after tragedy on earth has been
Wrapped up, and life is “As before” for most, few learn this way;
But some indeed move on in life to see God’s better day.

Sure, all’s restored and multiplied, but somehow there’s much more
To be drawn out from interchanges (still for me in store)
Between the bookends of this tome, the “Frame” of Job’s wee tale –
With words of Job’s three friends dismissed – which lets God’s words prevail.

Lord, I sense somehow Job’s three pals depict a world-ish view,
Held up with great solemnity as we are wont to do;
So, if that’s true, then part of value is in sorting out
The silliness of world’s perspective, bandied ’round about.

“Why now?” I ask – perhaps because it’s needed back at home,
As exiles, heading back, in counter words within this tome;
It might give food to chew on as they wrestle with new life
Back in the ruins of their world, destroyed by ancient strife.

And us? What is Job’s relevance (pandemic’s easing off)?
Perhaps it’s time to read again this text, see what we’re taught;
Lord, keep me open to Your word to us through ancient text,
That I not miss Your word to us, that life be henceforth blessed.

Thanks Lord for this.

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