Job 31:2

In Job 31:2, Job continues his passionate defense against the accusations of his friends, making a series of solemn declarations about his integrity. This verse is a rhetorical question that underscores his belief in God's active justice and the consequences of human actions. Job implies that if he were guilty of the sins he has just denied (such as lust, v. 1, or injustice, which he addresses later in the chapter), he would rightfully expect a negative "portion" or "inheritance" from God.

Context

Chapter 31 serves as the climax of Job's final monologue, where he systematically denies various categories of sin, essentially presenting himself as innocent before God and man. This chapter is often viewed as Job's oath of purgation, a legal defense where he calls upon God to judge his conduct. The question in verse 2, "For what portion of God [is there] from above? and [what] inheritance of the Almighty from on high?", reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine retribution. It's a declaration that a righteous life should lead to divine favor, while wickedness would justly incur divine punishment or a lack of blessing. Job is asserting that his blameless conduct (Job 1:1) should preclude him from receiving a negative "portion" from the Almighty.

Key Themes

• Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse highlights the pervasive biblical theme that God is actively involved in human affairs, observing and judging conduct. There is a clear expectation that God dispenses blessings for righteousness and consequences for sin. This aligns with principles found throughout the Old Testament, such as the blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28.
• Consequences of Sin: Implicit in Job's question is the understanding that certain actions lead to a loss of divine favor or a specific form of divine judgment—a "portion" or "inheritance" that is undesirable. Job's rhetorical question serves to say, "Surely, if I had done these things, I would be justly punished."
• Job's Integrity and Expectation: Job's consistent defense of his innocence throughout the book culminates here. He believes his uprightness should guarantee him a positive "portion" from God, challenging the conventional wisdom of his friends who insisted his suffering must be due to hidden sin.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "portion" (Hebrew: cheleq, חֵלֶק) and "inheritance" (Hebrew: nachalah, נַחֲלָה) are significant. Both words frequently refer to a share of land or possessions, often tied to a covenant or divine promise. In this context, they extend to one's lot or destiny determined by God. Job is contemplating what God's assigned "lot" would be for someone who committed such grievous sins, implying it would be negative. The phrases "from above" and "from on high" emphasize the divine, sovereign source of this portion or inheritance, reinforcing that God is the ultimate dispenser of justice and blessing.

Practical Application

Job's rhetorical question reminds us of the enduring principle that our actions have consequences, both seen and unseen. While the book of Job ultimately challenges simplistic views of immediate retribution, it affirms God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. This verse encourages us to:

• Live with Integrity: To strive for a life of righteousness, knowing that God observes our conduct and that integrity is valued by Him.
• Trust God's Justice: Even when consequences aren't immediately apparent or suffering seems inexplicable, we can trust in God's perfect justice and His ultimate plan for those who walk uprightly. Our true "portion" and "inheritance" are ultimately found in Him (Psalm 73:26).