Job 31:28

In Job 31:28, Job continues his passionate defense, asserting his innocence against specific accusations of sin. Here, he declares that to deny the true God would be an unforgivable offense, worthy of divine judgment.

Context

This verse is part of Job’s extensive "oath of innocence" in Job chapter 31, where he meticulously lists various sins he has not committed, calling upon God to judge him if he is lying. Specifically, verses 26-27 address the temptation of idolatry, particularly the worship of celestial bodies like the sun and moon. Job asserts that such an act would be a profound betrayal, directly denying the Creator. His declaration here underscores his unwavering commitment to the one true God, a theme consistent with his character from the book's beginning, as seen in Job 1:1.

Key Themes

• Denial of God as Supreme: Job considers the denial of "the God that is above" as the ultimate transgression. This is not merely a rejection of a deity but a denial of the very source of life and justice, placing created things or self above the Creator. This echoes the first commandment to have no other gods before Him.
• Idolatry as a Grave Sin: While the immediate context is physical idolatry (sun/moon worship), the principle extends to any form of worship or ultimate trust placed in anything other than God. Job recognizes this as a direct affront to divine sovereignty.
• Divine Judgment: Job explicitly states that such an act "were an iniquity to be punished by the judge." He acknowledges God not only as the supreme being but also as the ultimate, righteous judge who will hold humanity accountable for their allegiance. This concept of God as the final arbiter is a recurring theme, as highlighted in Psalm 7:11.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the God that is above" (Hebrew: 'El mima'al) emphasizes God's transcendence, His supreme position, and His authority over all creation. It highlights His distinctness from the created order and any false gods. The term "iniquity" (Hebrew: 'avon) carries the connotation of perversity, guilt, and the punishment deserved for such transgression. Job understands that denying God is not a trivial error but a profound moral twisting that warrants severe consequence.

Practical Application

Job 31:28 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of undivided loyalty to God. In a modern context, while overt sun or moon worship may be rare, "denying the God that is above" can manifest in subtle ways:

• Placing Trust in Worldly Things: When we prioritize wealth, career, pleasure, or self-sufficiency above God, we effectively deny His supremacy, as warned in Matthew 6:24.
• Ignoring His Authority: When we live as if God's commands or His very existence do not matter in our daily decisions, we are denying Him in practice.
• Acknowledging His Sovereignty: This verse calls us to recognize God's rightful place as the ultimate authority in our lives, deserving of our complete devotion and worship, aligning with the greatest commandment to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind.