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Behold, we call blessed those who have endured.1 You heard of Job’s endurance and the end result from YHWH.2 [Job 42:10] You observe that the Sovereign LORD is full of tender compassion and of mercy.3 [Psalm 103:8]
| 1 | We call blessed those who have endured: See notes on James 1:4. Compare notes on Matthew 5:11, 12. |
| 2 | You heard of Job’s endurance and the end result from YHWH: James refers to the book of Job and particularly the conclusion. [Job chapters 1-3, 41; Job 42:10] It is very possible the Tetragram occurred here. |
| 3 | You observe that the Sovereign LORD is full of tender compassion and of mercy: Surely James alludes specifically to the book of Job. [Job 42:10; Psalm 103:8] The Greek for LORD has the article, thus “the Sovereign Lord.” [Or, ha’ADHOHN] |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose James 5:11 as the theme verse of chapter five – “Patient Poor.” James speaks like an ancient prophet when warns the filthy rich about the last days. [1-6] The poor are groaning to God for their wages while the rich live in luxury. He urges Christians to waiting patiently for the Return of Christ. [7, 8] He points to the example of patience by the ancient prophets. [9-11] Those who endure are pronounced happy or blessed with divine favor.
Just as Jesus and Paul did James counsels Christians to stop swearing or making oaths. [12] Yes should mean Yes, and No, No. He gives counsel to the afflicted, the happy and the sick. [13-15] He encourages going to the elders for prayerful help. He writes of the need for confession and mutual prayer. [16-18] He points to the example of Elijah to illustrate the power of a righteous persons prayer.
Abba bless the patient.
[29 August 2002]
The conclusion in the case of Job wrought by the Lord, and how his endurance was blessed. [See Job 42:10.] The blessing that came on him is a demonstration that “the Lord is very pitiful, and full of tender mercy.”
