Final Comments and Actions of the LORD Towards Job and His Three Friends (42:7-17) Cont'd
Why did God instruct Job to pray for his three friends?
God's ultimate purpose and plan is to restore mankind and his creation back to himself. In the case of Job's three friends, they were in a position of needing to be brought to a place of right standing with God. They needed someone to stand in the gap for them, and that someone was Job. They had to obey God, humble themselves, and bring their sacrificial offerings to cleanse from sin. This provided them a covering.
God's purpose and plan for his servant Job was to restore him, and heal him, by bringing him to a place of wholeness. God had to heal Job spiritually, mentally, physically, financially, in his family, socially, and in every aspect of his life.
Job's pathway to restoration started as he repented in dust and ashes before the LORD. Job was restored spiritually after he repented and obeyed God. Job's obedience in praying for his three friends, required that he forgive them for all they had done to him.
Jesus taught in the Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount) that when you forgive others than God will forgive you (see Matthew 6:12,14). Being willing to forgive others and pray for them, has a healing effect on the mind, as well as the body.
God touched the hearts and minds of Job's family, old friends, and old acquaintances. They came to Job to comfort him. They consoled Job's emotions, and blessed him with silver and gold. (42:11) Job was receiving a whole person blessing from God.