Though He Slay Me

This articles discusses the theological and emotional ideas behind my song, “Though He Slay Me,” based on Job 13:15, which reads, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.” You can hear me talk about the song story and the mix-in-progress on my YouTube channel {LINK}.

THEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Job, part of the Bible’s wisdom literature, considers the critique embedded in theodicy. Theodicy criticizes God and Biblical ideas concerning God’s character based on the problem of evil. Essentially, the dilemma is, “How can a good, all-powerful, loving God allow bad things to happen to people, especially those who are innocent?” Reflection and response to the problem of evil is intrinsic to a practical theology of suffering. Enduring pain is perhaps the most common denominator of our shared human experience.

The saga of Job occurred between the 7th and 4th centuries BCE, making it the oldest of all Biblical stories, pre-dating the story of Abraham. The theological perspective of ancient Israel maintains that God is Almighty, God is perfectly just, and that no human being is entirely innocent in the sight of God. However, Job’s lived experience seems to be in radical tension with this theology.

Interfering with the Divine-human relationship is a third party, Satan, whose “all-consuming purpose” as both tempter and accuser is to “drive an irremovable wedge between God and man” that destroys the relationship and leaves nothing but irreconcilable alienation.

Job narrates the devastating effects of Satan seemingly having free reign to destroy a “righteous” person’s life. The story of Job’s excruciating experience of bitterly suffering the devastating loss of his family, possessions, and relationships, accompanied by unimaginable physical ailments, skin diseases, and emotional pain—is an archetype encompassing the issues of suffering common to all humankind. What amplifies Job’s spiritual dilemma is that his suffering is not the result of his own wrong-doing, but the brunt of Satanic malevolence. The hand of God seems to no longer protect him. Job is understandably distraught, confused, and desperate for relief and answers.

WE ARE NOT UNLIKE JOB

I can relate to the emotional state of Job, as I imagine you may be able to also, for there have been many circumstances in my life that left me in a similar psychological condition of despair.

Job’s response to this horrible turn of events were honest words and actions of grief, lament, anguish—and worship. Chapter One records that he “fell to the ground in worship,” offered praise to the name of the Lord, and “did not sin” by blaming God (Job 1:20-22).

Job’s friends, sitting shiva, were neither a source of solace nor comfort. (Shiva is the Jewish practice of mourning with one’s friends grieving over their loss for some time.) You do not want friends like Job had. They lectured him, and their theological analysis ultimately blamed Job. Their words were instruments of character assassination. Job was alone in his agony.

In reply to his friends’ accusations, Job maintains his integrity to the truth as he believes it to be, “I will surely defend my ways to his face; Though he slay me, yet I will hope in him” (Job 13:15).

THE RESPONSE OF WORSHIP

Despite all contrary evidence, Job “knows in his heart” that his relationship with God has been genuine. “Though he slay me” is neither hopeless resignation nor a desperate death wish, as some may interpret Job’s lament. Job believes God will ultimately vindicate him. “Though he slay me,” declares defiant trust, radical resilience, and unwavering faith.

These attitudes of resilience, faith, and trust are essential for overcoming life’s setbacks. That defiant spirit is what I tried to capture in the musical tone and text of the song, and what I aspire to inspire in the listener.

Radical resilience is the mental strength we develop when we consistently put our hope in God (Psalm 42:11).

Unwavering faith is “hope in the things we can not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Hebrews 11 recites an in-depth history of Abraham, Sara, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and other heroes who demonstrated exemplary faith, even though “they did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance” (Hebrews 11:13). They never saw the dream that God had given them fulfilled.

The disciples of Jesus developed fearless, defiant trust in the Lord. One example is the courage Thomas displayed in John 11. When Jesus decided to put himself in imminent danger to minister the gospel, Thomas was the disciple who said, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him” (John 11:16).

TRUST IS DIFFICULT

This overarching attitude of trust is tough to accept and very difficult to bear.

Many people stopped following Jesus after hearing his very difficult-to-accept teaching regarding eating his flesh and drinking his blood (John 6:54-66). Jesus then confronts his disciples, asking if they are leaving too. Peter’s confession reflects his unshakable trust, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Peter’s declaration of unwavering faith is what I echo in verse two of the song.

ABOUT THE MUSIC

This song is a rocker. Raw and rambunctious Southern Cal country-rock shows the fingerprints of my early Neil Young and Warren Zevon influences. The distorted, twangy guitars lean somewhat towards 90’s era Alt-Country grunge like Wilco or Uncle Tupelo. The emotions I was feeling at the time I was writing this were to fight, to push back, to contend against the difficulties, disappointments, and rejection I was feeling. In this context, “let it rock” undergirds a soundtrack for defiant and ultimate trust in God.

The lyrics of this song look straight at death and catastrophe and says - “if it must come down to this, and the Lord is allowing it, then I’m going to be OK with it.”

My hope is in the Lord

Creator of heaven and earth

My hope is in Jesus Christ,

The Resurrected one,

My hope is in the Lord,

Who will never let me go.

I pray that these attitudes of radical, defiant, and overcoming faith, hope, and trust arise in the listener. May the Holy Spirit impart to you a spirit of God-centered resilience.

Soli Dei Gloria. Amen!

LISTEN TO "THOUGH HE SLAY ME" preview mix on YouTube.