WHY NOAH, JOB, AND DANIEL?

by Magdalena Kessy | 2 September 2021 08:46 am09

Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Welcome as we dive into the study of God’s Word. The Scriptures say:

 

Ezekiel 14:13-14 (NKJV):
“Son of man, when a land sins against Me by persistent unfaithfulness, I will stretch out My hand against it; I will cut off its supply of bread, send famine on it, and cut off man and beast from it. Even if these three men Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, they would deliver only themselves by their righteousness,”

says the Lord God.

This passage raises an important question: Why does God mention only these three menNoah, Daniel, and Job? Does this mean they were the only ones righteous enough among all the prophets and saints recorded in the Old Testament?

The answer is nuanced. While many biblical saints walked faithfully and pleased God (Hebrews 11 recounts many), these three men stand out because of their unique intercessory righteousness and steadfast faithfulness in times of judgment and national crisis.

Key Theological Insights:

1. Intercessory Righteousness:

2. Ezekiel 14:20 adds,
   “Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live,” declares the Lord God, “they would deliver neither sons nor daughters; they would only save themselves by their righteousness.”

3. (ESV)
   This shows these men’s righteousness was so profound that it had a protective effect—not only on themselves but also extended to their families and communities. Their faithfulness was not merely personal but intercessory.

4. Noah as a Type of the Righteous Remnant and Savior:
   Noah’s righteousness (Genesis 6:9, KJV: “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”) distinguished him in a corrupt world. God commanded him to build the ark not just to save himself but to preserve his entire household (Hebrews 11:7, NIV). This portrays the principle of one righteous person being an instrument of God’s mercy for many.

5. Job’s Faithfulness Amid Suffering and His Role as Intercessor:
   Job consistently prayed for his children (Job 1:5, NIV: “Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.’ This was Job’s regular custom.”). His concern for his family’s spiritual well-being highlights his intercessory heart, a key trait recognized by God.

6. Daniel’s Prayerful Advocacy for His People:
   Daniel’s earnest prayers for Israel while in exile (Daniel 9:3-19, NASB) demonstrate his commitment to the spiritual restoration of his nation. The angel Gabriel’s words in Daniel 9:23 (NIV), “You are highly esteemed… so consider the matter and understand the vision,” 

7. indicate Daniel’s unique standing before God due to his faithful intercession.

What Can We Learn?

The common thread among Noah, Job, and Daniel is their compassionate concern for others. They didn’t seek salvation for themselves alone they interceded for their families, communities, and people. Their faith was active, expressing itself in intercession, obedience, and steadfastness even when those around them were rebellious.

Today, this challenges us as believers: salvation is personal, but our faith must also move us to care deeply for others family, friends, and even our broader communities. We are called to be intercessors and witnesses, bringing others to the mercy of God just as these men did.

If you have received Christ, ask yourself: Do you carry the burden of others’ souls? Are you praying for those yet to know Jesus? True Christian love involves not only securing our own salvation but laboring in prayer and action for others.

May God grant us grace to live like Noah, Job, and Daniel faithful, interceding, and wholly devoted to Him.

Maranatha.

 

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2021/09/02/why-noah-job-and-daniel/

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