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| 1 ¶ Wherefore, Job, I
pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.
2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. 5 If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. 6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay. 7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. |
1
- Hear and hearken Hearken means to hear or to listen carefully.
Job has spoken to Job's friends. Now he begins a long discourse to Job.
As with Job's friends, we would not base our theology on what they say, but can learn the ancient perspectives. For example, they do not see the dead as in heaven or hell. Such is seen near the end of this chapter. |
| 8 ¶ Surely thou hast
spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. 10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, 11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. 12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. 13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. |
12 - In this ... not just Elihu considers this "view of God and His government. It cannot be that God should jealously 'watch' man, though 'spotless' as an 'enemy,' or as one afraid of him as an equal. For 'God is greater than man!' There must be sin in man, even though he be no hypocrite, which needs correction by suffering for the sufferer's good." (JFB Commentary) |
| .14
¶ For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
.15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, |
14
- God speaketh Elihu, having made the general statement
that God would not come to the bar of his creatures to give account of
his conduct, shows the general means which he uses to bring men to an acquaintance
with themselves and with him: he states these in the six following particulars,
which may be collected from Job 33:15-24.
(Clarke).
16 - Ears ... sealeth Perhaps the sealing is fixing the words of truth in their minds. See ps119011. |
| 17 That he may withdraw man
from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
.18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword. |
17 - Withdraw man ... hide If we invite Him, God turns us from a natural path of evil. ps02711, pr0115. |
| .19
¶ He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of
his bones with strong pain:
.20 So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat. 21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out. 22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers. |
19
- Chastened ... pain Elihu progresses in his argument that
Job needs to be reformed. The progression is dreams, warnings, and now
pain. I'm glad Elihu didn't come to visit when I was in the hospital.
For discipline learned from affliction, see ps119067,71, ps119075, |
| .23
If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand,
to shew unto man his uprightness:
24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. 25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: 26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. 27 He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; 28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. |
28 - His soul Souls may rest in the grave (or pit). Also see v.31. |
| 29 ¶ Lo, all these things
worketh God oftentimes with man,
30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living. 31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. 32 If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. 33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom. |
30
- Bring back Souls [or lives] may be resurrected and are
then able to understand with the living again.
31 - Mark well Elihu issues an arrogant challenge. 33 - I will teach you Elihu doesn't stop to hear what Job might have to say but continues on through chapter 37. Then God speaks. Job 38. |
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