Exposition of Job, Exposition of Job · Chapter 2
CHAP. II.
This Chapter contains yet more of the firſt Part of the Book; Or, a further account of the change of Jobs proſperous caſe into an afflicted and calamitous condition. Now the Tentations wherewith Job was aſſaulted, being, partly, by Afflictions, and, partly, by Suggeſtion; As in the former Chapter there is an account of ſome part of his Affliction, on his Children, Servants, and Goods: So here there is further recorded, a more near and ſharp Affl…ction on his body, a ſuggeſtion from his Wife, and a remote occaſion of many vexations to his ſpirit, in his Friends coming to viſit him.
So the Chapter may be taken up in theſe, 1. Jobs tryal and affliction upon his Body, the Original and riſe whereof is recorded, ver. 1.—6. the tryal it ſelfe, ver. 7. and his carriage under it, ver. 8. 2. His Wifes ſuggeſtion, to drive him from his integrity, with his refutation thereof. ver. 9, 10. 3. His three Friends coming to viſit him, which occaſioned much trouble to him. ver. 11, 12, 13.
Verſ. 1. Again, there was a day when the ſons of God came to preſent themſelves before the LORD, and Satan came alſo among them to preſent himſelf before the LORD.
2. And the LORD ſaid unto Satan, From whence comeſt thou? And Satan anſwered the LORD, and ſaid, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
THe Original and riſe of this further tryal of Job (which is, the holy Providence of God permitting Satan to afflict him yet more, for the further evidencing of his integrity) is expreſſed, to ver. 7. in the ſame terms that formerly were made uſe of Chap 1.6, 7, &c. with ſome alterations ſutable to the preſent purpoſe: So that it is not neceſſary to inſiſt on what is already explained; but it will ſuffice to point at what is here added, as it occurreth in the ſeveral verſes.
In theſe two verſes there is repreſented unto us a ſecond view of the Lords Sovevaign Dominion and holy Providence, over and about all things, even Angels, who continually attend him, and Satan, whom he calls to an account, The purpoſe is the ſame with that, Chap. 1.6, 7. only where it is there ſaid, that Satan came among, or, in the midſt of the Sons of God, here it is added, that he came among them, to preſent himſelf before the Lord, as they alſo did. Though the expreſſions concerning both be alike, yet it is not to be conceived that they appeared on alike terms. But on Satans part (for what it ſignifieth in reſpect of Angels, hath been cleared upon the former Chapter) it imports only his neceſſitated ſubjection unto God, before whom he muſt preſent himſelf, and his watching all advantages to vex the godly. As for the time when divine Providence let this further tryal break forth, expreſſed under the name of a day, we cannot determine how long time intervened betwixt the former day, wherein Job had been ſo ſharply afflicted, and this day wherein Satan is again let looſe. Only it ſeems the time hath not been ſo ſhort, but that the former tryal had leiſure to work upon him, and to ſearch the frame of his ſpirit more narrowly. And this ſeems to be imported in that expreſſion, ver. 3. he ſtill holdeth faſt his integrity. And yet it appears, alſo, that the time hath not been ſo long as to make the memory of his former tryal wear out; But that the matter was ſo ordered as it might be an addition to the bitterneſs of the preſent ſtroke, and the preſent tryal might make his old ſores to bleed afreſh.
Doct. 1. God is unchangeable, and ſtill the ſame in power and glory, in all times and viciſſitudes; For, here upon a new diſcovery of his Dominion, he is deſcribed as formerly, by his State and attendants, and the ſubjection of Devils to him.
2. Gods Providence is alſo uniform and ſtill the ſame, and univerſal, as to all times, and as having a ſupreme hand in all Occurents; For, here on this other day, the Supreme Providence of God is deſcribed in the ſame terms as formerly.
3. As new tryals do require renewed furniture to bear them, even by thoſe who have been ſupported in former tryals; So, in particular, it is neceſſary that Saints, in every new difficulty, take a renewed look of the Suprem hand and Providence of God, which doth not weary to attend them in ſix troubles, and alſo in ſeven, though they do, oft times, weary and ceaſe to look up to it; Therefore, when this new tryall is to come upon Job, a new ſight of Gods Soveragin Dominion and Providence is here premitted to it.
4. It ought alſo to be firmly beleived by the godly, that the Lord doth not only take notice of ſome one, or moe, of Satans actings, but that he hath an eye upon, and over-rules all of them; So that in all aſſaults from him, they may be aſſured that they are ſtill in Gods hand: For, this repeated calling of Satan to an account, from whence comeſt thou? doth import Gods conſtant over-ruling of him, in all times.
5. Such is the malice and reſtleſs cruelty of Satan, that no ſucceſs in his attempts doth ſatisfie him; but he is ſtill at worke to project further trouble againſt the Saints, ſo long as they are within his reach: For, notwithſtanding Job is now brought very low, yet he not only appears this ſecond time, to catch all advantages to get him more troubled, ſeeing he could proceed no further without a new Commiſſion; but he profeſſeth his continued activity, in going to and fro in the earth, &c. to proſecute his malicious deſigns. Such as do take notice of this inſatiable cruelty, will find themſelves called to draw near unto, and to make ſure an intereſt in, the Lords pity and compaſſion.
Verſ. 3. And the LORD ſaid unto Satan, Haſt thou conſidered my ſervant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and upright man, one that feareth God, and eſcheweth evil? and ſtill he holdeth faſt his integrity, although thou movedſt me againſt him, to deſtroy him without cauſe.
In this verſe we have the Lords Interrogation concerning Job, containing not only the commendation formerly given before his tryals, Chap. 1.8. but a new addition to it, from his integrity in the late tryal. Job being ſo tryed as none but a righteous man could keep his feet under ſuch diſpenſations of Providence, the Lord is pleaſed to commend him, not only as a godly man, but as a tryed godly man, who ſtill holdeth faſt his integrity. And this his commendation is further amplified from an account of his trouble, which might have tempted him to miſcarry; Wherein we are to remark.
1. The greatneſs of his trouble. Though Satan, Chap. 1.11. call it but a touch; yet the Lord calls it a deſtroying, or, ſwallowing up, as it is in the Original; and that not of his Children, Servants and Goods only, but of himſelf alſo (to deſtroy him) conſidering his ſympathy and intereſt: Hereby anticipating that calumny, ver. 4, 5. that Job was but little concerned in what had hitherto befallen him.
2. The motive and riſe of this trouble; Thou movedſt me againſt him, to deſtroy him. This doth not import any imputation upon the bleſſed God, as if he were moved by Satan to do any thing, eſpecially without cauſe, as it after followeth. But the borrowed expreſſion doth only intimate thus, That, as God, purpoſing to do good unto his people, makes way for fulfilling of his purpoſe, by their Prayers to him, which he is pleaſed to ſay do move and prevail with him; So, purpoſing to try his people, he takes occaſion of the wicked calumnies caſt upon them by Satan and his Inſtruments, to manifeſt this his purpoſe.
3. The cauſleſsneſs of this trouble; Thou movedſt me—without cauſe. Albeit it be true tha… God did thus deſtroy Job to no purpoſe or in vain, (which the word will alſo ſignifie) as to Satans great deſign, who gained not his point by it; Yet that is not the chief thing intended in this expreſſion, of deſtroying him without cauſe. Neither doth it import that God afflicted him without any cauſe of reaſon, having nothing before his eyes but only to vex him: For he had holy purpoſes in it, to try his graces, refute calumnies, afford a ſingular ground of experience for all after-ages, &c. But it is to be underſtood of the procuring cauſe or quarrel, that God did thus afflict him without any quarrel at him. Which yet muſt not be underſtood abſolutely; For Job had Original ſin and many actual infirmities; and thoſe of themſelves did not only deſerve great temporal afflictions, but eternal death alſo, if God ſhould have proceeded in juſtice againſt him. But the meaning is that, as to Satans accuſation, there was no ſuch hypocriſie in Job as he alleadged he was guilty of, to procure this ſtroke. For he had endeavoured to ſerve God ſincerely, and did not ſin maliciouſly or wilfully, which are the faults at which God is ſpecially angry in his peo- Deut. 32.5. 1 Joh. 5 18. In ſum, Job was no hypocrite, as Satan did inſinuate, and the Lords chief end in afflicting him was not to puniſh his ſin, but to try him Wherein, notwithſtanding, the Lord was juſt and holy, even when he thus afflicted without cauſe. For he hath ſoveraign power over the Being which he hath given, to inflict upon it what he pleaſeth. And there is ſo much alſo in the moſt innocent as may ſtop their mouths under greateſt tryals. All theſe conſiderations, put together, tend to the heightening of Jobs commendation, That he held faſt h…s integrity, not only in proſperity, or when God was ſending a light tou…h of afflict…on, but when he was deſtroying and ſwallowing him up; and when the Lord was doing this, not in purſuance of any quarrel, but was deſtroying an innocent man, to refute the calumnies caſt upon his integrity.
To omit what hath been already obſerved, on Ch. ….8. we may here gather ſome further Inſtructions. And,
Firſt, The L…rds repeating of that commendation of Job, being now in an affl…cted condition, which formeth he had given him in his proſperity, doth teach, That the Lords eſtimation of his people, and of his grace in them, doth not alter with their external cond…tion; But true grace hath the ſame luſtre, in the Eyes of God, upon the Dunghil, that it hath upon the Throne: Fo…, now in Jobs low eſtate, he gets the ſame commendation, wh…ch he got before, My Servant Job, there is none l…ke him in the Earth &c.
Secondly, The addition to his commendation…, and ſtill he holdeth faſt his Integrity, notwithſtanding his tryal, may teach,
1. Conſtancy in Piety, notwithſtanding the ſharp tentations of an afflicted condition, is a ſingular commendation in Gods eſteem; For, hereby Job ſo acqui… himſelf that the old Characters of his Piety are not ſufficient, without this new addition to his commendation. See, 1 Pet. 1.7. And the reaſon of this is inſinuated in the word, holding faſt, which, in the Original, imports a retaining and holding of a thing firmly and with our whole ſtrength, becauſe of difficulties and oppoſition; as the traveller keeps his garment in a windy day: Implying, Not only, That when Gods people are aſſaulted with tentations, it is their duty, and their practice when in a right frame, to put forth their ſtrength, that they may hold faſt their integrity and what they have received from the Lord? Heb. 4.14. Rev 2.13.25. & 3.11. But, That it is an hard task to ſtand faſt in tryal, and therefore the more commendable to bear out in ſuch a tempeſt.
2. Whatever it be in Religion wherewith men pleaſe th…mſelves, yet nothing pleaſeth God better than ſincerity and up…ightneſs, eſpecially when it is preſerved in under affliction and in a trying condition: For, this is the Lord commends, that Job ſtill holdeth faſt his integrity. And he doth, as it were, glory over Satan in this, Haſt thou conſidered my ſervant Job? — and ſtill he holdeth faſt his integrity. The Queſtion doth not only import that God had an eye upon him, and did notice him, now when he was in the furnace, but that he did delight to vex Satan with th… ſight of his conſtant integrity. See Revel. 2.13. & 3.10.
3. As God is eſpecially pleaſed with mens ſincerity, ſo it is againſt that that Satan plants his cheif Engines and Battery; For, the thing which Job had chiefly to hold faſt, in this tryal, was, his integrity. Satan did not aſſault Jobs outward proſperity, but to barter his integrity thereby. Nor is it mens Formality, or outward Profeſſion, that he doth ſo much malign, if he can keep them from being ſincere in …hat they do. And Saints may be helped to know their own ſincerity, if it were but by Satans great oppoſition unto them, wherewith Formaliſts are not acquainted.
4. Albeit it be no ſmall d…fficulty to ſtand faſt, and to continue ſtreigh… and upright, in ſharp tryals; Yet the truly ſincere are, by the grace of God, …le to do it, and to abide never ſo many and ſharp aſſaults: For, hereof we h…ve an experience in Job, ſtill he holdeth faſt his integ…i…y. Greate, is he who is in Believers than he that is in the world, 1 Job. 4.4. and even weak grace, ſuppo…ted by God, is a party too hard for all oppoſition.
5. It is an act of Divine Wiſdom, when k…ngs of the world are going to ruine, not to caſt away Piety alſo and a good Conſcience, o…, becauſe God ſtrips us of outward contentments, therefore to turn our back upon that which ought to be a Cordial under all preſſures; For, this is commended, as act of great wi…dom in Job, that, when other thing w…re p…lled from him, ſtill he hold faſt his integrity: To take another courſe will nothing b…ne …t men, or eaſe their griefs, but doth inde…d double their loſſes.
Thirdly, The amplification of this commendation (though thou movedſt me against him, to deſtroy him without cauſe) doth teach▪
1. When any do ſincerely cleave to God in trouble, God will not think lightly of their trouble, but will look upon it in all the aggravations thereof; that he may take occaſion to let out more of his compaſſion, and may heighten their commendation who endure ſuch ſharp aſſaults: For, thus doth God deſcribe Jobs tryal as a deſtroying, or, ſwallowing of him up, both to teſtifie his own tender compaſſion, and to commend Job, who had held faſt his integrity when he had ſo many tentations to diſcover his weakneſs, being ſo deſtroyed and ſwallowed up.
2. When God afflicts his people, he doth it not willingly, Lam. 3.33. or as taking pleaſure in their miſeries; So much is import…d in this, Thou movedſt me to deſtroy him: Where the borrowed phraſe may intimate, in a ſound ſenſe, That as m…n may be moved by ſolicitation to do that wh…ch, otherwiſe, they have no pleaſu…e to do; So God go…th about this work, of afflicting Saints, not as one pleaſed with their preſſures, though he be well ſ…t…fied with their behaviour under them. He is the Lord who taketh pleaſure in the proſperity of his ſervants, Pſal. 35.27. And therefore he doth affl…ct th…m only when it is neceſſary, for trying of their graces, or for correcting of them for their faults, and purging of their corruptions, 1 Pet. 1.6, 7. Pſal. 89 30, — 33. Iſai. 27.9. And this will eaſily appear to the godly, by his readineſs to be reconciled unto them, by his tender uſage and kindneſs under trouble. Pſal. 31.7. and by his bringing of them out of trouble when their tryal is perfected.
3. Whatever God intend in afflicting his people, yet ſuch as have any hand therein ſhall bear the blame in whole; Therefore is it all laid over upon Satan, Thou movedſt me, &c. as only guilty in this matter, having done all he could to get Job ruined. Hence it is that Gods afflicting of his people is (ſo to ſ…y) a blowing of the b…llows to kindle his diſpleaſure againſt wicked Inſtruments, Pſal 47 5, 6. Zech. 1.15.
4. Albeit the moſt perfect of Saints upon earth have ſo much ſin, as of it ſelf, deſerves not only temporal afflictions, but eternal wrath; Yet the Lord is pleaſed, ſometimes to afflict them without reſpect to their ſin, only that his grace may ſhine in them, and that the calumnies of Satan may be refuted: For ſo much is imported in this, Thou movedſt me to deſtroy him without cauſe, as hath been explained. See Job. 9.2, 3. It is true, as Saints are ſinful creatures, ſo their ſincerity will not be a Saviour to expiate or cover their failings; nor yet ought they to omit, in every tryal (how cleanly ſoever) to become thereby more acqua…nted with their own ſinfulneſs, and to make uſe of the Rod to purge it out. Yet they are allowed to look out alſo toward Gods more high purpoſes in their tryals, than only to chaſten them for ſin.
5. Albeit the Lord will not reſpect ſuch as come to him under juſtly procured ſtrokes; Yet a good Conſcience under trouble is a great advantage: For, it is no ſmall advantage to be deſtroyed without cauſe, and not to have an evil Conſcience to heighten the affliction. And this the Lord noticeth and ſpeaks of, not only as heightning Jobs commendation, but as being an advantage in it ſelf. See 1 Pet. 4.15, 16.
6. It is a ſpecial commendation, and proof of integrity, to bear cleanly tryals with much ſubmiſſion; and when mens hearts do not accuſe them of diſhoneſty, and yet they ſtoop and cleave to God: For, this is Jobs commendation, Still he holdeth faſt his integrity, though thou movedſt me againſt him, to deſtroy him without cauſe. It is true, we ought ſo much the more to ſtoop, and to bleſs God, when our tryals are cleanly, and not dipped in our own provocations, Yet ſeldom do we abſtain from judging of God when he judgeth, except when ſin ſtops our mouths, Pſal. 51.4. with Rom. 3.4.
Verſ. 4. And Satan anſwered the LORD, and ſaid, Skin for skin, yea all that a man hath will he give for his life.
5. But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his fleſh, and he will curſe thee to thy face.
In theſe verſes we have Satans anſwer to the Lords Interrogation, containing a new and further accuſatino againſt Job as an hypocrite, notwithſtanding all that God had ſaid to the commendation of his conſtancy under affliction. Having before ſlandered Jobs actions and courſe of life during his proſperity, he doth now ſlander his behaviour under his ſufferings. And though he did at firſt ſpeak of thoſe tryals, which had already come upon Job, as a plot which would diſcover his unſoundneſs, when he deſired God to try him therewith; Chap. 1.10, 11. Yet now he ſpeaks diminutively of theſe ſufferings, as no ſufficient tryal of his honeſty: Aſſerting that it was not any love to God made him carry ſo fair, but meerly love to himſelf, as not caring how many skins and bodies too, were loſt, ſo himſelf were preſerved; and as deſiring, by his continuance in an hypocritical profeſſion of godlineſs, to prevent any trouble that might be ſent upon his own perſon. This Aſſertion he holds out, and offers to clear, by a common Proverb (uſual in in thoſe times, wherein the exchange of Commodities was the uſual way of Traffick, as yet one ſlave, or captive, uſeth to be exchanged for another.) Skin for skin, yea all that a man hath, will he give for his life. Which ſignifieth, in general, that nothing outward is ſo dear to a man as his own life. Whence he would infer, that it was no wonder Job did hypocritically ſtoop under his former loſſes, that God might ſpare the Rod from off himſelf. And for further confirmation of this Aſſertion, he appeals to a new tryal, deſiring to have that link of the Chain looſed, whereby he was reſtrained from touching Jobs perſon; Avouching that if God would touch his bone and his fleſh (or, ſmite him in his perſon, ſo as might reach him to the marrow) he would maliciouſly and deſperately curſe God, even to his face: Which in the Original (as alſo Chap. 1.11.) is propounded by way of tacite imprecation againſt himſelf, or, of an Oath importing an imprecation, If he curſe thee not, &c.
This, as to the form of ſpeech, is the ſame with that, Chap. 1.9, 10, 11. where it was obſerved. That it is Satans deſign in trouble, to tempt men to curſe God; and, How malicious a ſlanderer Satan is, not caring how falſly he calumniate, ſo he get Saints vexed: As here not only doth he reflect upon Jobs integrity, but upon his tenderneſs and ſympathy, as if he regarded not the ſtroke upon his Children, Servants and Goods, when the contrary did appear from his practice, Chap. 1.20. But the ſubject-matter, here, may further teach,
1. Satan is ſo inceſſant in his attempts againſt Saints, that he will not give over, when he hath got the ſoil: but is ready to aſſault a freſh upon every occaſion; As here, after Jobs former triumph over his calumnies, he makes this freſh aſſault.
2. As Satan is inceſſant in his malicious endeavours; ſo he is fall of ſhifts and inventions, in bearing out his calumnies againſt the people of God, or in driving in thoſe fiery darts of boſom-tentations wherewith he vexeth them: For, when all he had to ſay before againſt Job is immediately refuted, now he hath a new pretence whereupon to queſtion his integrity. This is daily verified in the calumnies caſt by Satans Inſt…uments upon the people of God. One of them is no ſooner refuted, but they are ready to invent another. And this is alſo felt by Saints in their ſpiritual Conflicts with Boſom-tentations, which come in as waves and billows, one upon the back of another, to over-whelm their ſpirits.
3. It is never to be expected by the Lords people, but that Satan will be ready to extenuate and decry the grace of God in them, ſo much as he can; For, here again he makes it his work to blaſt Jobs integrity in his former tryal. Which may teach them not to truſt or hearken unto his ſuggeſtions.
4. Whatever meaſure of affliction Satan be permitted to bring upon Saints, yet ſuch is his malice, that nothing will ſatisfie him but their utter ruine; For, now when Job is ſtript of all, he thinks it not enough, ſo long as his perſon and life are free; Put forth thine hand, and touch his bone and his fleſh. And therefore we have little cauſe to fall aſleep becauſe we have endured many tryals, ſince we know not what ſharper tryals this malicious Adverſary may be deſigning for us, if he be permitted by God ſo to do.
5. Albeit Satan be a malicious lyar, and do here notably injure this holy man; yet there are ſome Gene…a… T…uths inſinuated in this Diſcourſe, whereof he makes uſe to drive his deſign. As
1. That life and bodily health are ſpecial and chief outward mercies. Memb…rs of the body are ſometime h…zarded for preſerving of life, and men have warr…ntab…y ſpent all they had on Phyſitians, for recovering of health, Luke 8.43. And therefo…e they do hainouſly ſin who under-value this ſpecial benefit, or do proſtitute it to the ſervice of their luſts.
2. But, albeit every tryal have its own weight, yet, perſonal tryals are moſt ſharp, and will moſt narrowly ſearch out hypocriſie or ſincerity in the perſon ſo tryed, and the nearer they come, they will be the more ſearching: For, in ſo far Satan ſaid true, that a man may be more ready to curſe God, or, miſcarry, if the tryal touch his bone and fleſh, than if it come only on what more remotely concerns him. Hence it appears to have been an act of ſpecial favour, that Jobs own perſon was excepted in the former tryal, Chap. 1 12.
3 That it is a ſpecial proof of unſoundneſs in men, wh…n t…yals and …ffl…ctions are ſleighted becauſe they touch not themſelves ſo neatly, or when they make a ſhew of Piety, only that tryals may be keeped from off themſelves; For, this was the ſom of Satans charge againſt Job, which is an evidence of groſs hypocriſie, had it been true.
Verſe 6. And the LORD ſaid unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand, but ſave his life.
In this verſe we have the Lords further looſing of the chain, permitting Satan to afflict Jobs body, but not to take away his life Or this form of ſpeech, and of Gods limiting of Satan, ſee Chap. 1.12.
Here we may further learn,
1. After the Lords people have endured many and ſharp tryals, it may pleaſe the Lord to inflict yet more and ſharper tryals, for further diſcovering of what is in them; As he…e, after all that Job hath endured, more is laid upon him. And albeit Saints may be ready to ſtumble at this, yet it may ſilence a…d ſatisfie them, if they rem…mber, the ſoveraignty of God, who may diſpoſe of his own as he will; that Gods ſpecial love and ſharp tryals may very well conſiſt together; that true grace will teach men not to quarrel God becauſe of croſſes; and, that tryals, yea, many and growing tryals, are neceſſary, to diſcover them unto themſelves, to fit them for ſpecial proofs of Gods love, and to vindicate their Profeſſion from the many aſperſions caſt upon it.
2. As it is very conſiſtent with Gods love to his people, to ſuffer them to be tempted in their ſouls by the fiery darts of Satan; So the bodies alſo of ſuch as are dear to God may be left in Satans hand to …fflict them, by himſelf, or by Witches his Inſtruments: For, ſo was it with Job, Behold, he is in thine hand. Hence come many of thoſe diſeaſes which ſurpaſs the skill of Phyſitians, Luke 13.16.
3. Whatever be Satans hand in the tryals of the godly, yet they ought ſtill to eye an over-ruling hand of Providence, ordering all of them, and ſetting bounds and limits to Satans malice in them; For, here, the riſe of this tryal is from Gods holy Providence, Behold he is in thy hand, and Satan is limited, but ſave his life.
4. In the ſharpeſt tryals of Saints, there is ſtill ſome mercy and moderation to be obſerved, and that Satan is never able to compaſs all his deſign; For, here there is an exception, and a reſervation of that which Satan aimed at, no leſs than the other degrees of his affliction, But ſave his life, or, ſpare it and do not take it away.
5. The continuance and ſparing of life, even under ſharpeſt affl…ctions, is a mercy for which God is to be acknowledged; For, here, in the midſt of Jobs tryals, it is reſerved as a mercy to him, ſave his life. See Lam. 3.39. The mercy whereof in J…bs caſe, though much miſtak…n by him, may appear, partly, in this, That hereby the Lord would teach his Church in all Ages, that he hath power of life and death, and can preſerve his people and intereſts in moſt deſperate caſes, and betwixt the very jaw bones of death, Pſal. 66.8, 9, 10. & 68.20. And, partly, in this, That however Job, being a reconciled man, would have died at any time in Gods favour; Yet the Lord will not take him away in a cloud, nor give Satan any appearance of advantage to ſay that Job died in an ill caſe, or, fretting: But will have him to live in and after thoſe ſtorms, as a monument of Gods mercy, and to clear and vindicate his integrity. As indeed, It is no ſmall mercy to the Lords people, when clouds upon their condition are cleared before they go hence and be no more.
6. The Lords people may enjoy many mercies which yet, in their darkneſs, paſſion and haſte, they eſteem rather burdens than m…rcies; For, ſo will we afterward find Job judging of his continued life, which here is reſerved in mercy.
Verſ. 7. So went Satan forth from the preſence of the LORD, and ſmote Job with ſore boyls, from the ſole of his foot unto his crown.
In this verſe we have the tryal it ſelf, or, Satans executing of what is permitted him to do; Who, finding the chain looſed, goeth actively about it: And expreſſeth his great rage and malice, in inflicting a moſt painful k…nd of diſeaſe, and that not on one or ſome parts of Jobs body only, which had been ſore enough, but ſo univerſally, as there is not a part of his body left free. Only, as ſome conceive, his tongue and lips eſcape, that thereby (as Satan deſigned it) he might blaſpheme God.
Hence learn,
1. Satans going forth from the preſence of the Lord, doth not only import his activity in cruelty, when ever he finds an opportunity; But that, albeit he can act nothing but that only which God perm…ts, yet he doth not …ye God, (whoſe preſence he neglects) but ſeeks only to vent his own malice thereby. And therefore he muſt be accountable to God, as a cruel Murther…r, in thoſe actings which God doth holily permit and order.
2. Submiſſion and ſtooping unto God under tryals, will not, always, prevent new tryals; For, notwithſtanding Jobs meek and pious ſubmiſſion, Chap. 1.20, 21. the Lord permits Satan to add this new tryal. When tryals have not ſhaken our Submiſſion and Patience, the Lord takes pleaſure to put us to give new proofs of that reſolution; and he may ſee it fit alſo (as the event clears in Job) to diſcover the ſeeds of impatience and paſſion in us, that we may aſcribe the glory of our ſtanding out, not to our ſelves but to God.
3. When God hath any of his people to try, they are to expect that the tryal will be ſharp, and a tryal indeed; For, ſo dealt he with Job, who is ſmitten with ſore boils, from the ſole of his foot unto his crown. Which how ſharp it was, may appear from Jobs own frequent complaints, of his loathſom breath, of worms and duſt upon his body, of his skin eaten up and broken, his bones aſſaulted; &c. And indeed, This was a very ſore tryal, whether we conſider the exquiſite pain, and the uglineſs and deformity, that was in, and accompanied this ſtroke; or the contemptible and low condition to which it brought him, having no ſound part of his body whereon to lie, being loathſom, not only to his ſervants, but to his moſt intimate Relations. All which may teach the Children of God to ſubmit to that meaſure of humiliation, which it ſhall pleaſe God to preſcribe; and that they ſhould not miſtake or ſtumble, albeit their bodies be made like the bodies of Job and Lazarus.
4. The people of God ought not to ſtumble, albeit their afflictions be ſuch, and ſo great, as they ſeem to differ nothing from the plagues of the wicked; and albeit they can ſee no ſign of love, in the nature and kind of their affliction, till they look up to the heart of the ſtriker: For, Job is ſmitten with boils, and ſore boils, the ſame with the Plague inflicted upon the Egyptians, Exod. 9.9. and that which is threatned to be inflicted upon incorrigible Rebels, Deut. 28.27. as the word in the Original cleareth.
5. Tryals are ſo fitted to the meaſure of grace in ſufferers, as the ſtrongeſt ſhall undergo ſo much as they can bear by divine aſſiſtance, whereas the weaker ſhall have no more than they may alſo ſubſiſt under; For, eminent Job gets an eminent tryal, ſo that he and his boils, and weaker ones with their leſſer tryals, are equal.
6. Albeit too many do doat upon the beauty of their own bodies, and ſo ſin againſt God; yet it may humble us, when we conſider that they are compoſed of ſuch materials, as if God ſhould let the humors looſe, they would become a burden to our ſelves, and loathſom to all: For, here, Satan getting leave to inflame his blood, and trouble the humors of his body, it becomes full ſore boils.
Verſ. 8. And he took him a potſheard to ſcrape himſelf withall; and he ſat down among the aſhes.
In this verſe an account is given of Jobs carriage under this tryal. No mention is made of any thing he ſaid, till afterward that his Wife put him to it; But his practice gives ſome account of the inward frame of his ſpirit.
1. That he took him a potſheard to ſcrape himſelf withal. Where we are to conceive (as himſelf complaines afterward, Chap. 19.13 —17.) that his diſeaſe was ſo loathſome, that none would come near unto him, to miniſter unto him Cloaths, Oyls, or other things neceſſary: So that he was neceſſitated to ſerve himſelf. And withal, that his own hands were ſo ſwelled with Boyls, or his diſeaſe was ſo loathſome, that he could not touch his ſores immediately with his fingers, but behoved to take a Potſheard, or what came neareſt to hand, to ſcrape away the filthy matter that ran out of his Boyls.
2. That he ſate down among the aſhes. Which was not ſo much an act of neceſſity, that he could not get leave to ſtay in the houſe, becauſe of the ill favour of his ſores, but behoved to go out and ly upon the dunghil. This indeed may be the lot of Saints, to be ſo baſely eſteemed of and intreated, Lam. 4.5. 1 Cor. 4.9.—13. Yet it appears that he had his wife with him, ver. 9. and he had his Bed and Couch ſtill, Chap. 7.4, 13. But it was in him a voluntary act of repentance and humiliation, whereof this was an external ceremonial ſign, Chap. 42.6 Math. 11.21. which (it ſeems) he performed, at leaſt at ſolemn times, both in the houſe, and, poſſibly, when he went abroad alſo, as when his Friends ſaw him afar off, and ſat down on the ground with him. Chap. 2.12, 13. And this external Ceremony (which now is ceaſed) was made uſe of, Partly, to expreſs the greatneſs of trouble, that it brought the afflicted even to the duſt, as Job 30.19. Partly, to expreſs their ſtooping to God conſidering their original, and that they were but duſt, Gen. 3.19. And partly (as humility is full of hope) to expreſs their pleading for favour at Gods hand, conſidering they were but duſt. Pſal 103.14
Doct. 1 When God hath any of his people to try under affl…ctions, it pleaſeth him ſometime, to bind up the bowels of compaſſion and ſympathy in all about them, that ſo the tryal may work; As here Job is left to ſhift for his own eaſe in his pain.
2. In judging of mens integrity under tryal, the Lord looks not only, or ſo much to what they ſay, as to their actings; For, albeit Job ſay nothing as yet under this diſtreſs (being probably over-whelmed, and tentations boyling within him) yet he doth that which witneſſeth his patient ſubmiſſion.
3. It is no ſmal proof of ſubmiſſion and patience, when men under preſſures and bodily infirmities do not turn deſperate, but do conſcientiouſly uſe all lawful means which may make their condition ſo eaſy as can be; For, this ſpeaks for Job, that he caſts not off care of his body, but makes uſe of ſuch lawful means of eaſe as he could get. He took him a potſheard to ſcrape himſelf withall.
4. As proud riſings of heart under trouble are of a certain ſign of a diſtempered ſpirit; So an humble man, who makes his acquaintance with the duſt under trouble, doth thereby prove himſelf an honeſt and patient man: For, this is another proof of Jobs patience and integrity, he ſate down among the aſhes.
5. No man hath made ſuch proficiency in humility, he needs to grow in it; and when men have been humbled under troubles, it becomes them, when they are put to new exerciſes, to be yet more humbled: For, albeit Job had been humbled before, Chap. 1.20. yet, upon this new emergent, he again ſate down among the aſhes.
6. None have ever eſſayed the rich advantages of humility under trouble, and how ſweet it is, to ſtoop ſo low as the violence of the ſtorm blows over them, but they will be ready to grow in it upon renewed occaſions; For, ſo much doth Jobs renewed practice in humbling himſelf again before God, teach us.
Verſ. 9 Then ſaid his wife unto him, Doeſt thou ſtill retain thine integrity? Curſe God and die.
Followeth, in this and the following verſe a new aſſault upon Jobs integrity, with his victory over it. Satan, having before indirectly eſſayed to draw him to curſe God, but without ſucceſs, doth now ſtir up his wife directly to ſuggeſt that motion to him. In this verſe wherein this ſuggeſtion and tentation is recorded, we may conſider.
1. The tempter, or, Inſtrument imployed to ſuggeſt this unto him, his wife. It is but a groundleſs dream of the Rabbins that ſhe was Dinah, Jacob's daughter; Yet (not to enquire into the truth of her grace, and whether ſhe were only now over-powered with a tentation, as we find not that ſhe makes any reply to her Husbands reproof verſe 10.) it is unqueſtionable that ſhe had been well educated and exerciſed in that family, and yet ſhe becomes a tentation to him to draw him to ſin; And it ſeems that ſhe, being within Satans commiſſion, was reſerved by him as a fit Inſtrument thus to tempt Job; as ſome few ſervants alſo were ſpared, to add to his affliction, as we heard from Chap. 1. and will hear further from Jobs own complaints, Chap. 19.
2. The tentation, or, ſuggeſtion, wherein ſhe diſſwades him from retaining his integrity, and adviſeth him to curſe God and die. The word being (as was marked Chap. 1.5.) Bleſs God and die, Some do underſtand it properly, and excuſe her, as urging no more then what his three friends did preſs; That he ſhould not ſtand ſo ſtiffly to the maintenance of his integrity, but ſhould glorifie God by confeſſing of his ſin, before he were thus cut off, or, albeit, he ſhould die after he had ſo done. But this Interpretation doth not ſute with the ſharpneſs of the reproof, given her by Job, verſ. 10. Therefore, whether we render it, to Curſe, in a proper ſenſe: or to Bleſs, by way of Deriſion and Irony, all cometh to one purpoſe: She ſeeing him ſtoop to God, notwithſtanding all had come upon him, doth thus expreſs her ſelf; Wilt thou yet ſtoop to God and bleſs him, as thou did formerly (Chap. 1.21.) when he doth thus handle thee? Ay, bleſs him ſtill, go on ſo to do, and mark what will be the iſſue, He will even cut thee off, notwithſtanding all thy Piety and bleſſing of him, Or rather thus, (for it is ſafeſt to take the word in the ſenſe made uſe of by Satan, ver. 5. & Chap. 1.11. whoſe deſign ſhe did proſecute by this motion) Why would thou any longer continue in a courſe of Piety? What haſt thou reaped by it, but ſuch an heap of afflictions, one upon the back of another? Nay rather, ſince thou art caſt into ſuch a deep pit of miſeries, from which there is no hope of relief, and ſince all thy honeſty cannot ſo much as procure thee an iſſue by death, Spare not openly to curſe and blaſpheme God, which will either provoke him to cut thee off; or Magiſtrates, according to the law, will do it.
Doct. 1. In a day of tryal, the Godly may expect that even mercies, which ſeem to be reſerved for their comfort, will prove an addition to their tryal; as here Jobs wife doth prove to him, whereas it might have ſeemed that ſhe was continued with him for his comfort in this his ſad and deſolate condition.
2. When tryals come upon any one in a Society, if the perſon tryed be not inſnared to ſin, yet ſome one or other of his Intereſts and Relations may be catched; For, though Satan miſs of Job, who was his chief aim, yet he gets advantage of his wife.
3. As Corruption may lurk long under Grace, ſo, much more may groſs naughtineſs lurk long in a religious Family, and in a perſon going along in the religious duties therein performed; as here is to be ſeen in this woman, who (no doubt) before this time went along with the reſt of the Family in the duties performed therein.
4. A day of adverſity will readily diſcover that naughtineſs of perſons in a Society, which lieth hid in times of proſperity; For, it is at that time her corruptions break forth. And it cannot but be very ſad, when thoſe who live peaceably till afflictions come on, do then prove Inſtruments of grief and vexation.
5. It is the poor and wretched imploym…nt of ſuch as are imployed by Satan, not only to ſerve him in their own perſons, but to become baits and ſnares to others, to draw them along with them; For, Jobs wife, being thus enſnared, is imployed to tempt her husband to the like ſinful courſe.
6. As Saints, in a day of affliction, may look for ſharpeſt tryals from neareſt Friends and natural Relations; So, in particular, S…tan looks upon wives, when they are corrupt themſelves, as the moſt effectual Inſtruments to draw their husbands to ſin; Therefore doth he make uſe of Jobs wife to tempt him. Thus did he tempt Adam by Evah, and Jezabel did ſtir up Achab to be more wicked, I Kings 21.25.
7. It is no ſtrange thing to ſee men contemned in the world, and accounted ſimple and ſilly, even upon the account of theſe things for which they are commended of God; For, God had commended Job becauſe of his integrity, ver. 3. and his wife accounts it his folly. Doeſt thou ſtill retain thine Integrity? So that upright walkers have much need of Self-denyal, and not to conſu…t with fleſh and blood.
8. It is an evidence of the power of Conſcience in men, that in their moſt deſperately ſinful courſes, they cannot ſo extinguiſh the light thereof, but they ſee the great hazard of their way; And it is an evidence of their great ſlavery under ſin, that no hazard doth deter them from it: For, this woman, notwithſtanding all her diſtemper, is convinced of this, that blaſphemy deſerveth death, (which ſhould warn us to avoid the leaſt degrees of it, in murmu…ng and fretting againſt God) And yet ſhe adviſeth her husband to run upon the hazard, Curſe God and die. Albeit that law concerning blaſphemers, Lev. 24.14, 15, 16. was not written in Jobs days; yet it appears from her expreſſions, that the thing it ſelf was then known, by the light of N…ture or by immediate Revelation.
9. We may alſo, from her ſpeech, take notice of ſome of the wicked ſuggeſtions of Satan and our corrupt fleſh, in an hour of tryal. As,
1. When mens hearts do riſe in pride againſt Gods dealing, and do under-value Piety, becauſe of affl…ction and want of eaſe; Doeſt thou ſtill retain thine Integrity? ſa…th ſhe, when thou art thus affl…cted? See Mal. 3.13 14.
2. When men have ſuch a prejudice againſt afflictions and tryals, that they ſcruple at no ſin which may ſeem to promiſe eaſe of a preſent trouble; Curſe God and die, ſaith ſhe, and ſo thou wilt get out of this toil and vexation.
3. When men are ſo earneſt to avoid a preſent trouble, as they do not conſider that they may be running upon a greater affl…ction; Curſe God, ſaith ſhe, and die, that ſo thou may ſee an end of thy pain; little conſidering that death is not the end of all trouble to all men, and eſpecially to thoſe who enter in at the gates of death voluntarily blaſpheming and curſing God, as ſhe adviſeth him to do.
Verſ. 10. But he ſaid unto her, Thou ſpeakeſt as one of the fooliſh women ſpeak…th; what? ſhall we receive good at the hand of God, and ſhall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job ſin with his lips.
Followeth Jobs anſwer unto, and refutation of this ſuggeſtion. Albeit he had hitherto kept ſilence, yet he cannot let this ſuggeſtion paſs without a reply. And though no doubt, he was a tender husband, who behaved himſelf ſo conſcientiouſly, even toward ſervants, Chap. 31.13, 14.15. Yet in this caſe, the zeal of God prompts him to make a ſharp return to her motion. And
1. He points out how unbecoming it was that ſuch a motion ſhould flow from her; It might poſſibly have been expected that one of the fooliſh women, Nabaleſſes (ſo the word is in the Original) or, Pagans, about them, ſhould have ſpoken ſo in a day of tryal; But it did not beſeem one ſo inſtructed, and who enjoyed ſo many means of knowledge as ſhe did, to be ſo badly principled.
2. He points out the abſurdity of her counſel in it ſelf, That they who have received good things from the Lord, Should not be content to ſubmit to evil things, or afflictions, when God ſeeth it meet to exerciſe them therewith; But that, whenever the tyde begins to turn, they ſhould be weary of Piety, and turn blaſphemers. For clearing whereof, conſider,
1. That queſtion, What? or alſo, and his propounding of the Refutation by way of Interrogation, doth inſinuate, both the vehemence of Jobs zeal, and the clear evidence of the truth propo…nded, that it may extort a confeſſion from thoſe who are moſt prejudged, if they will but conſider it.
2. What he ſpeaks of receiving good and evil, is not to be underſtood of the ſimple act of receiving; For in that the Lord doth not ſ…k o…t conf…ne, but f…nds good or evil, as it pleaſeth him, and makes them our lot. But he ſpeaks of the manne… of rece…ving, that as we receive and entertain good things cheerfully and contentedly, ſo it is our duty to receive evil things ſubmiſſively and patiently.
Doct. 1. As zeal for God is ſeemly and becometh Saints; ſo tentations and ſuggeſt…ons ſhould be roughly entertained, and not dallyed with, from whomſoever they come: Fo…, Job doth entertain this motion from his wife with much zeal and indignation. See Matth 16.22, 23. So alſo ought riſing ſuggeſtions in our own boſoms be entertained.
2. As ſin is odious and hateful in any; ſo it is mo…e abominable in ſome th…n others; And when ſin is looked upon, not only in its own nature, but as committed by ſuch perſons who have lived under many means, and had many engag…ments to holy walking put upon them; …t will exceedingly heighten the ſinfulneſs thereof: For, ſo doth Job aggravate the ſin of his wife, Thou ſpeakeſt as one of the fooliſh women ſpeaketh.
3. To renounce God and Piety under trouble, or becauſe of it, is an act of the higheſt folly, and rather beſeeming Pagans then Profeſſors of the true Religion, who will find it their advantage to cleave to God in trouble, and that to do otherwiſe were to loſe more then trouble can otherwiſe take from them, and to deprive themſelves of a ſoveraign antidote againſt the venom of afflictions; For, in the counſel ſhe gave, Job reckons that ſhe ſpeaks as one of the fooliſh women.
4 It is not enough that we reprove faults in others, unleſs we take pains alſo to inform them, and to root out the prejudices and corrupt principles which miſlead them; The…efore Job, after the reproof, ſubjoyns an information, What? or alſo (as the word will read, adding this to the former reproof) Shall we receive good, &c?
5. When men do rightly conſider their own caſe, they will find that an hour of tentation doth ſo bemiſt them, and over-cloud their judgments, that they want the uſe of their very common Principles; Therefore doth Job put home this Refutation with Queſtions, as being ſo clear, that her Light and Conſcience could not decline it, if ſhe would advert.
6. It is a very great fault in men to arrogate to themſelves to be their own carvers, and that they will endure no lot but what pleaſeth them; For, we are but receivers, not preſcribers.
7. Seeing all the good we enjoy comes by the gift of God, there is no reaſon we ſhould murmur if he diſpoſe of his own as he will, and take back his gift at his pleaſure; For, We receive good at the hand of God, and therefore ſhould acquieſce in his diſpoſing thereof at his pleaſure.
8. It is a very great fault to limit God conſtantly to one way of dealing with his people, and that we cannot endure to ſubmit to changes; For, Job inſinuates that we muſt reſolve both for good and evil, in the ſervice of our Generation.
9. It is alſo a fault, that men, enjoying a long time of proſperity, ſhould ſo ſettle themſelves in caſe, that they cannot endure a new aſſault of trouble; ſeeing theſe viciſſitudes in our condition are neceſſary for us, and Gods ſparing of us long may very well perſwade us to endure tryals in their ſeaſon; For, Shall we receive good, and ſhall we not receive evil?
10. It is yet a further degree of miſcarriage, when men have received ſo many proofs of love from God, and yet when the ſame hand lets out a needful trouble, they are ready to queſtion and doubt of this love, and ſo quarrel him; For, if we have received good, we ought, without miſtaking, receive evil, when it is made our lot. For as evil, coming to us out of the hand of God, changeth its nature, and becometh good; ſo it becometh them who have taſted much of Gods bounty and love, not to miſtake every change of dealing. In a word, Jobs arguing doth teach, That no man doth rightly improve proſperity, but he who is fitted thereby to bear adverſity more ſubmiſſively; That no godly man ought to repine at any mean (how bitter ſoever) which may contribute to purge out his corruptions, and promote his Communion with God; and, That when God freely conferreth good things upon us, we ſhould not take it ill if ſometime he make us taſte the bitter fruits of our own ill deſerving; Nor ſhould we decline to undergo any toyl and ſervice in our Generation, when God hath, by many proofs of love, prevented us, and (ſo to ſay) put an hire and encouragement in our hand.
11. Men ought not to ſuſpend their ſubmiſſion to trying diſpenſations, till they find them pleaſing to their ſenſe; But it is the touch-ſtone of their ſubmiſſion, if, when they find their condition bitter, yet, they do acquieſce: For, Job acknowledged his lot to be, in it ſelf, evil (of which ſee on Amos 3.6.) and yet he pleads for ſubmiſſion, Should we not receive evil?
In the end of the verſe there is ſubjoyned a teſtimony concerning this behaviour of Job. Nothing is further expreſſed concerning his wife, who probably, was convinced and put to ſilence by this reproof. But to refute Satans calumny, God paſſeth his ſentence of approbation upon what Job had done, That in all this Job ſinned not with his lips. It is ſomewhat different from that teſtimony, Chap. 1.22. which is more ample. Here it is imported, That albeit there were ſomewhat boyling in his breaſt, which afterward burſt forth; Chap. 3. yet not only did he forbear to expreſs it, when the ſtroke came upon him, ver. 8. and when his wife tempted him, v. 9. But when he ſpake, he ſpake contrary to any ſuggeſtions that were in his heart.
Doct. 1. In all conflicts and tryals, the eye of God is upon his people, to obſerve and paſs ſentence according to their behaviour; For, this ſentence preſuppoſeth Gods obſerving of Job.
2. Albeit it be very bitter to the people of God to be frequently toſſed with renewed tentations and aſſaults; Yet this may encourage them, that every renewed conflict, and their ſtanding out in it, draws out a new commendation from God; For, here a new ſentence is paſſed in Jobs favours.
3. It ſhould be ſeriouſly remembered by Saints, that the thing which God chiefly obſerves under tryal, is, how they ſtudy to avoid ſin, and that he will commend accordingly; For, that is the thing God did eye and commend in Job, that in all this did not Job ſin.
4. As Saints may expect that their ſincere carriage, eſpecially under long and renewed afflictions, will be attended with ſome humbling diſcoveries of themſelves; So God will not deny his teſtimony to their ſincerity; notwithſtanding theſe diſcoveries; For, Job is ſtill commended, notwithſtanding it be implyed that there was ſome diſorder in his ſpirit, which he endeavoured to ſuppreſs.
5. When Saints find tentations boyling in their hearts, ready to break forth; it is acceptable ſervice, as to mourn for them before God, ſo to endeavour to ſuppreſs them by ſilence, and (as they have occaſion) to ſpeak contrary to the ſuggeſtions of their own hearts; as being a mean to honour God, to prevent the ſcandal of the weak, & even to cure their own diſtempers: For, this is a part of Jobs commendation, that he did not ſin with his lips, but ſuppreſſed his thoughts, and ſpake on Gods behalf againſt the ſuggeſtions of his wife. See Pſal. 39.1, 9. & 106.33.
Verſ. 11. Now when Jobs three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite; for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him, and to comfort him.
12. And when they lift up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voyce, and wept, and they rent every one his mantle, and ſprinkled duſt upon their heads toward heaven,
13. So they ſat down with him upon the ground ſeven days and ſeven nights, and none ſpake a word unto him: for they ſaw that his grief was very great.
In the third part of the Chapter is recorded, how Job was viſited by three of his Friends; which occaſioned much exerciſe and trouble to him, though not intended by them. In it we have to conſider.
1. The perſons who performed this office of love to Job, His three Friends came every one from his own place, who are further deſcribed by their Names and Original, Eliphaz being deſcended of Teman, the grandchild of Eſau, Gen. 36 11. Bildad being of the poſterity of Shuah, the ſon of Abraham by Keturah, Gen. 25.1, 2. Zophar is called the Naamathite, being either deſcended of that Timuah, the ſon Eſau, Gen. 36.40. who is called Naamath, by tranſpoſition of letters, uſual in Scripture names, or dwelling in the City Naamath, afterward poſſeſſed by Judah, toward the coaſt of Edom, Joſhuah 15.21, 41. Theſe were the three chief perſons who came to viſit him, of whom there is moſt mention, and who probably came firſt. Though we find Elihu was with him alſo, Chap. 32. and, it ſeems, others likewiſe. Chap. 35.4. And this account of his friends and their deſcent, gives ſome light to the knowledge of the time wherein Job lived.
2. The occaſion and riſe of this viſit, when they heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place Job had now ſo ſmall a family, and thoſe ſo froward, Chap. 19.15.16. that he could not ſend any to acquaint his friends with his condition; But they hearing of what had befallen him (which conſidering Jobs dignity, was divulged farr and near, and gave occaſion to every man to ſpeak and judg of it as he thought fit) do appoint to come together and viſit him. So that this viſit was not made till ſome time after the ſtroke, when the report of it was now ſpread in the Countries about; though it cannot certainly be determined how long time intervened betwixt the one and the other.
3. Their reſolution and ſcope in this viſit; They made an appointment together (that it might have more weight, and they might be helpful one to another) to come to mourn with him, and comfort him; or, to teſtifie, by their ſympathie, how much they were affected with his condition, that ſo they might be in a nearer capacity to miniſter comfort to him, and he might be better prepared to receive it from their hands.
4. Their putting of this reſolution in practice, at leaſt the firſt part of it, or, their ſympathizing with him; ver. 12, 13. which is witneſſed by their weeping aloud, and other Ceremonial expreſſions of ſorrow, Such as, renting of their Mantles (of which, Chap. 1.20.) and caſting up duſt toward Heaven, that it might fall down upon their heads, in ſign of grief and humility, Joſh. 7, 6. Neh. 9.1. Lam. 2.10. And by their ſitting ſo much of ſeven days and nights as was fit for viſiting of him (for no doubt, they withdrew and ſlept ſometimes) upon the ground beſide him, in token of joyning with him; and, their keeping ſilence all the while, at leaſt ſpeaking nothing of what was their main errand, which was alſo an expreſſion of their great ſorrow, Lam 2.10.
5. The reaſons of this their practice, Which are,
1. That when they lift up their eyes afarr off they knew him not, ver. 12. Job being either now walking abroad, or lying in the fields, to take the freſh air, when they came toward him, or they looking upon him at diſtance, when they came unto the room where he was, do find him ſo altered with his afflictions and boyls, that they can hardly know him, which doth excite them to ſo much ſorrow.
2. (which is the reaſon of their ſo long ſilence in particular) They ſaw that his grief was very great, ver.— 13. which was (no doubt) awaked and augmented at their coming to him. This did not only render Job incapable to admit of any comfort they intended for him, but did alſo aſtoniſh them ſelves, and leave them in the dark where to begin to deal with him a man ſo afflicted, conſidering their principles upon which they afterward proceed with him. In all this, as we find much tenderneſs and affection in them; ſo their long ſilence, forbearing to be comfortable to a man ſo diſtreſſed, is not free of blame, as contributing not a little to make Job apprehend that they judged hardly of his condition becauſe of his ſtroke, and ſo giving occaſion to theſe diſtempe…s which afterward brake forth. Though in all this the holy Providence of God is to be adored, who would have Jobs comfort ſuſpended, that he might be tryed yet more; and who, by their unſeaſonable ſilence, gave occaſion to Job to open his mouth, in the next Chapter; and ſo made way for the following debate which is ſo uſeful to the Church of God in all Ages.
From ver. 11. Learn.
1. It is not ſtrange to ſee ſuch things befal godly men as may be matter of talking, and may expoſe them as a wonder to all about them; For, ſuch things befel Job as are heard by his Friends in their ſeveral Countries. See, Pſal. 71.7.
2. It is a point of ſpiritual prudence in Godly men, beſide their ordinary familiars and acquaintances, to make ſure of ſome ſpecial and godly friends, of whom they may make uſe in all exigents; and if they cannot have ſuch nearer at hand, to make uſe even of ſuch as are at a diſtance; For, Job hath his three friends, in the Countries about. Which may condemn them who may have godly friends nearer at hand, and yet make no uſe of them. See, Eccleſ. 4 8.—12.
3. It is the duty of Godly Friends to be tender of thoſe in affliction; Neither ſtaying for invitations to come and viſit their afflicted Friends, nor yet contenting themſelves with occaſional viſits, but coming of purpoſe to tender them in their ſad condition; For, when they heard of all this evil— they came every one from his own place Friends are tried by adverſity. See Prov. 17.17. & 18.24. Pſal. 38.11.
4 There is no affliction of the truly godly ſo deſperate, that it is deſtitute of any ground of comfort, or warranteth them to give themſelves wholly up to ſorrow; For, they Judge that there is need and cauſe, as to mourn with him, So, to comfort him. See Ezra. 10.2. I Theſs. 4.13.
5. Such may be the ſad condition, even of Godly and experienced Saints, and ſo exceedingly may afflictions and tentations confound and over-whelm them; that they will need the help of others to point out theſe comforts and encouragements which are allowed upon them: For they find it a neceſſary duty to come to comfort Job, in this extremity.
6. Albeit the Conſolations of God have their own weight, by whomſoever they be tendered; yet none can ſo fitly, or with hope of ſucceſs, miniſter them unto the afflicted, as thoſe who feelingly ſympathize with them in afflictions; Whereby they become ſerious in ſeeking out fit encouragements, and tender and feeling in the application thereof, and do alſo conciliate favour with the afflicted, making way for their applications; For, they come, firſt, to mourn with him, and then, to comfort him.
7. As the afflictions of ſome Saints may be ſo great, as to need the ſympathy of many, to afford them ſome caſe; ſo the comforting of ſuch is a work of ſuch intricacy and difficulty, as will require the concurrent help of many able men: For, upon theſe conſiderations, They made an appointment together, to come to mourn with him, and to comfort him.
From ver. 12, 13. learn,
1. As trouble will ſoon make a ſtrange alteration upon men; ſo it is nothing ſtrange to ſee theſe bodies of the Saints, which will one day be glorious in Heaven, ſo transformed with ſores, as Friends and Acquaintances can hardly diſcern the faces of their old friends; And to ſee ſuch a change upon the outward ſtate of Saints, as their friends can hardly know they are the men they are: For, they lift up their eyes a far off, and knew him not, by reaſon of the preſent deformity of his body, and the ſordid condition wherein he was, compared with his former ſtate and grandeur. See Lam. 4.7, 8.
2. It is the duty and property of truly godly friends, to be really (and not in appearance only) affected with the afflicted condition of their friends, and to joyn cordially with them in humiliation and ſorrow; So much do they witneſs by their practice, weeping, renting their Ma…tles, ſprinkling duſt on their heads, and ſitting down with him upon the ground, ſeven days and ſeven nights.
3. The more narrow view men take of the afflictions of others, the more will it affect them, if they be truly tender; For, albeit they were affected with the report, yet it is when they lift up their eyes and knew him not, that they are ſo ſingularly affected; it being rare to find ſuch ſenſe of a trouble at a diſtance. See Lam. 3.51.
4. It may pleaſe God to let out ſuch troubles upon his people, as ſurpaſſeth all humane Conſolation, that himſ…lf alone may be ſeen in ſupporting and comforting: For, though they can ſympathize, yet they cannot comfort, but ſpake not a word to him.
5. Such is our weakneſs, that one lawful duty is ready to ſhuffle out another; And particularly, great abundance of ſorrow, given way unto, may hinder men from being comfortable to the afflicted, as it doth hinder the afflicted from receiving it. For, though (notwithſtanding their erroneous principles, of which afterward) they reſolved, upon the report, to come and comfort him; Yet now when they come, and ſaw that his grief was very great, and his affliction ſo extream, that he is ſcarce capable of comfort, they are ſo over-whelmed with ſorrow, that in ſtead of comforting him, they ſit ſilent. See Iſ. 24.4.
6. In all our good and honeſt purpoſes, we have need of eſpecial dependance upon God, that they be not fruſtrated; For, they who came, not only to mourn with him, but to comfort him, albeit they joyned in the one, yet they not only miſſed of the other, but run a contrary courſe, as may not only appear in the following Debates, but even in their preſent unſeaſonable ſilence for ſo long a time; which did miniſter occaſion to many tentations, when their behaviour ſpake them ſo much aſtoniſhed; and declared that they looked on his condition as deſperate, ſince they did not ſo much as ſpeak one comfortable word unto him. Which long ſilence, being added to Jobs other troubles, did at laſt over-drive him to break forth in the following bitter complaint.
7. When God hath his people to try and exerciſe, they may expect that every promiſing mean will diſappoint them, and rather augment, then eaſe, their trouble; As Job found by experience in the perſon of dear Friends, who had come ſo great a length to viſit him.