Observations Upon the Old Testament, Commentary · Job
Job.
THE Book of Job is a true History, accompanied fully with all the circumstances of a true History, from first to last: and attested, Ezek. XIV. 14. and Jam. V. 11.
This Book is written, in the judgement of some, in Prose, to chap. III. v. 3. In Verse; thence, to chap. XLII. ver. 6. And then again concludes in Prose, thence to the end.
Job lived most likely when the Israelites were in Egypt; His age being one hundred and fourty years after his Affliction was ended: and he having seven sonnes, and three daughters; and being the greatest of all the men of the East, before his Affliction began; Job XLII. 16. and I. ver. 2, 3.
Jobs patience is wonderful; and so highly commended by the holy Ghost, Jam. V. 11. His Impatience too much accused, as by his friends then, so by some others now; not weighing the burden of his Afflictions, outward, and inward; from heaven, earth, and hell; and withal his fair clearing of God, and his justice; and his full acknowledgement of his owne sinfulnesse; though not of that Hypocrisie wherewith his friends did falsely charge him, chap. VII. 20, 21. and IX. 2, 3. 14, 15, 20, 21. and XIII. 26. and XIV. 17. and XXVII. 5, 6. and XXXI. 6. 33, 35, 36, 37. and XXIII. 10. and XIII. 15. and IX. 12.
Jobs three friends most likely were of the posterity of Abraham, viz. Eliphaz, and Zophar of the posterity of Esau, Gen. XXXVI. 11, 40. Bildad of Abrahams race by Ketura Gen. XXV. 2. 1 Chron. I. 32. And Elihu the fourth, of the race of Nahor, Abrahams brother, Gen. XXII. 21.
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, speak in order, one after another; Eliphaz and Bildad, thrice; Zophar, twice. To every one of which, Jobs Answers are annexed and interposed.
Elihu speaks after they ceased, without any answer made by Job to him.
Jehovah speaks last of all; And Orders all.
Uz] Uz in Idumea, chapter I verse 1 or Arabia bordering upon it. So called from Uz the sonne of Dishan, of the linage of Seir, Gen. XXXVI. 28. Of this we read, Lam. IV. 21. Jer. XXV. 20. Or in that part of Arabia the Desert, near to Chaldea, where Job had such bad neighbours, the Chaldeans on the one side, and the Sabeans on the other, chap. I. 15. 17. We read of Kings of the Land of Uz, Jer. XXV. 20. And of Uz, the grandchilde of Shem, Gen. X. 22, 23. And of Vz, the sonne of Nahor, Abrahams brother, Gen. XXII. 21.
three thousand Camels] When God blessed his latter end, verse 3 he had six thousand Camels, chap. XLII. 12. a wondrous number for one man. They were numerous, and of much use, in the Eastern Countries. Fifty thousand taken from the Hagarites, 1 Chron. V. 20, 21. The Midianites used very great multitudes of them in warre; and put ornaments, and chains of gold about their necks, Judg. VII. 12. and chap. VIII. 21, 26. Some of them were swift; all, for burden, with bunches on their backs, fit for that purpose; but not fit to go through the eye of a needle. David himself had a special officer, only over his Camels, 1 Chron. XXVII. 30.
East] Whither Abraham sent his sonnes, Gen. XXV. 6.
and sanctified them] Sent to them, verse 5 requiring them to fit and prepare themselves, by all means, in an holy maner, to come and joyne with him in offering a sacrifice for them, and their sinnes. See Num. X 1. 18. Exod. XIX. 10. Josh. III. 5. and chap. VII. 13. 2 Chron. XXIX. 5.
continualy] On those dayes when their feasting was gone about.
the sonnes of God] The good Angels, verse 6 Job XXXVIII. 7.
to present themselves] See 1 Kings XXII. 19. This is spoken after the maner of men, as Rom. III. 5.
among them] Not that Satan comes into Heaven. The similitude is taken from earthly Kings.
escaped alone] Satan spared him, verse 15 that by him Job might quickly hear it.
winde] a great whirlwinde. verse 19
young men] And daughters also. Satan by his Commission might have taken away his wife also, as well as his children; But he left her to vex him.
shaved his head] Did it himself, verse 20 or by some other.
thither] Into the womb of our common mother the earth; verse 21 whereon he fell, ver. 20.
sinned not] Contrary to that of Satan. verse 22 He blesseth, ver. 21. not curseth, as Satan said, ver. 11.
earth] He hath no power in Heaven; chapter II verse 2 no temptation is there.
skin for skin] Any skin for his own; though even that of his children, chap. I. 19.
for his life] To save his life and person free.
sore boiles] Satans power, verse 7 if God give him leave.
Curse] Hebr. Blesse. Either it is an ironical scoffe at Jobs piety, verse 9 and patience: Or the word beareth two contrary significations: as the Hebrew Kadesh, Levit. VI. 29. Deut. XXII. 9. And with the Greeks, foreign; and the Latines, Sacer, and sundry others do. And so Cursing is here meant; as chap. I. 11. and 1 Kings XXI. 10. Some conceive that the crime of Blasphemy was so odious and execrable in those dayes, that men could not endure to hear it called by the proper name; but though they had a word to expresse it by, yet they chose rather to understand it by the contrary. So a Sodomite, and a Whore (our English word may haply be rather Hore, from Hire; as Meretrix, from Merces) have their names in Hebrew from holinesse, being both most unholy, Job XXXVI. 14. Gen. XXXVIII. 21, 22. Deut. XXIII. 18.
and knew him not] At first sight. verse 12
wept] When they came near, and knew him.
Seven dayes] The three friends silence for seven dayes and nights is wonderful; verse 13 Somewhat like is that, Ezek. III. 15, 16. See Lam. II. 10. and III. 28.
After this] Job first breaks off that strange silence; chapter III verse 1 and his former pious patience; And through infirmity he passionately falls to curse the day and night of his nativity: wisheth he had died as soone as he was born; much magnifying the state of the dead, above his woful life; whereof he complaines, that it is in being, and is so bitter to him.
conceived] i. e. borne or brought forth. verse 3 The night of conception is unknown, and the man-childe till it be borne.
Then Eliphaz] Here begins the first Onset of Jobs three friends. chapter IV verse 1 I will summe them up together: Here Eliphaz doth accuse Jobs faintnesse under present miseries: glance at his former hypocrisie: maintain in the general, that no good man was ever so punished; shewing the prosperous state of the godly, and the plagues of God upon the wicked: and by relating a fearful Vision, he seeks to humble the excellencies of man, and justifie God in his doings above him, chap. IV. Moreover, he hints, that no Saint is so afflicted as Job; and he sheweth that the prosperity of the foolish sinner is but momentany: adviseth Job to submit his cause to God; who doth wonderful things and unsearchable; against the evill, and for the good: and that he despise not the chastening of the Almighty; who then shall and will deliver and defend him, preserve and prosper him and his, chap. V. After Jobs answer to this; Then Bildad doth reprove him for it: doth justifie God in his judgements: and that if Iob will seek to him, and be upright, God, who doth confound the hope of the hypocrite, will prosper him, and fill his lips with rejoycing, chap. VIII. After Iobs answer hereupon; Then Zophar reproves Iob, more then the other did, for his former answer, as justifying himself more then God; shewing that God exacts of him lesse then his iniquity deserved: that God and his wayes are unsearchable: But if Iob will pray unto him, and put away iniquity; then his future state shall become secure and glorious, chap. XI.
who can with-hold?] Hearing such, verse 2. 6. and so impatient speeches.
Is not this] This, as a touch-stone, shewes that formerly they were but counterfeits. Thus Eliphaz unwittingly plaies Satans part, chap. I. 9, 10, 11. and II. 5.
Remember] Give one instance, verse 7 if thou canst, of any good man perishing by the hand of God, as thou art like to do. This, and many other speeches of Jobs friends, we must not take for Scriptural and Canonical truths; though some of their speeches be cited elsewhere in Scripture. True it is that they said thus, though all be not true that they said; specialy their false charges against Job, and misapplying of things to him, chap. XLII. 7.
Lion] Seven names of Lions in Scripture. verse 10 Whereof see the Annotations on this text; and Buxtorfs Lexicon.
Now a thing] A Vision, verse 12—16. or Preparation for the Revelation ensuing.
Shall] The voice speaking, verse 17—21. or revelation it self. Now Eliphaz might misapply the speech of this Vision; as himself, and his companions did many other good grounds.
Loe] There is no comparison between Angels and God, verse 18 much lesse between man and God.
Saints wilt thou turne?] chapter V verse 1 To finde a parallel for thy self, that any living Saint was ever so afflicted.
wrath] Impatience in man; verse 2 or wrath in God.
To set up] This might serve as an encouragement to Job. verse 11
yea in seven] From many, verse 19 yea from all troubles. There are in the words following seven troubles reckoned up.
thou shalt know] Now Promises of Blessings do follow; verse 24 a comfortable state, and numerous posterity, a long life, and happy death.
Loe this] Application of all to Job, verse 27 to make use of it.
But Job answered] Here I will summe up together his first Answers to each of the three friends; chapter VI verse 1 as I did formerly their several first speeches to him. Here then, He aments the most woful extremity of this misery which God inflicts upon him, so that his Complaints are not causelesse; he wisheth that God would cut him off, and complaineth of the unpitifulnesse of his friends towards him, chap. VI. He reneweth the mention, and bemoaning of his miseries, as insupportable: he wisheth death: confesseth his sinfulnesse; and craveth pardon, chap. VII. He acknowledgeth man cannot contend with God; and that he will not answer God, or contend to justifie himself, though he were righteous, which he is not; but makes supplication to his Judge. He saith, God destroyes the perfect and the wicked; that his dayes are few; his sorrowes are great; that God will not hold him innocent; that he cannot answer God; yet would willingly speak to him, if his rod, and terrours were taken away from him, chap. IX. He will speak to God and say, wherfore doest thou so contend with me; and search after my sinne? Thou knowest I am not wicked: Thy hands have made me: If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head; I am full of confusion; Thou huntest me as a fierce Lion: Oh that I had not been borne. Cease then, that I may take comfort a little before I die, chap 10. He reproves his friends for their pleadings against him: He knowes what they know, and say, viz. That God doth all things in the governing of the affairs and states of men; even of the great ones. chap. XII. Again reproves his friends, as before; and checks them for pleading for God, in a wrong maner: bids them hold their peace; that he may speak: professeth his trust in God; his uprightnesse, void of Hypocrisie; and that he shall be justified: he desires of God to know his iniquity, for which he writeth such bitter things against him, Chap. XIII. He entreateth God for favour by the shortnesse of life, and certainty of death; though life once lost be irrecoverable; yet he waighteth for his change: he complains that God watcheth over his sinne; and concludes that God prevaileth over man, chap. XIV.
Doth the wilde Asse] So neither do I complaine, verse 5 if I had not so great a cause as ver. 3, 4.
Can that] Can it with any pleasure? verse 6 much lesse if it be bitter, as mine afflictions are; and your unsavoury words. So the application seemes to be made in the next verse.
Cut me off] His wealth and health were taken away before; verse 9 now he desires that his life may be so.
not concealed] But professed before others, verse 10 his word and worship.
Is not] Any help in me, verse 13 and defence for me, against these evills, and your words?
Pitie should] Here he strikes at Eliphaz; verse 14 and continues on so to do to the end of this Chapter.
Tema] That part of Arabia where the posterity of Tema, verse 19 one of Ishmaels race, Gen. XXV. 15. did inhabit See Jer. XXV. 23.
Sheba] In Arabia Foelix, South from Iudea; whose Queen came to Solomon. And whereof we read Psal. LXXII. 10. Esay XLIII. 3. and LX. 6. Ier. VI. 20. Ezek. VII. 22, 23. and XXXVIII. 13. These seeme to be the posterity of Cush, by his fourth sonne Raamah, Gen. X. 7. The Ethiopians were no remote neighbours from them.
ye are nothing] Hebr. not, verse 21 or, as the Masorets in the margin, to it; i. e. ye are like to that brook, ver. 15. See the like various reading, Ch. XIII. 15. Psal. C. 3. Esay LXIII. 9. Exod. XXI. 8.
to reprove words] As if my speeches were words without matter, verse 26 words of a desperate brainlesse man?
my righteousnesse is in it] Ye shall finde me no hypocrite, if ye consider better.
shall come up no more] Into this world: chapter VII verse 9 till the Resurrection, chap. XIV. 12. and chap. XIX. 26, 27.
I will complaine] Men in anguish think it some ease to complaine. verse 11 Grief kept in, like fire, burns the more.
Am I a Sea] Too bold a speech from a creature to God, verse 12 in this, and that which follows.
not depart from me] To give me the least intermission of pain. verse 19
I have sinned] Though not by hypocrisie; verse 20 nor more then all others. Here he confesseth sinne: And petitions for pardon, ver. 21.
How long] He seemes to cut off Iob in his speaking; chapter VIII verse 2 as not able to endure him longer to speak so much against God; so to charge him, and complaine of him.
If thy children] Sonnes; verse 4 and daughters, chap. I. 18, 19.
If thou wert Wouldest be, verse 6 as ver. 5, 7.
Though thy beginning was small] After thy repentance. verse 7 As indeed it was, chap. XLII. 11.
yesterday] See the Observations on Deut. XV. 17. verse 9
Can the rush] No more could Iobs and his childrens prosperity continue, verse 11 because of their hypocrisie, without sound piety, which is the true nourisher of Gods blessings. To which purpose he useth also the Similitude of a Spider, and of a tree, to set out the fleeting prosperity of ungodly men, such as he intimates Iob and his children to be.
Arcturus] Iobs skill in Astronomy. chapter IX verse 9 And again, chap. XXVI. 7. 13. and in XXVII. 18. in some Translations. See the Annotations on Esay XIII. 10. And we see Astronomy in Gods speech to Iob, chap. XXXVIII. 31, 32, 33.
without cause] High speeches against God, verse 17 and impatient passages. As likewise, ver. 22.
should not] An angry beginning likewise, chapter XI verse 2 savouring of indignation.
I am clean in thine eyes] Indeed no hypocrite, verse 4 otherwise this is a false charge.
secrets of wisdome] The hidden wayes of his providence, verse 6 wherein he walks in his dealings with mortal men.
wilde Asses colt] So foolish, verse 12 so unable to comprehend the wayes of God in his workings towards the sons of men.
the wicked] Concludes with the misery of the wicked; verse 20 surmising, or implying Iob to be such an one.
ye are the people] Ye all three. chapter XII verse 2 This is an ironical scoffe, with indignation. See the Observations on Iosh. XI. 4. and on Amos IV. 4, 5.
who calleth upon God] Either the mocked or mocker, verse 4 calleth upon God.
answereth him] The mocker; whereas Iob himself, the mocked, is not answered.
of robbers prosper] This Iob proves at large. verse 6
earth] This English word may seeme to come from the Hebrew word foreign. verse 8
Doth not the eare] So easie is this point of trial. verse 11
with the ancient] This may relate to that, verse 12 chap. VIII. 8, 9, 10. And indeed it should be so, chap. XXXII. 7. but is not alwayes so, ver. 20. and XXXII. 9.
are his] And subject to his authority and power. verse 16
girdle] Bringeth them to a lower condition. verse 18
what ye know] This relateth to chap. chapter XIII verse 2 XII. 3.
to reason with God] Rather then with his friends; verse 3 he is weary of that. And he joynes herein with Zophar in his wish, chap. XI. 5. because he could clear his own innocencie, before him, who sees his heart; and that he is no hypocrite, ver. 16. as his friends take him to be, by Gods harsh dealing with him.
of lies] Against God, verse 4 and me.
Hear now] Bids them save their labour in speaking, verse 6 unlesse it were to better purpose, ver. 5. And now hearken to him, and his reasonings, for God, against them, and in defence of himself.
mock him?] Or seek to delude and beguile him; verse 9 pleading his cause by bad arguments?
accept persons Though it be Gods own person. verse 10
what will] What ever become of me. verse 13 Like that 2 Sam. XVIII. 23.
my flesh in my teeth?] Grief and plagues enough to make me teare my flesh. verse 14
put my life] Every moment be in danger to die.
yet will I trust] Here the Cetib, verse 15 or written in the text, is foreign not: And so the Reading and rendering may rather be this, should I not trust in him? And thus the denying Interrogative is equivalent to an affirming Enunciative. The like may well be admitted, Esay XLIX. 5, 6. And there are sundry Interrogatives found in Scripture where the Negative is suppressed; as Job XX. 4. Gen. XXVII. 36. 1 Sam. II. 27, 28. 2 Sam. XXIII. 19. Jer. III. 6. and XXXI. 20. Ezek. XX. 30. Amos VI. 2. And the Masorets in like cases to this in Job, do usualy adscribe foreign, to him; as their Keri in the margin. And they use this liberty more in this one word, then in any other in the Old Testament.
before him] To plead his cause with confidence, verse 16 as I am ready to do.
I have ordered my Cause] He prepares for his trial before God. verse 18 I am ready to plead.
justified] For the various significations of this word, see the Annotations here.
Only] That he may have a fair trial. verse 20
then] I will go on in my plea.
Then call thou] He offers the choise to God, verse 22 whether he will be Plaintif, or Defendant: such is his confidence.
and answer thou me.] This is too much for any man, or creature, to say to God. Yet the extremity of his case brings him to this extremity.
How many] Here begins his Plea; verse 23 and continues to the end of the next Chapter. Let me know my charge; and condemn me not before I be heard.
wherefore] If no heinous cause be alledged. verse 24
break a leaf] No honour to a Gyant to break and bruise an infant. verse 25
a print upon] Followest me step by step; verse 27 not one step behinde me; to mark my sinnes, to plague me, and prevent my escape.
woman] In the Hebrew, chapter XIV verse 1 hath her name from a man; as the first woman had her nature also.
And doest thou] Chap. VII. 17, 18.
me into judgement with thee?] So great a God, verse 3 to deale summo jure, most rigorously, with such a worme and wretch, and not to pity him; as if this were a maine thing that God looked at in his providence.
who can] Why then am I thus singled out? verse 4
Turne from him] From plaguing him so sorely for sinne, verse 6 as now thou doest me.
hope of a tree] But an impossibility after mans death, verse 7 to returne hither again, to enjoy any comfort here.
and where is he?] No where among the living. verse 10
As the waters] As the flood fed by those waters then decayeth; verse 11 So, &c.
till the heavens be no more] As now they are; verse 12 but changed, at the Resurrection.
shall he live again] As chap. XV. 11. verse 14 and IV. 2. Gen. XVII. 17. a wonder it is; yet true.
Thou wilt have a desire] Thus at that time it will appear; verse 15 to Jobs comfort.
For now] Job concludes in a passionate fit, verse 16 That yet now God deals strictly and harshly with him, and his sins.
the mountain] The strongest creatures yeeld to thy power. verse 18
Thou prevailest] Applies it to man, verse 20 and Gods prevailing power over him, and his hopes.
his soul] For the various acceptations of this word, verse 22 See the Annotations here.
Then] Here begins the second onset of Jobs three friends. chapter XV verse 1 Wherein being angred likely by some harsh words of Job, reflecting on them, they do only lay load upun him, as upon a wicked man; drawing ill Conclusions from his Passionate Speeches; and insisting upon it still, That so many, and great calamities, as fell upon him, befell to none but to ungodly men: But they afford him not one Exhortation to Repentance, or one comfortable promise, as formerly they had done, chap. V. 8, 17. and chap. VIII. 5, 20, 21. and chap. XI. 13,—19.
And Job, in his Replies, the more sharply reproves them for their inhumanity, and uncomfortablenesse towards him, in his distressed condition; which sad estate he still sets out copiously; and that it ought to move them the more to pitie and commiseration. He refels their false position, whereupon they stood so much, viz. the Prosperity of the Godly, and the Punishment of the Wicked only; and shewes, That many times the wicked greatly flourish, and the godly extremely suffer. And he refutes the slanderous imputations fastened upon him by reason of the strange grievousnesse of his afflictions; He asserts and defends his own innocencie, and contends more eagerly for his integrity, against hypocrisie, then he did before: He comforts himself in the certain hope of a glorious Resurrection hereafter: and moves them to Repent of their ill and hard dealings against him.
and restrainest Prayer before God] By thy ungodly speeches doest discourage men from Praying to God. verse 4
that we know not?] See chap. XIII. 2. verse 9
what is man] Eliphaz doth but repeat the same argument which he used before, verse 14 chap. IV. 17, 18, 19. And makes litle against Job; who confesseth as much. And yet Bildad useth it again, chap. XXV. 4, 5.
unto whom] Unto which wise worthy men God gave a continuance of undisturbed prosperity. verse 19 And therefore their sayings not to be sleighted.
The wicked] Here follow those wise sentences, verse 20 to the end of the Chapter. The same in substance he had said before, chapter IV. and V. But here are they more lively set forth.
and the number] How long the Oppressor shall live.
He runneth upon him] God sets fiercely on him, verse 26 and his strongest armour.
dwelleth in desolate] His luxury fore-runs his poverty. verse 28 He shall not be rich, nor prosper; God will blast his endeavours: for all his vaine confidence; as he sheweth to the end of the chapter.
Though I speak] Job acknowledgeth that all those things had, chapter XVI verse 6 and do befall him, which Eliphaz had said do befall wicked men: and he instanceth in divers particular afflictions, wherein, and whereby he complaineth of his misery, and the harsh and fierce dealings of God, and his friends, against him, to verse 17. Yet denies himself to be an ungodly man; and by arguments makes it good, from verse 17. to the end of the chapter.
a surety] Job would be glad of a Surety to be put in; chapter XVII verse 3 to have some other, and not his friends, to hear him plead and maintain his cause.
astonied] At this dealing of God with Job. verse 8
stir up himself] For me, against the hypocrite; to clear me, and themselves, from such men: and make better use of mine afflictions; as in the verse following.
my hope] He was sailed past the Cape of good hope, verse 15 for any worldly prosperity: It shall lie down with him in the dust.
for thee] Bildad bitterly reproves Job, chapter XVIII verse 4 for contemning them, and misbehaving himself.
the light of the wicked] In a sharp and angry speech he laies out to the life the miseries of wicked men, verse 5 in life, in death, and after death, to the end of this chapter. And so he doth but enlarge what he had said, chap. VIII. And seemes to imply thereby that they had not charged Job unjustly, seeing him lie under such judgements, as God did not inflict but upon ungodly men. And here he deals not with him by exhortation, and promises; as there he did; but seemes also to imply and threaten these judgements to Job, as unavoidable by him.
the first-borne of death] The most terrible kinde of death, verse 13 that carrieth the principality above all other kinds of death; as the first-borne doth above all the brethren. And yet death it self, in what kinde soever, is called in the next verse the King of terrors.
How long] Here Job again blames his friends, chapter XIX verse 2 ver. 2, 3.
And be it] By a fresh commemoration of his miseries, verse 4 wherein he chargeth God still too heavily, he moves them rather to a Compassion and Commiseration of him, to verse 23.
skin of my teeth] Of my lips, verse 20 or gums rather.
Oh that my words] Fearing to finde little comfort in his friends, verse 23 he betakes himself to God, and comforts himself in an assured expectation of a joyful Resurrection.
But ye] Job admonisheth his friends to be well advised of their ill dealing with him; verse 28 and to fear Gods wrath; seeing the root of right and Religion is in Job, and will be found so in the end.
that the triumphing of the wicked is but short] Being driven from that part of their argument, chapter XX verse 5 That God did not use to give prosperity to wicked men; Zophar now insisteth upon this; That though it be so, Yet their Prosperity is but for a moment, or short; and ruine and destruction shall befall them. And this he pursues to the end of the chapter.
sweet in his mouth] Zophar seemes to insist upon this similitude, verse 12 to verse 23.
bow of steele] Of the Bow, verse 24 see the Annotations on Zech. IX. 13. and chap. X. 4. Here is mentioned a Bow of steele. And so Psal. XVIII. 34. such, it seemes, were in use.
Wherefore do the wicked live] Job overthrowes Zophars assertion of the short prosperity of wicked men in this world, chapter XXI and their sudden downfal; verse 7 and shewes their flourishing estate in themselves, ver. 7. in their children, ver. 8. in their families, ver. 9. in their wealth, ver. 10. in their pleasures, ver. 11, 12. in their life and death, ver. 13. yea though they were notoriously wicked men, ver. 14, 15. yet their counsell, and course is farre from Job, ver. 16. And he shewes that God doth oftentimes break off their prosperity; and plagueth them verse 17,—21. And that God deals both wayes thus diversly with them, out of his unsearchable wisdome, whereunto we cannot reach, verse 22,—26. He concludes with an application of the premises to his own case; relating their false doome of him, and his, upon their false grounds, ver. 27, 28. And refelling the same, by the testimony of passengers themselves, and their better judgement, that many wicked men live and die prosperously, and peaceably, 29—33.
Then Eliphaz] Here begins the third Onset, chapter XXII verse 1 by Eliphaz, and Bildad, only. Wherein being convinced by Job of the falshood of their grand plea and position; Eliphaz now doth charge him home with particular sinnes; tells him the justification of himself, and his righteousnesse, cannot be profitable to God; and Exhorts him to Repentance, with Promises of MercieMercy, chap. 22. And Bildad having little more to say, Concludes with this, That neither Job, nor any man can be justified with God; And therefore Job should not contend with God, as if he had done him some wrong in afflicting him more then was fitting, chap. 25.
And Job in his Replies, longeth yet to appear and plead before God, in confidence of his merciemercy. He asserts his innocency against Eliphaz; and promiseth to himself an happy issue, though for the present God do seeme to him inexorable. He shewes that God often winketh at many grosse wickednesses committed by ungodly men, which God punisheth not in this world, but suffers them still to prosper and flourish, chap. XXIII. and XXIV. And checking Bildads impertinencies, He speaks more magnificently of God Power, and Wisdom, then Bildad had done, chap. XXVI. And seeing his three friends at a Non-Plus, He goes on the more confidently to maintaine his Cause, and clear his own innocencie, against hypocrisie. He acknowledgeth that Gods judgements light on ungodly men in this world, and that their Blessings are turned into Curses; though not alwayes, chap. XXVII. And this by Gods wonderful wisdome, which passeth mans deepest wisdome, and is unsearchable, and carrieth things farre above the reach of the wisest men; whose highest wisdome is to Fear the Lord, chap. XXVIII. And Job, it seemes after some intermission of speech, finding his friends still silent, goes on, And in his last speech, bemoanes himself and excuseth his impatience, by his great fall from so great prosperity, chap. XXIX. to so great misery, chap. XXX. And for conclusion, He stands upon the clearing of his own integrity, much more then before. And that by a solemne Protestation of his uprightnesse, and piety in sundry several duties, without any grosse wickednesse committed by him, chap. XXXI.
for fear of thee? Lest thy wickednesse should hurt him? verse 4 or, thy fear of him and pietie could help him?
Is not] He chargeth Job home, and in particulars: verse 5 But falsely.
old way] Haply relating to the time of the Flood. verse 15
By the purenesse of thine hands.] God will not only do good to thee, verse 30 but to others also for thy sake.
but he is not there] I cannot so see and finde him, chapter XXIII verse 8 that I might reason with him.
in one minde] To lay load on me. verse 13
that is appointed for me] In his infinite wisdom, verse 14 and irresistible will: he will not cease afflicting me till all be done.
cut off] By death; verse 17 Gods Executioner.
Why] Why may not God hide his times of punishing the wicked, chapter XXIV verse 1 even from the knowledge of the godly themselves; that they could never observe that he punisheth many ungodly men, according to their deeds, in this world? The wicked make ill use of this; as thinking, God sees not, or cares not.
yet God] Calls them not to account for their foolish sinful actions. verse 12
the way of the Vineyards] He walketh not in those wayes where men use to travel to their work, verse 18 lest he should be seene and taken.
He evil intreateth] The oppressor doth so in this, verse 21 and in what followeth. Yet some understand it of God and his judgements upon the wicked; in this verse, and in those also that follow.
eares of corne.] The not pronouncing this word rightly did cost so many Ephramites their lives, verse 24 Judg. XII. 6.
peace in his high places.] chapter XXV verse 2 In and above the heavens. No Angel doth or dare question or complain of his proceedings, much lesse should Job.
How] Job ironicaly taunts Bildad. chapter XXVI verse 2
Dead things] Job now makes a more majestical discourse of Gods infinite power, and knowledge, verse 5 seene in the works of creation, and administration, then Bildad had done; so that his speech was impertinent and needlesse.
crooked Serpent] Some understand this of the Orbs; verse 13 or of a fiery Meteor, called the flying Dragon; or of the Whale.
God liveth] He further asserts and clears his own innocencie against hypocrisie, chapter XXVII verse 2 to ver. 11. These words are in the forme of an oath.
will he delight himself] Even in times of adversity? verse 10 The hypocrite cannot. But Job doth so.
I will teach you] Even that which you so much insist upon; verse 11 and I confesse; that is, Gods judgements upon the wicked, and his turning their blessings into curses, many times, to the end of this Chapter.
Surely] Job shewes how far mans wisdome goes, chapter XXVIII verse 1 in natural things. He instanceth in his digging in mines, searching minerals, and finding out gold and precious things, to ver. 12.
But where shall Wisdome] He puts a period to humane wisdome; verse 12 implying that it is not able to finde out a reason of Gods proceedings in his various dispensations, prospering some good and bad, and crossing others of both sorts: And he shewes, that this wisdome cannot be found any where, ver. 13, 14. nor gotten by any price, ver. 15—19. by any living man, ver. 20, 21. But is proper to God, who alone hath it: and teacheth man a more humble wisdome, the best for him, ver. 23—28.
Mereover] In this Chapter Job wisheth for his former prosperity, chapter XXIX which he sets forth at large; and his own upright, and pious behaviour in it.
But now] Job bemoaneth his present misery; chapter XXX verse 1 which is so much the greater, by considering such a Fall, from such an height of prosperity, to such a depth of misery. This misery he sets forth by injuries received from others, even most base people, in words, to ver. 10. in deeds, to ver. 16. by describing his own grief and paine by reason of his soares, to ver. 19. by Gods rough handling of him; to ver. 25. by lamenting his woful estate, and the sad effects of it, though not so deserved, as he conceives; to the end of the chapter.
I made] In this Chapter Job most of all doth clear his innocencie, chapter XXXI verse 1 and the uprightnesse of his former life: Implying thereby, that these extraordinary plagues and punishments came not upon him for his extraordinary sins, or hypocrisie, as his three friends would needs have it. He clears himself in many main particulars, That he was clear from fornication; and Adultery; ver. 1,—12. from ill dealing with his servants, ver. 13, 14, 15. from unmercifulnesse to the poore; or wronging the widow, 16,—23. from trusting in riches, ver. 24, 25. from Idolatry, ver. 26, 27, 28. from desire of Revenge, ver. 29, 30. or unkindnesse to strangers; or hiding his own sins ver. 32, 33. or provoking and wronging others, ver. 34—37. or detaining other mens lands; or the hirelings wages, ver, 38, 39, 40. And he annexeth several solemne imprecations against himself, if all the premises were not so in truth.
or my mouth hath kissed my hand] Kissing the Idols was Idolatry, verse 27 1 King. XIX. 18. Hos. XIII. 2. The Sunne and Moone being at such a distance, could not be kissed; therefore Idolaters used to put their hand to their mouth, in a way and signe of their idolatrous Kissing and worshipping of them.
Oh that we had of his flesh] The flesh of him that hated Job. verse 31 Jobs domesticks provoked him to take revenge on his hating enemies; professing, themselves could not be satisfied, no not though they had eaten them up quick. Yet Job free from any revenge.
of Job are ended] Which he had with his three friends. verse 40
of Elihu] Elihu, chapter XXXII verse 2 the Buzite, descended of Buz, the sonne of Nachor, Abrahams brother, Gen. XXII. 20, 21. who had been present all the while, taking occasion of the silence now on all hands used; and being partly offended at some things passed, on either side; He begins his speech; yet modestly excusing the necessity of it; And he continues it in six Chapters. He speaks to Jobs friends, by way of Preface, most for Attention chap. XXXII. To Job himself, after a like Preface, in four several Orations: wherein he repeats divers of Jobs sayings; yet with some strainings of some of them; and gathering Collections out of them; and so thereupon, blaming him; and answering them, ch. XXXIII. XXXIV. and XXXV. And in the XXXVI. and XXXVII. chapters, He seeks to allay Iobs Complaints of God, with a magnificent setting out of Gods justice, mercy, power, glory, and wisdome, which Iob seemed to obscure by his bitter complaining of Gods harsh proceeding with him. Elihu speaks more uprightly and wisely in this cause, then Iobs three friends had done; As appears, in that he stopt Iobs mouth, that he answers nothing, though he gave him liberty three or four times to speak; And God himself blames not him at all, as he doth the other three friends.
God thrusteth him down] God by his judgements on him, verse 13 gives sentence on our side, that Iob is an hypocrite and wicked man: though none but God can thrust him down from his own immovable confidence; which God may haply do by the efficacie of his words in the mouth of Elihu; As in a like sense Ioseph speaks, Gen. XLI. 16. And Daniel, chap. II. 28.
They were amazed] Thus Elihu speaks of Iobs friends; verse 15 turning his speech to some other persons.
wherefore Iob] Now Elihu speaks to Iob. chapter XXXIII verse 1 And after a Preface first used, ver. 1,—7. He falls close to his work, in that which followeth.
surely thou] Here Elihu begins to charge Iob with undiscreet speeches, verse 8 touching himself, and touching God, ver. 9, 10, 11.
I am clean] This chardge seems gathered out of chap. X. 7. and chap. verse 9 XVI. 17. and XXIII. 10, 11. and XXVII. 5. And yet elsewhere Iob acknowledged his sinfulnesse.
Behold, verse 10 he findes] This seemes gathered out of chap. IX. 17. and XIII. 24, 27. and XIV. 16, 17. and XVI. 9. and XIX. 11.
Behold, verse 12 in this] Elihu's Confutation; from Gods greatnesse, giving not account of any of his actions, ver. 12, 13. And therefore Iobs expressions against God were too unsavoury and irreverent: And from mans weaknesse, not apprehending Gods wayes of revealing his minde and will; nor Gods aime and end in his proceedings with man; the issue, effects, and fruits of his chastisements; which he sets down in particulars, ver. 14,—28. And summes up all together, ver. 29, 30. And makes a Conclusion and application of this his first speech to Iob, ver. 31, 32, 33.
Furthermore] Elihu's second speech to Iob, chapter XXXIV verse 1 in this Chapter, wherein the Preface is, ver. 1,—4.
Iob hath said] His charge against Iob, and the haynousnesse of it; verse 5 ver. 5,—10. This seemes gathered out of chap. XIII. 18. and XXIII. 10. and XXVII. 2, 6. and XXXI. 1, &c. And again out of chap. IX. 22. and XXI. 7, 8. and XXX. 26. where he complaineth, that God had handled him like an ungodly man; and would not let him clear himself: And that God destroyed good men, as well as bad; and prospered evill men, and afflicted him so fearfully.
Therefore hearken] His Confutation of Iob, verse 10 wherein he speaks to Iobs friends, ver. 10,—15. to Job himself, ver. 16,—33. and to his friends again, ver. 34,—37. To Jobs friends, he argues against Iob, from Gods justice, ver. 10, 11, 12. And from Gods absolute Authority and Power, ver. 13, 14, 15.
If now thou] To Job himself; verse 16 Coming closer to him; He proceeds here to new arguments, and seeks to convince Iob of injurie done to God, ver. 17,—31. That he injuries God, he argues from Gods just government, ver. 17, 18. from the effects of it, upon Princes, ver. 19. upon whole Nations, ver. 20,—23. upon strong and stout men; With Gods end in such proceedings, ver. 24,—30. Then he teacheth Job how to carry himself better, ver. 31, 32, 33. And lastly he turneth his speech to Jobs friends again; being confident of their consent with him, That Job hath spoken foolishly.
Elihu spake] Elihu's third speech; chapter XXXV verse 1 and the shortest; in this Chapter.
Thinkest thou] His charge against Job, ver. 2, 3. verse 2 That in effect Iob said, That the righteousnesse of his cause, [not person] was more then that of Gods: which he would gather by consequence out of Iobs words, ver. 3. and chap. IX. 22. and X. 15. See chap. XXXIV. 9.
I will answer] Elihu's Answer, verse 4 and confutation of Iob. He shewes that Iobs sinne, or righteousnesse cannot either hurt, or help God, ver. 4,—8. that the Oppressed and afflicted cry; but not to God; and therefore he doth not deliver them, ver. 9,—13. And he applies this case to Iob, ver. 14, 15, 16. Therein withall seeming to refute a saying of Iob, ver. 14. taken out of chap. XXIII. 9. by averring; that God will judge; that Job should trust in him; that because he doth not so, God doth visit him in anger, though in the extremity of his affliction Job so well heeds it not; And so, vainly multiplies words, without knowledge.
Elihu] This is Elihu's last speech, and largest; chapter XXXVI verse 1 contained in this, and the next Chapter. And herein, after his Preface, ver. 2, 3, 4. He propounds to Job, and dilates upon Gods Wisdome, Power, Justice, MercieMercy; the good he aimes at in sending afflictions, ver. 5,—15. He applieth this last point to Job. telling him what might have been, if he had carried himself well in this affliction, ver 16. What is on him, because he did not, ver. 17. What will be, if he repent not, ver. 18,—21. He adviseth him to remember himself, what God is, in himself, and in his wayes, ver. 22, 23. And in his works; in the Meteors of the aire, the raine, the clouds, the lightnings, whereby he can work good to his, and hurt to his enemies; And whereby Job should be moved to magnifie him, and his infinite wisdome, rather then to stand on his own innocencie, and quarrel so much at his rigorous dealing with him, ver. 22,—33.
At this also] Elihu proceeds on to speak of Gods works of Lightning and Thunder; chapter XXXVII verse 1 haply the cracks of it then sounding, ver. 1—5. Of the Snow; stormes; Whirle-winde; Frost; Clouds; And this either for correction, or for merciemercy. And that Job should weigh, and wonder at all this, ver. 1,—14. These natural things farre surpasse the knowledge of man: and much more Gods strange and various proceedings with the sonnes of men: And therefore Iob must not so censure God, though he be in such misery. And Elihu further pursueth this same point; with the use, and application of it, to the end of his speech, ver. 15,—24.
Then the Lord] Here Jehovah himself, chapter XXXVIII verse 1 out of a Whirle-winde begins to answer Iob. And this continues in two majestical speeches; far beyond those of Elihu for matter, and maner. And herein by his manifold, and marvelous works chap. XXXVIII. and XXXIX. And particularly by his creatures, Behemoth, chap. XL. and Leviathan, chap. XLI. he convinceth Iob of ignorance, and of impotencie; and therefore that he should not take upon him to contend with God; to condemne God, that himself might be righteous. To each of which speeches there is adjoyned Iobs humble and penitent submission. And lastly the Lord prefers Iob, and his Cause, before his three friends; Orders their Submission, and Sacrifice, and Iobs Prayer for them; Accepts Iob, and blesseth him, giving him as many sonnes and daughters, and twice as much in all particulars of his substance and wealth, as he had before, chap. XLII.
answer thou me.] Iob had desired this more then once: And Zophar too, chap. XI. 5. verse 3 Iob had been right in the maine; yet some rash, if not raging speeches, had escaped from him; complaining of God, and his justice, if not injustice, in his dealing with him. For which, as Elihu before, so Jehovah here more calls him to answer.
where wast thou] Thou that takest upon thee to censure me, verse 4 and my actions, in governing the world; the various dispensations and administrations of my Providence towards the sonnes of men, Tell me, Where wast thou when I made the world; the Earth, ver. 4,—7… the Sea, ver. 8,—11. And need I thy counsel now in governing all? Hast thou caused and commanded the morning, and day-spring to know his place? ver. 12,—15. Knowest thou the springs, and depth of the Sea? the gates of death? the breadth of the earth? where light and darknesse dwelleth? the treasures of the Snow, and Haile, ver. 16,—23? Knowest thou who causeth and ordereth the lightning and thunder; the Waters, and water-courses, the Raine; Yce; Profit? ver. 24,—30. And yet takest thou upon thee to know and censure the depth of my wayes, and wisdome? Canst thou order the Influences, and Ordinances of heaven? Or call for and command clouds, and lightnings, and raine? or give wisdome to man? ver. 31,—38. Wilt thou hunt the prey for the Lion? or provide the Raven his food? If not these things; then much lesse order me, and my wayes, and wisdome.
Knowest thou] Having spoken of the Lion, chapter XXXIX verse 1 and of the Raven; Jehovah addes more in this Chapter of the wilde Goat; of the Hinde, ver. 1,—4. Of the wilde Asse, ver. 5,—8. Of the Unicorne, ver. 9,—12. Of the Peacock, and Ostrich, ver. 13,—18. Of the Horse, ver. 19,—25. Of the Hawk, ver. 26. Of the Eagle, ver. 27,—30. God shewes his power in these; in making and ordering them; in his Provision for them, which men take no care for, nor cannot effect; in the extraordinary strength, and other qualities, which he hath bestowed upon them, in some whereof they farre excel men. In all which particulars Iobs weaknesse, and insufficiency doth more then sufficiently appear▪ And will Iob then contend and debate his quarrel with God? this God? reprove him? or think to apprehend, or comprehend the invisible reasons of his proceedings?
Moreover] Here the Lord calls upon Iob to answer; chapter XL verse 1 turnes him over to his own desire. chap. 13. 22.
Then Iob] Jobs Submission. verse 3
Once] His sinne is already too great, in speaking presumptuously against Gods proceedings. verse 5 He will do so no more.
Then] Here the Lord proceeds yet further to presse Job, verse 6 and convince him, and humble him. Where, after his Preface, in this verse; and challenge in the next; He reproves him thus; Wilt thou disanul my judgement? wilt thou condemne me, that thou mayest be righteous? ver. 8. Wilt thou be like God? ver. 9. Then do as he doth, ver. 9—13. And so God will confesse it, ver. 14.
Behold now Behemeth] The Lord bids Job consider of the Elephant; verse 15 and of Gods power in making such a creature, which he describes and sets forth, ver: 15,—24.
Canst thou] The Lord doth further argue by an instance in Leviathan, chapter XLI the Whale; verse 1 in this whole Chapter. And shewes Jobs weaknesse to encounter and grapple with him by strength, ver. 1,—10. And applies it thus, Who then is able to stand before me? ver. 10, 11.
I will not] Here followes a magnifical description of the Whale; verse 12 of the particular parts and members of his body; and of his qualifications, and actions. All to the end aforesaid, ver. 10, 11. Yet Whales seeme now-a-dayes to be by Art more easily caught and conquered, then they were in Jobs dayes.
Then Job] Here Job makes a more full profession of his Repentance, chapter XLII verse 1 ver. 1,—6.
have I uttered] More then was fitting, verse 3 in things so farre above my capacity.
And it was so] Gods sentence upon Jobs three friends, ver. 7, 8, 9. verse 7
seven bullocks] A great sacrifice for sinne. verse 8
a burnt offering] There is in Leviticus a difference between Burnt-Offerings, and Sinne, and Trespasse-Offerings; yet likely not known in Jobs time.
the Lord turned] The restitution and restauration of Job, after all his misery, verse 10 ver. 10,—17.
After this lived] His age shewes probably that he lived about that time of the Israelites being in Egypt. verse 16