Job 5:9-19

9 Who does great things outside our knowledge, wonders without number:

10 Who gives rain on the earth, and sends water on the fields:

11 Lifting up those who are low, and putting the sad in a safe place;

12 Who makes the designs of the wise go wrong, so that they are unable to give effect to their purposes.

13 He takes the wise in their secret designs, and the purposes of the twisted are cut off suddenly.

14 In the daytime it becomes dark for them, and in the sunlight they go feeling about as if it was night.

15 But he keeps safe from their sword those who have no father, and the poor from the power of the strong.

16 So the poor man has hope, and the mouth of the evil-doer is stopped.

17 Truly, that man is happy who has training from the hand of God: so do not let your heart be shut to the teaching of the Ruler of all.

18 For after his punishment he gives comfort, and after wounding, his hands make you well.

19 He will keep you safe from six troubles, and in seven no evil will come near you.

Job 5:9-19 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 5

In this chapter Eliphaz goes on to prove, and further confirm and establish, what he had before asserted, that not good men, but wicked men only, are afflicted of God, at least greatly, so as to have their substance wholly destroyed and perish, which was Job's case; and this partly from the case, state, and sentiments of all the saints, Job 5:1,2; and from his own observation and experience, Job 5:3-5; and then he proceeds to give some advice; and seeing afflictions do not come by chance, but are of God, it is right in such circumstances for a man to seek to the Lord for pardon and salvation, and commit his cause unto him, Job 5:6-8; who does many great things in a providential way to the good of man in general, and to the disappointment of wicked crafty men, and to the serving of the poor in particular, Job 5:9-16; so that it is best patiently to bear the afflicting hand of God, and it is an happiness to be corrected by him, since he delivers such out of all their troubles, and preserves them from many evils, and bestows many good things on them; which would be Job's case particularly, if he behaved according to the advice given, and which is left with him to consider of, Job 5:17-27.