Job 9:19-29

19 For indeed he is strong in power: who then shall resist his judgment?

20 For though I should seem righteous, my mouth will be profane: and though I should seem blameless, I shall be proved perverse.

21 For even if I have sinned, I know it not my soul: but my life is taken away.

22 Wherefore I said, Wrath slays the great and mighty man.

23 For the worthless die, but the righteous are laughed to scorn.

24 For they are delivered into the hands of the unrighteous : he covers the faces of the judges : but if it be not he, who is it?

25 But my life is swifter than a post: have fled away, and they knew it not.

26 Or again, is there a trace of path by ships? or is there one of the flying eagle as it seeks prey?

27 And if I should say, I will forget to speak, I will bow down my face and groan;

28 I quake in all my limbs, for I know that thou wilt not leave me alone innocent.

29 But since I am ungodly, why have I not died?

Job 9:19-29 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 9

This and the following chapter contain Job's answer to Bildad, and in this he asserts the strict justice at God; which is such, that no man can be just in his sight, not being able to answer to one charge, or for one sin, of a thousand he is guilty of, Job 9:1-3; and that such are his wisdom and power, that the most daring man cannot expect to succeed in an opposition to him, Job 9:4; instances are given of his power in the works of nature and providence, Job 9:5-10; notice is taken of the imperceptibleness of his actions and motions, and of his sovereignty in all his ways, Job 9:11,12; and of his fierce wrath and anger, which is such as obliges the proudest of men to stoop under him; and therefore Job chose not to contend in a judicial way with him, but in a suppliant manner would entreat him, since his hand was so heavy upon him, Job 9:13-21; he affirms, in direct opposition to Bildad and his friends, and insists upon it, that God afflicts both the righteous and the wicked; yea, gives the earth to the latter when he slays the former, Job 9:22-24; he then observes the shortness of his days, and complains of his heavy afflictions, Job 9:25-28; and concludes, that it was in vain for him to expect his cause to be heard before God, there being no daysman between them; and wishes that the dread of the Divine Majesty might be taken from him, and then he would freely and without fear speak unto him, Job 9:29-35.