Job 9:10-20

10 He does great, unsearchable things, wonders beyond counting.
11 He can go right by me, and I don't see him; he moves past without my being aware of him.
12 If he kills [people], who will ask why? Who will say to him, 'What are you doing?'
13 God will not withdraw his anger -even Rahav's supporters submit to him.
14 "How much less can I answer him and select my arguments against him!
15 Even if I were right, I wouldn't answer; I could only ask for mercy from my judge.
16 If I summoned him, and he answered me, I still can't believe he would listen to my plea.
17 He could break me with a storm; he could multiply my wounds for no reason,
18 to the point where I couldn't even breathe -with such bitterness he could fill me!
19 If it's a matter of force, look how mighty he is; if justice, who can summon him to court?
20 Even if I'm right, my own mouth will condemn me; if I'm innocent, it would pronounce me guilty.

Job 9:10-20 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.

Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.