Job 9:11-19

A mismatch

11 If God goes by me, I can't see him; he glides past, and I can't perceive him.
12 If he seizes, who can bring back? Who can say to him, "What are you doing?"
13 God won't retract his anger; the helpers of Rahab bow beneath him.
14 Yet I myself will answer him; I'll choose my words in a contest with him.
15 Even if I'm innocent, I can't answer; I must plead for justice.
16 If I were to call and he answered me, I couldn't believe that he heard my voice.
17 Who bruises me with a tempest and multiplies my wounds for no reason?
18 He doesn't let me catch my breath, for he fills me with bitterness.
19 If the issue is strength—behold power! If justice—who calls God to meet me?

Job 9:11-19 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.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Heb lacks in a contest.
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