Job 9:10-20

10 That doeth great things past finding out, Yea, marvellous things without number.
11 Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: He passeth on also, but I perceive him not.
12 Behold, he seizeth [the prey], who can hinder him? Who will say unto him, What doest thou?
13 God will not withdraw his anger; The helpers of Rahab do stoop under him.
14 How much less shall I answer him, And choose out my words [to reason] with him?
15 Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; I would make supplication to my judge.
16 If I had called, and he had answered me, Yet would I not believe that he hearkened unto my voice.
17 For he breaketh me with a tempest, And multiplieth my wounds without cause.
18 He will not suffer me to take my breath, But filleth me with bitterness.
19 If [we speak] of strength, lo, [he is] mighty! And if of justice, Who, [saith he], will summon me?
20 Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me: Though I be perfect, it shall prove me perverse.

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.

The American Standard Version is in the public domain.