Job 9:10-20

10 Who does great things past finding out, Yes, marvelous things without number.
11 Behold, he goes by me, and I don't see him. He passes on also, but I don't perceive him.
12 Behold, he snatches away; who can hinder him? Who will ask him, 'What are you doing?'
13 "God will not withdraw his anger; The helpers of Rachav stoop under him.
14 How much less shall I answer him, Choose my words to argue 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 listened to my voice.
17 For he breaks me with a tempest, Multiplies my wounds without cause.
18 He will not allow me to take my breath, But fills me with bitterness.
19 If it is a matter of strength, behold, he is mighty! If of justice, 'Who,' says he, 'will summon me?'
20 Though I am righteous, my own mouth shall condemn me. Though I am blameless, 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 Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.