Job 9:17-27

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.
21 I am blameless. I don't regard myself. I despise my life.
22 "It is all the same. Therefore I say, He destroys the blameless and the wicked.
23 If the scourge kills suddenly, He will mock at the trial of the innocent.
24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked. He covers the faces of the judges of it. If not he, then who is it?
25 "Now my days are swifter than a runner. They flee away, they see no good,
26 They have passed away as the swift ships, As the eagle that swoops on the prey.
27 If I say, 'I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and cheer up;'

Job 9:17-27 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.

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