Job 5:8-9

8 “But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him.

9 He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

Job 5:8-9 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 5

In this chapter Eliphaz goes on to prove, and further confirm and establish, what he had before asserted, that not good men, but wicked men only, are afflicted of God, at least greatly, so as to have their substance wholly destroyed and perish, which was Job's case; and this partly from the case, state, and sentiments of all the saints, Job 5:1,2; and from his own observation and experience, Job 5:3-5; and then he proceeds to give some advice; and seeing afflictions do not come by chance, but are of God, it is right in such circumstances for a man to seek to the Lord for pardon and salvation, and commit his cause unto him, Job 5:6-8; who does many great things in a providential way to the good of man in general, and to the disappointment of wicked crafty men, and to the serving of the poor in particular, Job 5:9-16; so that it is best patiently to bear the afflicting hand of God, and it is an happiness to be corrected by him, since he delivers such out of all their troubles, and preserves them from many evils, and bestows many good things on them; which would be Job's case particularly, if he behaved according to the advice given, and which is left with him to consider of, Job 5:17-27.

Cross References

• 1. Job 8:5; Job 11:13; Job 13:3,15; Job 23:4; Job 40:1; Psalms 35:23; Psalms 50:15; Jeremiah 12:1; 1 Corinthians 4:4
• 2. Psalms 78:4; Psalms 111:2
• 3. Deuteronomy 29:29; Job 9:4,10; Job 11:7; Job 25:2; Job 26:14; Job 33:12; Job 36:5,22,26; Job 37:5,14,16,23; Job 42:3; Psalms 40:5; Psalms 71:17; Psalms 72:18; Psalms 86:10; Psalms 131:1; Psalms 139:6,17; Psalms 145:3; Isaiah 40:28; Romans 11:33
• 4. Psalms 71:15