Job 23:9

On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold [him],.... The northern part of the world, where his seat is, or the circle of the earth, says Bar Tzemach, and who has stretched out the

On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: Rather, 'To the north.' Work.

Where he doth work, to wit, in a special and peculiar manner, more than in other parts of the world; for so indeed God did work in those parts which were northward from Job, because there mankind (among whom God delights to be and to work) were most numerous, and most ingenious to discern God’ s works. There also was the seat of the Assyrian empire, which was eminent in Job’ s time, and afterwards of the other successive empires; in and by all which God did many great and glorious works. But this Hebrew word is by others, and that very properly and fitly, rendered when, or whilst, he worketh, to wit, in an eminent manner. So this is added to aggravate Job’ s unhappiness. We may certainly find any man when and where he is working; but I, saith he, search for God even when and where he is working, and yet cannot find him out. He hideth himself, to wit, from me; he withdraweth his favour, and will not afford me his presence and audience. I cannot see him; either, 1. I cannot discern his counsels and ways, and the reasons of his severe dealings with me. Or rather, 2. He doth not appear to me as a judge, to examine my cause and arguments, but condemns me without hearing me.

Job 23:9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold [him]: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see [him]:Ver. 9. On the left hand, where he doth work] i.e. Northward; where God is said to work; either because that in the north part of heaven are more signs, and of more remarkable influence, than in the south; or else because the northern parts of the world are more inhabited than the southern, because more temperate; and so there is more of God to be seen there in his works, as letters refracted in a glass. Seculum est speculum, quo Deum intueamur. But I cannot behold him] He hideth hlmself on the right hand, &c.] He worketh not so much in the southern parts of the world; the torrid zone is uninhabitable, &c. Yet the Ethiopian judges were wont to keep the chief seat for him empty when they sat in judgment. And besides, the Habassines, that large region of Nubia, had from the apostles’ time, as it is thought, professed the Christian faith though now it hath again, over one hundred years since, forsaken it, and embraced Mahometanism and idolatry (Alvarez). That I cannot see him]

Verse 9. On the left hand, where he doth work] In these two verses Job mentions the four cardinal points of the heavens: the EAST, by the word קדם kedem, which signifies before; the WEST, by אחור achor, which signifies after, or the back part; the NORTH, by שמאל semol, which signifies the left; and the SOUTH, by ימין yamin, which signifies the right. Such is the situation of the world to a man who faces the east; see Genesis 13:9; Genesis 13:11; Genesis 28:14. And from this it appears that the Hebrews, Idumeans, and Arabs had the same ideas of these points of the heavens. It is worthy of remark that Job says, He hideth himself on the right hand, (the south,) that I cannot see him: for in fact, the southern point of heaven is not visible in Idumea, where Job was. Hence it comes that when he spake before, Job 9:9, of the constellations of the antarctic pole, he terms them the hidden chambers of the south; i.e., those compartments of the celestial concave that never appeared above the horizon in that place. - See Calmet. Mr. Good translates these verses as follows: - Behold! I go forward, and he is not there; And backward, but I cannot perceive him. On the left hand I feel for him, but trace him not: He enshroudeth the right hand, and I cannot see him. The simple rendering of Coverdale is nervous and correct: - For though I go before, I fynde hym not: Yf I come behynde, I can get no knowledge of him: Yf I go on the left syde to pondre his workes, I cannot atteyne unto them: Agayne, yf I go on the right syde, he hydeth himself, That I cannot se him.

8–9. From this fascinating dream of a Divine tribunal after the manner of that of a human judge, Job awakens to realise the actual circumstances in which he is placed. God, everywhere present, everywhere eludes him; he feels His omnipotent power, but in vain seeks to see His face.

On the left hand - That is, in the North - at the left hand when the face was turned to the East.

9. On the left hand — To the north. Where he doth work — Where more strikingly the phenomena of nature declare divine agency.