Job 11

Zophar sharply reproveth Job, 1, &c. He declareth how wonderful the wisdom and power of God is, 5. Exhorteth Job to true repentance, 13. Setting before him the promises of God, 15. But threatening him (if he were wicked) with Gods punishments, 20.

1. Then answered Zophar the Naamatite, and said:

2. Should the multitude of words, [Oth. He that is much in words, or one that speaketh much.] not be answered? And should a babbling man [Heb. A man of lips, i.e. a babler and parter. So he is called a man of the tongue, that loveth to speak evil, and to slander, Psalms 140:12. contrarily a man of words, he that is eloquent, or able to speak well, Exod.4.10.] have right? [or, be righteous?]

3. Should thy lies make men to be silent? [Other. Should men be silent upon, or at thy lies? The Hebrew word rendered lies here, hath divers significations, but is taken likewise for lies, Jerem.48.30.] and shouldst thou mock and none shame (thee)?

4. For thou haste said, My doctrine is clean, [viz. That, whereby Job had taught, that God doth punish the good as well as the wicked, above 9.22. although he do it righteously, in the same chapter, vers.2,3. Yet not always regarding sin (as when he punisheth the wicked) above 10.7. The Hebrew words for doctrine, doth not only signify the instruction, which is given, but the knowledge also, which is received, or gotten by it. Compare Proverbs 1:5. and 4.2, etc.] and I am pure, [see above chap.10. verse 7. Where Job saith indeed, that he was not wicked; but not as Zophar here upbraideth him, that he was pure and clean in the eyes of the LORD. The former, Job understood of abominable impiety, which Zophar here rebukes him for, is to be understood of a perfect cleanness and purity, which Job never attributed neither to himself, nor to another. See above 9.2.] in thine eyes: [Gods eyes doth signify his Judgement. So 1 Samuel 15. Verse 19. And 1 Kings 11:6.]

5. But certaintly, that God spake; [Hebr. Who giveth, that God would speak? See above chapter 8. On verse 8.] and opened his lips against thee!

6. And made known unto thee, the hiddenesses of wisdom, because they are double [i.e. once again as great indeed and truth. The sense is; That in the wisdom of God there was much more reason to punish Job neither yet, then he was punished, if he would proceed against him, according to the utmost of his justice. Compare Ezra 9.on verse 15. Oth. For there is yet once again as much wisdom.] in essence [Oth. By the Law, which requireth a double satisfaction for the breach thereof. See of the Hebrew word here used, above chap.5.on v.12.] therefore know that God, for thee [i.e. in thy behalf] foregetteth [i.e. abateth, or lesseneth. Or thus, that God forgets thee (i.e. sheweth thee no kindness now) because of thy iniquity; or, that God requireth of thee, etc. Oth. Requireth (less) of thee then thine iniquity (deserveth.)] of thine iniquity [i.e. of the punishment of thine iniquity. See Leviticus chap.5.on verse 1.]

7. Shalt thou find the searching of God? [searching is called, that which is gotten by searching; as understanding, wisdom and judgement: for although these things be not in God by any such means, yet they are called so according to the manner of men. Searching now, is ascribed to God and his spirit, below 28.27. 1 Cor.2.10. and we are to understand thereby, the secret, and yet just judgement of God, which he doth use in punishing. Others. Shalt thou find God (by) searching?] shalt thou, unto perfection, find the Almighty? [the hiddennesses, or secrets of the wisdom of Almighty God, or his perfection.]

8. (She is as) the heights of the heavens, [i.e. She viz. The wisdom of God, spoken of above verse 6. (or the perfection of God, whereof some hold the seventh verse doth speak) is to be compared to the highest heaven. See Ephesians 3:18.] what canst thou do? [viz. Perfectly to search and find out the same.] deeper than Hell [compare below chap.26.6. and see Genesis 37.on verse 35.] what canst thou know?

9. Longer then the earth is her measure, and broader then the Sea.

10. If he pass by [i.e. if he, viz. God, shew himself by his works. So above 9.11. See the annotation. Oth. If he alter, viz. His work.] to deliver up, [or, shut up, viz. Into the power of punishment, which he is justly executing upon sinners.] or gather [viz. Unto the enjoyment or fruition of the benefits, which he doth shew to those, whom he receiveth to favour.] who shall then turn him off?

11. For he knoweth the vain ones [Heb. Men of vanity, or falsehood, i.e. such as are given to vanity and falsehood. Understand vain doctrine, and unprofitable works, which are found in those that are without faith, fear of God, and true conversion. So Psalms 26:4. in a like sence there are called below chap.22.15. men of iniquity, and 34.8. men of wickedness, Proverbs 24:1. men of malice.] and he seeth the naughtiness; should be not observe them? [i.e. consider, understand, take notice, and resolve to punish them according to his righteousness. See of the Hebrew Word, 1 Kings 3.on verse 21.]

12. Then shall [viz. When God shall execute his Judgements and punishments.] a reasonless man [Heb. An empty man] grow advised: [Heb. Be made hearty, i.e. he shall not onely be ready to learn wisdom, but likewise be enable to comprehend and imbrace it; The heart is taken in holy writ for the mind and understanding. See above 9.on verse 4.] although man be born like the Colt of a wild ass.]

13. If thou have prepared thy heart; [viz. By true contrition and repentance, See 2 Chron.12.on verse 14.] then spread forth thy hands unto him [viz. Unto God. See of this ceremony used in praying 1 Kings 8.on verse 22.]

14. If there be iniquity (or vice) in thine hand [i.e. if thou have any purpose to hurt or wrong thy neighbour or haste done it. In such kind of speeches the hand doth signify the purpose and intent, or the deed and action of man, or both together: Compare 1 Samuel 26:18. 1 Chron.12.17. Psalms 26:10.] remove (or, put) the same far away: and let the wrong not dwell in thy tent.

15. For then shalt thou lift up thy face, out of the defaults [i.e. out of the manifold miseries that enthral thee, and the punishments thou now endures.] and shalt be stedfast, and not be afraid.

16. For thou forget the toil, and remember (the same) [i.e. all thy toil and trouble past] as the Waters that are passed by. [viz. Which ran so swiftly by, that they left no impression in any ones memory, implying thereby, that he should have no remembrance at all left him of misery.]

17. Yea (thy) time [or, age; Compare Psalm 39. Verse 6. And 89. Verse 48.] shall rise up brighter than the noon; [i.e. clearer than the brightness of the Sun at Noon-day. The Noon doth signify here, an extraordinary splendour & brightness. See ab.5.on v.14. the meaning is, the remainder of thy life, shall greatly be blessed of God: for Noon doth sometimes in the Scripture signify great prosperity, Isa.58.10. Am.8.9.] thou shalt flee out, [i.e. be delivered out of thy trouble and affliction] as the morning shalt thou be. [i.e. thou shalt be enlarged and spread thy self abroad as the morning light. Others read. Art thou dark, thou shalt be as the morning.]

18. And thou shalt be confident, because there shall be expectation: and thou shalt dig; [viz. For the building and securing of thy tent, or house, or dwelling place: The sence is, he should have a safe and secure place for his dwelling and abode, wherein he should be able to live peaceably and contentedly] thou shalt sleep quietly.

19. And thou shalt lie down; and none shall affright (thee): and many shall beseech thy face [i.e. men shall humble themselves before thee, suing with all submission and earnestness for thy savour, by reason of thy greatness, honour and power. The Hebrew word is taken in the same sense likewise Exodus 32:11. 1 Sam.13.12. 1 Kings 13:6. Psalms 45:13. etc 119.58. Prov.19.6. Zach.7.2.]

20. But the eyes of the wicked shall faint, and refuge shall perish from them; and their expectation shall be blowing forth of the soul. [Understand hereby the giving up of the ghost by death, which when it seizeth the wicked, doth bereave and disappoint them of all hopes, not only because they must leave then all their goods and glory behind them; but also, that the sense and apprehension of Gods wrath doth then affright their soul, which taketh away all comfort from them, in regard both of this life and of that to come. Compare Jerem.15.9.]