Job 10

1 laid a tribute. We have no account here of the purposes to which this tribute was applied, nor of the wars which Ahasuerus carried on against the Greeks and the Egyptians. Scripture history extends to the affairs of heathen nations only so far as they are connected with those of the people of God.

the isles of the sea. The isles of the Ægean Sea had been conquered by Darius Hystaspis, but had been lost by Xerxes in the war with Greece. Cyprus, however, and some smaller islands, as Tyre and Platsæa (off the Libyan coast), remained to him.

3 was next unto king Ahasuerus. Like Joseph in the court of Pharaoh, Obadiah in that of Ahab, Daniel in that of Belshazzar, and Nehemiah in that of Artaxerxes. Good men in such a position may not be able to do all they would in preventing evil; but they may keep themselves from sin, and be the instruments of effecting much good.

peace to all his seed. History tells no more of Esther, Mordecai, or their family annals. But we know, as a matter of fact, that the Jews in the Persian empire enjoyed prosperity and peace down to the time of the successors of Alexander the Great.

THE message of this Book is a twofold one. (1) It shows that true religion is not a matter of self-interest. (2) It shows that suffering is not necessarily a punishment, but may be, and is, a test of faith and a purifier of character.

2. I will leave my complaint upon myself. Literally, “I will let loose my complaint over myself,” i.e., I will freely indulge it: see R.V.

3. Is it good unto Thee. That is, “Is it pleasing to Thee to oppress?” Three causes of complaint are here indicated: oppression of the innocent; disregard by God to His own work; and favour shown to the wicked.

7. Thou knowest, etc. Rather, “Although Thou knowest that I am not wicked (i.e., guilty of great crimes), and none can deliver,” etc. This completes the series of questions.

8 fashioned me together round about. Referring to the mode in which the potter forms and finishes an earthen vessel. So, “the clay,” in the next verse; i.e., the potter’s clay.

10 poured me out as milk, etc. This is a description of the origin and growth of the human frame: cp. Psa. cxxxix. 14-16.

11 fenced. Or, “interwoven.” R.V., has “knit me together.”

13 this is with Thee. Rather, “was with Thee,” i.e., Thou didst purpose to inflict all these things upon me, even when bestowing all these favours.

15. If I be righteous. A contrasted supposition; but even then I should not be approved. The last part of the verse is rendered in R.V., “being filled with ignominy, and looking upon mine affliction.” These words appear to denote Job’s own contemplation of his sufferings, described in the next verse by an expressive figure.

16 for it increaseth, etc. Rather, “If it (my head) should lift itself up, Thou wouldst hunt me as a fierce lion” watching the movements of its prey.

17. Thy witnesses. i.e., these inflictions and judgements, called “witnesses” because testifying to Job’s guilt: see xvi. 8; Mal. iii. 5.

Changes and war. Or, “Changes and a host!” i.e., host after host.

18. Oh that I had given up the ghost, etc.! Job here returns to his first wish, uttered then in passion, now in calm despair.

20 cease then. An appeal to be permitted to have a little rest from agonies before death, so speedily approaching.

22. A land of darkness, etc. Literally, “A land of gloom, like dense darkness, of death-shade, and confusion; and the light is as dense darkness.” This is a poetical description of the region of departed spirits, according to the ideas prevailing at the time.