Job 8

Bildad infers, from the heavy calamities of Job and of his children, that they had been heinous sinners (2-7); appeals to the testimony of antiquity to prove the close connexion between sin and suffering (8-19); and describes, in contrast, the happiness of the righteous (20-22). There is truth in his affirmation that God always deals justly both with the upright and with the wicked, as well as force in his appeal to the experience of mankind, as in that of Eliyhaz to a Divine communication; but his argument also rests upon an unsound foundation, and the implied application to Job and his family was unjust and cruel.

2 a strong wind. Spurning all restraint. Bildad alludes to Job’s apology (vi. 26).

3. Doth God pervert judgement? The bold appeals of Job seem to Bildad to arraign the justice of the Almighty. “Judgement” denotes the procedure which springs from “justice” as a principle.

4. If thy children, etc. As Job himself had surmised (i. 5). Bildad now hints that Job may possibly be suffering on account of transgressions that had brought about their doom.

6. If thou wert. Or, perhaps, “If thou be”; that is, If thou join reformation with prayer.

8 to the search of their fathers. Rather, “to what their fathers (i.e., a still more remote generation) have searched out.” See R.V.

10. Shall not they teach thee? Referring to Job’s words (vi. 24). “Words out of their heart” are those which spring from their deepest experiences and thoughts. “Heart” in Scripture language expresses intellect as well as emotion.

11. Can the rush, etc.? Vers. 11-19 probably give some well-known adages of the ancients, referred to in vers. 8, 10.

13 the hypocrite’s hope. Rather, “the hope of the polluted,” or “impure.” R.V. renders “goddess.”

16 in his garden. Rather, “over his garden” (R.V.); taking possession of the whole.

17. His roots, etc. The Heb. word gal, translated “heap,” may also mean “well” or “spring,” from the rolling or welling-up of water. It is used in Psa. xlii. 7, in plural meaning “billows.” The figure is that of a plant which springs up luxuriantly and overspreads the garden (16), thriving even in stony ground, but, being plucked up, is soon forgotten (18), and others come up in its place (19).

18. If He destroy him. Rather, “if one destroy him”;—“if he be destroyed,” R.V.—when it is rooted up he will be forgotten, as though the place where he grew were ashamed of him.

19 this is the joy. Evidently sarcastic: Such is his joy in its outcome and result! For “grow,” read “spring” (R.V.). The word denotes luxuriant and prosperous growth.

21. Till He fill thy mouth, etc. If therefore you are right, God will not leave you until He has made you rejoice. Read with R.V., “He will yet fill thy mouth,” etc.

22. They that hate thee, etc. The parallelism shows that the wicked are here intended. Bildad himself and his companions criticised Job, but did not hate him.