CALL NOW - The expressions used here, as Noyes has well observed, seem to be derived from the law, where the word “call” denotes the language of the complainant, and answer that of the defendant. According to this, the meaning of the words “call now” is, in jus voca: that is, call the Deity to accou... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR WRATH KILLETH THE FOOLISH MAN - That is, the wrath of God. The word foolish here is used as synonymous with wicked, because wickedness is supreme folly. The general proposition here is, that the wicked are cut off, and that they are overtaken with heavy calamities in this life. In proof of this,... [ Continue Reading ]
I HAVE SEEN THE FOOLISH - The wicked. To confirm the sentiment which he had just advanced, Eliphaz appeals to his own observation, and says that though the wicked for a time seem to be prosperous, yet he had observed that they were soon overtaken with calamity and cut down. He evidently means that p... [ Continue Reading ]
HIS CHILDREN ARE FAR FROM SAFETY - That is, this is soon manifest by their being cut off or subjected to calamity. The object of Eliphaz is, to state the result of his own observation, and to show how calamity overtook the wicked though they even prospered for a time. He begins with that which a man... [ Continue Reading ]
WHOSE HARVEST THE HUNGRY EATETH UP - That is, they are not permitted to enjoy the avails of their own labor. The harvest field is subject to the depredations of others, who contrive to possess themselves of it, and to consume it. AND TAKETH IT EVEN OUT OF THE THORNS - Or, he seizes it to the very t... [ Continue Reading ]
ALTHOUGH AFFLICTION COMETH NOT FORTH OF THE DUST - Margin, “or iniquity.” The marginal reading here has been inserted from the different meanings attached to the Hebrew word. That word (און _'âven_) properly means nothingness, or vanity; then nothingness as to worth, unworthiness, wickedness, iniqu... [ Continue Reading ]
YET MAN IS BORN UNTO TROUBLE - All this is connected with the sentiment in Job 5:8 ff. The meaning is, that “since afflictions are ordered by an intelligent Being, and since man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward, therefore it is wise to commit our cause to God, and not to complain agains... [ Continue Reading ]
I WOULD SEEK UNTO GOD - Our translators have omitted here the adversative particle אוּלם _'ûlâm_ but, yet, nevertheless, and have thus marred the connection. The meaning of Eliphaz, I take to be, “that since affliction is ordered by an intelligent Being, and does not spring out of the ground, ther... [ Continue Reading ]
WHICH DOETH GREAT THINGS - The object of this is, to show why Job should commit his cause to God. The reason suggested is, that he had showed himself qualified to govern the world by the great and wonderful acts which he performed. Eliphaz, therefore, proceeds to expatiate on what God had done, and... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO GIVETH RAIN UPON THE EARTH - In the previous verse, Eliphaz had said, in general, that God did wonderful things - things which are fitted to lead us to put our trust in him. In this and the succeeding verses, he descends to particulars, and specifies those things which show that God is worthy to... [ Continue Reading ]
TO SET UP ON HIGH - That is, who sets up on high; or God exalts those who are low. From the works of nature, Eliphaz passes to the dealings of God with people, as designed to show that he was worthy of confidence. The first proof is, that he showed himself to be the friend of the humble and the affl... [ Continue Reading ]
HE DISAPPOINTETH THE DEVICES OF THE CRAFTY - He foils them in their schemes, or makes their plans vain. This too was the result of close observation on the part of Eliphaz. He had seen instances where the plans of crafty, designing, and artful people had been defeated, and where the straightforward... [ Continue Reading ]
HE TAKETH THE WISE IN THEIR OWN CRAFTINESS - This passage is quoted by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:19, with the usual formula in referring to the Old Testament, γέγραπται γάρ _gegraptai_ _gar_, “for it is written,” showing that he regarded it as a part of the inspired oracles of God. The w... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY MEET WITH DARKNESS IN THE DAY-TIME - Margin, “run into;” compare the notes at Isaiah 59:10. The sense is, that where there is really no obstacle to the accomplishment of an honest plan - any more than there is for a man to walk in the day-time - they become perplexed and embarrassed, as much as... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT HE SAVETH THE POOR FROM THE SWORD - He shows himself to be the friend and protector of the defenseless. The phrase “from the sword, from their mouth,” has been variously interpreted. Dr. Good renders it, So he saveth the persecutors from their mouth, And the helpless from the hand of the viole... [ Continue Reading ]
SO THE POOR HATH HOPE - From the interposition of God. They are not left in a sad and comfortless condition. They are permitted to regard God as their protector and friend, and to look forward to another and a better world. This sentiment accords with all that is elsewhere said in the Scriptures, th... [ Continue Reading ]
BEHOLD, HAPPY IS THE MAN WHOM GOD CORRECTETH - This verse commences a new argument, designed to show that afflictions are followed by so important advantages as to make it proper that we should submit to them without a complaint. The sentiment in this verse, if not expressly quoted, is probably allu... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR HE MAKETH SORE - That is, he afflicts. AND BINDETH UP - He heals. The phrase is taken from the custom of binding up a wound; see Isaiah 1:6, note; Isaiah 38:21, note. This was a common mode of healing among the Hebrews; and the practice of medicine appears to have been confined much to external... [ Continue Reading ]
HE SHALL DELIVER THEE IN SIX TROUBLES - Six is used here to denote an indefinite number, meaning that he would support in many troubles. This mode of speech is not uncommon among the Hebrews, where one number is mentioned, so that an extreme number may be immediately added. The method is, to mention... [ Continue Reading ]
IN FAMINE HE SHALL REDEEM THEE - That is, will deliver thee from death. On the meaning of the word “redeem,” see the notes at Isaiah 43:1, Isaiah 43:3. FROM THE POWER OF THE SWORD - Margin, as in Hebrew “hands.” That is, he should not be slain by armed men. A mouth is often attributed to the sword i... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU SHALT BE HID FROM THE SCOURGE OF THE TONGUE - Margin, Or, “when the tongue scourgeth.” The word rendered “scourge” - שׁוט _shôṭ_ - means properly a whip. It is used of God when he scourges people by calamities and punishments; Isaiah 10:26; Job 9:23. See the use of the verb שׁוּט _shûṭ_ in... [ Continue Reading ]
AT DESTRUCTION AND FAMINE THOU SHALT LAUGH - That is thou shalt be perfectly safe and happy. They shall not come upon thee; and when they approach with threatening aspect, thou shalt smile with conscious security. The word here rendered famine (כפן _kâphân_) is an unusual word, and differs from th... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THOU SHALT BE IN LEAGUE WITH THE STONES OF THE FIELD - In the Hebrew, “There shall be a covenant between thee and the stones of the field.” The sense is, they shall not harm thee. They are here spoken of as enemies that were made to be at peace, and that would not annoy or injure. It is to be re... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THOU SHALT KNOW THAT THY TABERNACLE SHALL BE IN PEACE - Thy tent - אהלך _'âh__e__lēkāh_ - showing that it was common then to dwell in tents. The sense is, that when he was away from home he would have confidence that his dwelling was secure, and his family safe. This would be an assurance pro... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU SHALT KNOW ALSO THAT THY SEED SHALL BE GREAT - Margin, “much.” That is, thy posterity shall be numerous. This was one of the blessings supposed to be connected with the favor of God; see the notes at Isaiah 53:10. AND THINE OFFSPRING AS THE GRASS OF THE EARTH - On the meaning of the word here r... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU SHALT COME TO THY GRAVE IN FULL AGE - That is, thou shalt have long life; thou shalt not be cut down prematurely, nor by any sudden calamity. It is to be remembered that long life was regarded as an eminent blessing in ancient times; see the notes at Isaiah 65:22. LIKE AS A SHOCK OF CORN COMETH... [ Continue Reading ]
LO THIS - All this that I have said; the truth of all the remarks which I have made. WE HAVE SEARCHED IT - We have by careful observation of the course of events come to these conclusions. These are our views of the providence of God, and of the principles of his government, as far as we have had th... [ Continue Reading ]