7. Let . . . be—Let mine enemy be accounted as wicked, that is, He who opposes my asseveration of innocence must be regarded as actuated by criminal hostility. Not a curse on his enemies. read more
Job’s denial of his friends’ wisdom ch. 27Since Job 27:1 begins, "Then Job continued . . .," Job may have paused and waited for Zophar to respond. However, we have no third speech by him in the text. Evidently Job proceeded to elaborate further on Bildad’s "wisdom" but broadened his perspective and addressed all three friends. "You" in Job 27:5; Job 27:11-12 is plural in the Hebrew text.Job began by affirming his innocence (Job 27:1-6). For the first time he took an oath that his words were... read more
Job’s Eighth Speech (concluded)1-6. Job protests that he is innocent.Job 27:1-6 are an enlargement of what Job had previously said (Job 13:16) of his determination not to admit that he was being punished for his sins, since he felt that he was innocent of any great offence. This much is plain, but the rest of the chapter (Job 27:7-23) is puzzling; inasmuch as the sentiments expressed regarding the fate of the wicked seem opposed to Job’s views in the rest of the book when he enlarges on the... read more
(7) Let mine enemy be as the wicked.—While, however, he admits that the wicked is often a prosperous man, he declares that he has no envy for him, but would have only his adversaries to be like him. read more
Job 27:6 Human nature is a noble and beautiful thing; not a foul nor a base thing.... Have faith that God made you upright, though you have sought out many inventions; so you will strive daily to become more what your Maker meant and means you to be, and daily gives you also the power to be, and you will cling more and more to the nobleness and virtue that is in you, saying, 'My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go'. Ruskin in The Grown of Wild Olive. The great thing in the world... read more
XXII.THE OUTSKIRTS OF HIS WAYSJob 26:1-14; Job 27:1-23Job SPEAKSBEGINNING his reply Job is full of scorn and sarcasm."How hast thou helped one without power! How hast thou saved the strengthless arm! How hast thou counselled one void of knowledge, And plentifully declared the thing that is known!"Well indeed hast thou spoken, O man of singular intelligence. I am very weak, my arm is powerless. What reassurance, what generous help thou hast provided! I, doubtless, know nothing, and thou hast... read more
CHAPTER 27 Job’s Closing Words in Self-Vindication 1. My righteousness I hold fast (Job 27:1-6 ) 2. The contrast between himself and the wicked (Job 27:7-23 ) Job 27:1-6 . Zophar, the third friend, no longer speaks. Perhaps Job paused after his remarks in answer to Bildad and waited for Zophar’s criticism. Perhaps that young hot-head hid his inability of advancing another argument under an assumed disgust. Critics have assigned Job 27:7-10 and Job 27:13-23 to Zophar and claim that Job did... read more
HOLDING FAST HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (vv.1-7) In Chapter 26 Job answered Bildad fully. Bildad's last argument was very brief, and after this Zophar had nothing at all to say. Job has already won the debate, though he fully, admits that he has not found the relief he is seeking. Now he spends five chapters in his self-defence, which will get him nowhere as regards the answer to his distressing condition, for his comparatively righteous life had nothing to do with the answer to his questions. He... read more
THIRD SERIES OF THE DEBATE 1. With Eliphaz (chaps. 22-24) a. Speech of Eliphaz (chap. 22) b. Reply of Job (chaps. 23-24) 2. With Bildad (chaps. 25-26) a. Speech of Bildad (chap. 25) b. Reply of Job (chap. 26) 3. With Zophar (chaps. 27-31) a. Continuation of the reply of Job (chaps. 27-31) The last speech Eliphaz makes, chapter 22, is a grand effort to refute Job based upon the latter’s appeal to facts. There is more severity in it than he has shown before. He charges Job with cruelty,... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Job 27:5-8
Job 27:5-8. God forbid that I should justify you— See the note on chap. Job 2:9. This and the three following verses afford us a proof of Job's faith, and contain the noble plea that he makes for himself against the reproachful insinuation of his mistaken friends; as if he must needs have been a wicked man and a hypocrite, under all the fair appearances of a strict piety and integrity. "Though I am quite cast down, (says he,) and as miserable almost as it is possible to be in this life, yet God... read more