Bible Commentaries

Job now answered Bildad. He first admitted the truth of the general proposition, Of a truth I know that it is so; and then propounded the great question, which he subsequently proceeded to discuss in the light of his own suffering.

How can a man be just with God?

The question was not the expression of his sense of guilt. The conception which overwhelmed him was that of God, and ere the answer closes it will be seen that in the light of his innocence he could not understand his suffering. His question, Who hath hardened himself against Him, and prospered? does not suggest the impotence of rebellion but the folly of contention.

Job then described the power of God. In the bitterness of his soul his consciousness of that power was of a terrific and overwhelming force. This God, moreover, is invisible. His presence is a fact, and yet Job cannot perceive. Finally, He is invincible. Therefore it is useless for a man to attempt to be just with Him.

Still discussing his question, Job spoke of his own condition. It was hopeless. God would not have patience with him, and his very attempt to prove himself innocent would issue in condemnation. Seeing that he seemed to charge this injustice on God, he asked in amazement, If it be not He, who then is it?

There was no meeting place between him and God. Full of beauty in the light of the Christian revelation is the cry of this afflicted man in his agony for a daysman who "might lay his hand upon us both."