9. of yesterday—that is, a recent race. We know nothing as compared with them because of the brevity of our lives; so even Jacob ( :-). Knowledge consisted then in the results of observation, embodied in poetical proverbs, and handed down by tradition. Longevity gave the opportunity of wider observation. a shadow— (Psalms 144:4; 1 Chronicles 29:15). read more
3. Bildad’s first speech ch. 8Bildad agreed with Eliphaz that God was paying Job back for some sin he had committed, and he believed God would show Job mercy if he confessed that sin. However, Bildad built his conclusions on a slightly different foundation. Eliphaz argued from his own personal experience and observations (Job 4:8; Job 4:12-21). Bildad cited a more reliable authority: the experience of past generations that had come down through years of tradition (Job 8:8-10). He was a... read more
The evidence from history 8:8-10Bildad’s authority for his view comes out clearly in this section. The viewpoint Eliphaz and he espoused had the backing of many authorities from the past. Theirs was not some new theory but one that had generations of support in their educational system. Bildad would have loved the song "Tradition!" from Fiddler on the Roof."Bildad’s position is that what is true is not new, and what is new is not true." [Note: S. R. Driver and G. B. Grey, A Critical and... read more
The First Speech of BildadHolding the same doctrine about sin and suffering as Eliphaz, Bildad supports the views of his friend by an appeal to the teaching of antiquity. He shows less sympathy and more narrowness of mind than Eliphaz.1-7. Bildad maintains the justice of God’s actions. Since Job’s children have perished it must have been for their sins. As for Job, if he would but repent he would be restored to prosperity.2. Like a strong wind] violent, headstrong.3. Can there be injustice with... read more
Job 8:8-9 If we do not take to our aid the foregone studies of men reputed intelligent and learned, we shall be always beginners. Burke, Appeal from New to Old Whigs. What makes the Radical of the street is mostly mother-wit exercising itself upon the facts of the time. His weakness is that he does not know enough of the facts of other times. Morley, Studies in Literature, p. 125. 'In his adoration of what he recognized as living,' says Mr. Symonds ( Shelley, pp. 40 f.), 'Shelley retained no... read more
XIX.VENTURESOME THEOLOGYJob 8:1-22BILDAD SPEAKSTHE first attempt to meet Job has been made by one who relies on his own experience and takes pleasure in recounting the things which he has seen. Bildad of Shuach, on the other hand, is a man who holds to the wisdom of the fathers and supports himself at all times with their answers to the questions of life. Vain to him is the reasoning of one who sees all as through coloured glass, everything of this tint or that, according to his state or... read more
CHAPTER 8 Bildad’s Address 1. How long, Job? (Job 8:1-7 ) 2. Enquire of the former age (Job 8:8-10 ) 3. God’s dealing with the wicked and the righteous (Job 8:11-22 ) Job 8:1-7 . Bildad the Shuhite now speaks to Job. He is less dogmatic than Eliphaz, and less courteous, but more outspoken. He must have lost his patience listening to Job’s reply. Especially does he resent what Job had said about God, the insinuations which had fallen from his lips. But we shall see he too follows the... read more
8:9(For we [are but of] {f} yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth [are] a shadow:)(f) Meaning, that it is not enough to have the experience of ourselves, but to be confirmed by the examples of those who went before us. read more
BILDAD'S CRUEL RESPONSE (vv.1-22) Bildad's response to Job was much more brief than that of Eliphaz, but following along the same line. He did not begin in the conciliatory way that Eliphaz did, however, not even attempting to show any understanding of Job's feelings. Rather, he spoke as one exasperated, immediately accusing Job of allowing words to issue from his mouth that were only "a strong wind" (v.2). "Does God subvert judgment? Or does the Almighty pervert justice?" he asks (v.3). He... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Job 8:8-13
Job 8:8-13. For inquire, I pray thee, &c.— Bildad had exhorted Job to apply himself to God by prayer, upon the assurance, that if he were innocent, as he pretended, or shewed any marks of a sincere repentance, there was no doubt but he would be restored, through the divine mercy, to his former state of prosperity; but, if he should forget God in his calamity, or play the hypocrite with him, there were then no hopes for him; and for this he quotes a saying of their ancestors in these... read more