14, 15. Parenthetical; the reason why Job did not despise the cause of his servants. Translate: What then (had I done so) could I have done, when God arose (to call me to account); and when He visited (came to enquire), what could I have answered Him? read more
Job’s continuing innocence ch. 31As was common in ancient Near Eastern judicial cases, Job concluded his summary defense with an oath of innocence. He did so in the form of a negative confession complete with self-imprecations. [Note: Parsons, p. 141. Cf. Michael Brennan Dick, "The Legal Metaphor in Job 31," Catholic Biblical Quarterly 41 (1979):42, 47.] He concluded with a challenge to God to present His charges in writing (Job 31:35-37). Job’s idea was that if God remained silent this would... read more
Job Protests the Innocence of his Past LifeJob’s virtues are those of a great Arab prince, such as are admired still: namely, blameless family life, consideration for the poor and weak, charity, modesty, and generosity concerning wealth, pure religion (according to his creed), the absence of vindictive feelings, hospitality to strangers, fearless honesty and just dealings.1-12. Sensual sins.1. I made a covenant with mine eyes] Job resolved to keep a guard over them that they should not... read more
Job 31:1 'Chastity,' said Bishop Camus of Belley, 'is timid and sensitive, trembling at every shadow, quick at every sound, fearing every peril. It takes alarm at a glance as a very Job, who had made a covenant with his eyes; the slightest word disconcerts it; it is suspicious of sweet scents; good food seems a snare, mirth a levity, society treacherous, light reading a danger. It moves along all eyes and ears, like one covered with jewels who crosses a forest, and starts at every step,... read more
XXIV.AS A PRINCE BEFORE THE KINGJob 29:1-25; Job 30:1-31; Job 31:1-40Job SPEAKSFROM the pain and desolation to which he has become inured as a pitiable second state of existence, Job looks back to the years of prosperity and health which in long succession he once enjoyed. This parable or review of the past ends his contention. Honour and blessedness are apparently denied him forever. With what has been he compares his present misery and proceeds to a bold and noble vindication of his character... read more
CHAPTER 31 1. My chastity and righteousness (Job 31:1-12 ) 2. My philanthropy (Job 31:13-23 ) 3. My integrity and hospitality (Job 31:24-34 ) 4. Let God and man disprove me (Job 31:35-40 ) Job 31:1-12 . His final word is the final word in his self-righteous vindication. He gives Eliphaz the lie. He gives a review of his life to prove that he is clean in the sight of God and of man. Even if after this outburst his friends would have an inclination to answer him they could not have done... read more
31:14 What then shall I do when {k} God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?(k) If I had oppressed others, how would I have escaped God’s judgment. read more
Though Job's misery was complete, he returns in this chapter to the defence of his whole life, which was comparatively more virtuous than that of any other man. God had said this to Satan long before (Job 1:8), so that there is no reason to doubt what Job says of himself, though he did not realise that the very fact of his declaring his own goodness was really sinful pride. JOB'S CLAIM OF MORAL UPRIGHTNESS (vv.1-12) He says he had made a covenant with his eyes (v.1). That is, he had... 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 31:13-14
Job 31:13-14. If I did despise, &c.— See on chap. Job 19:25. The 14th verse should be rendered in the future, agreeably to the Hebrew; what shall I do, when God shall arise; and when he shall visit, what shall I answer him? Job here plainly speaks of something which he was infallibly to expect, had he behaved unjustly to his slave: but could we suppose him to mean it of any temporal judgment or visitation of God, what is it that he had to expect? He seems to think his condition so miserable... read more