17. seeth the place of stones—Hebrew, "the house of stones"; that is, the wall surrounding the garden. The parasite plant, in creeping towards and over the wall—the utmost bound of the garden—is said figuratively to "see" or regard it. 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
Illustrations of Job’s godlessness 8:11-19The illustration of the water plant (Job 8:11-13) emphasized the fact that in Bildad’s view, Job had abandoned God, the source of his blessing (cf. Job 1:1; Job 1:8). Bildad advised his friend not to forget God. The spider’s web analogy (Job 8:14-15) implied that Job was depending on his possessions rather than God for his security. The allusion to the garden plant (Job 8:16-19) compared Job to an uprooted bush that others would replace. 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
(17) His roots are wrapped about.—This is the cause of his continual luxuriance, that his roots receive moisture from below, where they are wrapped about the spring which fertilises them underneath; they are planted near to a perennial fountain, and therefore (see Job 8:6) “he is green before the sun.”And seeth the place of stones.—Rather, the house of stones—i.e., the stone house. He seeth the permanent and durable edifice of stone which is the habitation of civilisation and culture, and here... 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
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 8:17
Job 8:17. His roots are wrapped about the heap— Heath renders it, He windeth his roots about a spring; he twisteth himself about a heap of stones. Houbigant reads it, he has his roots involved or fixed in a hill; he adheres to the midst of stones; by which the writer seems to express the apparent firmness and worldly dependance of the hypocrite. The next verse should be rendered, according to Houbigant, But when they shall eradicate, or destroy him, his place shall disown him; it shall say, I... read more