Job 4:16

Geneva Study Bible - Job 4:16

4:16 It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image [was] before mine eyes, [there was] {k} silence, and I heard a voice, [saying],(k) When all things were quiet or when the fear was relieved as God appeared to Elijah, 1 Kings 19:12. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Job 4:1-21

ELIPHAZ: COMMENDATION TWISTED INTO REBUKE (vv.1-6) The three friends of Job could only think of God's justice in reference to Job's sufferings, and had no idea of God's love. Eliphaz no doubt thought he would help Job by his remarkable knowledge and ability in speaking, but his diagnosis of Job's ailment was totally wrong. He begins gently and kindly, "If one attempts a word with you, will you become weary? But who can withhold himself from speaking? (v.12). Then he rightly reminds Job that... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Job 4:1-21

FIRST SERIES OF THE DEBATE The first series of the debate may be outlined as follows: 1. With Eliphaz (chaps. 4-7) a. Speech of Eliphaz (chaps. 4-5) b. Reply of (chaps. 6-7) 2. With Bildad (chaps. 8-10) a. Speech of Bildad (chap. 8) b. Reply of Job (chaps. 9-10) 3. With Zophar (chaps. 11-14) a. Speech of Zophar (chap. 11) b. Reply of Job (chaps. 12-14) It is thought the debate may have occupied several days, by which supposition some of the difficulties of the book are removed. In the... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Job 4:1-21

The Argument of Eliphaz. I. Job 4:0 We must remember that the three comforters who came to Job in the hour of his great grief probably never heard such a speech as that which Job poured forth when after seven days and seven nights he opened his mouth, and cursed his day. Who could reply to such a speech? It may be that Eliphaz was the oldest and the chief of the comforters who came to the suffering patriarch, and therefore he began the conversation. The best comment upon his speech, as indeed... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Job 4:12-21

(12) ¶ Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof. (13) In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men, (14) Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. (15) Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up: (16) It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying, (17) Shall mortal man be more just than God?... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Job 4:16

And I. Protestants, " there was silence, and I heard a voice." Marginal note, "a still voice." Septuagint, "But I heard a breeze and a voice." (Haydock) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Job 4:12-21

12-21 Eliphaz relates a vision. When we are communing with our own hearts, and are still, Psalms 4:4, then is a time for the Holy Spirit to commune with us. This vision put him into very great fear. Ever since man sinned, it has been terrible to him to receive communications from Heaven, conscious that he can expect no good tidings thence. Sinful man! shall he pretend to be more just, more pure, than God, who being his Maker, is his Lord and Owner? How dreadful, then, the pride and presumption... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Job 4:1-21

Job having thus given way to his impatience, his friends thought it their duty to correct him. But instead of showing him in what respect his position was wrong, they proceed according to the assumption that Job must be guilty of some special fault or sin, and chide him accordingly. v. 1. Then Eliphaz, the Temanite, answered and said, v. 2. If we essay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? Eliphaz wanted to be sure from the outset that Job would not misunderstand his friends if they... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Job 4:1-21

FIRST SERIES OF CONTROVERSIAL DISCOURSESTHE ENTANGLEMENT IN ITS BEGINNINGJob 4-14I. Eliphaz and Job: Chap. 4–7A.—The Accusation of Eliphaz: Man must not speak against God like JobJob 4-51. Introductory reproof of Job on account of his unmanly complaint, by which he could only incur God’s wrath:Job 4:2-111 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said:2 If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved?but who can withhold himself from speaking?3 Behold, thou hast instructed... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Job 4:1-21

“Shall Mortal Man Be More Just than God?” Job 4:1-21 The first cycle of speeches is opened by Eliphaz. It must be remembered that he and the two others believed that special suffering resulted from and was the sign of special sin. Job’s calamities, in the light of that thought, seemed to prove that he who had been considered a paragon of perfection was not what they had supposed. According to their philosophy, if only he would confess his sin, all would be well and the sun would shine again... read more