Job 21

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 21:33

The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him - Perhaps there is an allusion here to the Asiatic mode of interment for princes, saints, and nobles: a well-watered valley was chosen for the tomb, where a perpetual spring might be secured. This was intended to be the emblem of a resurrection, or of a future life; and to conceal as much as possible the disgrace of the rotting carcass. Every man shall draw after him - There seem to be two allusions intended here: To death, the common lot... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 21:34

How then comfort ye me in vain - Mr. Good translates: "How vainly then would ye make me retract!" See the note on Job 21:2 . I cannot retract any thing I have said, as I have proved by fact and testimony that your positions are false and unfounded. Your pretensions to comfort me are as hollow as the arguments you bring in support of your exceptionable doctrines. This chapter may be called Job's triumph over the insinuated calumnies, and specious but false doctrines, of his opponents. The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 21:1-2

But Job answered and said, Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations . As ye have no other consolation to offer me, at least attend diligently to what I say. That will be some comfort to me, and I will accept it in lieu of the consolations which I might have looked for at your hands. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 21:1-34

Job answers Zophar, as he had answered Bildad, in a single not very lengthy chapter. After a few caustic introductory remarks (verses 2-4), he takes up the challenge which Zophar had thrown out, respecting the certain punishment, in this life, of the wicked ( Job 20:4-29 ), and maintains, "in language of unparalleled boldness'' (Cook), the converse of the proposition. The wicked, he says, live, grow old, attain to great power, have a numerous and flourishing offspring, prosper, grow... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 21:1-34

Job to Zophar: Audi alteram partem. I. THE SPIRIT OF JOB 'S REPLY . 1 . Intense earnestness. Indicated by the respectful invitation addressed to his friends to attend to his discourse, the nervous reduplication of the verb "hear," and the assurance that such behaviour on their part would more effectually console him than all their eloquent and laboured harangues. Job's character of eminent sanctity, Job's condition of extreme wretchedness, and Job's condemnation by the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 21:1-34

Diverse interpretations of life. The friends of Job remain entrenched in the one firm position, as they think it, which they have from the first taken up. No appeals on his part have availed to soften their hearts, or induce a reconsideration of the rigid theory of suffering which they have adopted. But he now, no longer confining himself to the assertion of his personal innocence, makes an attack upon their position. He dwells upon the great enigma of life—the prosperity of the wicked... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 21:3

Suffer me that I may speak ; or, suffer me , and I also will speak . There is an emphasis on the "I" ( אנכי ). Job implies that his opponents are not allowing him his fair share of the argument, which is an accusation that can scarcely be justified. Since the dialogue opened, Job's speeches have occupied eleven chapters, those of his "comforters" seven only. But a controversialist who has much to say is apt to think that sufficient time is not allowed him. And after that I have... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 21:3

The right of reply. I. THE RIGHT OF REPLY IS JUSTLY CLAIMED . Job has heard enough from his friends. He is impatient to answer them. Surely they should allow him to do so. 1 . This right is conceded law. The worst criminal may be defended by counsel, may call witnesses in his favour, may make his own statement. In civil eases both sides are heard before judgment is pronounced. 2 . This right should be allowed in social life . It is not just to condemn any one... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 21:4

As for me, is my complaint to man? Do I address myself to man, pour out my complaint to him, and expect him to redress my wrongs? No; far otherwise. I address myself to God, from whom alone I can look for effectual assistance. And if it were so; rather, and if so , if this is the case, if my appeal is to God, and he makes me no answer, then why should not my spirit be troubled? or, Why should I not be impatient? (Revised Version). Job thinks that he has a right to be impatient, if... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 21:4

The complaint that goes beyond man. I. THE COMPLAINT THAT IS OF MORE THAN MAN 'S DOINGS . Job does not only complain of man's injustice. That would be hard to bear; and yet a strong soul should be able to withstand it, trusting in a higher justice that will set all right at last. But the mystery, the horror, the agony, of Job's complaint, spring from the persuasion that his troubles are to be attributed to a more than earthly origin. They are so huge and terrible that he... read more

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