Job 9:14

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 9:14-21

What Job had said of man's utter inability to contend with God he here applies to himself, and in effect despairs of gaining his favour, which (some think) arises from the hard thoughts he had of God, as one who, having set himself against him, right or wrong, would be too hard for him. I rather think it arises from the sense he had of the imperfection of his own righteousness, and the dark and cloudy apprehensions which at present he had of God's displeasure against him. I. He durst not... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 9:14

How much less shall I answer him ,.... Who is wise in heart, and mighty in strength, and has done and does the many things before related; who is invisible, passes by, and onwards insensibly; so that there is no knowing where to speak to him, or how to guard against him, since he can come on on every side, at an unawares, and unseen; and who is a sovereign Being, who can do, and does, whatever he pleases; and therefore there is no such thing as disputing any point with him, or calling him to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 9:14

How much less shall I answer - I cannot contend with my Maker. He is the Lawgiver and the Judge. How shall I stand in judgment before him? read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:1-35

Job, in answer to Bildad, admits the truth of his arguments, but declines to attempt the justification which can alone entitle him to accept the favourable side of Bildad's alternative. Man cannot absolutely justify himself before God. It is in vain to attempt to do so. The contest is too unequal. On the one side perfect wisdom and absolute strength (verse 4); on the other, weakness, imperfection, ignorance. guilt (verses 17-20). And no "daysman," or umpire, between them; no third party to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:2-20

God viewed as absolute and arbitrary Power. I. THE HELPLESSNESS OF MAN IN PRESENCE OF HIS OMNIPOTENCE . ( Job 9:1-3 .) What avails right on one's side against him who has all heaven's artillery at his command? "It is idle to argue with the Master of thirty legions." Out of a thousand questions with which the Almighty might overwhelm my mind, there is not one which I could answer with the chance of a fair hearing. Indeed, this in a sense is true, as the thirty-eighth... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:11-20

Job to Bildad: 3. Creator and creature in conflict. I. THE DIVINE ASSAILANT . 1 . His mysterious movements. "Lo! he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not" (verse 11). The language, recalling Eliphaz's description of the shadowy spectre ( Job 4:15 ), recognizes: 2 . His resistless power. 3 . His unanswerable charges. II. THE HUMAN COMPLAINANT . 1 . Mistrusting the Divine condescension. Putting the case that he had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 9:14

How much less shall I answer him? If he be the Lord of earth and heaven, if he rule the sun and the stars, if he tread down the sea, if he be impalpable and irresistible, if he hold the evil power and his helpers under restraint, how should I dare to answer him? How should any mere man do so? And choose out my words to reason with him? Job feels that he would be too much overwhelmed to choose his terms carefully, and yet a careless word might be an unpardonable offence. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 9:14

How much less shall I answer him? - I, who am so feeble, how can I contend with him? If the most mighty objects in the universe are under his control; if the constellations are directed by him; if the earth is shaken, and mountains moved from their places, by his power, and if the men of most exalted rank are prostrated by him, how can I presume to contend with God? This is the common view which is given of the passage, and is evidently that which our translators entertained. But I have given... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Job 9:14-15

Job 9:14-15. How much less shall I answer him Since no creature can resist his power, and no man can comprehend his counsels and ways, how can I contend with him; answer his allegations and arguments produced against me? Whom though I were righteous Though I had a most just cause, and were not conscious to myself of any sin; yet would I not answer That is, I durst not undertake to plead my cause against, or maintain my integrity before him, because he knows me better than I know... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Job 9:1-35

Job’s reply to Bildad (9:1-10:22)While agreeing with Bildad that God is just, Job argues that ordinary people are still at a disadvantage. They cannot present their side of the case satisfactorily, because God always has the wisdom and power to frustrate them. He can ask a thousand questions that they cannot answer (9:1-4). He can do what he wishes in the heavens or on the earth (5-9). He can work miracles and no one can resist him (10-12). If God overthrows those with supernatural power such... read more

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