Job 9:21-35

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 9:22-24

Here Job touches briefly upon the main point now in dispute between him and his friends. They maintained that those who are righteous and good always prosper in this world, and none but the wicked are in misery and distress; he asserted, on the contrary, that it is a common thing for the wicked to prosper and the righteous to be greatly afflicted. This is the one thing, the chief thing, wherein he and his friends differed; and they had not proved their assertion, therefore he abides by his: ?I... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 9:25-35

Job here grows more and more querulous, and does not conclude this chapter with such reverent expressions of God's wisdom and justice as he began with. Those that indulge a complaining humour know not to what indecencies, nay, to what impieties, it will hurry them. The beginning of that strife with God is as the letting forth of water; therefore leave it off before it be meddled with. When we are in trouble we are allowed to complain to God, as the Psalmist often, but must by no means complain... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 9:21

Though I were perfect ,.... Really and truly so, not conscious of any sin in thought, word, or deed; this is only a case supposed: yet would I not know my soul ; I would not own myself to be so before God; I would not insist upon such perfection in his presence, as what would justify me before him; since I am sensible the highest perfection of a creature is imperfection when compared with him: or the sense may be, should I say I were "perfect, I should not know my own soul"; I... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 9:22

This is one thing ,.... Or "one thing there is" F24 אחת היא "unum est", Munster, Mercerus, Schmidt. in the world, as Jarchi adds; or "one measure", as the Targum, to good and bad men; one event alike to the righteous, and to the wicked, Ecclesiastes 9:2 ; so that, as others render it, "it is all one" F25 "Perinde est", Cocceius. , whether a man righteous and perfect, or whether he is not, he is equally liable to be afflicted and distressed: and "this is one thing, ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 9:23

If the scourge slay suddenly ,.... Not Satan, as Jarchi and Bar Tzemach; but any sore calamity which surrounds a man, lashes, cuts, and distresses him, as a whip or scourge; such as any of God's sore judgments, the sword, famine, pestilence, or evil beasts, which sometimes come suddenly, unawares, unthought of, and unexpected; and are sometimes only chastisements in love, the scourgings of a father, though generally in wrath and hot displeasure, and are an overflowing scourge, which carry... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 9:24

The earth is given into the hands of the wicked ,.... Either the wicked one, Satan, as Jarchi and Bar Tzemach, who is the god of this world; or some wicked tyrant, as Nimrod, or some other known by Job in his time, to whom he may have respect; or wicked men in general, who for the most part have the greatest share of the earth, and earthly things, and of power, dominion, and authority in it; and this they have of God, the powers that be are ordained by him, and therefore to be obeyed; and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 9:25

Now my days are swifter than a post ,.... Or "than a runner" F1 מני־רץ "cursore", Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, &c.; in a race, in order to obtain the prize; or than one that rides post, or runs on foot to carry a message, such as were Cushi and Ahimaaz; and such are generally swift of foot, or ride on swift horses, who are so employed; and yet Job says his days are swifter, or passed away more swiftly thorn such; meaning either his days in general; or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 9:26

They are passed away as the swift ships ,.... Those that are lightest built, and run swiftest. Bar Tzemach thinks such vessels as are rowed with oars are meant, which may be called "ships of will or desire" F2 אניות אבה "navibus desiderii", Mercerus, Drusius, Schmidt; so Ben Gersom. , as the words may be rendered, because they may be rowed at pleasure, and be carried to any place where and when a man thinks fit; whereas those that are not depend upon the wind, and that must be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 9:27

If I say, I will forget my complaint ,.... The cause of it, the loss of his children, servants, substance, and health, and endeavour to think no more of these things, and cease complaining about them, and attempt to bury them in oblivion, and change his note: I will leave off my heaviness ; his melancholy thoughts, words, airs, and looks; or "forsake my face" F8 אעזבה פני "relinquam facies meas", Montanus, Bolducius, Schmidt. , put on another countenance, a more pleasent and... read more

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