Job 4:1-6,Job 4:12-21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 4:1-6

In these verses, I. Eliphaz excuses the trouble he is now about to give to Job by his discourse (Job 4:2): ?If we assay a word with thee, offer a word of reproof and counsel, wilt thou be grieved and take it ill?? We have reason to fear thou wilt; but there is no remedy: ?Who can refrain from words?? Observe, 1. With what modesty he speaks of himself and his own attempt. He will not undertake the management of the cause alone, but very humbly joins his friends with him: ?We will commune with... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:1

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said. When Job was done cursing his day, and had finished his doleful ditty on that subject, then Eliphaz took the opportunity of speaking, not being able to bear any longer with Job and his behaviour under his afflictions; Eliphaz was one of Job's three friends that came to visit him, Job 2:11 ; very probably he might be the senior man, or a man of the greatest authority and power; a most respectable person, had in great esteem and reverence among... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:2

If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved ?.... Eliphaz speaks in the name of himself and his two friends, who had doubtless consulted together, and compared their sentiments of Job; which appearing to be the same, they formed a plan and scheme in which they should attack him, and the part which each should take, and the order in which they should proceed: these words are said, either as seemingly doubting whether they should speak or be silent; for they may be rendered,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:3

Behold, thou hast instructed many ,.... This is introduced with a "behold", either as a note of admiration, that such a man, who had instructed others, should act the part he now does; or as a note of attention to Job himself, and all others that should hear and read this, to observe it, and well consider it, and make the proper use of it; or as a note of asseveration, affirming it to be true and certain, notorious and unquestionable, as no doubt it was: Job was the instructor, a great man,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:4

Thy words have up, holden him that was falling ,.... Or "stumbling" F13 כושל "offendentem", Cocceius; "impingentem", Drusius, Schmidt, Schultens, Michaelis. ; that was stumbling at the providence of God in suffering good men to be afflicted, and wicked men to prosper; which has been the stumbling block of God's people in all ages; see Psalm 73:2 ; or that was stumbling and falling off from the true religion by reason of the revilings and reproaches of men, and their persecutions... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:5

But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest ,.... The affliction and evil that he feared, Job 3:25 ; or rather the same trials and afflictions were come upon him as had been on those whom he had instructed and reproved, and whose hands and hearts he had strengthened and comforted; and yet now thou thyself "faintest", or "art weary" F26 Defatigaris, Cocceius. , or art bore down and sinkest under the burden, and bearest it very impatiently F1 תלא aegre tulisti, Pagninus,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:6

Is not this thy fear ,.... The fear of God, that which is of him, comes from him, is a grace of his implanted in the hearts of his people at conversion, and is increased and encouraged, and drawn forth into fresh exercise through the grace and goodness of God displayed; for a slavish fear, or a fear of punishment, of wrath and damnation, is not the true grace of fear, which maybe in unregenerate men, and even in the devils; but this lies in a reverential affection for God on account of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 4:1

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered - For seven days this person and his two friends had observed a profound silence, being awed and confounded at the sight of Job's unprecedented affliction. Having now sufficiently contemplated his afflicted state, and heard his bitter complaint, forgetting that he came as a comforter, and not as a reprover, he loses the feeling of the friend in the haughtiness of the censor, endeavoring to strip him of his only consolation, - the testimony of his... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 4:2

If we assay to commune with thee - As if he had said, Should I and my friends endeavor to reason with thee ever so mildly, because we shall have many things to say by way of reprehension, thou wilt be grieved and faint; and this we may reasonably infer from the manner in which thou bearest thy present afflictions. Yet as thou hast uttered words which are injurious to thy Maker, who can forbear speaking? It is our duty to rise up on the part of God, though thereby we shall grieve him who is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 4:3

Thou hast instructed many - Thou hast seen many in affliction and distress, and thou hast given them such advice as was suitable to their state, and effectual to their relief; and by this means thou hast strengthened the weak hands, and the feeble knees - the desponding have been encouraged, and the irresolute confirmed and excited to prompt and proper actions, by thy counsel and example. read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 4:1-6

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 4:6

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 4:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 4:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 4:3

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