Job 5:1 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 5:1-5

A very warm dispute being begun between Job and his friends, Eliphaz here makes a fair motion to put the matter to a reference. In all debates perhaps the sooner this is done the better if the contenders cannot end it between themselves. So well assured is Eliphaz of the goodness of his own cause that he moves Job himself to choose the arbitrators (Job 5:1): Call now, if there be any that will answer thee; that is, 1. ?If there be any that suffer as thou sufferest. Canst thou produce an... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 5:1

Call now, if there be any that will answer thee ,.... That is, call upon God, which, if seriously, and not ironically spoken, was good advice; God is to be called upon, and especially in times of trouble; and invocation is to be made in faith, in sincerity, and with fervency, and to be accompanied with confession of sin, and repentance for it; and sooner or later God hears and answers those that call upon him; but Eliphaz suggests, that if Job did call upon him, it would be in vain, he would... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 5:1

Call now, if there be any - This appears to be a strong irony. From whom among those whose foundations are in the dust, and who are crushed before the moth, canst thou expect succor? To which of the saints wilt thou turn? - To whom among the holy ones, ( קדשים kedoshim ), or among those who are equally dependent on Divine support with thyself, and can do no good but as influenced and directed by God, canst thou turn for help? Neither angel nor saint can help any man unless sent... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 5:1

Call now, if there be any that will answer thee ; rather, call now ; is there any that will answer thee? What aid, that is, wilt thou invoke, if thou turnest away from God, and reproachest him? Thinkest thou to find any one in heaven or earth to answer to the call and come to thy assistance? Utterly vain is any such hope. And to which of the saints wilt thou turn? By "the saints" are meant in this place "the holy angels" (comp. Job 15:15 ; Psalms 89:7 ; Zechariah 14:5 ). The... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 5:1-5

The lot of the foolish. By a skilful turn of thought, Eliphaz exhibits the consequences of human folly— 1. AS THEY AFFECT THE LIFE OF THE INDIVIDUAL FOOLISH ONE . "Wrath killeth and envy slayeth" him. By his folly he excites the wrath or the envy of others, or his folly leads him into deadly courses. II. AS THEY AFFECT HIS LOT AND CONDITION . His prosperity, even if it begin, is but of temporary duration. If he take root, suddenly his habitation is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 5:1-7

Eliphaz to Job: 3. The history of a fool. I. THE FOOL 'S CHARACTER . 1 . An impious fool. The mental and moral portrait of the aevil (verse 2) is minutely outlined in the Book of Proverbs, as distinguished by contempt of true wisdom ( Proverbs 1:1-33 ; Proverbs 7:1-27 ), talkativeness ( Proverbs 10:8 ), self-conceit ( Proverbs 12:15 ), irritability of temper ( Proverbs 12:16 ), pride ( Proverbs 14:3 ), fretfulness against God ( Proverbs 19:3 ), sinfulness of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 5:1-27

Eliphaz, having narrated his vision, and rehearsed the words which the spirit spoke in his ear, continues in his own person, first ( Job 5:1-7 ) covertly reproaching Job, and then (verses 8-27) seeking to comfort him by the suggestion that, if he will place himself unreservedly in the hands of God, it is still possible that God may relent, remove his chastening hand, deliver him from his troubles, and even give him back all his former prosperity. The anticipation is in remarkable... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 5:1

Call now - The expressions used here, as Noyes has well observed, seem to be derived from the law, where the word “call” denotes the language of the complainant, and answer that of the defendant. According to this, the meaning of the words “call now” is, in jus voca: that is, call the Deity to account, or bring an action against him: or more properly, enter into an argument or litigation, as before a tribunal; see the notes at Isaiah 41:1, where similar language occurs.If there be any that will... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Job 5:1

Job 5:1. Call now, &c. Wouldst thou know the reason why I relate to thee this night vision? I do it with an intent that thou mayest apply it to thyself, and thy present circumstances. Thou hast heard how weak and imperfect the best of men must be in comparison with God, but if this does not satisfy thee, if thou dost not believe what has been advanced, thou mayest inquire of others. Try, therefore, if there be any one that will defend thee in these thy bold expostulations with God. Thou... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Job 5:1-27

Eliphaz speaks (4:1-5:27)The first of the three friends to speak is Eliphaz, who is probably the oldest of the three. He is also the least severe in the accusations brought against Job (4:1-2). He begins by noting that in the past Job comforted others in their troubles, but now that he has troubles himself, his faith has failed. If Job truly honoured God and was upright in his ways, there would be no need for this despondency (3-6). The person who is innocent, argues Eliphaz, need not fear... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 5:1-5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 5:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Job 5:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 5:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 5:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 5:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 5:1-27

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 5:1

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Job 5:1

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Job 5:1-27

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