JOB'S ANSWER. (Job 21:1-34) consolations--If you will listen calmly to me, this will be regarded as "consolations"; alluding to Eliphaz' boasted "consolations" (Job 15:11), which Job felt more as aggravations ("mockin…
2Oíd atentamente mi palabra, Y sea esto el consuelo que me deis.
3Toleradme, y yo hablaré; Y después que haya hablado, escarneced.
4¿Acaso me quejo yo de algún hombre? ¿Y por qué no se ha de angustiar mi espíritu?
5Miradme, y espantaos, Y poned la mano sobre la boca.
6Aun yo mismo, cuando me acuerdo, me asombro, Y el temblor estremece mi carne.
7¿Por qué viven los impíos, Y se envejecen, y aun crecen en riquezas?
8Su descendencia se robustece a su vista, Y sus renuevos están delante de sus ojos.
9Sus casas están a salvo de temor, Ni viene azote de Dios sobre ellos.
10Sus toros engendran, y no fallan; Paren sus vacas, y no malogran su cría.
11Salen sus pequeñuelos como manada, Y sus hijos andan saltando.
12Al son de tamboril y de cítara saltan, Y se regocijan al son de la flauta.
13Pasan sus días en prosperidad, Y en paz descienden al Seol.
14Dicen, pues, a Dios: Apártate de nosotros, Porque no queremos el conocimiento de tus caminos.
15¿Quién es el Todopoderoso, para que le sirvamos? ¿Y de qué nos aprovechará que oremos a él?
16He aquí que su bien no está en mano de ellos; El consejo de los impíos lejos esté de mí.
17¡Oh, cuántas veces la lámpara de los impíos es apagada, Y viene sobre ellos su quebranto, Y Dios en su ira les reparte dolores!
18Serán como la paja delante del viento, Y como el tamo que arrebata el torbellino.
19Dios guardará para los hijos de ellos su violencia; Le dará su pago, para que conozca.
20Verán sus ojos su quebranto, Y beberá de la ira del Todopoderoso.
21Porque ¿qué deleite tendrá él de su casa después de sí, Siendo cortado el número de sus meses?
22¿Enseñará alguien a Dios sabiduría, Juzgando él a los que están elevados?
23Este morirá en el vigor de su hermosura, todo quieto y pacífico;
24Sus vasijas estarán llenas de leche, Y sus huesos serán regados de tuétano.
25Y este otro morirá en amargura de ánimo, Y sin haber comido jamás con gusto.
26Igualmente yacerán ellos en el polvo, Y gusanos los cubrirán.
27He aquí, yo conozco vuestros pensamientos, Y las imaginaciones que contra mí forjáis.
28Porque decís: ¿Qué hay de la casa del príncipe, Y qué de la tienda de las moradas de los impíos?
29¿No habéis preguntado a los que pasan por los caminos, Y no habéis conocido su respuesta,
30Que el malo es preservado en el día de la destrucción? Guardado será en el día de la ira.
31¿Quién le denunciará en su cara su camino? Y de lo que él hizo, ¿quién le dará el pago?
32Porque llevado será a los sepulcros, Y sobre su túmulo estarán velando.
33Los terrones del valle le serán dulces; Tras de él será llevado todo hombre, Y antes de él han ido innumerables.
34¿Cómo, pues, me consoláis en vano, Viniendo a parar vuestras respuestas en falacia?
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 3
I. literally, "Begin your mockings" (Job 17:2).
literally, "Begin your mockings" (Job 17:2).
II
Versículo 4
II. Job's difficulty was not as to man, but as to God, why He so afflicted him, as if he were the gui…
Job's difficulty was not as to man, but as to God, why He so afflicted him, as if he were the guilty hypocrite which the friends alleged him to be. Vulgate translates it, "my disputation."
if it were--rather, "since this is the case."
III
Versículo 5
III. lay . . . hand upon . . . mouth-- (Pro 30:32; Jdg 18:19). So the heathen god of silence was pictu…
lay . . . hand upon . . . mouth-- (Pro 30:32; Jdg 18:19). So the heathen god of silence was pictured with his hand on his mouth. There was enough in Job's case to awe them into silence (Job 17:8).
IV
Versículo 6
IV. remember--Think on it. Can you wonder that I broke out into complaints, when the struggle was not…
remember--Think on it. Can you wonder that I broke out into complaints, when the struggle was not with men, but with the Almighty? Reconcile, if you can, the ceaseless woes of the innocent with the divine justice! Is it not enough to make one tremble? [UMBREIT].
V
Versículo 7
V. The answer is Rom 2:4; Ti1 1:16; Psa 73:18; Ecc 8:11-13; Luk 2:35-end; Pro 16:4; Rom 9:22.
The answer is Rom 2:4; Ti1 1:16; Psa 73:18; Ecc 8:11-13; Luk 2:35-end; Pro 16:4; Rom 9:22.
old--in opposition to the friends who asserted that sinners are "cut off" early (Job 8:12, Job 8:14).
VI
Versículo 8
VI. In opposition to Job 18:19; Job 5:4.
In opposition to Job 18:19; Job 5:4.
VII
Versículo 9
VII. Literally, "peace from fear"; with poetic force. Their house is peace itself, far removed from fe…
Literally, "peace from fear"; with poetic force. Their house is peace itself, far removed from fear. Opposed to the friends' assertion, as to the bad (Job 15:21-24; Job 20:26-28), and conversely, the good (Job 5:23-24).
VIII
Versículo 10
VIII. Rather, "their cattle conceive." The first clause of the verse describes an easy conception, the …
Rather, "their cattle conceive." The first clause of the verse describes an easy conception, the second, a happy birth [UMBREIT].
IX
Versículo 11
IX. send forth--namely, out of doors, to their happy sports under the skies, like a joyful flock sent…
send forth--namely, out of doors, to their happy sports under the skies, like a joyful flock sent to the pastures.
little ones--like lambkins.
children--somewhat older than the former.
dance--not formal dances; but skip, like lambs, in joyous and healthful play.
X
Versículo 12
X. take--rather, "lift up the voice" (sing) to the note of [UMBREIT].
take--rather, "lift up the voice" (sing) to the note of [UMBREIT].
timbrel--rather, "tambourine."
organ--not the modern "organ," but the "pipe" (Gen 4:21). The first clause refers to stringed, the latter, to wind instruments; thus, with "the voice" all kinds of music are enumerated.
XI
Versículo 13
XI. wealth--Old English Version for "prosperity."
wealth--Old English Version for "prosperity."
in a moment--not by a lingering disease. Great blessings! Lengthened life with prosperity, and a sudden painless death (Psa 73:4).
XII
Versículo 14
XII. Therefore--rather, "And yet they are such as say," &c., that is, say, not in so many words, but v…
Therefore--rather, "And yet they are such as say," &c., that is, say, not in so many words, but virtually, by their conduct (so the Gergesenes, Mat 8:34). How differently the godly (Isa 2:3).
ways--The course of action, which God points out; as in Psa 50:23, Margin.
XIII
Versículo 15
XIII. (Compare Jer 2:20; Pro 30:9, Margin, Exo 5:2).
(Compare Jer 2:20; Pro 30:9, Margin, Exo 5:2).
what profit-- (Job 35:3; Mal 3:14; Psa 73:13). Sinners ask, not what is right, but what is for the profit of self. They forget, "If religion cost self something, the want of it will cost self infinitely more."
XIV
Versículo 16
XIV. not in their hand--but in the hand of God. This is Job's difficulty, that God who has sinners pro…
not in their hand--but in the hand of God. This is Job's difficulty, that God who has sinners prosperity (good) in His hand should allow them to have it.
is--rather, "may the counsel of the wicked be far from me!" [UMBREIT]. This naturally follows the sentiment of the first clause: Let me not hereby be thought to regard with aught but horror the ways of the wicked, however prosperous.
XV
Versículo 17
XV. Job in this whole passage down to Job 21:21 quotes the assertion of the friends, as to the short …
Job in this whole passage down to Job 21:21 quotes the assertion of the friends, as to the short continuance of the sinner's prosperity, not his own sentiments. In Job 21:22 he proceeds to refute them. "How oft is the candle" (lamp), &c., quoting Bildad's sentiment (Job 18:5-6), in order to question its truth (compare Mat 25:8).
how oft--"God distributeth," &c. (alluding to Job 20:23, Job 20:29).
sorrows--UMBREIT translates "snares," literally, "cords," which lightning in its twining motion resembles (Psa 11:6).
16
Versículo 18
16. Job alludes to a like sentiment of Bildad (Job 18:18), using his own previous words (Job 13:25).
Job alludes to a like sentiment of Bildad (Job 18:18), using his own previous words (Job 13:25).
17
Versículo 19
17. Equally questionable is the friends' assertion that if the godless himself is not punished, the c…
Equally questionable is the friends' assertion that if the godless himself is not punished, the children are (Job 18:19; Job 20:10); and that God rewardeth him here for his iniquity, and that he shall know it to his cost. So "know" (Hos 9:7).
18
Versículo 20
18. Another questionable assertion of the friends, that the sinner sees his own and his children's de…
Another questionable assertion of the friends, that the sinner sees his own and his children's destruction in his lifetime.
drink-- (Psa 11:6; Isa 51:17; Lam 4:21).
19
Versículo 21
19. The argument of the friends, in proof of Job 21:20, What pleasure can he have from his house (chi…
The argument of the friends, in proof of Job 21:20, What pleasure can he have from his house (children) when he is dead--("after him," Ecc 3:22).
when the number, &c.--Or, rather, "What hath he to do with his children?" &c. (so the Hebrew in Ecc 3:1; Ecc 8:6). It is therefore necessary that "his eyes should see his and their destruction" (see Job 14:21).
cut off--rather, when the number of his allotted months is fulfilled (Job 14:5). From an Arabic word, "arrow," which was used to draw lots with. Hence "arrow"--inevitable destiny [UMBREIT].
20
Versículo 22
20. Reply of Job, "In all these assertions you try to teach God how He ought to deal with men, rather…
Reply of Job, "In all these assertions you try to teach God how He ought to deal with men, rather than prove that He does in fact so deal with them. Experience is against you. God gives prosperity and adversity as it pleases Him, not as man's wisdom would have it, on principles inscrutable to us" (Isa 40:13; Rom 11:34).
those . . . high--the high ones, not only angels, but men (Isa 2:12-17).
21
Versículo 23
21. Literally, "in the bone of his perfection," that is, the full strength of unimpaired prosperity […
Literally, "in the bone of his perfection," that is, the full strength of unimpaired prosperity [UMBREIT].
22
Versículo 24
22. breasts--rather, "skins," or "vessels" for fluids [LEE]. But [UMBREIT] "stations or resting-place…
breasts--rather, "skins," or "vessels" for fluids [LEE]. But [UMBREIT] "stations or resting-places of his herds near water"; in opposition to Zophar (Job 20:17); the first clause refers to his abundant substance, the second to his vigorous health.
moistened--comparing man's body to a well-watered field (Pro 3:8; Isa 58:11).
23
Versículo 26
23. (Ecc 9:2).
(Ecc 9:2).
24
Versículo 27
24. Their wrongful thoughts against Job are stated by him in Job 21:28. They do not honestly name Job…
Their wrongful thoughts against Job are stated by him in Job 21:28. They do not honestly name Job, but insinuate his guilt.
25
Versículo 28
25. ye say--referring to Zophar (Job 20:7).
ye say--referring to Zophar (Job 20:7).
the house--referring to the fall of the house of Job's oldest son (Job 1:19) and the destruction of his family.
prince--The parallel "wicked" in the second clause requires this to be taken in a bad sense, tyrant, oppressor (Isa 13:2), the same Hebrew, "nobles"--oppressors.
dwelling-places--rather, "pavilions," a tent containing many dwellings, such as a great emir, like Job, with many dependents, would have.
26
Versículo 29
26. Job, seeing that the friends will not admit him as an impartial judge, as they consider his calam…
Job, seeing that the friends will not admit him as an impartial judge, as they consider his calamities prove his guilt, begs them to ask the opinion of travellers (Lam 1:12), who have the experience drawn from observation, and who are no way connected with him. Job opposes this to Bildad (Job 8:8) and Zophar (Job 20:4).
tokens--rather, "intimations" (for example, inscriptions, proverbs, signifying the results of their observation), testimony. Literally, "signs" or proofs in confirmation of the word spoken (Isa 7:11).
27
Versículo 30
27. Their testimony (referring perhaps to those who had visited the region where Abraham who enjoyed …
Their testimony (referring perhaps to those who had visited the region where Abraham who enjoyed a revelation then lived) is that "the wicked is (now) spared (reserved) against the day of destruction (hereafter)." The Hebrew does not so well agree with [UMBREIT] "in the day of destruction." Job does not deny sinners' future punishment, but their punishment in this life. They have their "good things" now. Hereafter, their lot, and that of the godly, shall be reversed (Luk 16:25). Job, by the Spirit, often utters truths which solve the difficulty under which he labored. His afflictions mostly clouded his faith, else he would have seen the solution furnished by his own words. This answers the objection, that if he knew of the resurrection in Job 19:25, and future retribution (Job 21:30), why did he not draw his reasonings elsewhere from them, which he did not? God's righteous government, however, needs to be vindicated as to this life also, and therefore the Holy Ghost has caused the argument mainly to turn on it at the same time giving glimpses of a future fuller vindication of God's ways.
brought forth--not "carried away safe" or "escape" (referring to this life), as UMBREIT has it.
wrath--literally, "wraths," that is, multiplied and fierce wrath.
28
Versículo 31
28. That is, who dares to charge him openly with his bad ways? namely, in this present life. He shall…
That is, who dares to charge him openly with his bad ways? namely, in this present life. He shall, I grant (Job 21:30), be "repaid" hereafter.
29
Versículo 32
29. Yet--rather, "and."
Yet--rather, "and."
brought--with solemn pomp (Psa 45:15).
grave--literally, "graves"; that is, the place where the graves are.
remain in--rather, watch on the tomb, or sepulchral mound. Even after death he seems still to live and watch (that is, have his "remembrance" preserved) by means of the monument over the grave. In opposition to Bildad (Job 18:17).
30
Versículo 33
30. As the classic saying has it, "The earth is light upon him." His repose shall be "sweet."
As the classic saying has it, "The earth is light upon him." His repose shall be "sweet."
draw--follow. He shall share the common lot of mortals; no worse off than they (Heb 9:27). UMBREIT not so well (for it is not true of "every man"). "Most men follow in his bad steps, as countless such preceded him."
31
Versículo 34
31. falsehood--literally, "transgression." Your boasted "consolations" (Job 15:11) are contradicted b…
falsehood--literally, "transgression." Your boasted "consolations" (Job 15:11) are contradicted by facts ("vain"); they therefore only betray your evil intent ("wickedness") against me.
Next: Job Chapter 22
Antiguo Testamento
Job — Capítulo 21
JOB'S ANSWER. (Job 21:1-34) consolations--If you will listen calmly to me, this will be regarded as "consolations"; alluding to Eliphaz' boasted "consolations" (Job 15:11), which Job felt more as aggravations ("mockin…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Entonces respondió Job, y dijo:
2Oíd atentamente mi palabra, Y sea esto el consuelo que me deis.
3Toleradme, y yo hablaré; Y después que haya hablado, escarneced.
4¿Acaso me quejo yo de algún hombre? ¿Y por qué no se ha de angustiar mi espíritu?
5Miradme, y espantaos, Y poned la mano sobre la boca.
6Aun yo mismo, cuando me acuerdo, me asombro, Y el temblor estremece mi carne.
7¿Por qué viven los impíos, Y se envejecen, y aun crecen en riquezas?
8Su descendencia se robustece a su vista, Y sus renuevos están delante de sus ojos.
9Sus casas están a salvo de temor, Ni viene azote de Dios sobre ellos.
10Sus toros engendran, y no fallan; Paren sus vacas, y no malogran su cría.
11Salen sus pequeñuelos como manada, Y sus hijos andan saltando.
12Al son de tamboril y de cítara saltan, Y se regocijan al son de la flauta.
13Pasan sus días en prosperidad, Y en paz descienden al Seol.
14Dicen, pues, a Dios: Apártate de nosotros, Porque no queremos el conocimiento de tus caminos.
15¿Quién es el Todopoderoso, para que le sirvamos? ¿Y de qué nos aprovechará que oremos a él?
16He aquí que su bien no está en mano de ellos; El consejo de los impíos lejos esté de mí.
17¡Oh, cuántas veces la lámpara de los impíos es apagada, Y viene sobre ellos su quebranto, Y Dios en su ira les reparte dolores!
18Serán como la paja delante del viento, Y como el tamo que arrebata el torbellino.
19Dios guardará para los hijos de ellos su violencia; Le dará su pago, para que conozca.
20Verán sus ojos su quebranto, Y beberá de la ira del Todopoderoso.
21Porque ¿qué deleite tendrá él de su casa después de sí, Siendo cortado el número de sus meses?
22¿Enseñará alguien a Dios sabiduría, Juzgando él a los que están elevados?
23Este morirá en el vigor de su hermosura, todo quieto y pacífico;
24Sus vasijas estarán llenas de leche, Y sus huesos serán regados de tuétano.
25Y este otro morirá en amargura de ánimo, Y sin haber comido jamás con gusto.
26Igualmente yacerán ellos en el polvo, Y gusanos los cubrirán.
27He aquí, yo conozco vuestros pensamientos, Y las imaginaciones que contra mí forjáis.
28Porque decís: ¿Qué hay de la casa del príncipe, Y qué de la tienda de las moradas de los impíos?
29¿No habéis preguntado a los que pasan por los caminos, Y no habéis conocido su respuesta,
30Que el malo es preservado en el día de la destrucción? Guardado será en el día de la ira.
31¿Quién le denunciará en su cara su camino? Y de lo que él hizo, ¿quién le dará el pago?
32Porque llevado será a los sepulcros, Y sobre su túmulo estarán velando.
33Los terrones del valle le serán dulces; Tras de él será llevado todo hombre, Y antes de él han ido innumerables.
34¿Cómo, pues, me consoláis en vano, Viniendo a parar vuestras respuestas en falacia?
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 3
I. literally, "Begin your mockings" (Job 17:2).
Versículo 4
II. Job's difficulty was not as to man, but as to God, why He so afflicted him, as if he were the gui…
Versículo 5
III. lay . . . hand upon . . . mouth-- (Pro 30:32; Jdg 18:19). So the heathen god of silence was pictu…
Versículo 6
IV. remember--Think on it. Can you wonder that I broke out into complaints, when the struggle was not…
Versículo 7
V. The answer is Rom 2:4; Ti1 1:16; Psa 73:18; Ecc 8:11-13; Luk 2:35-end; Pro 16:4; Rom 9:22.
Versículo 8
VI. In opposition to Job 18:19; Job 5:4.
Versículo 9
VII. Literally, "peace from fear"; with poetic force. Their house is peace itself, far removed from fe…
Versículo 10
VIII. Rather, "their cattle conceive." The first clause of the verse describes an easy conception, the …
Versículo 11
IX. send forth--namely, out of doors, to their happy sports under the skies, like a joyful flock sent…
Versículo 12
X. take--rather, "lift up the voice" (sing) to the note of [UMBREIT].
Versículo 13
XI. wealth--Old English Version for "prosperity."
Versículo 14
XII. Therefore--rather, "And yet they are such as say," &c., that is, say, not in so many words, but v…
Versículo 15
XIII. (Compare Jer 2:20; Pro 30:9, Margin, Exo 5:2).
Versículo 16
XIV. not in their hand--but in the hand of God. This is Job's difficulty, that God who has sinners pro…
Versículo 17
XV. Job in this whole passage down to Job 21:21 quotes the assertion of the friends, as to the short …
Versículo 18
16. Job alludes to a like sentiment of Bildad (Job 18:18), using his own previous words (Job 13:25).
Versículo 19
17. Equally questionable is the friends' assertion that if the godless himself is not punished, the c…
Versículo 20
18. Another questionable assertion of the friends, that the sinner sees his own and his children's de…
Versículo 21
19. The argument of the friends, in proof of Job 21:20, What pleasure can he have from his house (chi…
Versículo 22
20. Reply of Job, "In all these assertions you try to teach God how He ought to deal with men, rather…
Versículo 23
21. Literally, "in the bone of his perfection," that is, the full strength of unimpaired prosperity […
Versículo 24
22. breasts--rather, "skins," or "vessels" for fluids [LEE]. But [UMBREIT] "stations or resting-place…
Versículo 26
23. (Ecc 9:2).
Versículo 27
24. Their wrongful thoughts against Job are stated by him in Job 21:28. They do not honestly name Job…
Versículo 28
25. ye say--referring to Zophar (Job 20:7).
Versículo 29
26. Job, seeing that the friends will not admit him as an impartial judge, as they consider his calam…
Versículo 30
27. Their testimony (referring perhaps to those who had visited the region where Abraham who enjoyed …
Versículo 31
28. That is, who dares to charge him openly with his bad ways? namely, in this present life. He shall…
Versículo 32
29. Yet--rather, "and."
Versículo 33
30. As the classic saying has it, "The earth is light upon him." His repose shall be "sweet."
Versículo 34
31. falsehood--literally, "transgression." Your boasted "consolations" (Job 15:11) are contradicted b…