REPLY OF JOB TO BILDAD. (Job 9:1-35) I know it is so of a truth--that God does not "pervert justice" (Job 8:3). But (even though I be sure of being in the right) how can a mere man assert his right--(be just) with God…
2Ciertamente yo sé que es así; ¿Y cómo se justificará el hombre con Dios?
3Si quisiere contender con él, No le podrá responder a una cosa entre mil.
4Él es sabio de corazón, y poderoso en fuerzas; ¿Quién se endureció contra él, y le fue bien?
5Él arranca los montes con su furor, Y no saben quién los trastornó;
6Él remueve la tierra de su lugar, Y hace temblar sus columnas;
7Él manda al sol, y no sale; Y sella las estrellas;
8Él solo extendió los cielos, Y anda sobre las olas del mar;
9Él hizo la Osa, el Orión y las Pléyades, Y los lugares secretos del sur;
10Él hace cosas grandes e incomprensibles, Y maravillosas, sin número.
11He aquí que él pasará delante de mí, y yo no lo veré; Pasará, y no lo entenderé.
12He aquí, arrebatará; ¿quién le hará restituir? ¿Quién le dirá: Qué haces?
13Dios no volverá atrás su ira, Y debajo de él se abaten los que ayudan a los soberbios.
14¿Cuánto menos le responderé yo, Y hablaré con él palabras escogidas?
15Aunque fuese yo justo, no respondería; Antes habría de rogar a mi juez.
16Si yo le invocara, y él me respondiese, Aún no creeré que haya escuchado mi voz.
17Porque me ha quebrantado con tempestad, Y ha aumentado mis heridas sin causa.
18No me ha concedido que tome aliento, Sino que me ha llenado de amarguras.
19Si habláremos de su potencia, por cierto es fuerte; Si de juicio, ¿quién me emplazará?
20Si yo me justificare, me condenaría mi boca; Si me dijere perfecto, esto me haría inicuo.
21Si fuese íntegro, no haría caso de mí mismo; Despreciaría mi vida.
22Una cosa resta que yo diga: Al perfecto y al impío él los consume.
23Si azote mata de repente, Se ríe del sufrimiento de los inocentes.
24La tierra es entregada en manos de los impíos, Y él cubre el rostro de sus jueces. Si no es él, ¿quién es? ¿Dónde está?
25Mis días han sido más ligeros que un correo; Huyeron, y no vieron el bien.
26Pasaron cual naves veloces; Como el águila que se arroja sobre la presa.
27Si yo dijere: Olvidaré mi queja, Dejaré mi triste semblante, y me esforzaré,
28Me turban todos mis dolores; Sé que no me tendrás por inocente.
29Yo soy impío; ¿Para qué trabajaré en vano?
30Aunque me lave con aguas de nieve, Y limpie mis manos con la limpieza misma,
31Aún me hundirás en el hoyo, Y mis propios vestidos me abominarán.
32Porque no es hombre como yo, para que yo le responda, Y vengamos juntamente a juicio.
33No hay entre nosotros árbitro Que ponga su mano sobre nosotros dos.
34Quite de sobre mí su vara, Y su terror no me espante.
35Entonces hablaré, y no le temeré; Porque en este estado no estoy en mí.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 3
I. If he--God
If he--God
will contend with him--literally, "deign to enter into judgment."
he cannot answer, &c.--He (man) would not dare, even if he had a thousand answers in readiness to one question of God's, to utter one of them, from awe of His Majesty.
II
Versículo 4
II. wise in heart--in understanding!--and mighty in power! God confounds the ablest arguer by His wis…
wise in heart--in understanding!--and mighty in power! God confounds the ablest arguer by His wisdom, and the mightiest by His power.
hardened himself--or his neck (Pro 29:1); that is, defied God. To prosper, one must fall in with God's arrangements of providence and grace.
III
Versículo 5
III. and they know not--Hebrew for "suddenly, unexpectedly, before they are aware of it" (Psa 35:8); "…
and they know not--Hebrew for "suddenly, unexpectedly, before they are aware of it" (Psa 35:8); "at unawares"; Hebrew, which "he knoweth not of" (Joe 2:14; Pro 5:6).
IV
Versículo 6
IV. The earth is regarded, poetically, as resting on pillars, which tremble in an earthquake (Psa 75:…
The earth is regarded, poetically, as resting on pillars, which tremble in an earthquake (Psa 75:3; Isa 24:20). The literal truth as to the earth is given (Job 26:7).
V
Versículo 7
V. The sun, at His command, does not rise; namely, in an eclipse, or the darkness that accompanies e…
The sun, at His command, does not rise; namely, in an eclipse, or the darkness that accompanies earthquakes (Job 9:6).
sealeth up the stars--that is, totally covers as one would seal up a room, that its contents may not be seen.
VI
Versículo 8
VI. spreadeth out-- (Isa 40:22; Psa 104:2). But throughout it is not so much God's creating, as His g…
spreadeth out-- (Isa 40:22; Psa 104:2). But throughout it is not so much God's creating, as His governing, power over nature that is set forth. A storm seems a struggle between Nature and her Lord! Better, therefore, "Who boweth the heavens alone," without help of any other. God descends from the bowed-down heaven to the earth (Psa 18:9). The storm, wherein the clouds descend, suggests this image. In the descent of the vault of heaven, God has come down from His high throne and walks majestically over the mountain waves (Hebrew, "heights"), as a conqueror taming their violence. So "tread upon" (Deu 33:29; Amo 4:13; Mat 14:26). The Egyptian hieroglyphic for impossibility is a man walking on waves.
VII
Versículo 9
VII. maketh--rather, from the Arabic, "covereth up." This accords better with the context, which descr…
maketh--rather, from the Arabic, "covereth up." This accords better with the context, which describes His boundless power as controller rather than as creator [UMBREIT].
Arcturus--the great bear, which always revolves about the pole, and never sets. The Chaldeans and Arabs, early named the stars and grouped them in constellations; often travelling and tending flocks by night, they would naturally do so, especially as the rise and setting of some stars mark the distinction of seasons. BRINKLEY, presuming the stars here mentioned to be those of Taurus and Scorpio, and that these were the cardinal constellations of spring and autumn in Job's time, calculates, by the precession of equinoxes, the time of Job to be eight hundred eighteen years after the deluge, and one hundred eighty-four before Abraham.
Orion--Hebrew, "the fool"; in Job 38:31 he appears fettered with "bands." The old legend represented this star as a hero, who presumptuously rebelled against God, and was therefore a fool, and was chained in the sky as a punishment; for its rising is at the stormy period of the year. He is Nimrod (the exceedingly impious rebel) among the Assyrians; Orion among the Greeks. Sabaism (worship of the heavenly hosts) and hero-worship were blended in his person. He first subverted the patriarchal order of society by substituting a chieftainship based on conquest (Gen 10:9-10).
Pleiades--literally, "the heap of stars"; Arabic, "knot of stars." The various names of this constellation in the East express the close union of the stars in it (Amo 5:8).
chambers of the south--the unseen regions of the southern hemisphere, with its own set of stars, as distinguished from those just mentioned of the northern. The true structure of the earth is here implied.
VIII
Versículo 10
VIII. Repeated from Eliphaz (Job 5:9).
Repeated from Eliphaz (Job 5:9).
IX
Versículo 11
IX. I see him not: he passeth on--The image is that of a howling wind (Isa 21:1). Like it when it bur…
I see him not: he passeth on--The image is that of a howling wind (Isa 21:1). Like it when it bursts invisibly upon man, so God is felt in the awful effects of His wrath, but is not seen (Joh 3:8). Therefore, reasons Job, it is impossible to contend with Him.
X
Versículo 12
X. If "He taketh away," as in my case all that was dear to me, still a mortal cannot call Him to acc…
If "He taketh away," as in my case all that was dear to me, still a mortal cannot call Him to account. He only takes His own. He is an absolute King (Ecc 8:4; Dan 4:35).
XI
Versículo 13
XI. If God--rather, "God will not withdraw His anger," that is, so long as a mortal obstinately resis…
If God--rather, "God will not withdraw His anger," that is, so long as a mortal obstinately resists [UMBREIT].
the proud helpers--The arrogant, who would help one contending with the Almighty, are of no avail against Him.
XII
Versículo 14
XII. How much less shall I? &c.--who am weak, seeing that the mighty have to stoop before Him. Choose …
How much less shall I? &c.--who am weak, seeing that the mighty have to stoop before Him. Choose words (use a well-chosen speech, in order to reason) with Him.
XIII
Versículo 15
XIII. (Job 10:15). Though I were conscious of no sin, yet I would not dare to say so, but leave it to H…
(Job 10:15). Though I were conscious of no sin, yet I would not dare to say so, but leave it to His judgment and mercy to justify me (Co1 4:4).
XIV
Versículo 16
XIV. would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice--who breaketh me (as a tree stripped of i…
would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice--who breaketh me (as a tree stripped of its leaves) with a tempest.
XV
Versículo 19
XV. UMBREIT takes these as the words of God, translating, "What availeth the might of the strong?" "H…
UMBREIT takes these as the words of God, translating, "What availeth the might of the strong?" "Here (saith he) behold! what availeth justice? Who will appoint me a time to plead?" (So Jer 49:19). The last words certainly apply better to God than to Job. The sense is substantially the same if we make "me" apply to Job. The "lo!" expresses God's swift readiness for battle when challenged.
16
Versículo 20
16. it-- (Job 15:6; Luk 19:22); or "He," God.
it-- (Job 15:6; Luk 19:22); or "He," God.
17
Versículo 21
17. Literally, here (and in Job 9:20), "I perfect! I should not know my soul! I would despise," [that…
Literally, here (and in Job 9:20), "I perfect! I should not know my soul! I would despise," [that is], "disown my life"; that is, Though conscious of innocence, I should be compelled, in contending with the infinite God, to ignore my own soul and despise my past life as if it were guilty [ROSENMULLER].
18
Versículo 22
18. one thing--"It is all one; whether perfect or wicked--He destroyeth." This was the point Job main…
one thing--"It is all one; whether perfect or wicked--He destroyeth." This was the point Job maintained against his friends, that the righteous and wicked alike are afflicted, and that great sufferings here do not prove great guilt (Luk 13:1-5; Ecc 9:2).
19
Versículo 23
19. If--Rather, "While (His) scourge slays suddenly (the wicked, Job 9:22), He laughs at (disregards;…
If--Rather, "While (His) scourge slays suddenly (the wicked, Job 9:22), He laughs at (disregards; not derides) the pining away of the innocent." The only difference, says Job, between the innocent and guilty is, the latter are slain by a sudden stroke, the former pine away gradually. The translation, "trial," does not express the antithesis to "slay suddenly," as "pining away" does [UMBREIT].
20
Versículo 24
20. Referring to righteous "judges," in antithesis to "the wicked" in the parallel first clause, wher…
Referring to righteous "judges," in antithesis to "the wicked" in the parallel first clause, whereas the wicked oppressor often has the earth given into his hand, the righteous judges are led to execution--culprits had their faces covered preparatory to execution (Est 7:8). Thus the contrast of the wicked and righteous here answers to that in Job 9:23.
if not, where and who?--If God be not the cause of these anomalies, where is the cause to be found, and who is he?
21
Versículo 25
21. a post--a courier. In the wide Persian empire such couriers, on dromedaries or on foot, were empl…
a post--a courier. In the wide Persian empire such couriers, on dromedaries or on foot, were employed to carry the royal commands to the distant provinces (Est 3:13, Est 3:15; Est 8:14). "My days" are not like the slow caravan, but the fleet post. The "days" are themselves poetically said to "see no good," instead of Job in them (Pe1 3:10).
22
Versículo 26
22. swift ships--rather, canoes of reeds or papyrus skiffs, used on the Nile, swift from their lightn…
swift ships--rather, canoes of reeds or papyrus skiffs, used on the Nile, swift from their lightness (Isa 18:2).
23
Versículo 28
23. The apodosis to Job 9:27 --"If I say, &c." "I still am afraid of all my sorrows (returning), for …
The apodosis to Job 9:27 --"If I say, &c." "I still am afraid of all my sorrows (returning), for I know that thou wilt (dost) (by removing my sufferings) not hold or declare me innocent. How then can I leave off my heaviness?"
24
Versículo 29
24. The "if" is better omitted; I (am treated by God as) wicked; why then labor I in vain (to disprov…
The "if" is better omitted; I (am treated by God as) wicked; why then labor I in vain (to disprove His charge)? Job submits, not so much because he is convinced that God is right, as because God is powerful and he weak [BARNES].
25
Versículo 30
25. snow water--thought to be more cleansing than common water, owing to the whiteness of snow (Psa 5…
snow water--thought to be more cleansing than common water, owing to the whiteness of snow (Psa 51:7; Isa 1:18).
never so clean--Better, to answer to the parallelism of the first clause which expresses the cleansing material, "lye:" the Arabs used alkali mixed with oil, as soap (Psa 73:13; Jer 2:22).
26
Versículo 32
26. (Ecc 6:10; Isa 45:9).
(Ecc 6:10; Isa 45:9).
27
Versículo 33
27. daysman--"mediator," or "umpire"; the imposition of whose hand expresses power to adjudicate betw…
daysman--"mediator," or "umpire"; the imposition of whose hand expresses power to adjudicate between the persons. There might be one on a level with Job, the one party; but Job knew of none on a level with the Almighty, the other party (Sa1 2:25). We Christians know of such a Mediator (not, however, in the sense of umpire) on a level with both--the God-man, Christ Jesus (Ti1 2:5).
28
Versículo 34
28. rod--not here the symbol of punishment, but of power. Job cannot meet God on fair terms so long a…
rod--not here the symbol of punishment, but of power. Job cannot meet God on fair terms so long as God deals with him on the footing of His almighty power.
29
Versículo 35
29. it is not so with me--As it now is, God not taking His rod away, I am not on such a footing of eq…
it is not so with me--As it now is, God not taking His rod away, I am not on such a footing of equality as to be able to vindicate myself.
Next: Job Chapter 10
Antiguo Testamento
Job — Capítulo 9
REPLY OF JOB TO BILDAD. (Job 9:1-35) I know it is so of a truth--that God does not "pervert justice" (Job 8:3). But (even though I be sure of being in the right) how can a mere man assert his right--(be just) with God…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Respondió Job, y dijo:
2Ciertamente yo sé que es así; ¿Y cómo se justificará el hombre con Dios?
3Si quisiere contender con él, No le podrá responder a una cosa entre mil.
4Él es sabio de corazón, y poderoso en fuerzas; ¿Quién se endureció contra él, y le fue bien?
5Él arranca los montes con su furor, Y no saben quién los trastornó;
6Él remueve la tierra de su lugar, Y hace temblar sus columnas;
7Él manda al sol, y no sale; Y sella las estrellas;
8Él solo extendió los cielos, Y anda sobre las olas del mar;
9Él hizo la Osa, el Orión y las Pléyades, Y los lugares secretos del sur;
10Él hace cosas grandes e incomprensibles, Y maravillosas, sin número.
11He aquí que él pasará delante de mí, y yo no lo veré; Pasará, y no lo entenderé.
12He aquí, arrebatará; ¿quién le hará restituir? ¿Quién le dirá: Qué haces?
13Dios no volverá atrás su ira, Y debajo de él se abaten los que ayudan a los soberbios.
14¿Cuánto menos le responderé yo, Y hablaré con él palabras escogidas?
15Aunque fuese yo justo, no respondería; Antes habría de rogar a mi juez.
16Si yo le invocara, y él me respondiese, Aún no creeré que haya escuchado mi voz.
17Porque me ha quebrantado con tempestad, Y ha aumentado mis heridas sin causa.
18No me ha concedido que tome aliento, Sino que me ha llenado de amarguras.
19Si habláremos de su potencia, por cierto es fuerte; Si de juicio, ¿quién me emplazará?
20Si yo me justificare, me condenaría mi boca; Si me dijere perfecto, esto me haría inicuo.
21Si fuese íntegro, no haría caso de mí mismo; Despreciaría mi vida.
22Una cosa resta que yo diga: Al perfecto y al impío él los consume.
23Si azote mata de repente, Se ríe del sufrimiento de los inocentes.
24La tierra es entregada en manos de los impíos, Y él cubre el rostro de sus jueces. Si no es él, ¿quién es? ¿Dónde está?
25Mis días han sido más ligeros que un correo; Huyeron, y no vieron el bien.
26Pasaron cual naves veloces; Como el águila que se arroja sobre la presa.
27Si yo dijere: Olvidaré mi queja, Dejaré mi triste semblante, y me esforzaré,
28Me turban todos mis dolores; Sé que no me tendrás por inocente.
29Yo soy impío; ¿Para qué trabajaré en vano?
30Aunque me lave con aguas de nieve, Y limpie mis manos con la limpieza misma,
31Aún me hundirás en el hoyo, Y mis propios vestidos me abominarán.
32Porque no es hombre como yo, para que yo le responda, Y vengamos juntamente a juicio.
33No hay entre nosotros árbitro Que ponga su mano sobre nosotros dos.
34Quite de sobre mí su vara, Y su terror no me espante.
35Entonces hablaré, y no le temeré; Porque en este estado no estoy en mí.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 3
I. If he--God
Versículo 4
II. wise in heart--in understanding!--and mighty in power! God confounds the ablest arguer by His wis…
Versículo 5
III. and they know not--Hebrew for "suddenly, unexpectedly, before they are aware of it" (Psa 35:8); "…
Versículo 6
IV. The earth is regarded, poetically, as resting on pillars, which tremble in an earthquake (Psa 75:…
Versículo 7
V. The sun, at His command, does not rise; namely, in an eclipse, or the darkness that accompanies e…
Versículo 8
VI. spreadeth out-- (Isa 40:22; Psa 104:2). But throughout it is not so much God's creating, as His g…
Versículo 9
VII. maketh--rather, from the Arabic, "covereth up." This accords better with the context, which descr…
Versículo 10
VIII. Repeated from Eliphaz (Job 5:9).
Versículo 11
IX. I see him not: he passeth on--The image is that of a howling wind (Isa 21:1). Like it when it bur…
Versículo 12
X. If "He taketh away," as in my case all that was dear to me, still a mortal cannot call Him to acc…
Versículo 13
XI. If God--rather, "God will not withdraw His anger," that is, so long as a mortal obstinately resis…
Versículo 14
XII. How much less shall I? &c.--who am weak, seeing that the mighty have to stoop before Him. Choose …
Versículo 15
XIII. (Job 10:15). Though I were conscious of no sin, yet I would not dare to say so, but leave it to H…
Versículo 16
XIV. would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice--who breaketh me (as a tree stripped of i…
Versículo 19
XV. UMBREIT takes these as the words of God, translating, "What availeth the might of the strong?" "H…
Versículo 20
16. it-- (Job 15:6; Luk 19:22); or "He," God.
Versículo 21
17. Literally, here (and in Job 9:20), "I perfect! I should not know my soul! I would despise," [that…
Versículo 22
18. one thing--"It is all one; whether perfect or wicked--He destroyeth." This was the point Job main…
Versículo 23
19. If--Rather, "While (His) scourge slays suddenly (the wicked, Job 9:22), He laughs at (disregards;…
Versículo 24
20. Referring to righteous "judges," in antithesis to "the wicked" in the parallel first clause, wher…
Versículo 25
21. a post--a courier. In the wide Persian empire such couriers, on dromedaries or on foot, were empl…
Versículo 26
22. swift ships--rather, canoes of reeds or papyrus skiffs, used on the Nile, swift from their lightn…
Versículo 28
23. The apodosis to Job 9:27 --"If I say, &c." "I still am afraid of all my sorrows (returning), for …
Versículo 29
24. The "if" is better omitted; I (am treated by God as) wicked; why then labor I in vain (to disprov…
Versículo 30
25. snow water--thought to be more cleansing than common water, owing to the whiteness of snow (Psa 5…
Versículo 32
26. (Ecc 6:10; Isa 45:9).
Versículo 33
27. daysman--"mediator," or "umpire"; the imposition of whose hand expresses power to adjudicate betw…
Versículo 34
28. rod--not here the symbol of punishment, but of power. Job cannot meet God on fair terms so long a…
Versículo 35
29. it is not so with me--As it now is, God not taking His rod away, I am not on such a footing of eq…