Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Naamathite. Septuagint “the Minean,” in Arabia Felix, or rather of the Meonim, not far from the Themanites. Judges 10:11. Sophar was probably a descendant of Sepho, styled by Septuagint Sophar, (Genesis 36:11 and 1 Chronicles 1:36) brother of Thaman, and grandson of Eliphaz, the son of Esau. Calmet.—He speaks with greater insolence than the two others, (Pineda) and inveighs against Job, insisting that he can be punished thus only for his crimes. Calmet.
Verse 2. Much. The speeches of Job seemed tedious to him, because he was not of his opinion. Menochius.—He might have applied to himself and his friends the fault of talking too much, as they all spoke many things to no purpose, whereas Job went straight to the point. Worthington.
Verse 3. Men. Hebrew “shall thy lies make men keep silence?” Septuagint “Blessed be the short-lived son of a woman. Speak not much, for there is no one to give sentence against thee.” Bible.—Mocked, by not acquiescing to their solid arguments, ( Menochius.) and speaking with much animation. Pineda.
Verse 4. Sight. Job had just said the reverse. Calmet. 9:2. Saint John Chrysostom
Verse 6. Law. Hebrew Thushiya, ( Bible.) “the essence” of any thing. Hence it is explained, “law, strength, comfort,” and so forth We might translate, “and that the reality of thy crimes deserved double punishment,” and so forth The obligations of the natural, and also of the written law of Moses, with which Job was ( Calmet.) perhaps ( Bible.) acquainted, (Calmet. 22:22) are very numerous and difficult. The ways of Providence are not easily understood, though some are obvious enough. He rewards and punishes. Calmet.—Septuagint “for it is double of what has come against thee, and then thou wouldst know that thy sins are justly requited.” Prot. “that they are double to that which is: Know, therefore, that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.” 1 Ezra 9:13. Bible.
Verse 7. Perfectly? If not, it is rash to find fault. Menochius.
Verse 11. It? to inflict punishment. Septuagint “he will not overlook.” Bible.
Verse 12. Is. Hebrew “is he heart? or wise, ( Calmet.) he who is born like a,” and so forth Shall he assert his independence, or pretend to be wise? Bible.—The Hebrews place wisdom in the heart, as we do courage. Calmet. 12:3. Proverbs 2:2. and so forth Calmet.
Verse 13. But. Hebrew “If thou direct thy heart, and so forth Thou mayst lift up thy face,” (verse 15. Bible.) without fear. 2 Kennicott. 2:22. Calmet.
Verse 14. Iniquity. Of this Job was not conscious, and therefore could not confess it. Worthington.
Verse 15. Without. Septuagint “as clean water, thou shalt pass away corruption, and shalt not fear.”
Verse 17. Brightness. Septuagint “But thy prayer, like the day-star and life, shall arise to thee from the south, or as at noon-day.” Hebrew “Thy age ( Bible.) shall appear clearer than the noon-day, and darkness like the morning.” Prosperity shall succeed, ( Calmet.) when thou shalt think all lost. Menochius.
Verse 18. Secure, dying full of hope. Chal. Hebrew “thou shalt dig,” (for water, which was there a great treasure. Genesis 21:25 and 26:15) or to fasten down thy tent, ( Calmet.) “and rest secure.” Bible.
Verse 19. Face. Luther translates “shall flatter thee.” The Dutch version, which is taken from Luther’s, has mistaken a letter, and rendered “shall flee before thee,” which shews the danger of translating without recurring to the originals. Amama.
Verse 20. Soul, because hope deferred causeth pain to the soul. Proverbs 13:12. Menochius.—Hebrew “their hope shall be the sorrow, or the breathing out of the soul.” Calmet.—Prot. “the giving up of the ghost.” Margin, “a puff of breath.” Calmet. 18:14. Bible.
Sheol is the place of the dead.