Job
Verse 1. Suhite, from Sue, the son of Abraham, who dwelt in the desert Arabia; (Genesis 25:2) though several suppose, without reason, ( Calmet.) that Baldad resided at Sueta, in Cœlosyria. Menochius.—He was the second in age and dignity. Pineda.
EXPLANATIONS
Job 8
Historical chapter commentary
Job
Verse 2. How long. He seems tired with hearing, ( Bible.) and accuses Job of want of moderation, representing him as a hypocrite, ( Calmet.) and an obstinate defender of his own opinion, against the better judgment of Eliphaz; ( Menochius.) though he was in reality only a constant asserter of truth. Worthington.
Job
Verse 3. Just. He begins with the same principle as Eliphaz, which nobody denied. But he does not reflect, that God may cause even the just to be afflicted, for their trial and improvement.
Job
Verse 4. Iniquity, and suffered them to perish. Calmet.
Job
Verse 6. Peaceable. Justice and peace shall kiss. Bible.—Prosperity will attend the righteous. Calmet.
Job
Verse 9. That. Hebrew “because our days.” Bible.—Baldad strives, in vain, to prove what nobody contested. But he does not come to the point, and shew that Job was guilty. Past histories might have informed him that the just are often persecuted, like Abel, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. Calmet.—It is true, these were afterwards conforted in honour, except the first, who was slain, and better off in the other world. But Job might hope for the same treatment; and no man can be pronounced happy or miserable till his death. After a storm a calm frequently ensues; as Baldad might have seen verified in the person of his friend, if he had waited patiently, and not judged so peremptorily from equivocal arguments. Bible.—We must allow, however, that what he said had been generally true. Houbigant.
Job
Verse 11. Sedge-bush, or flag. Hebrew achu; so called, because from one root many brothers (as it were) spring. Septuagint style it Βουτομον, as it was usually “cut for oxen.” Genesis 41:2. Parkhurst. Bible.—As plants die without suction, so do those who depart from God. Menochius.
Job
Verse 12. Herbs, for want of moisture. Calmet.—Sic transit gloria mundi. Bible.—The prophets often compare the prosperity of the wicked to grass, (Psalms 36:2. Jam. 1:10) and Baldad ranks Job with them.
Job
Verse 14. Him, the hypocrite, or God. Calmet.—Both shall one day condemn the ill use of riches. Bible.
Job
Verse 15. He. The spider, or rather the hypocrite, who will not be able to screen himself, by his possessions, from the wrath of God. Calmet.
Job
Verse 16. Seemeth. Hebrew “he is green before the sun” beat upon him.—Rising, ortu, for horto, ( Bible.) as the Hebrew and so forth have “garden,” ( Menochius.) with some Latin editions. He had compared the wicked to a rush without moisture. But the just is like a plant in a fine garden, which is not hurt by the sun beams. It will grow even among stones, ( Calmet.) and may be transplanted without danger, verse 19. Bible.—The whole may be, however, a continuation of the former simile. The rush will presently be scorched, as if it were thrown among stones, and its place will know it no longer, verse 18. Menochius.
Job
Verse 19. Joy. Septuagint “the catastrophe of the wicked, for another shall spring,” and so forth Bible.
Job
Verse 21. Until. If thou be simple, ( Bible.) or irreproachable, ( Calmet.) God will make thee exult. Bible.—Until, and so forth Menochius.—He will restore thee to thy former state of affluence. Calmet.