Q1 R1 a1 1,2. Call for attention.
b1 3,4. His fitness. g 3. Internal.
" h 4. External.
a2 5. Call for answer.
b2 6,7. His fitness. h 6. External
g 7. Internal.
S c 8-11. Job's error. Justification of himself.
d 12. Answer. God's greatness [in Creation.]
S c 13. Job's error. Charge against God.
d 14-30. Answer. God's goodness [in Revelation.]
R2 a3 31-. Call for silence.
b3 -31. His fitness. "I will speak."
a4 32. Call for answer.
b4 33. His fitness. "I will teach."
1656 B.C.
Job 33)
1 Wherefore, Job, I pray you, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.
2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue has spoken in my mouth.
3 My words (in this chapter are to be found most of the fundamental doctrines of the N.T.) shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.
4 The spirit of GOD (El) has made me, and the breath of The Almighty has given me life.
5 If you can answer me, set your words in order before me, stand up.
6 Behold, I am according to your wish (cp. 13:3,18-24; 16:21; 23:3-9; 30:20; 31:35) in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.
7 Behold, my terror shall not make you afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon you.
8 Surely you hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of your words (cp. 9:17; 10:7; 11:4; 16:17; 23:10,11; 27:5; 29:14; 31:1), saying,
9 'I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me.
10 Behold, He seeks occasions against me, that He may count me for His enemy,
11 He puts my feet in the stocks, He marks all my paths.'
12 Behold, in this you are not just: I will answer you, that God (Eloah) is greater than mortal man. (This is the theme of Elihu's address)
13 Why do you strive against Him? for He gives not account of any of His matters.
d e1 14,15. Means. [Dreams and visions.] In detail.
f1 16-18. Ends. [Negative.] "
e2 19-22. Means. [Afflictions.] "
f2 23-28. Ends. [Positive.] "
e3 29. Means. [All these means.] In sum.
f3 30. Ends. [Neg. 30-. Pos. -30.] "
14 For God speaks once, yes twice, yet man perceives it not.
15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;
16 Then He opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction,
17 That He may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.
18 He keeps back his soul from the grave (as dug out of the earth), and his life from perishing by the sword.
19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
20 So that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty meat.
21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out.
22 Yes, his soul draws near to the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
23 If there (this is another way by which God speaks) be a messenger with Him, an interpreter (to reveal God and His truth. Cp. John 1:18), one among a thousand, to show to man His uprightness: (I.e. God's righteousness.)
24 Then He is gracious to him, and says, 'Deliver him from going down to the grave: I have found an Atonement.' (Heb. kopher, a covering by shedding of blood, or the price of expiation, or atonement.)
25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth:
26 He shall pray to GOD, and he will be favorable to him: and he shall see His face with joy: for He will render to man His righteousness. (I.e God's righteousness.)
27 He looks upon men, and if any say, 'I have sinned (this is true wisdom. See 28:28. This is "the end of the Lord" [Jas. 5:11], to which all was leading, and which is reached at length in 42:2-5), and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;'
28 He will deliver his soul from going into the grave, and his life shall see the light.
29 Lo, all these things work God oftentimes with man,
30 To bring back his soul from the grave, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
31 Mark well, O Job, listen to me: hold your peace, and I will speak.
32 If you hast anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify you.
33 If not, listen you to me: hold your peace, and I shall teach you wisdom."