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| 1 ¶ Wherefore, Job, I
pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.
2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. 3 My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. 4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. 5 If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. 6 Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay. 7 Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. |
1
- Hear and hearken Hearken means to hear or to listen carefully.
Job has spoken to Job's friends. Now he begins a long discourse to Job.
As with Job's friends, we would not base our theology on what they say, but can learn the ancient perspectives. For example, they do not see the dead as in heaven or hell. Such is seen near the end of this chapter. |
| 8 ¶ Surely thou hast
spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,
9 I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. 10 Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, 11 He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. 12 Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. 13 Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. |
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| .14
Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in mine hand?
.15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. 16 He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. 17 Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears. 18 Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified. 19 Who is he that will plead with me? for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the ghost. |
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| 20 Only do not two things
unto me: then will I not hide myself from thee.
21 Withdraw thine hand far from me: and let not thy dread make me afraid. 22 Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me. |
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| .23
If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand,
to shew unto man his uprightness:
24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. 25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: 26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. 27 He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; 28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. |
28 - His soul Souls may rest in the grave. Also see v.31. |
| 29 ¶ Lo, all these things
worketh God oftentimes with man,
30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living. 31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. 32 If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. 33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom. |
30
- Bring back Souls [or lives] may be resurrected and are
then able to understand with the living again.
31 - Mark well Elihu issues an arrogant challenge. 33 - I will teach you Elihu doesn't stop to hear what Job might have to say but continues on through chapter 37. Then God speaks. Job38. |
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