Job 8:1-9:24
Dear RTB’ers,
A second friend appears. Bildad the Shuhite speaks – but he is not much of a “friend” and certainly not a comforter. His first words are harsh, “How long will you say these things…?” and he cuts deep when speaking of the death of Job’s children: If your children have sinned against Him, He has delivered them into the hand of their transgression. (v. 8:4) However, he softens a bit as he speaks further. He becomes more of a friend as he ends his speech, actually predicting Job’s future blessings: He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with joyful shouting. (v. 8:21)
Job replies again with frustration, believing in his innocence yet irritated that he cannot deal directly with God: If one wished to contend with Him, one could not answer Him once in a thousand times. (v. 9:3) He speaks wonderfully of God’s power and wisdom (vv. 9:4-10, 19), yet to Job He is essentially invisible and unavailable: Behold, He passes by me, and I see Him not; He moves on, but I do not perceive Him. How then can I answer Him, choosing my words with Him? Though I am in the right, I cannot answer Him… (vv 9:11, 14-15a). And Job continues his reply…, tomorrow.
Blessings!
See also:
I would not call Bildad’s assertions in Job 8:21-22 a prediction of Job’s future blessings. Instead, although it may sound nice on the surface, Bildad is twisting the knife, asserting that, if Job were to repent of his obvious wickedness (evidenced by the “punishment” Job is experiencing), then Job would be rewarded. (Job 8:5-6) But since that isn’t yet happening, Bildad believes that Job is really being obstinate in his wickedness.