Read Job chapter 9 online with LogosAI Bible study tools, highlights, and cross references.
Job 9 is part of “First Cycle of Dialogue” (4–14) in the outline of Job.
Job 9 summary
In this and the following chapter we have Job's answer to Bildad's discourse, wherein he speaks honourably of God, humbly of himself, and feelingly of his troubles; but not one word by way of reflection upon his friends, or their unkindness to him, nor in direct reply to what Bildad had said. He wisely keeps to the merits of the cause, and makes no remarks upon the person that managed it, nor seeks occasion against him. In this chapter we have, I. The doctrine of God's justice laid down (Job 9:2). II. The proof of it, from his wisdom, and power, and sovereign dominion (Job 9:3-13). III. The application of it, in which, 1. He condemns himself, as not able to contend with God either in law or battle (Job 9:14-21). 2. He maintains his point, that we cannot judge of men's character by their outward condition (Job 9:22-24). 3. He complains of the greatness of his troubles, the confusion he was in, and the loss he was at what to say or do (Job 9:25-35).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
1 Then Job answered,
2 “Truly I know that it is so, but how can man be just with God?
3 If he is pleased to contend with him, he can’t answer him one time in a thousand.
4 God is wise in heart, and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against him and prospered?
5 He removes the mountains, and they don’t know it, when he overturns them in his anger.
6 He shakes the earth out of its place. Its pillars tremble.
7 He commands the sun and it doesn’t rise, and seals up the stars.
8 He alone stretches out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea.
9 He makes the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, and the rooms of the south.
10 He does great things past finding out; yes, marvelous things without number.
11 Behold, he goes by me, and I don’t see him. He passes on also, but I don’t perceive him.
12 Behold, he snatches away. Who can hinder him? Who will ask him, ‘What are you doing?’
13 “God will not withdraw his anger. The helpers of Rahab stoop under him.