J³ E 1-6. Rebuke. God's judgments [particular] on Job.
F y 7,8. Human ignorance.
z 9-12. Divine knowledge.
F y 13,14. Human merit.
z 15-19. Divine reward.
E 20. Rebuke. God's judgments [general] on the wicked.
1656 B.C.
Job 11)
1 Then spoke Zophar (see 2:11) the Naamathite, and said,
2 "Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?
3 Should your babblings make men hold their peace? and when you mock, shall none make you ashamed?
4 For you have said, 'My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.'
5 But oh that GOD would speak, and open His lips against you;
6 And that He would show you the secrets of wisdom, that they are double (i.e. manifold) to that which is! (see Prov. 2:7) Know therefore that GOD exacts (theology. Zophar's mistake. God is no exacter) of you less than your iniquity deserves.
7 Can you by searching find out GOD? can you find out the Almighty (El Shadai) unto perfection?
8 It is as high as heaven; what can you do? deeper than hell; what can you know?
9 The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
10 If He pass by, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder Him?
11 For He know vain men: He sees iniquity also; although He seems not to perceive it
12 For a man senseless would become sensible (if God did always punish immediately), though man be born like a wild ass's colt.
13 If you prepare your heart (this is Zophar's false theology), and stretch out your hands toward Him;
14 If iniquity be in your hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in your tents.
15 For then shall you lift up your face without spot; yes, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:
16 Because you shall forget your misery, and remember it as waters that pass away:
17 And your age (put for things done in it) shall be clearer than the noonday: you shall soar upward like the rays of the shining sun, you shall be as the morning.
18 And you shall be secure, because there is hope; yes, you shall look about you (see Josh. 2:2 Cp. 39:29: i.e. before laying down [v.19]), and you shall take your rest in safety.
19 Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; yes, many shall make suit unto you. (Heb. entreat your face: i.e. seek your favor.)
20 But the eyes of the lawless shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope shall be as the giving up of the breath."