returns: so a new generation of men is raised up, but the former generation vanishes away. Glorified
saints shall return no more to the cares and sorrows of their houses; nor condemned sinners to the
gaieties and pleasures of their houses. It concerns us to secure a better place when we die. From
these reasons Job might have drawn a better conclusion than this, I will complain. When we have
but a few breaths to draw, we should spend them in the holy, gracious breathings of faith and prayer;
not in the noisome, noxious breathings of sin and corruption. We have much reason to pray, that
He who keeps Israel, and neither slumbers nor sleeps, may keep us when we slumber and sleep.
Job covets to rest in his grave. Doubtless, this was his infirmity; for though a good man would
choose death rather than sin, yet he should be content to live as long as God pleases, because life
is our opportunity of glorifying him, and preparing for heaven.
Verses 17–21
Job reasons with God concerning his dealings with man. But in the midst of this discourse, Job
seems to have lifted up his thoughts to God with some faith and hope. Observe the concern he is
in about his sins. The best men have to complain of sin; and the better they are, the more they will
complain of it. God is the Preserver of our lives, and the Saviour of the souls of all that believe;
but probably Job meant the Observer of men, whose eyes are upon the ways and hearts of all men.
We can hide nothing from Him; let us plead guilty before his throne of grace, that we may not be
condemned at his judgment-seat. Job maintained, against his friends, that he was not a hypocrite,
not a wicked man, yet he owns to his God, that he had sinned. The best must so acknowledge,
before the Lord. He seriously inquires how he might be at peace with God, and earnestly begs
forgiveness of his sins. He means more than the removing of his outward trouble, and is earnest
for the return of God's favour. Wherever the Lord removes the guilt of sin, he breaks the power of
sin. To strengthen his prayer for pardon, Job pleads the prospect he had of dying quickly. If my
sins be not pardoned while I live, I am lost and undone for ever. How wretched is sinful man without
a knowledge of the Saviour!
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
Bildad reproves Job. (1–7)
Hypocrites will be destroyed. (8–19)
Bildad applies God's just dealing to Job. (20–22)Verses 1–7
Job spake much to the purpose; but Bildad, like an eager, angry disputant, turns it all off with
this, How long wilt thou speak these things? Men's meaning is not taken aright, and then they are
rebuked, as if they were evil-doers. Even in disputes on religion, it is too common to treat others
with sharpness, and their arguments with contempt. Bildad's discourse shows that he had not a