much to be ascribed to Satan's inward temptations, and his anguish of soul, under the sense of God's
displeasure, as to his outward trials, and remaining depravity. Our Creator, become in Christ our
Redeemer also, will not destroy the work of his hands in any humble believer; but will renew him
unto holiness, that he may enjoy eternal life. If anguish on earth renders the grave a desirable refuge,
what will be their condition who are condemned to the blackness of darkness for ever? Let every
sinner seek deliverance from that dreadful state, and every believer be thankful to Jesus, who
delivereth from the wrath to come.
Chapter 11
Chapter Outline
Zophar reproves Job. (1–6)
God's perfections and almighty power. (7–12)
Zophar assures Job of blessings if he (13–20)
repented.Verses 1–6
Zophar attacked Job with great vehemence. He represented him as a man that loved to hear
himself speak, though he could say nothing to the purpose, and as a man that maintained falsehoods.
He desired God would show Job that less punishment was exacted than he deserved. We are ready,
with much assurance, to call God to act in our quarrels, and to think that if he would but speak, he
would take our part. We ought to leave all disputes to the judgment of God, which we are sure is
according to truth; but those are not always right who are most forward to appeal to the Divine
judgment.
Verses 7–12
Zophar speaks well concerning God and his greatness and glory, concerning man and his vanity
and folly. See here what man is; and let him be humbled. God sees this concerning vain man, that
he would be wise, would be thought so, though he is born like a wild ass's colt, so unteachable and
untameable. Man is a vain creature; empty, so the word is. Yet he is a proud creature, and
self-conceited. He would be wise, would be thought so, though he will not submit to the laws of
wisdom. He would be wise, he reaches after forbidden wisdom, and, like his first parents, aiming
to be wise above what is written, loses the tree of life for the tree of knowledge. Is such a creature
as this fit to contend with God?
Verses 13–20
Zophar exhorts Job to repentance, and gives him encouragement, yet mixed with hard thoughts
of him. He thought that worldly prosperity was always the lot of the righteous, and that Job was to