HAYDOCK CATHOLIC BIBLE COMMENTARY ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

JOB 8

CHAPTER VIII.

Ver. 1. Suhite, from Sue, the son of Abraham, who dwelt in the desert Arabia; (Gen. xxv. 2.) though several suppose, without reason, (C.) that Baldad resided at Sueta, in CÅ“losyria. M. --- He was the second in age and dignity. Pineda.

Ver. 2. How long. He seems tired with hearing, (H.) and accuses Job of want of moderation, representing him as a hypocrite, (C.) and an obstinate defender of his own opinion, against the better judgment of Eliphaz; (M.) though he was in reality only a constant asserter of truth. W.

Ver. 3. Just. He begins with the same principle as Eliphaz, which nobody denied. But he does not reflect, that God may cause even the just to be afflicted, for their trial and improvement.

Ver. 4. Iniquity, and suffered them to perish. C.

Ver. 6. Peaceable. Justice and peace shall kiss. H. --- Prosperity will attend the righteous. C.

Ver. 9. That. Heb. "because our days." H. --- Baldad strives, in vain, to prove what nobody contested. But he does not come to the point, and shew that Job was guilty. Past histories might have informed him that the just are often persecuted, like Abel, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. C. --- It is true, these were afterwards conforted in honour, except the first, who was slain, and better off in the other world. But Job might hope for the same treatment; and no man can be pronounced happy or miserable till his death. After a storm a calm frequently ensues; as Baldad might have seen verified in the person of his friend, if he had waited patiently, and not judged so peremptorily from equivocal arguments. H. --- We must allow, however, that what he said had been generally true. Houbigant.

Ver. 11. Sedge-bush, or flag. Heb. achu; so called, because from one root many brothers (as it were) spring. Sept. style it Boutomon, as it was usually "cut for oxen." Gen. xli. 2. Parkhurst. H. --- As plants die without suction, so do those who depart from God. M.

Ver. 12. Herbs, for want of moisture. C. --- Sic transit gloria mundi. H. --- The prophets often compare the prosperity of the wicked to grass, (Ps. xxxvi. 2. Jam. i. 10.) and Baldad ranks Job with them.

Ver. 14. Him, the hypocrite, or God. C. --- Both shall one day condemn the ill use of riches. H.

Ver. 15. He. The spider, or rather the hypocrite, who will not be able to screen himself, by his possessions, from the wrath of God. C.

Ver. 16. Seemeth. Heb. "he is green before the sun" beat upon him. --- Rising, ortu, for horto, (H.) as the Heb. &c. have "garden," (M.) with some Latin editions. He had compared the wicked to a rush without moisture. But the just is like a plant in a fine garden, which is not hurt by the sun beams. It will grow even among stones, (C.) and may be transplanted without danger, v. 19. H. --- The whole may be, however, a continuation of the former simile. The rush will presently be scorched, as if it were thrown among stones, and its place will know it no longer, v. 18. M.

Ver. 19. Joy. Sept. "the catastrophe of the wicked, for another shall spring," &c. H.

Ver. 21. Until. If thou be simple, (H.) or irreproachable, (C.) God will make thee exult. H. --- Until, &c. M. --- He will restore thee to thy former state of affluence. C.