The Pulpit Commentary — Job — Section 147

Ilcre Bildad passes into citation of some old sayings, which condense tho truths of life. (1) The p11pyrus and the grass of the Nile (vers. 11, 12 ). Thoy cannot live without their proper element and nutrimrnt of water; they quickly wither in its 11bsence, .So must it be with m11n where he is devoid of Divine gr11ce (ver. 13). A new figure iii introduced in -the "paths" of the forge Iters of God-they are lost like a wind-swept tract in the desert (comp. Ps. i.); and the hope of the unholy" goes under," disappears like t.he sun below the horizon's verge, to be seen no more. (2) The spider's web (ver. 14). He who trnsts in his own strength or resources, without God, will have his con~ fidence rent from him as the spider's web gives way at a slight touch or at tho breath or the wind. The habitation which he thinks secure is but a gossamer thing; it cannot stand (ver. 15). (3) The creeping plant in its pride (vers. 16, 17). Before the burning glow of the sun, full of sap, it spreads over the garden, fixing itself firmly among the st-0nes, and proudly lording it, as it were, over them. But when God withdraws the water, it perishes, unpitied by the home which it adorned. The wicked is thus denied and forsaken by his own connections, when he would rely upon them, Such is the pleasure of his way, turned into the deepest misery. Others spring from his remains, like suckers from the overthrown tree; let them take warning by his fate (vers. 18, 19). What powerful images of the nonentity of evil I It never really wa.s-and, its semblance passing away, not a trace is left behind. III. HECAPITULATION. (Vers. 20--22.) 1. In the way of solace. God does not des pi.le the innocent. This is a meiosis, a saying less than is meant. He regards, ,he tends, he loves them, feeds them with water in the desert, keeps them as the apple of his eye. His wiU is to make them happy-to bring smiles to the dejected lines of the mouth, and to fill it with the fruits of praise. 2. In the way of warning. He "holds not fast the evil-doers' hand," and therefore when they stumble they are helpless. The enemies of the good ma.n will see with shame that he is rai/led up from every fall (ver. 22); and once more, in final reverberation of the thunder of menace, the tent qf the wicked shall vanish and be no more I LESSOl1S. 1. The distinction between seeming and real prosperity-that which is for a time and that which is for ever. 2. Life by Divine grace, and recovery from seeming ruin. Death without Divine grace, and overthrow of seeming prosperity.--J. Vers. l-7.-The Divine jU8tice. The words of Bildad, as of Job's other friends, are often marked by great beauty, and often embody principles of the highest practical value; but they frequently err in their application. The judgment of the friends upon Job is based upon an error which the entire course of the book is designed to expose. Here a true principle is enunciated respecting the Divine justice; which is shown to manifest itself- !. IN .A BTll.lOT INTEGRITY. (Ver. 3.) "Doth God. pervert judgment?" . , IL 1N .A vioonous PUNISHMENT OF INIQUITY. God. gives the sinful up to the fruits of their wickedness (ver. 4). But he shows both mercy and judgment, III. IN A OOMPASSIOKATE FORGIVENESS OF THE PENITENT. And he exalts hie just judgment- , IV. BY A GBA.CIOUS INTERPOSITION ON BEHALF OF THE PURE. (Vere. 6, 7'..) So that no cause of complaint could remain. The Divine justice is (1) unimpeachable; (2). it is displayed in the punishment of vice; and (3) in the certain reward of virtue, even if long delayed; (4) therefore may men without hesitation commit .themselves (a) to its present treatment, and (b) to its final decillions.-R. G. Vers. 1-7.-The 'IJ/T/,impeachable charader of the Divine judgmBnt. He rendereth to every man according to his works. His ways are equal , I. IlE THAT SINNETH IS PUNl6HED. (Ver. 4.) II. HE Jl[ERClFULLY HEARETH THE PB.A.YER OF THE CONTRITE. (Ver. 5.) III. IlE BLESSETH THE RIGHTEOUS. (Ver. 6.) IV. THOUGH HE CHAIITISE, HE FINALLY IIEWABDETH THE UI'R~GHT. (Ver. 7.) 'fc, this all the forwir ages bear testiwony, as the recorded or traditional so.yinge of the 4ncients bear wimess.-H. G. lltt. vnr. 1-22.] THE BOOK OF JOB. 149