Job 9:15

"How much less will I answer him, and choose my words to argue with him?"

Key Reflection

In first-century Israel, Job's statement in Job 9:15 reflects the cultural understanding of humility and divine authority. The original audience would recognize that responding to God is not a matter for mere mortals; it implies acknowledging one’s finite nature compared to the infinite wisdom and power of the deity. By choosing not to answer or argue with God, Job humbly submits to what he perceives as God's incomprehensible sovereignty, setting a powerful example of faith and reverence in the face of divine mystery.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Whom, though I were righteous -That is, if I felt the utmost confidence that I was righteous, yet, if God judged otherwise, and regarded me as a sinner, I would not reply to him, but would make supplication to him as a sinner. I would have so much confidence in him, and would feel that he was so much better qualified than I am to judge, and that I am so liable to be deceived, that I would come to him as a sinner, if he judged and declared me to be one, and would plead for pardon. The meaning is, that God is a much better judge of our character than we can possibly be, and that his regarding us as sinners is the highest proof that we are such, whatever may be our views to the contrary.

More from Job 9

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