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Bible Commentaries
Dunagan's Commentary on the Bible Dunagan's Commentary
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bibliographical Information
Dunagan, Mark. "Commentary on Job 27". "Dunagan's Commentaries on the Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dun/job-27.html. 1999-2014.
Dunagan, Mark. "Commentary on Job 27". "Dunagan's Commentaries on the Bible". https://www.studylight.org/
Whole Bible (42)Old Testament (1)Individual Books (2)
Verse 2
27:2 "As God lives": This is an oath, "thus asserting that what he was about to affirm was as certain as God's existence" (Zuck p. 119). Yet Job must swear by a God that he claims that taken away his right, that is, has refused to hear his case, and thus has embittered his soul (7:11; 9:18; 10:1). "Despite his complaints about the justice of God, he still has the confidence to swear by Him. Backing up his oath, Job risks everything he has, is, or will be on the character of God-my justice, my soul, my breath, my lips, my tongue, my integrity, my righteousness, and my heart (2-6)" (McKenna p. 190). 27:2-3 As long as Job has life he will speak the truth, which means maintaining his innocence and disagreeing with the views of his friends. They had advised him to repent, Job believes that such an action would be dishonest and hypocritical (27:4 ). He will maintain his integrity until the end of his days, he also denies any awareness of sins such as his consolers had charged to him (22:6-9). His conscience remained clear!
Verse 7
27:7 In maintaining his innocence it is clear that Job is not excusing sinners, for God gives a clear description of condemnation for the wicked. Job will point out that the godless man has not hope (27:8), and neither does God answer their cries in times of distress. The question here, when Job says, "May my enemy be as the wicked", is whether or not he referring to his three friends who have become his opponents.
Verse 10
27:10 In addition, the wicked will not delight in God nor will they continually call upon Him, thus demonstrating that they are ungodly. But Job is still calling upon God even in his distress.
Verse 11
27:11 "I will instruct you in the power of God": In contrast to the wicked, Job could even teach his friends a number of things about God. Compare with 22:22.
Verse 12
27:12 Yet such teaching would only be a reminder of what they had already seen, so why were they acting so foolishly in ignoring such obvious truths?
Verse 13
27:13-23 Notice that God does deal with "tyrants". The wicked tyrant may have many children, indicating that God does not always immediately cut off the wicked in this life. Remember, Job has never denied that the wicked will eventually be punished. Zophar contended that the wicked thrive only for a short time (chapter 20), Job disagrees. Job contends that God does ultimately judge the wicked, but this may be after a full life of ease and prosperity. Compare this section with Zophar's words in chapter 20. Here Job appears to copy what Zophar said and then applies it to Zophar and his friends.
Verse 17
27:17 What ungodly men have accumulated does often end up in the hands of godly people (Psalm 39:6; Proverbs 13:22). Note, this does not mean that one godly person gets everything that one wicked man had.
Verse 18
27:18 His house or family that appears to be so strong is actually as flimsy as a spider's web, or a temporary hut built by a farmer during harvest season so he can guard his crops.
Verse 19
27:19 One day the wicked man is rich, but the next day all this changes. Not only would he lose his possessions, but he himself would be gone as well.
Verse 20
27:20 "As in verse 19, calamity calls him from his night chambers. The wicked man is haunted by terrors night and day (Isaiah 28:17; Hosea 5:10; Amos 5:24)" (Strauss p. 267).
Verse 21
27:21 Here the sudden troubles that come upon the wicked are compared with a scorching east wind and a whirlwind, and will carry him away from his supposed place of safety from which there is no escape.
Verse 22
27:22 He will try to escape, but all his attempts will be unsuccessful.
Verse 23
27:23 When the wicked are overtaken, people in the world do rejoice or mock their downfall. Compare with Jeremiah 49:17; Ezek. 27:36; Zeph. 2:15.