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Selected Verse: Job 11:16 - Strong Concordance
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
Job 11:16 |
Strong Concordance |
Because thou shalt forget [07911] thy misery [05999], and remember [02142] it as waters [04325] that pass away [05674]: |
|
King James |
Because thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away: |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
Just as when the stream runs dry (Job 6:17), the danger threatened by its wild waves is forgotten (Isa 65:16) [UMBREIT]. |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
And remember it as waters that pass away - As calamity that has completely gone by, or that has rolled on and will return no more. The comparison is beautiful. The water of the river is borne by us, and returns no more. The rough, the swollen, the turbid stream, we remember as it foamed and dashed along, threatening to sweep everything away; but it went swiftly by, and will never come back. So with afflictions. They are soon gone. The most intense pain soon subsides. The days of sorrow pass quickly away. There is an outer limit of suffering, and even ingenuity cannot prolong it far. The man disgraced, and whose life is a burden, will soon die. On the checks of the solitary prisoner doomed to the dungeon for life, a "mortal paleness" will soon settle down, and the comforts of approaching death will soothe the anguish of his sad heart. The rack of torture cheats itself of its own purpose, and the exhausted sufferer is released. "The excess (of grief) makes it soon mortal." "No sorrow but killed itself much sooner." Shakespeare. When we look back upon our sorrows, it is like thinking of the stream that was so much swollen, and was so impetuous. Its waters rolled on, and they come not back again; and there is a kind of pleasure in thinking of that time of danger, of that flood that was then so fearful, and that has now swept on to come back no more. So there is a kind of peaceful joy in thinking of the days of sorrow that are now fled forever; in the assurance that those sad times will never, never recur again. |
Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch [1857-78] |
16 For thou shalt forget thy grief,
Shalt remember it as waters that flow by.
17 And thy path of life shall be brighter than mid-day;
If it be dark, it shall become as morning.
18 And thou shalt take courage, for now there is hope;
And thou shalt search, thou shalt lie down in safety.
19 And thou liest down without any one making thee afraid;
And many shall caress thy cheeks.
20 But the eyes of the wicked languish,
And refuge vanisheth from them,
And their hope is the breathing forth of the soul.
The grief that has been surmounted will then leave no trace in the memory, like water that flows by (not: water that flows away, as Olshausen explains it, which would be differently expressed; comp. Job 20:28 with Sa2 14:14). It is not necessary to change אתּה כּי into עתּה כּי (Hirzel); אתה, as in Job 11:13, strengthens the force of the application of this conclusion of his speech. Life (חלד, from חלד to glide away, slip, i.e., pass away unnoticed,
(Note: Vid., Hupfeld on Psa 17:14, and on the other hand Bttcher, infer. 275 s., who, taking חלד in the sense of rooting into, translates: "the mildew springs up more brilliant than mid-day." But whatever judgment one may form of the primary idea of חלד, this meaning of חלד is too imaginary.)
as αἰών, both life-time, Psa 39:6, and the world, Psa 49:2, here in the former sense), at the end of which thou thoughtest thou wert already, and which seemed to thee to run on into dismal darkness, shall be restored to thee (יקום with Munach on the ult. as Job 31:14, not on the penult.) brighter than noon-day (מן, more than, i.e., here: brighter than, as e.g., Mic 7:4, more thorny than); and be it ever so dark, it shall become like morning. Such must be the interpretation of תּעפה. It cannot be a substantive, for it has the accent on the penult.; as a substantive it must have been pointed תּעוּפה (after the form תּקוּדה, תּקוּמה, and the like). It is one of the few examples of the paragogic strengthened voluntative in the third pers., like Psa 20:4; Isa 5:19
(Note: In other instances, as תּרנּה, Pro 1:20; Pro 8:3, and ותּעגּבה, Eze 23:20, the ah is not the cohortative form, but either paragogic without special meaning or (so that the fut. has a double feminine form) as feminine termination, as is evident in Job 22:21, where the ah is combined with the inflection.)
(Ges. 48, 3); the cohortative form of the future is used with or without אם (vid., on Psa 73:16) in hypothetical antecedent clauses (Ges. 128, 1). Translate therefore: should it become dark (accordingly correctly accented with Rebia mugrasch), from עוּף, to envelope one's self, to darken (whence עפתה, Job 10:22), not: shouldst thou become dark (Schlottm.). The feminine forms are instead of the neuter, like תּמטיר, it rains, Amo 4:7; חשׁכה, it becomes dark, Mic 3:6 (Ges. 137, 2).
The fut. is followed by perff. consecutiva in Job 11:18 : And thou shalt take confidence, for there is ground for hope for thee; ישׁ, with the force of real and lasting existence. וחפרתּ is also perf. consec., and is rightly accented as such. If it were to be interpreted et si erubueris pudore tranquille cubabis, it would require the accent on the penult., since it would be a perf. hypotheticum. But although the seeming antithesis of וחפרת and לבטח (comp. Job 6:20) appears to favour this interpretation, it is nevertheless inadmissible, since it introduces a sadness into the promise: granted that thou shouldest be put to shame at this or that prospect; whereas, if חפר be taken in the sense of scrutari, as it is used by our poet (Job 3:21; Job 39:29) (not with Bttch., who comp. Ecc 5:11, in the signification fodere = to labour in the field, in which meaning it is not common), the tone of sadness is removed, and the accentuation is duly observed: and thou shalt search about (i.e., examine the state of thy household, which is expressed by וּפקדתּ in Job 5:24), thou shalt lay thyself down in peace (i.e., because thou findest everything in a prosperous condition, and hast no anxiety). This felling of security against every harm that may befall one's person or property, gained from trust in God, is expressed (Job 11:19) under the figure of the peaceful situation of a herd when removed from danger, - a figure which is borrowed from Lev 26:6, and is frequently repeated in the prophets (Isa 17:2; Zep 3:13). The promises of Zophar culminate in a future exaltation which shall command reverence and inspire trust: et mulcebunt faciem tuam multi. פּני חלּה, to approach any one in humble entreaty, generally used in reference to God; less frequently, as here and Psa 45:13; Pro 19:6, in reference to men in high positions. The end of the wicked, on the other hand, is told in Job 11:20. Zophar here makes use of the choicest expressions of the style of the prophetic psalms: כּלה, otherwise frequently used of those who pine away with longing, here and Job 17:5 of eyes that languish with unsatisfied longing; מנּהם (Aram. מנּהוןּ), poetic for מהם; נפשׁ מפּח, after the phrase נפשׁ נפח, he breathes forth his soul (Jer 15:9, comp. Job 31:39). The meaning is not that death is their only hope, but that every expectation remains unfulfilled; giving up the ghost is that whither all their disappointed hopes tend.
That Zophar, in the mind of the poet, is the youngest of the three speakers, may be concluded from his introducing him last of all, although he is the most impetuous. Zophar manifests a still greater inability than the other two to bring Job to a right state of mind. His standpoint is the same as that of the others; like them, he regards the retributive justice of God as the principle on which alone the divine government in the world is exercised, and to which every act of this government is to be attributed, and it may indeed be assumed to be at work even when the relation of circumstances is mysterious and impenetrably dark to us. This limited view which the friends take of the matter readily accounts for the brevity of their speeches in comparison with Job's. This one locus communis is their only theme, which they reiterate constantly in some new and modified form; while the mind of Job is an exhaustless fountain of thought, suggested by the direct experiences of the past. Before the present dispensation of suffering came upon Job, he enjoyed the peace of true godliness, and all his thoughts and feelings were under the control of a consciousness, made certain by his experience, that God makes himself known to those who fear Him. Now, however, his nature, hitherto kept in subjection by divine grace, is let loose in him; the powers of doubt, mistrust, impatience, and despondency have risen up; his inner life is fallen into the anarchy of conflict; his mind, hitherto peaceful and well-disciplined, is become a wild chaotic confusion; and hence his speeches, in comparison with those of the friends, are as roaring cataracts to small confined streams. But in this chaos lie the elements of a new creation; the harsh pertinacity with which the friends maintain their one dogma only tends to give an impulse to it. The new truth, the solution of the mystery, springs from this spiritual battle Job has to fight, from which, although not scathless, he still shall come forth as conqueror.
Is the dogma of the friends, then, so pure a doctrine (זך לקח) as that which, according to Zophar's words, Job claims for himself? On Zophar's side it is maintained that God always acts in accordance with justice, and Job maintains that God does not always so act. The maxim of the friends is false in the exclusiveness with which they maintain it; the conclusion to which they are urged gives evidence of the fallacy of the premises: they must condemn Job, and consequently become unjust, in order to rescue the justice of God. Job's maxim, on the other hand, is true; but it is so unconnected as it stands, that it may be turned over any moment and changed into a falsehood. For that God does not act everywhere as the Just One is a truth, but that He sometimes acts unjustly is blasphemy. Between these two Job hangs in suspense. For the stedfast consciousness of his innocence proves to him that God does not always act as the Just One; shall he therefore suppose that God deals unjustly with him? From this blasphemous inversion of his maxim, Job seeks refuge in the absolute power of God, which makes that just which is unjust according to the clearest human consciousness. This is the feeble thread on which Job's piety hangs. Should this be cut, it would be all over with him. The friends do their best to cut it in twain. Zophar's speech is like a sword-thrust at it.
For while Eliphaz and Bildad with cautious gentleness describe suffering more as chastisement than as punishment, Zophar proceeds more boldly, and demands of Job that he should humble himself, as one who has incurred punishment from God. Of sin on Job's part which may have called down the divine judgment, Zophar knows as little as Job himself. But he wishes that God would grant Job some revelation of His infinite wisdom, since he refuses to humble himself. Then he would confess his folly, and see that God not only does not punish him unjustly, but even allows much of his guilt to go unpunished. Job is therefore to turn penitently to God, and to put away that evil which is the cause of his suffering, in order that he may be heard. Then shall his hopeless condition become bright with hope; whereas, on the other hand, the downfall of the wicked is beyond recovery. Ewald aptly remarks that thus even the concluding words of the speeches of the friends are always somewhat equivocal. "Eliphaz just adds a slight caution, Bildad introduces the contrast in a few words, and Zophar adds but a word; all these seem to be as the forerunners of a multitude of similar harsh threatenings, ch. 15, 18, 20."
What impression will this harsh treatment of Zophar's produce on Job? Job is to humble himself as a sinner who is undergoing the punishment of his sin, though the measure of it is far below the degree of his guilt; and while he does not deny his sinful weaknesses, he is nevertheless convinced that he is righteous, and having as such experienced the favour of God, cannot become an object of punishment. Brentius discriminatingly observes here: Videntur et Sophar et reliqui amici Hiob prorsus ignorare quid sit aut efficiat Evangelion et fides in promissionem Dei; sic argumentantur contra Hiobem, quasi nullus unquam possit coram Deo fide justificari. The language is rather too much in accordance with the light of the New Testament; but it is true that the friends know nothing whatever of the condition of a truly righteous man, over whom the law with its curse, or the retributive justice of God, has no power. The interpretation of affliction in accordance with the recognition of this principle is strange to them; and this is just the issue which is developed by the drama in the case of Job - the idea which comes to light in the working out of the plot. Even Job does not perceive the solution of the mystery, but, in the midst of the conflict, is in a state of ignorance which excites compassion; the ignorance of the friends arising from their shallowness of understanding, on the contrary, creates aversion. When Zophar, therefore, wishes that God would grant Job some revelation of His infinite wisdom, it is indeed true that Job is greatly in need of it; but it is self-deceiving pride which leads Zophar to imagine that he has no need of it himself. For this Wisdom which has decreed the suffering of Job is hidden from his also; and yet he does not treat the suffering of his friend as a divine mystery. He explains it as the working of the retributive justice of God; but since he endeavours thus to explain the mystery, he injures his cause, and if possible injures also the slender thread by which Job's faith hangs. For should Job regard his sufferings as a just divine retribution, he could then no longer believe on God as the Just One. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
As waters - Thou shalt remember it no more, than men remember a land - flood, which as it comes, so it goes away suddenly. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
Because thou shalt forget thy misery - Thou shalt have such long and complete rest, that thou shalt scarcely remember thy labor.
As waters that pass away - Like as the mountain floods, which sweep every thing before them, houses, tents, cattle, and the produce of the field, and are speedily absorbed by the sandy plains over which they run, so shalt thou remember thy sufferings: they were wasting and ruinous for the time, but were soon over and gone. |
16 That he who blesseth [01288] himself in the earth [0776] shall bless [01288] himself in the God [0430] of truth [0543]; and he that sweareth [07650] in the earth [0776] shall swear [07650] by the God [0430] of truth [0543]; because the former [07223] troubles [06869] are forgotten [07911], and because they are hid [05641] from mine eyes [05869].
17 What time [06256] they wax warm [02215], they vanish [06789]: when it is hot [02527], they are consumed out [01846] of their place [04725].
39 If I have eaten [0398] the fruits [03581] thereof without money [03701], or have caused the owners [01167] thereof to lose [05301] their life [05315]:
9 She that hath borne [03205] seven [07651] languisheth [0535]: she hath given up [05301] the ghost [05315]; her sun [08121] is gone [0935] down while it was yet day [03119] [03117]: she hath been ashamed [0954] and confounded [02659]: and the residue [07611] of them will I deliver [05414] to the sword [02719] before [06440] their enemies [0341], saith [05002] the LORD [03068].
5 He that speaketh [05046] flattery [02506] to his friends [07453], even the eyes [05869] of his children [01121] shall fail [03615].
20 But the eyes [05869] of the wicked [07563] shall fail [03615], and they shall not escape [06] [04498], and their hope [08615] shall be as the giving up [04646] of the ghost [05315].
6 Many [07227] will intreat [02470] the favour [06440] of the prince [05081]: and every man is a friend [07453] to him [0376] that giveth gifts [04976].
13 The king's [04428] daughter [01323] is all glorious [03520] within [06441]: her clothing [03830] is of wrought [04865] gold [02091].
13 The remnant [07611] of Israel [03478] shall not do [06213] iniquity [05766], nor speak [01696] lies [03577]; neither shall a deceitful [08649] tongue [03956] be found [04672] in their mouth [06310]: for they shall feed [07462] and lie down [07257], and none shall make them afraid [02729].
2 The cities [05892] of Aroer [06177] are forsaken [05800]: they shall be for flocks [05739], which shall lie down [07257], and none shall make them afraid [02729].
6 And I will give [05414] peace [07965] in the land [0776], and ye shall lie down [07901], and none shall make you afraid [02729]: and I will rid [07673] evil [07451] beasts [02416] out of the land [0776], neither shall the sword [02719] go [05674] through your land [0776].
19 Also thou shalt lie down [07257], and none shall make thee afraid [02729]; yea, many [07227] shall make suit [02470] unto thee [06440].
24 And thou shalt know [03045] that thy tabernacle [0168] shall be in peace [07965]; and thou shalt visit [06485] thy habitation [05116], and shalt not sin [02398].
11 When goods [02896] increase [07235], they are increased [07231] that eat [0398] them: and what good [03788] is there to the owners [01167] thereof, saving [0518] the beholding [07207] [07212] of them with their eyes [05869]?
29 From thence she seeketh [02658] the prey [0400], and her eyes [05869] behold [05027] afar off [07350].
21 Which long [02442] for death [04194], but it cometh not; and dig [02658] for it more than for hid treasures [04301];
20 They were confounded [0954] because they had hoped [0982]; they came [0935] thither, and were ashamed [02659].
18 And thou shalt be secure [0982], because there is [03426] hope [08615]; yea, thou shalt dig [02658] about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest [07901] in safety [0983].
6 Therefore night [03915] shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision [02377]; and it shall be dark [02821] [02821] unto you, that ye shall not divine [07080]; and the sun [08121] shall go down [0935] over the prophets [05030], and the day [03117] shall be dark [06937] over them.
7 And also I have withholden [04513] the rain [01653] from you, when there were yet three [07969] months [02320] to the harvest [07105]: and I caused it to rain [04305] upon one [0259] city [05892], and caused it not to rain [04305] upon another [0259] city [05892]: one [0259] piece [02513] was rained [04305] upon, and the piece [02513] whereupon it rained [04305] not withered [03001].
22 A land [0776] of darkness [05890], as darkness [0652] itself; and of the shadow of death [06757], without any order [05468], and where the light [03313] is as darkness [0652].
16 When I thought [02803] to know [03045] this, it was too painful [05999] for me [05869];
21 Acquaint [05532] now thyself with him, and be at peace [07999]: thereby good [02896] shall come [0935] unto thee.
20 For she doted [05689] upon their paramours [06370], whose flesh [01320] is as the flesh [01320] of asses [02543], and whose issue [02231] is like the issue [02231] of horses [05483].
3 She crieth [07442] at [03027] the gates [08179], at the entry [06310] of the city [07176], at the coming [03996] in at the doors [06607].
20 Wisdom [02454] crieth [07442] without [02351]; she uttereth [05414] her voice [06963] in the streets [07339]:
19 That say [0559], Let him make speed [04116], and hasten [02363] his work [04639], that we may see [07200] it: and let the counsel [06098] of the Holy One [06918] of Israel [03478] draw nigh [07126] and come [0935], that we may know [03045] it!
4 Grant [05414] thee according to thine own heart [03824], and fulfil [04390] all thy counsel [06098].
4 The best [02896] of them is as a brier [02312]: the most upright [03477] is sharper than a thorn hedge [04534]: the day [03117] of thy watchmen [06822] and thy visitation [06486] cometh [0935]; now shall be their perplexity [03998].
14 What then shall I do [06213] when God [0410] riseth up [06965]? and when he visiteth [06485], what shall I answer [07725] him?
2 Both low [01121] [0120] and high [01121] [0376], rich [06223] and poor [034], together [03162].
6 Surely every man [0376] walketh [01980] in a vain shew [06754]: surely they are disquieted [01993] in vain [01892]: he heapeth up [06651] riches, and knoweth [03045] not who shall gather [0622] them.
14 From men [04962] which are thy hand [03027], O LORD [03068], from men [04962] of the world [02465], which have their portion [02506] in this life [02416], and whose belly [0990] thou fillest [04390] with thy hid [06840] treasure: they are full [07646] of children [01121], and leave [03240] the rest [03499] of their substance to their babes [05768].
13 If thou prepare [03559] thine heart [03820], and stretch [06566] out thine hands [03709] toward him;
14 For we must needs [04191] die [04191], and are as water [04325] spilt [05064] on the ground [0776], which cannot be gathered up again [0622]; neither doth God [0430] respect [05375] any person [05315]: yet doth he devise [02803] means [04284], that his banished [05080] be not expelled [05080] from him.
28 The increase [02981] of his house [01004] shall depart [01540], and his goods shall flow away [05064] in the day [03117] of his wrath [0639].