I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:
Ver. 8. Surely I would seek unto God] Not let fly at him, as thou hast done, cursing thy birthday, and wishing thyself out of the world. Assure thyself, this that thou takest is not the way to get off with comfort, but rather to return by repentance unto him that smiteth thee, and to seek the Lord of hosts, Isaiah 9:12, since else his anger will not turn away, but his hand will be stretched out still (as the prophet there hath it); for is it fit that he should lay down the bucklers first? or that we should stand upon terms, and capitulate with him, and not stoop unto him by a humble yieldance? especially since,
- Deus crudelius urit
Quos videt invitos succubuisse sibi (Tibul. Eleg. i. 8).
God burns more severely those he sees to have laid themselves down in envy. The way to disarm God's heavy indignation, is to submit to his justice, and to implore his mercy, Hosea 5:14 , to flee from his anger to his grace. Blood letting is a cure for bleeding, and a burn a cure against a burn; and running to God is the way to escape him; as to close and get in with him that would strike you doth avoid the blow: and this is the thing I would do, were I in thy case, saith Eliphaz here. He doth not vaunt (as Olympiodorus mistaketh his meaning), but advise Job to humble himself, and confess his sins, and sue for pardon of sin and release of punishment; to kiss the rod, and not to bite it; to drink from God's cup willingly and at first, when it is full (as Mr Bradford, martyr, hath it), lest if he linger, he drink at length of the dregs with the wicked.
And unto God] The righteous judge, as the word importeth, who πασι δικαια νεμει, μηδε κρισιν ες χαριν ελκει (Phocyl.), neither hateth nor feareth any man (as it was said of Trajan the emperor, but more truly of God): he proceedeth according to truth, not according to opinion or appearance, and greatly scorneth to look at displeasure, revenge, or recompense.
Would I commit my cause] Put my case and condition, by self resignation, and humble supplication. This David did notably, 2Sa 15:25-26 Psalms 142:2, and counsels all to do accordingly, Psalms 55:22. Cast thy burden (or thy request) upon the Lord by virtue of this writ or warrant.