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Job 11:1-20 open_in_new
The First Speech of Zophar
The speech is short and unsympathetic.
1-6. Zophar rebukes Job for daring to assert his innocence.
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Job 11:3 open_in_new
Thy lies] RV 'thy boastings,' viz. Job's assertions of innocence (Job 11:4).
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Job 11:6 open_in_new
That they are double, etc.] RV 'That it is manifold in effectual working.' God exacteth, etc.] RM 'God remitteth unto thee of thine iniquity'; He does not bring np all Job's guilt, which is greater than he is aware of. So far from the penalty being excessive, Job has not received all that he deserved.
7-12. God knows Job's sinfulness if he does not himself.
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Job 11:7 open_in_new
RM 'Canst thou find out the deep things of God?'
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Job 11:8 open_in_new
It] God's wisdom.
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Job 11:10 open_in_new
If he cut off, etc.] rather, 'Should he pass by, imprison, arraign before an assembly?' If God, with perfect knowledge of sinful man, visits him in various ways, who shall gainsay His actions?
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Job 11:12 open_in_new
Perhaps we may render, 'Thus vain man gets understanding, and a wild ass's colt is born a man.' The description of affliction brings wisdom to the foolish and transforms the most unpromising natures.
13-20. Repentance the way to restored prosperity.
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Job 11:14 open_in_new
Tabernacles] RV 'tents.'
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Job 11:15 open_in_new
Without spot] of guilt.
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Job 11:16 open_in_new
Waters] rather, 'floods.'
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Job 11:17 open_in_new
Thine age] RV 'thy life.' Thou shalt shine] RV 'Though there be darkness, it shall be as the morning.'
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Job 11:18 open_in_new
Dig] RV 'search,' viz. for danger, but find none.
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Job 11:20 open_in_new
As] RV omits. There is nothing before the wicked but death. The statement is general, but Zophar, unlike the other friends, hints that Job may belong to the wicked.