If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for their transgression;
If - rather, "Since thy children have sinned against Him, and (since) He have cast them away for (Hebrew, by the hand of) their transgression; (Yet) if thou wouldest seek unto God, etc.; if thou wert (shalt be) pure, etc. (for even with this supplication you must join a new and pure life, if you would have God to hear your prayer); surely (even) now He would awake for thee." Umbreit, better, makes the apodosis to "since thy children," etc., begin at "He [consequently] has cast them away." Also, instead of for, 'He gave them up to (literally, into the hand of) their own guilt.' Bildad expresses the justice of God, which Job had arraigned. Thy children have sinned, God leaves them to the consequence of their sin. He has left sin to exert its necessary power, and have its inevitable consequence in their penal destruction. Their sudden death implies their sin. Most cutting to the heart of the bereaved father.