THERE WAS A MAN IN THE LAND OF UZ. — The first mention of this name is in Genesis 10:23, where Uz is said to have been one of the sons of Aram, who was one of the sons of Shem. (Comp. 1 Chronicles 1:17.) Another Uz (in the Authorised Version spelt Huz) is mentioned in Genesis 22:21 as the firstborn... [ Continue Reading ]
SEVEN SONS AND THREE DAUGHTERS. — The like number was restored to him after his probation (Job 42:13).... [ Continue Reading ]
THE MEN OF THE EAST. — This term is indefinite with regard to the three districts above mentioned, and might include them all. The Arabs still call the Hauran, or the district east of Jordan, the land of Job. It is said to be a lovely and fertile region, fulfilling the conditions of the poem.... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERY ONE HIS DAY. — _i.e.,_ probably his birthday. (Comp. Genesis 40:20; Genesis 21:8; and in the New Testament Matthew 14:6; Mark 6:21.)... [ Continue Reading ]
JOB SENT AND SANCTIFIED THEM... — The earnest records of society exhibit the father of the family acting as the priest. This is one of the passages that show Job was outside the pale and influence of the Mosaic law, whether this was owing to his age or his country. His life in this respect correspon... [ Continue Reading ]
SONS OF GOD. — Comp. Job 38:7; Genesis 6:2; Genesis 6:4; and for the sense comp. 1 Kings 22:19. The phrase probably means _the angels;_ or at all events an incident in the unseen spiritual world is referred to simultaneous with a corresponding one on earth. (Comp. 1 Corinthians 11:10.) In the latter... [ Continue Reading ]
FROM GOING TO AND FRO... — Compare our Lord’s words in Matthew 13:25 : “and went his way.” St. Peter evidently had this passage in mind (1 Peter 5:8, “walketh about”).... [ Continue Reading ]
DOTH JOB FEAR GOD FOR NOUGHT? — Manifesting the worst kind of scepticism, a disbelief in human goodness. Satan knows that the _motive_ of an action is its only value, and by incrimination calumniates the motives of Job. The object of the book is thus introduced, which is to exhibit the integrity of... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THAT HE HATH IS IN THY POWER... — Mighty as the principle of evil is in the world, it is nevertheless held in check by One who directs it to His own ends. Such is the uniform teaching of Scripture. We are not under the uncontrolled dominion of evil, strong as the temptation may be at times to th... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SABEANS. — Literally, _Sheba._ Three persons named Sheba are found in Genesis: (1) The son of Raamah and grandson of Cush (Genesis 10:7); (2) the son of Jokshan and grandson of Abraham (Genesis 25:3); (3) The son of Joktanand grandson of Eber (Genesis 10:28). It is probably the second who is ref... [ Continue Reading ]
THE FIRE OF GOD. — Whether or not we understand this phrase as in the margin, it can hardly mean anything else than lightning. (Comp. Genesis 19:24, and 2 Kings 1:10.) It is characteristic of the Old Testament poetry to see in the convulsions of nature the immediate action of the Most High; but perh... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CHALDEANS. — Literally, _Chasdim,_ or descendants of Chesed (Genesis 22:22; see Note on Job 1:1). This name reappears in the classic Carduchia and in the modern Kurdistan, as well as in the more familiar Chaldæa; it being a well-known philological law that _r_ and _l_ and _r_ and _s_ are interch... [ Continue Reading ]
THY SONS AND THY DAUGHTERS. — See Job 1:13. The marvellous accumulation of disasters points us to the conclusion that it was the distinct work of Satan, according to the permission given him (Job 1:12), and consequently supernatural.... [ Continue Reading ]
AND WORSHIPPED. — Compare the conduct of David (2 Samuel 12:20) and of Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:1). Moments of intense sorrow or trial, like moments of intense joy, force us into the immediate presence of God.... [ Continue Reading ]
THITHER. — If taken literally, can only refer to the _womb,_ which in that case must here mean the earth, with a probable allusion to Genesis 3:19. (Comp. Job 17:14.) BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD. — The very word used in a contrary sense (Job 1:11). Thus was Satan foiled for _the first_ time.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOOLISHLY. — The same word as at Job 24:12, signifying reproach or guilt. It is a noun derived from the adjective rendered “unsavoury” in Job 6:6.... [ Continue Reading ]