26:1ffJob has the distinction of giving the longest speech in the book—six chapters—weaving together pictures of God's mystery and power in a beautiful poem of trust. Beginning by brushing off Bildad’s latest reply as irrelevant (chapter 25), Job then told Bildad and his friends that they could not possibly know everything about God. Wisdom does not originate from this life or from the human mind—it comes from God (28:27, 28). Job then defended his upright and honest life. He had effectively sought to follow God's way of living. While admitting that he was not perfect, Job maintained that his motives were right.
Life Application Study BibleJobChapter 26
Job 26
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 817, 818
A few verse numbers on this page were hard to read in the scan and are marked with a dotted underline — compare with the original page image if in doubt.
26Job 26
1Then Job spoke again:
2“How you have helped the powerless!How you have saved the weak!
3How you have enlightened my stupidity!What wise advice you have offered!
4Where have you gotten all these wise sayings?Whose spirit speaks through you?
5“The dead tremble— those who live beneath the waters. 6The underworld* is naked in God’s presence. The place of destruction* is uncovered. 7God stretches the northern sky over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing. 8He wraps the rain in his thick clouds, and the clouds don’t burst with the weight. 9He covers the face of the moon,* shrouding it with his clouds. 10He created the horizon when he separated the waters; he set the boundary between day and night.
11The foundations of heaven tremble;they shudder at his rebuke.
12By his power the sea grew calm.By his skill he crushed the great sea monster.*
13His Spirit made the heavens beautiful,and his power pierced the gliding serpent.
14These are just the beginning of all that he does,merely a whisper of his power.Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?”
Textual footnotes
- 26:6a Hebrew Sheol.
- 26:6b Hebrew Abaddon.
- 26:9 Or covers his throne.
Life Application Notes 2 notes
26:2-4With great sarcasm, Job attacked Bildad’s comments. Job’s friends’ theological explanations failed to bring any relief because they were unable to turn their knowledge into helpful counsel. When dealing with people, it is more important to love and understand them than to analyze them or give advice. Compassion produces greater results than criticism or biame.