Job
Chapter 25
1
Third Speech of Bildad
Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:
2
His is dominion and awesome power, he who establishes peace in the heavens.
3
Can his armies be numbered? Upon whom does his light not rise?
4
How can man be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure?
5
Even the moon is not bright nor are the stars pure in his sight—
6
how much less man—this insect, the human—a worm?
Commentaries
Third Round of Speeches.
This round of speeches comes across as disorganized and confusing. Eliphaz speaks, and Job responds. Bildad’s speech, which is only five verses long, is clearly cut short; Zophar remains silent. Additionally, some of what Job says seems more fitting coming from his friends. Experts continue to work towards a coherent conclusion. Still, it seems as if Job and his friends are all shouting at once, which might be the fitting end to a “dialogue” of the deaf about the cosmic and moral order.
Third Speech of Bildad.
Bildad begins his final plea by praising the creator God, who establishes peace in heaven. The following verses (4-6) return to the familiar theme: all humans are corrupt and full of iniquity (4:17-21; 11:11; 15:14-16). Job’s claimed innocence is simply impossible. An innocent person? There is no such thing. These reflections on the human condition are the last recorded words of Job’s friends.