Job 27:9

Commentary on Job 27:9

Job 27:9 poses a profound rhetorical question: "Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?" This verse is part of Job's final, extended discourse (chapters 27-31), where he passionately defends his integrity against the accusations of his friends. Having endured immense suffering, Job maintains his innocence and steadfastly refuses to admit guilt for some secret sin, as his friends suggested.

Context

In the preceding verses of chapter 27, Job swears by God that he will not speak falsely and will hold fast to his integrity until death (Job 27:6). He then shifts his focus to the fate of the wicked, contrasting it with his own righteous steadfastness. This particular verse, Job 27:9, challenges the notion that God will automatically respond to anyone's cry for help, especially those who live a life of hypocrisy or wickedness. Job is asserting that when judgment or inevitable trouble befalls the unrighteous, their desperate cries will not be heard by God in a favorable way, because their heart is not right with Him.

Key Themes

• The Nature of Prayer and Divine Hearing: The verse highlights that God's hearing of prayer is not indiscriminate. It implies that for a cry to be heard and responded to by God, it must come from a sincere heart, not merely out of desperation in the face of judgment. This contrasts with the Lord's attentiveness to the cry of the righteous.
• Divine Justice and Discernment: Job's question underscores God's perfect justice and His ability to discern the true condition of the heart. God is not deceived by outward shows of piety or cries of distress from those who have lived in rebellion or hypocrisy. His judgment differentiates between the genuinely repentant and those merely seeking escape from consequences.
• The Futility of Hypocrisy: The "him" in the verse refers to the hypocrite or wicked person, whose hope Job declares will perish (Job 27:8). This theme emphasizes that a superficial or feigned relationship with God offers no true refuge when trouble comes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Will God hear his cry" (Hebrew: hashma' Eloah shav'ato) is a rhetorical question designed to elicit a negative answer. It's not a question about God's physical ability to hear sounds, but about His willingness to respond favorably or intervene on behalf of the one crying out. The term "trouble cometh upon him" signifies the inevitable consequences or divine judgment that befalls the wicked, illustrating that their cry is often a result of their own actions catching up to them, rather than a genuine seeking of God.

Practical Application

Job 27:9 serves as a profound challenge and a sobering reminder for all. It compels us to examine the sincerity of our faith and the authenticity of our relationship with God. Are our prayers and cries for help rooted in genuine devotion and a desire for righteousness, or are they merely desperate pleas when faced with the consequences of our actions?

• Sincerity in Faith: The verse stresses the importance of living a life of true integrity before God, not just outward religious observance. God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
• Confidence for the Righteous: Conversely, for those who strive to walk in integrity and genuine faith, this verse implicitly offers reassurance that God does indeed hear and answer their prayers (1 John 5:14).
• A Warning Against Hypocrisy: It stands as a powerful warning against spiritual complacency and living a double life, reminding us that ultimately, only a genuine relationship with God offers true hope and salvation in times of distress.