Job 9:19

If [I speak] of strength, lo, [he is] strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time [to plead]?

If I speak of strength {H3581}, lo, he is strong {H533}: and if of judgment {H4941}, who shall set {H3259} me a time to plead?

If it's a matter of force, look how mighty he is; if justice, who can summon him to court?

If it is a matter of strength, He is indeed mighty! If it is a matter of justice, who can summon Him?

Ifwe speakof strength, lo, he ismighty! And if of justice, Who, saith he, will summon me?

Commentary

Job 9:19 captures Job's profound sense of helplessness and awe before God's overwhelming power and unchallengeable justice. In his suffering, Job grapples with the inability of humanity to contend with the Almighty.

Context

This verse is part of Job's first response to Bildad, one of his friends, who has just suggested that Job's suffering is a direct result of his sin. Job, however, maintains his innocence. In chapter 9, Job transitions from defending himself to contemplating God's immense power and wisdom. He acknowledges that no human, no matter how righteous, can truly argue their case or stand justified before a God of such infinite might and perfect judgment. Job feels utterly outmatched, highlighting the vast chasm between human understanding and divine sovereignty. This passage reflects Job's deep struggle to reconcile his blamelessness with the severe trials he endures.

Key Themes

  • God's Incomparable Power: Job recognizes that God's strength is absolute and beyond human comprehension or challenge. If strength is the measure, God is infinitely superior. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, affirming God's omnipotence in creation and providence, as seen in Isaiah 40:28.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Unchallengeable Justice: The rhetorical question, "who shall set me a time to plead?", underscores the futility of attempting to bring God to account or demand a hearing. God's justice operates on a plane far beyond human courts or understanding. His judgments are righteous, even when they seem inscrutable to us. For more on God's justice, see Psalm 97:2.
  • Human Helplessness and Humility: Job's lament reveals the profound limitation of humanity when faced with God's majesty. There is no court of appeal for man against God, emphasizing the need for humility and submission to His will.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "strength" is koach (ื›ึนึผื—ึท), which signifies inherent power, might, or ability. Job understands that in any contest of might, God possesses infinite koach. The term "judgment" comes from mishpat (ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื˜), referring to a legal decision, justice, or a verdict. Job's question about "setting a time to plead" uses legal terminology, vividly portraying his despair that no one can summon God to a legal proceeding or challenge His divine decrees.

Practical Application

Job 9:19 reminds us of the importance of humility before God. While we may not always understand the reasons for our suffering or God's actions, this verse calls us to acknowledge His supreme power and perfect justice. It encourages us to trust in God's character, even when His ways are mysterious to us, knowing that He is both all-powerful and righteous. This perspective can bring comfort, knowing that the God who holds all strength also holds our lives, and His ultimate plan is good, as seen in Romans 8:28. It teaches us to rely on His wisdom rather than our limited understanding, especially during times of trial.

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Cross-References

  • Job 9:32 (4 votes)

    For [he is] not a man, as I [am, that] I should answer him, [and] we should come together in judgment.

  • Job 9:33 (4 votes)

    Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, [that] might lay his hand upon us both.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:25 (4 votes)

    Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

  • Job 9:4 (4 votes)

    [He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?

  • Matthew 6:13 (3 votes)

    And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

  • Psalms 62:11 (3 votes)

    God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power [belongeth] unto God.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:22 (3 votes)

    Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?