Job 9:2
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I know it is so of a truth - I acknowledge the general truth of the maxims you have advanced. God will not ultimately punish a righteous person, nor shall the wicked finally triumph; and though righteous before man, and truly sincere in my piety, yet I know, when compared with the immaculate holiness of God, all my righteousness is nothing.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If he will contend with him,.... If God will contend with man, so Sephorno; enter into a controversy with him, litigate and dispute the point in law, whether he is just or not, man cannot answer to the allegations he will produce; or if man should contend with God, a potsherd strive with its maker, to what purpose would it be? he could never avail himself by such a procedure; the match is unequal, there is no striving or contending with God in a judicial, way: he cannot answer him one of a thousand; which some understand, that God will not answer men; he will not vouchsafe to give an answer to such that plead with him, or talk with him of his judgments in providence, or pretend to vindicate themselves, their ways, and their works, before him; but this sense seems contrary to Jer 12:1; but the meaning is, that man cannot answer God; either not one man out of a thousand, that is, none at all; unless, by one of a thousand, is meant the interpreter, one among a thousand, even the Messiah, the chiefest among ten thousand; the one man of a thousand Solomon found upon search; see Job 33:23; he indeed has made himself responsible for his people, as their surety, and was able to answer for them; and he has answered for them, and made satisfaction for their sins; it was exacted, or required, that is, a full payment of their debts, or a plenary satisfaction for their sins, "and he answered", according to Isa 53:7; but rather the sense is, that a man cannot answer, either one time of a thousand (u), or one argument to one article exhibited, or to one objection or charge of a thousand brought against him by the law or justice of God; that is, for one sin of a thousand he has committed; so Mr. Broughton renders it, "to one thing of a thousand" (w); this suggests that the sins of men are numerous; their debts are many, they are more than ten thousand talents, which they are not able to answer to, or pay off, no, not one of them; their iniquities are more than the hairs of their head, they cannot be understood or reckoned: and now a man cannot answer for one of a thousand, or the millions of sins he is guilty of; he cannot deny them, he cannot excuse them, he cannot make satisfaction for anyone of them; they are committed against an infinite Being, and require an infinite satisfaction, which man cannot give; they are violations of a law, and injuries to divine justice, that no man is able to atone for; whatever obedience he is capable of, or does perform, God has a prior right unto it, and therefore can never answer for former transgressions; this being the case, sinful man cannot be just with God upon the foot of his works, which is the thing this observation is made to illustrate: man's obedience is so short, and God's commandment or law so very broad, that these two can never be brought to meet, agree together, or answer to one another; and therefore it may be strongly concluded that a man is justified, if ever he is justified at all, in the sight of God, by faith in Christ and his righteousness, without the deeds of the law, Rom 3:28. (u) "una vice ex millibus", Schmidt. (w) "Ad rem unam ex mille", Beza; "ad unum argumentum ex mille argumentis", Vatablus; so Castalio, Bar Tzemach.
Job 9:2
Job: How Can I Contend with God?
1Then Job answered: 2“Yes, I know that it is so, but how can a mortal be righteous before God? 3If one wished to contend with God, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Is Your Life?
By J. Vernon McGee5.0K44:45GEN 1:1JOB 9:2JHN 1:29ACT 16:30HEB 2:3JAS 4:14In this sermon titled "What Is Your Life?" Dr. McGee explores the brevity and uncertainty of human life. He emphasizes that life is a place of decision and preparation for eternity. Using the example of a rich man in a parable, Dr. McGee warns against the dangers of placing too much importance on worldly success and neglecting spiritual matters. He encourages listeners to acknowledge their dependence on God and to live in accordance with His will.
Through the Bible - Job - Part 2
By Zac Poonen2.6K54:29JOB 6:6JOB 8:4JOB 8:6JOB 9:2JOB 11:11JOB 32:2In this sermon, Eliphaz begins by sharing a secret truth that was whispered to him in a vision. He emphasizes the fear and awe he experienced in the presence of God. Eliphaz criticizes Job's friends for their lack of empathy and their unhelpful messages. He also highlights the importance of humility and acknowledges that only God can reveal spiritual truths. The sermon concludes by suggesting that the preachers, including Elihu, failed to understand and support Job in his trials.
(Genesis) 28 - Abraham and Justification by Faith
By S. Lewis Johnson1.5K55:30Justification By FaithGEN 15:1GEN 15:4GEN 15:6JOB 9:2HAB 2:4ROM 4:5In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing the previous chapter in the Bible where Abram wins a great victory against the kings from the east and retrieves his nephew Lot. Abram refuses to take any spoils from the king of Sodom, showing his loyalty to God. The speaker then discusses the problem of how man can be just before God, referencing Job's question in the Bible. The solution is found in the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 4:5, where faith in Jesus Christ brings righteousness, rather than trying to keep the law perfectly. The speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus Christ for salvation and highlights the impossibility of keeping the law perfectly.
(Second Coming of Christ) 10 the Supper of the Great God
By Aeron Morgan88737:40Second ComingJOB 9:2MAT 6:33REV 11:17REV 19:2REV 19:11REV 19:15REV 19:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings of the Word of God. He warns that a fearful day is coming, known as the Armageddon, where there will be a great war between the forces of evil and the righteous. The preacher describes the scene as horrific and the slaughter beyond imagination. He highlights the power and justice of the imperial Christ, who will ultimately defeat the beast and the kings of the earth. The preacher urges listeners to live in accordance with the will of God and to not remain at variance with the Lamb of God, as the day of his wrath is imminent.
Job 9:1
By Chuck Smith0The Nature of GodMediationJOB 9:2JOB 9:33PSA 8:4Chuck Smith explores the profound relationship between God and man, emphasizing Job's struggle to understand how a mere human can be just before an all-powerful God. He highlights Job's awareness of God's greatness, sovereignty, and the vast gap between divine and human nature, leading to the realization that a mediator is necessary. Smith points out that throughout history, humanity has sought to bridge this gap through various means, but ultimately, it is God who provides the solution through Jesus Christ, our mediator. Through Christ, believers can connect with God, as He understands our trials and serves as the bridge between the divine and humanity.
Job 9:2
By Chuck Smith0Relationship with GodMediationJOB 9:2PSA 8:4ISA 59:11TI 2:5Chuck Smith explores the profound need for a mediator, or 'daysman,' as expressed by Job in his suffering. He emphasizes Job's isolation and despair, highlighting the contrast between God's greatness and man's insignificance. Smith reveals that the ultimate answer to Job's cry is found in Jesus Christ, the one mediator who bridges the gap between God and humanity. Through Christ's sacrifice, believers can access God and experience a personal relationship with Him. The sermon calls for a submission to Christ, recognizing Him as the only way to approach God.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I know it is so of a truth - I acknowledge the general truth of the maxims you have advanced. God will not ultimately punish a righteous person, nor shall the wicked finally triumph; and though righteous before man, and truly sincere in my piety, yet I know, when compared with the immaculate holiness of God, all my righteousness is nothing.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If he will contend with him,.... If God will contend with man, so Sephorno; enter into a controversy with him, litigate and dispute the point in law, whether he is just or not, man cannot answer to the allegations he will produce; or if man should contend with God, a potsherd strive with its maker, to what purpose would it be? he could never avail himself by such a procedure; the match is unequal, there is no striving or contending with God in a judicial, way: he cannot answer him one of a thousand; which some understand, that God will not answer men; he will not vouchsafe to give an answer to such that plead with him, or talk with him of his judgments in providence, or pretend to vindicate themselves, their ways, and their works, before him; but this sense seems contrary to Jer 12:1; but the meaning is, that man cannot answer God; either not one man out of a thousand, that is, none at all; unless, by one of a thousand, is meant the interpreter, one among a thousand, even the Messiah, the chiefest among ten thousand; the one man of a thousand Solomon found upon search; see Job 33:23; he indeed has made himself responsible for his people, as their surety, and was able to answer for them; and he has answered for them, and made satisfaction for their sins; it was exacted, or required, that is, a full payment of their debts, or a plenary satisfaction for their sins, "and he answered", according to Isa 53:7; but rather the sense is, that a man cannot answer, either one time of a thousand (u), or one argument to one article exhibited, or to one objection or charge of a thousand brought against him by the law or justice of God; that is, for one sin of a thousand he has committed; so Mr. Broughton renders it, "to one thing of a thousand" (w); this suggests that the sins of men are numerous; their debts are many, they are more than ten thousand talents, which they are not able to answer to, or pay off, no, not one of them; their iniquities are more than the hairs of their head, they cannot be understood or reckoned: and now a man cannot answer for one of a thousand, or the millions of sins he is guilty of; he cannot deny them, he cannot excuse them, he cannot make satisfaction for anyone of them; they are committed against an infinite Being, and require an infinite satisfaction, which man cannot give; they are violations of a law, and injuries to divine justice, that no man is able to atone for; whatever obedience he is capable of, or does perform, God has a prior right unto it, and therefore can never answer for former transgressions; this being the case, sinful man cannot be just with God upon the foot of his works, which is the thing this observation is made to illustrate: man's obedience is so short, and God's commandment or law so very broad, that these two can never be brought to meet, agree together, or answer to one another; and therefore it may be strongly concluded that a man is justified, if ever he is justified at all, in the sight of God, by faith in Christ and his righteousness, without the deeds of the law, Rom 3:28. (u) "una vice ex millibus", Schmidt. (w) "Ad rem unam ex mille", Beza; "ad unum argumentum ex mille argumentis", Vatablus; so Castalio, Bar Tzemach.