Tyndale Open Study NotesJob 21

Job’s friends claimed they were delivering God’s message of consolation or comfort. But Job found no comfort in their words. He asked them to comfort him by giving him silent attention (15:11; 16:2; 13:5).

• When I think about what I am saying: Job felt upset about his horrible task of complaining against God and talking about his terrors (13:3, 15–16, 22; 23:1–5; 6:4; 27:20; 30:15).

• my body trembles: This reaction is similar to that of the prophets Habakkuk, Ezekiel, and Daniel (Habakkuk 1:5; 3:16; Ezekiel 3:14; Daniel 8:27; 10:8–9).

Despite what Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar claimed, Job observed that evil people have children and grandchildren (5:4); 18:19; 20:10). These should be rewards for righteous people (Proverbs 17:6). But Job felt they would not be his reward (Job 1:18–19; see also 42:13–16).

the lamp of the wicked put out: Job disagreed with Bildad and the standard perspective of wisdom (18:5–6, 18; Proverbs 13:9; 20:20; 24:20; see God’s comments at Job 38:15).

• It is said: Job was quoting and responding to his friends' arguments.

• God lays up one’s punishment for his children: Eliphaz and Zophar said this, but Job believed God should punish the people who sin (5:4; 20:10; see Ezekiel 18:19–20).

• This question assumes the answer that no one can teach God a lesson (Isaiah 40:13–14; 45:9; Romans 11:34; 1 Corinthians 2:16).

• The phrase those on high might refer to good or bad angels (demons) (1 Corinthians 6:3; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6; Revelation 20:1–3). Or, more likely, it refers to powerful people on earth (Job 34:17–19).

his bones are rich with marrow: People once believed bones were the source of health.

in the bitterness of his soul: Job often complained about how life seemed useless (3:20; 7:11; 9:18; 10:1).

worms cover them both: Compare 17:14; Isaiah 14:11; see Job 19:26.

where are the tents in which the wicked dwell: Job was echoing the words of Bildad, Eliphaz and Zophar (8:22; 15:34; 20:26).

The clods of the valley are sweet to him: Job considered death as a relief (3:17–18).

They told lies about Job and God (13:4; 42:7).