Tyndale Open Study NotesJob 8

Like Eliphaz, Bildad the Shuhite thought Job's suffering was God's punishment (see study note on 2:11; 8:3–6, 13; compare 4:7–8; 5:2–3). Bildad respected the wisdom of the past and spoke to Job with both advice and encouragement (8:8–10; compare 4:7; 8:3–6, 8–10; compare 4:12–21; 5:9–16; 8:5–7, 20–22; compare 4:6; 5:19–26). He suggested that Job should stop complaining. Bildad advised Job to "ask the Almighty for mercy" and let God's justice restore him (8:1–7).

How long: Bildad might have meant make fun of Job using a similar question (see 7:19).

Bildad believed God does not pervert justice. He thought the death of Job’s children showed they had sinned against God. Bildad divided people into "the blameless" (Hebrew tam, 8:20a; see 1:1) or "the godless" (Hebrew khanep, 8:13b). He believed one could distinguish them by observing God's actions toward them.

your latter days will flourish: Bildad's words were more accurate than he realized (42:12; compare 5:19–26).

Bildad argued for traditional wisdom by referring to ancient traditions and history (Deuteronomy 4:32; Jeremiah 18:13).

born yesterday and know nothing: Bildad suggested that Job's generation was either born too late to know ancient wisdom or too young to have gathered it.

Papyrus reeds can grow as high as three to four and one-half meters (ten to fifteen feet).

To forget God means behaving as if God does not exist or cannot see (see Psalms 10:4; 14:1; Zephaniah 1:12; see Job 22:13–17; Psalm 94:7).

In this symbolic story, a plant spreads its shoots over the garden. The roots wrap around the rock heap, giving the plant stability.