Job 17:8 - Job Prepares for Death
The upright are appalled at this
The term "upright" refers to those who live righteously and in accordance with God's laws. In the context of Job, the upright are those who maintain their integrity despite suffering. The word "appalled" suggests a strong emotional reaction, indicating that the righteous are deeply disturbed by the injustices and suffering that Job is experiencing. This reaction is consistent with the biblical theme that the righteous are sensitive to evil and injustice (Psalm 119:53). The suffering of the innocent, like Job, challenges the understanding of divine justice, which is a central theme in the book.
and the innocent are stirred against the godless
The "innocent" here are those who are blameless or without guilt, similar to Job's description at the beginning of the book (Job 1:1). They are "stirred," meaning they are moved to action or indignation, against the "godless," those who live without regard for God or His commandments. This phrase highlights the tension between the righteous and the wicked, a common theme throughout the wisdom literature (Proverbs 29:27). The godless often prosper while the innocent suffer, which is a source of confusion and frustration for the faithful. This tension is also seen in the Psalms, where the prosperity of the wicked is a frequent lament (Psalm 73:3-12). The stirring of the innocent against the godless can be seen as a call to maintain faith and integrity despite the apparent success of the wicked, reflecting the ultimate justice of God that will prevail.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.
2. The Upright
Refers to those who live righteously and in accordance with God's laws. In this context, they are appalled by the injustices and suffering that Job endures.
3. The Innocent
Those who are morally pure and free from guilt. They are stirred or provoked by the actions and attitudes of the godless.
4. The Godless
Individuals who live without regard for God or His commandments. They are often seen as the source of injustice and suffering in the world.
5. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical book in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and the sovereignty of God.
Teaching Points
Righteous Indignation
The reaction of the upright and innocent to injustice is one of righteous indignation. This is a natural and appropriate response to the presence of evil and godlessness in the world.
Moral Sensitivity
Believers are called to maintain a sensitivity to sin and injustice, being stirred to action and prayer when confronted with the godlessness around them.
Community of the Righteous
The upright and innocent form a community that stands against the godless. Christians are encouraged to support one another in maintaining righteousness and opposing evil.
God's Justice
While the godless may seem to prosper temporarily, believers can trust in God's ultimate justice and righteousness, knowing that He will vindicate the upright.
Encouragement in Suffering
Job's experience reminds believers that suffering is not always a result of personal sin, and the reactions of the upright can serve as encouragement to those enduring trials.
(8) Upright men shall be astonied.--"As a result of the warning my case would give, upright men would be astonished at it, innocent men would be encouraged, and the righteous would persevere and wax bold."
Verse 8. - Upright men shall be astonied at this. When Job's case comes to beknown, "upright men" will be astonished at it. They will marvel how it came to pass that such a man - so true, so faithful, so "perfect" (Job 1:1) - could have been allowed by God to suffer so terribly. In a world where, up to Job's time, prosperity had been taken as the measure of goodness, the marvel was naturally great. Even now many a Christian is surprised and disturbed in mind if he gives the case prolonged and serious attention, though he holds the clue to it in that most enlightening phrase, "perfect through sufferings" (Hebrews 2:10). And the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite. On astonishment will follow indignation. When it becomes generally recognized that, in a vast number of cases, the righteous suffer, while the wicked enjoy great prosperity, good men's feelings will be stirred up against these prosperous ones; they will wax indignant, and take part against them. Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The upright
יְשָׁרִ֣ים (yə·šā·rîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3477: Straight, right
are appalled
יָשֹׁ֣מּוּ (yā·šōm·mū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8074: To stun, devastate, stupefy
at
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against
this,
זֹ֑את (zōṯ)
Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,
and the innocent
וְ֝נָקִ֗י (wə·nā·qî)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5355: Clean, free from, exempt
are stirred
יִתְעֹרָֽר׃ (yiṯ·‘ō·rār)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake
against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against
the godless.
חָנֵ֥ף (ḥā·nêp̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2611: Profane, irreligious
Links
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Job 17:8 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Job 17:8 Upright men shall be astonished at this (Jb)