1 Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said,
2 How long [will it be ere] ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak.
3 Wherefore are we counted as beasts, [and] reputed vile in your sight?
4 He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place?
5 Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.
6 The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him.
7 The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.
8 For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare.
9 The gin shall take [him] by the heel, [and] the robber shall prevail against him.
10 The snare [is] laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way.
11 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.
12 His strength shall be hungerbitten, and destruction [shall be] ready at his side.
13 It shall devour the strength of his skin: [even] the firstborn of death shall devour his strength.
14 His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors.
15 It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because [it is] none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.
16 His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.
17 His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street.
18 He shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.
19 He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings.
20 They that come after [him] shall be astonied at his day, as they that went before were affrighted.
21 Surely such [are] the dwellings of the wicked, and this [is] the place [of him that] knoweth not God.
Overview of Job Chapter 18
Job Chapter 18 features the speech of Bildad the Shuhite, one of Job’s friends, who responds to Job’s lamentations regarding his suffering. Bildad’s discourse emphasizes the idea of retributive justice, suggesting that Job’s misfortunes are a result of his sins. This chapter is significant for its exploration of themes such as the nature of suffering, the fate of the wicked, and the human understanding of divine justice.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Bildad’s Rebuke (Verses 1-4)
- Bildad criticizes Job for his lamentation and calls for him to be more rational.
- He questions Job’s understanding of God’s justice and the consequences of sin.
- The Fate of the Wicked (Verses 5-21)
- Bildad describes the fate that befalls the wicked, illustrating the consequences of their actions.
- He uses vivid imagery to depict the downfall of the unrighteous, emphasizing their ultimate destruction.
- Conclusion (Verse 21)
- Bildad concludes with a stark warning about the fate awaiting those who oppose God.
Thematic Analysis
Retributive Justice
Bildad’s speech is rooted in the belief that suffering is a direct result of sin. He argues that God punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous, which reflects a common theological perspective in the ancient Near East.
The Nature of Suffering
Through Bildad’s perspective, suffering is framed as a moral lesson. He implies that Job’s afflictions serve as evidence of his wrongdoing, thus reinforcing the idea that suffering has a purpose and is not arbitrary.
Imagery and Symbolism
Bildad employs strong imagery to convey the fate of the wicked:
- Light and Darkness: He contrasts the light of the righteous with the darkness that envelops the wicked.
- Roots and Branches: The imagery of a tree being uprooted symbolizes the total destruction that awaits the unrighteous.
Character Analysis
Bildad the Shuhite
Bildad represents the voice of traditional wisdom and is characterized by his rigid adherence to the doctrine of retributive justice. His approach is less empathetic and more accusatory compared to Eliphaz’s earlier speeches.
Job
Although Job does not speak in this chapter, his character is indirectly portrayed through Bildad’s accusations. Job is depicted as a figure of suffering who is struggling to understand the reasons behind his misfortunes.
Conclusion
Job Chapter 18 serves as a critical examination of the beliefs surrounding suffering and divine justice. Bildad’s speech reflects the challenges faced by those who try to reconcile the existence of suffering with their understanding of a just and moral universe. The chapter invites readers to consider the complexities of faith, the nature of God, and the human experience of pain and loss.
