Then Bildad the Shuhite replied:
Bildad is one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him during his time of suffering. His name, Bildad, may mean "confusing love" or "Bel has loved," indicating a possible connection to ancient Semitic cultures. The Shuhite designation suggests he is a descendant of Shuah, a son of Abraham by Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2), which places him within a broader biblical genealogy and highlights the interconnectedness of various tribes and peoples in the ancient Near East. Bildad's role in the narrative is to present a traditional view of divine justice, emphasizing the retributive nature of God's dealings with humanity. His speeches often reflect the wisdom literature of the time, which held that suffering was a direct result of sin. This perspective is challenged by the overarching message of the Book of Job, which explores the complexity of suffering and divine sovereignty. Bildad's reply here is part of a larger dialogue where he attempts to assert the majesty and justice of God, often contrasting human frailty with divine perfection. His arguments are rooted in the cultural and religious understanding of his time, which saw a direct correlation between righteousness and prosperity, and wickedness and suffering. This reflects a broader theological debate within the text about the nature of God and the reasons for human suffering.1. Bildad the Shuhite
Bildad is one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him during his time of suffering. He is identified as a Shuhite, which indicates his tribal or regional affiliation. Bildad is known for his speeches that emphasize the greatness of God and the insignificance of man.

2. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, known for his righteousness and suffering. Job's account is a profound exploration of faith, suffering, and divine justice.

3. The Dialogue
This verse marks the beginning of Bildad's third and final speech in the dialogue between Job and his friends. The dialogue is a series of poetic discourses that explore themes of suffering, justice, and the nature of God.The Majesty of God
Bildad's speeches remind us of the greatness and majesty of God. In our lives, we should cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God's power and wisdom.

Human Limitation
Recognizing our limitations is crucial. Bildad's perspective, though sometimes lacking in compassion, highlights the truth that human understanding is limited compared to God's infinite wisdom.

The Importance of Compassion
While Bildad speaks truth about God's greatness, his approach lacks empathy. We should strive to balance truth with love and compassion when addressing others' suffering.

The Role of Friends in Suffering
Bildad's interaction with Job serves as a reminder of the importance of being a supportive and understanding friend, especially in times of distress.XXV.

(1) Then answered Bildad.--Bildad attempts no formal reply to Job's statements, he merely falls back upon the position twice assumed by Eliphaz before (Job 4:17-21; Job 15:14-16), and twice allowed also by Job (Job 14:4)--the impossibility of man being just with God--and therefore implies the impiety of Job in maintaining his righteousness before God. God, he says, is almighty, infinite, and absolute. How can any man contend with Him, or claim to be pure in His sight? This is the final speech of the friends. Bildad no longer accuses Job; he practically owns himself and his companions worsted in argument, seeing that he attempts no reply, but reiterates truisms that are independent of the special matter in hand. Job, in Job 23:3-12, had spoken of his longing for the Divine judgment; so Bildad labours to deprive him of that confidence, as though he would say, "I have nothing to do with your facts, nor can I explain them; but be that as it may, I am certain that you, or any mortal man, cannot be pure in the sight of God."

Verses 1-6. - Far from accepting Job's challenge, and grappling with the difficulty involved in the frequent, if not universal, prosperity of the wicked. Bildad, in his weak reply, entirely avoids the subject, and limits himself to briefly touching two old and well-worn topics - the might of God (vers. 2, 3) and the universal sinfulness of men. On neither of these two points does he throw any fresh light. He avoids, however, the reckless charges of Eliphaz (Job 22:5-9) as well as the coarse menaces of Zophar (Job 20:5-29). Verses 1, 2. - Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, Dominion and fear are with him (i.e. with God). God is the absolute Sovereign of the universe, to whom, therefore, all created beings must perforce submit themselves. He is also terrible in his might, so that for their own sakes men should submit to his decrees. Through his active sovereignty, and the fear which he inspires, he maketh peace in his high places. The meaning may be that, through these high attributes, God maintains peace among the dwellers in the supernal regions; but beyond this there is a possible allusion to a time in which peace was disturbed, and the Almighty had to "make" it, or re-establish it, (On the subject of the "war in heaven," and the defeat and subjection of the rebels, see the comment on Job 9:13.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then Bildad
בִּלְדַּ֥ד (bil·daḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1085: Bildad -- perhaps 'Bel has loved', one of Job's friends

the Shuhite
הַשֻּׁחִ֗י (haš·šu·ḥî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7747: Shuhite -- a Shuchite

replied:
וַ֭יַּעַן (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond


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OT Poetry: Job 25:1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered (Jb)