Then:
This word indicates a continuation of the dialogue between Job and his friends. It follows Bildad's speech in Job 8, where Bildad argues that suffering is a result of sin and urges Job to repent. The use of "then" shows that Job is responding directly to the arguments presented to him, maintaining the flow of the discourse.

Job:
Job is the central figure of the book, described as a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil (Job 1:1). His name is synonymous with patience and endurance in suffering. Job's character and experiences are often seen as a type of Christ, who also suffered despite being righteous. Job's story is set in the land of Uz, which is believed to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia, though its exact location is uncertain.

Answered:
This indicates that Job is engaging in a dialogue, a common literary form in wisdom literature. The book of Job is structured as a series of speeches and responses, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern practice of disputation. Job's response is not just a reply to Bildad but also a continuation of his struggle to understand his suffering in light of his faith in God. This dialogue format allows for the exploration of deep theological questions about justice, suffering, and divine sovereignty.

1. Job
A man described in the Bible as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith.

2. Uz
The land where Job lived. It is often associated with the region east of Israel, though its exact location is uncertain.

3. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up engaging in a series of dialogues with him about the nature of suffering and God's justice.

4. God
The sovereign Creator who allows Job's faith to be tested by Satan, yet ultimately restores him.

5. Satan
The adversary who challenges Job's righteousness, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity.Understanding Human Limitation
Job's response in 9:1 sets the stage for a discourse on the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine wisdom. We must recognize our finite perspective and trust in God's infinite wisdom.

The Reality of Suffering
Job's situation reminds us that suffering is a part of the human experience, even for the righteous. It challenges us to maintain faith and integrity amidst trials.

The Importance of Honest Dialogue with God
Job's willingness to speak openly about his struggles encourages believers to bring their questions and doubts to God, trusting in His understanding and compassion.

The Role of Friends in Times of Trial
Job's interactions with his friends highlight the importance of providing genuine support and encouragement, rather than judgment, to those who are suffering.

Faith in God's Justice
Despite his suffering, Job's account ultimately points to a faith in God's justice and righteousness, encouraging believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and purpose.Verses 1-35. - Job, in answer to Bildad, admits the truth of his arguments, but declines to attempt the justification which can alone entitle him to accept the favourable side of Bildad's alternative. Man cannot absolutely justify himself before God. It is in vain to attempt to do so. The contest is too unequal. On the one side perfect wisdom and absolute strength (ver. 4); on the other, weakness, imperfection, ignorance. guilt (vers. 17-20). And no "daysman," or umpire, between them; no third party to hold the balance even, and preside authoritatively over the controversy, and see that justice is done (vers. 33-35). Were it otherwise, Job would not shrink from the controversy; but he thinks it ill arguing with omnipotent power. What he seems to lack is the absolute conviction expressed by Abraham in the emphatic words'" Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Genesis 18:25). Verses 1, 2. - And Job answered and said, I know it is so of a truth. "I freely admit," is., "all that has been said." God would not cast away a perfectly righteous man (Job 8:20); and, of course, he punishes evil-doers. But, applied practically, what is the result? How should man be just with God? or, before God? Apart from any knowledge of the doctrine of original or inherited sin, each man feels, deep in his heart, that he is sinful - "a chief of sinners." Bradford looks upon the murderer as he mounts the scaffold, and says, "But for the grace of God, there goes John Bradford!" Job has a similar conviction, that in the sight of God, righteousness, such as it is, shrinks away into insignificance, and is as nothing, cannot anyhow be relied upon. Such must be the attitude before God of every human soul that is not puffed up with pride or utterly insensate and sunk in apathy.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then Job
אִיּ֗וֹב (’î·yō·wḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 347: Job -- a patriarch

answered:
וַיַּ֥עַן (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 9:1 Then Job answered (Jb)