Judgements

Sometimes, I don't need to say a word. As I read something that so speaks to my own estate and condition, and someone else has said it far more ably than I ever could. I've also made the blockquote texts bigger, as I can't speak for others, but I found it near impossible to see well enough to read. So, I hope its easier for others now too.

My hit counter to this site, appears to have almost stopped working the last day or two too, I remember this happening at another blog, so guess I'll replace it in the coming days if it doesn't start re-working.

He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me, he gnasheth upon me, etc. All expressions to point out how everyone that hated him got leave to take their will of him (as Psa 37:12). [Then] the violent hatred of the wicked against the godly is set out under this expression, He sharpeneth his eyes upon me. It is a reviving to the light of his eye; he feeds on it. Or it is a fiery look, to point out the inward hatred of the wicked, and it may take in Job's friends as dealing roughly with him. Yea [v. 10]: They gaped upon me with their mouth, as men that laugh and say, Aha. They have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully. i.e." They have buffetted me with their ill tongues though they held off their hands. They have gathered themselves, etc. Like as men combined to carry on my affliction, God hath delivered me unto the ungodly. (v. 11) All this is come upon me by God's providences. This I deny not. All my substance is devoured by the Sabeans, Chaldeans, etc.

The third part of his condition is the saddest. He grants (v 12.). that God evidences anger as an enemy. I was at ease, but God has broken me assunder, in respect of body, mind and family. He hath also taken me by the neck, and shaken me to pieces. He has done with me as a strong man that is angry with another. And set me up as his mark or butt, at whom he shoots the arrows of his judgements. For he has so many judgements, and every one of them lights upon me, and sticks into me, as a dart, time about [in turns]. He cleaves my reins, etc. (v. 13, a similutude taken from the m ost vital part of the body), and he does not spare. He poureth out my gall on the ground; he seems to have no restraint till he have the life out. He breaks me etc. (v. 14). He goes on upon or against me with new judgments, as if the former were not enough; And makes breach upon breach, or death upon death, [lacking] words to set out what he would say. Yea, he comes upon me, like a giant, for strength and terror, as if presently he would put out my life; expressing what sense he had of God's dealings. [James Durham--Lectures on Job, Chapter 16]

|