contend with the Almighty?
To "contend" implies engaging in a struggle or argument. The Hebrew word used here suggests a legal or verbal dispute. The phrase "with the Almighty" emphasizes the futility of challenging God, who is all-powerful and sovereign. The title "Almighty" (Hebrew: Shaddai) underscores God's supreme authority and strength. In the historical context of Job, this serves as a reminder of the vast chasm between human understanding and divine omnipotence. It inspires believers to recognize their limitations and to approach God with reverence and submission, acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours.

Let him who argues
The phrase "him who argues" refers to someone who disputes or debates, particularly in a confrontational manner. The Hebrew root conveys the idea of a legal argument or a formal dispute. In the context of Job, it reflects Job's previous attempts to understand and question his suffering. This phrase challenges believers to consider the appropriateness of their own arguments with God, encouraging a posture of listening and learning rather than confrontation. It serves as a call to faith, urging believers to trust in God's ultimate justice and wisdom.

with God
The mention of "God" here is significant, as it reminds the reader of the divine nature of the one being questioned. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "Elohim," a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This name for God is often associated with His role as Creator and Judge. The historical and scriptural context emphasizes God's sovereignty and the reverence due to Him. For believers, this phrase is a reminder of the relationship between humanity and the divine, encouraging a posture of worship and awe in the presence of the Creator.

give an answer
The call to "give an answer" is a challenge to those who question God to justify their arguments. The Hebrew root suggests a formal response or defense, often used in legal settings. In the context of Job, it highlights the inadequacy of human reasoning when faced with divine mysteries. This phrase serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding and the need for humility before God. It inspires believers to seek wisdom and understanding through faith, rather than relying solely on their own intellect. It encourages a posture of openness to God's revelation and a willingness to accept His will, even when it is beyond comprehension.

(2) Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him?--Rather, Can he that reproveth (e. g., Job) contend with the Almighty? or, Can the contending with the Almighty instruct Him? "Art thou prepared still to dispute and contend with God? or, if thou dost, is there any hope that thou wilt instruct (i.e., convince) Him in argument? Let him that argueth with God (i.e., Job) answer this question." It might, perhaps, tend to make these verses (Job 40:4-5) more effective if we transposed them after Job 42:6, and regarded them as the very climax of the poem, as some have done. But this is not necessary, and is an arrangement that has no support from external evidence. If, however, it were adopted, Job's resolution, "Once have I spoken; but I will speak no more: yea, twice; but I will not again" (Job 40:5), would not be literally inconsistent, as it now is, with what he says in Job 42:1-6.

Parallel Commentaries ...