But if you would earnestly seek God
This phrase emphasizes the importance of sincere and diligent pursuit of God. In the context of the Book of Job, Bildad is advising Job to seek God earnestly as a solution to his suffering. The concept of seeking God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, seen in passages like Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." This reflects the belief that a genuine relationship with God requires active effort and devotion. The Hebrew word for "seek" often implies a deep, heartfelt pursuit, suggesting that a superficial or half-hearted approach is insufficient.

and ask the Almighty for mercy,
Here, the focus shifts to the act of requesting mercy from God, who is referred to as "the Almighty," a title that underscores His supreme power and authority. In the cultural and historical context of the Ancient Near East, deities were often approached with requests for favor or mercy, but the biblical narrative uniquely emphasizes God's willingness to respond to sincere petitions. The idea of asking for mercy is central to the biblical understanding of repentance and forgiveness, as seen in passages like Psalm 51, where David seeks God's mercy after his sin with Bathsheba. This phrase also foreshadows the New Testament teaching on grace and mercy through Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, offering mercy to those who seek it.

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and loss.

2. Bildad the Shuhite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Bildad speaks, suggesting that Job's suffering is due to sin and that he should seek God earnestly.

3. God (The Almighty)
Referred to as the Almighty, emphasizing His power and sovereignty. Bildad advises Job to seek God for mercy.

4. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.

5. The Dialogue
The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, which explores themes of suffering, justice, and the nature of God.The Importance of Seeking God
Seeking God should be a continuous and earnest pursuit, especially in times of trouble. It involves prayer, humility, and a sincere heart.

Understanding God's Mercy
God's mercy is available to those who seek it. Recognizing our need for His mercy is crucial in our relationship with Him.

The Role of Friends in Suffering
Friends can offer counsel and support, but their understanding may be limited. It's important to weigh their advice against Scripture and seek God's wisdom.

The Nature of Suffering
Suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. It's essential to maintain faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool for seeking God's presence and guidance. It should be a central part of our response to life's challenges.Verse 5. - If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes. Here we have again an echo of the words of Eliphaz (Job 5:8). There is a tacit assumption that Job has not had recourse to God, has not pleaded his cause with him or taken him into counsel; whereas all the evidence was the other way. Both when the first batch of calamities was reported to him (Job 1:14-19), and when the stroke of disease came (Job 2:10), Job cast his care on God, fell back on him, submitted himself to him unreservedly. "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord," he said in the one case; in the other, "What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" And make thy supplication to the Almighty; literally, make the Almighty gracious to thee."

Parallel Commentaries ...


But if
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

you
אַ֭תָּה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

would earnestly seek
תְּשַׁחֵ֣ר (tə·ša·ḥêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7836: To dawn, be, early at any task, to search for

God
אֵ֑ל (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

and ask the Almighty
שַׁ֝דַּ֗י (day)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7706: The Almighty

for mercy,
תִּתְחַנָּֽן׃ (tiṯ·ḥan·nān)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore


Job 8:5 NIV
Job 8:5 NLT
Job 8:5 ESV
Job 8:5 NASB
Job 8:5 KJV

Job 8:5 BibleApps.com
Job 8:5 Biblia Paralela
Job 8:5 Chinese Bible
Job 8:5 French Bible
Job 8:5 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Job 8:5 If you want to seek God diligently (Jb)