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.1. What is the meaning of Job 8:5?

2. How does Job 8:5 encourage us to seek God earnestly in trials?

3. What does "plead with the Almighty" teach about our relationship with God?

4. How can Job 8:5 be connected to James 4:8 about drawing near?

5. In what ways can we apply Job 8:5 in daily prayer life?

6. How does seeking God in Job 8:5 reflect trust in His sovereignty?

7. What does Job 8:5 suggest about the nature of seeking God and His favor?

8. How does Job 8:5 reflect the belief in divine justice and retribution?

9. What historical context influences the interpretation of Job 8:5?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 8?

11. If God truly prospers all the upright (Job 8:5–7), how do we explain the contradictions seen in real-life situations where good people suffer severe hardship?

12. In Job 6:24–25, why is it that neither God nor anyone else presents undeniable evidence of Job’s alleged wrongdoing if his punishment is just?

13. In Job 33:14, if God truly speaks in multiple ways, why is there no verifiable evidence of such divine communication today?

14. Job 22:25-26 implies material blessings for faithfulness--how do we address situations where devout believers remain in poverty?But if

The tiny word “but” signals a turning point. Bildad is telling Job that things do not have to stay as they are. “If” introduces a real, not hypothetical, condition: change is possible, yet it hinges on a personal response. Scripture consistently presents this kind of conditional promise—think of God’s word to Solomon: “if My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face… then I will hear from heaven” (2 Chronicles 7:14). The pattern is clear: divine blessing follows human turning.

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you would earnestly seek God

“Earnestly” speaks of wholehearted, persistent pursuit. Job’s anguish has not canceled the call to press in. The psalmist models this fervor: “When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ my heart said to You, ‘Your face, LORD, I will seek’” (Psalm 27:8). God is not hiding; yet He invites pursuit so relationship can deepen (Jeremiah 29:13; Hebrews 11:6). Bildad is urging Job to move past debating and toward deliberate, passionate seeking.

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and ask the Almighty

Here is prayer in its simplest form: asking. The title “Almighty” (Shaddai) reminds us of God’s unlimited power—He is fully able to intervene (Genesis 17:1). Jesus echoes this open–ended invitation: “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7). James adds that we must “ask in faith, without doubting” (James 1:6). Bildad’s counsel is not empty religion; it is an appeal to approach the only One who can truly help.

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for mercy

The goal of the request is mercy—undeserved kindness that flows from God’s compassionate heart. Even the most righteous sufferer must rely on grace, not merit. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”. Job, crushed by loss, is reminded that God’s mercy is still available; it is never exhausted (Lamentations 3:22-23).

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summary

Job 8:5 offers a conditional promise wrapped in four simple movements: pivot (“but if”), pursue (“earnestly seek”), petition (“ask the Almighty”), and plead (“for mercy”). Bildad’s words, though lacking full empathy, still spotlight a timeless truth: when hurting people turn wholeheartedly to the Almighty, humble themselves, and appeal to His mercy, they place themselves in the stream of God’s ready grace and power.

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


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