Please inquire of past generations
This phrase emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from those who have come before us. In the context of the Book of Job, Bildad is advising Job to look to the traditions and teachings of the ancestors for understanding. This reflects a common practice in ancient cultures, where oral traditions and historical accounts were passed down through generations. The Bible often highlights the value of learning from history, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:7, which encourages remembering the days of old and considering the years of many generations. This approach underscores the belief that wisdom is cumulative and that the experiences of past generations can provide guidance for present challenges.

and consider the discoveries of their fathers.
The term "discoveries" here can be understood as the insights, knowledge, and experiences gained by previous generations. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this would include not only practical knowledge but also spiritual and moral lessons. The "fathers" refers to the patriarchs and ancestors who have laid the foundation of faith and understanding. This phrase suggests a respect for tradition and the accumulated wisdom of the community. It aligns with Proverbs 1:8, which advises listening to the instruction of one's father and not forsaking the teaching of one's mother. The emphasis on learning from the past is a recurring theme in Scripture, pointing to the idea that God's truths are timeless and that the lessons learned by previous generations remain relevant.

1. Bildad the Shuhite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Bildad speaks, urging Job to consider the wisdom of past generations.

2. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who faces severe trials and suffering. The book of Job explores his responses and the dialogues with his friends.

3. Ancestors/Forefathers
Refers to the generations before Job and his friends, whose experiences and wisdom are considered valuable for understanding and guidance.

4. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.

5. The Dialogue
The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, which forms the central account of the book, exploring themes of suffering, justice, and divine wisdom.Value of Historical Wisdom
The verse emphasizes the importance of learning from the past. In a conservative Christian perspective, this means valuing the teachings and experiences of those who have gone before us, especially as recorded in Scripture.

Seeking Godly Counsel
Bildad's advice to Job reflects the biblical principle of seeking wisdom from others, particularly those who have walked with God and can offer insights grounded in faith.

Humility in Learning
Recognizing that we do not have all the answers and that there is much to learn from the experiences and teachings of previous generations.

Interpreting Suffering
While Bildad's application may be flawed, the principle of seeking understanding through the lens of historical faithfulness remains valuable, especially when grappling with personal trials.

Preserving Tradition
Encourages a respect for and preservation of biblical teachings and traditions, understanding them as a foundation for living a life pleasing to God.Verse 8. - For inquire... of the former age. Put the matter to the test of experience - not the short-lived experience of living men, but the treasure of experience which has been handed down from generation to generation since the remotest times, and which is embodied in proverbs - the expression of the concentrated wisdom of antiquity. Search out and see what has in former ages been thought concerning prosperous men, like thyself, when suddenly cast down and afflicted. And prepare thyself to the search of their fathers. Go back, i.e., to the past age, but do not stop there - pursue thy researches further and further to their remote ancestors. Bildad implies that the records of these remote times have been, in some way or other, preserved, either in writings or by oral tradition. Writing was certainly known in Egypt and Babylonia from a time anterior to Abraham, and to the Hittites at a date not very much later. Books of advice and instruction embodied in proverbs, or moral precepts, were among the earliest, in Egypt certainly. See the "Instructions of Amen-em-hat." in the 'Records of the Past,' vol. if. pp. 11-16, and the 'Proverbs of Aphobis,' published by the Revelation Dunbar Heath. Bildad's speech is thought to indicate "special familiarity with Egypt."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Please
נָ֭א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

inquire
שְׁאַל־ (šə·’al-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand

of past
רִישׁ֑וֹן (rî·šō·wn)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7223: First, in place, time, rank

generations
לְדֹ֣ר (lə·ḏōr)
Preposition | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1755: A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling

and consider
וְ֝כוֹנֵ֗ן (wə·ḵō·w·nên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 3559: To be erect

the discoveries
לְחֵ֣קֶר (lə·ḥê·qer)
Preposition | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2714: A searching, a thing (to be) searched out

of their fathers.
אֲבוֹתָֽם׃ (’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father


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OT Poetry: Job 8:8 Please inquire of past generations (Jb)