How then can I answer Him
This phrase reflects Job's recognition of God's supreme authority and wisdom. In the context of the Book of Job, Job is responding to Bildad's assertion of God's justice and power. Job acknowledges that, as a mere human, he lacks the capacity to fully comprehend or respond to God's actions or decisions. This humility before God is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in Isaiah 55:8-9, where God's thoughts and ways are described as higher than human understanding. The rhetorical question underscores the vast gap between divine and human wisdom, a concept that is central to the wisdom literature of the Bible.

or choose my arguments against Him?
Here, Job expresses the futility of trying to argue or contend with God. This reflects the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where legal disputes were common, and individuals often sought to present their case before a judge. However, Job realizes that standing before God is unlike any earthly court; God's omniscience and omnipotence render human arguments inadequate. This sentiment is echoed in Romans 9:20, where Paul questions the right of the created to challenge the Creator. The phrase also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:5, highlighting the need for divine intercession in understanding and relating to God.

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, known for his immense suffering and his quest to understand the reasons behind it.

2. God
The Almighty Creator, whom Job is addressing in his discourse. Job acknowledges God's supreme power and wisdom, which makes him feel inadequate to argue his case before Him.

3. Job's Friends
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are significant in the context of Job's discourse. They represent the traditional understanding of retributive justice, which Job is questioning.

4. The Heavenly Court
The setting of the initial chapters of Job, where God and Satan discuss Job's faithfulness. This backdrop sets the stage for Job's trials and his subsequent reflections.

5. The Suffering of Job
The event that prompts Job's deep reflections and dialogues about human suffering, divine justice, and the nature of God.Humility Before God
Recognize our limitations in understanding God's ways. Like Job, we must approach God with humility, acknowledging that His wisdom far surpasses our own.

The Nature of Divine Justice
Understand that God's justice is not always immediately apparent to us. Job's struggle with his suffering invites us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when it is beyond our comprehension.

The Role of Faith in Suffering
Embrace faith as a means to navigate suffering. Job's account encourages believers to hold onto faith, even when answers are not forthcoming.

The Importance of Honest Dialogue with God
Encourage open and honest communication with God. Job's willingness to express his doubts and questions serves as a model for our own prayer life.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Trust in God's sovereign control over all circumstances. Job's acknowledgment of God's power reminds us to rely on His sovereignty, especially in times of trial.Verse 14. - How much less shall I answer him? If he be the Lord of earth and heaven, if he rule the sun and the stars, if he tread down the sea, if he be impalpable and irresistible, if he hold the evil power and his helpers under restraint, how should I dare to answer him? How should any mere man do so? And choose out my words to reason with him? Job feels that he would be too much overwhelmed to choose his terms carefully, and yet a careless word might be an unpardonable offence.

Parallel Commentaries ...


How
אַ֭ף (’ap̄)
Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

then
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

can I
אָנֹכִ֣י (’ā·nō·ḵî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

answer Him
אֶֽעֱנֶ֑נּוּ (’e·‘ĕ·nen·nū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

or choose
אֶבְחֲרָ֖ה (’eḇ·ḥă·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

my arguments
דְבָרַ֣י (ḏə·ḇā·ray)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

against Him?
עִמּֽוֹ׃ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with


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OT Poetry: Job 9:14 How much less shall I answer him (Jb)