Biblical Hebrew Forum

["B. M. Rocine" <brocine AT twcny.rr.com>]

B-Haveray,

The key part of both Job 42:7 and 8 reads _l'o dibbartem 'elay nekonah 
ke`abdi 'iyyob_. 

I suggest this harmonizes fine with 38:2 (YHWH said) "Who is this that 
darkens counsel with ignorant words?"  and 40:2.   The idea in 42:7, 8 
is not that Job spoke right words, because he did not (see below); he 
did, however, speak sincerely. 

Notice in 42:7 and 8 _'elay_, "TO ME."  Perhaps _nakonah_ is best 
understood as an adverbial meaning "sincerely" as _ke`abdi 'iyyob_ is 
adverbial to _dibbartem_.  See Ps 5:10 where _nekonah_ is best 
understood as sincerity.  Translation of Job 42:7, 8: "You have not 
spoken to me sincerely like my servant Job."

It is inconceivable to me to think that Job, when confronted by YHWH, 
would not feel very sorry for many of the things he has said.  For 
instance, he has said that God has wronged him:

Job 19:6-12  then know that God has wronged me and drawn his net around 
me.  7 "Though I cry, 'I've been wronged!' I get no response; though I 
call for help, there is no justice.  8 He has blocked my way so I cannot 
pass; he has shrouded my paths in darkness.  9 He has stripped me of my 
honor and removed the crown from my head.  10 He tears me down on every 
side till I am gone; he uproots my hope like a tree.  11 His anger burns 
against me; he counts me among his enemies.  12 His troops advance in 
force; they build a siege ramp against me and encamp around my tent.

He has also accused God of hiding from him unfairly.


Job 23:3-9  If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his 
dwelling!  4 I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with 
arguments.  5 I would find out what he would answer me, and consider 
what he would say.  6 Would he oppose me with great power? No, he would 
not press charges against me.  7 There an upright man could present his 
case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge.  8 "But 
if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find 
him.  9 When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns 
to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.

We may cite many other impudent challenges to God as Job tries to bring 
God out from hiding.


Job 6:4

Job 7:15-21

Job 9:16-19 

Job 9:23-24 

Job 9:30-35 

Job 10:3-9 

Job 13:18-25 

Job 16:7-14 

Job 17:6-8 

Job 19:22 

Job 24:22 - 25:1 

Job 31:35-40 

Given these accusations of malpractice, I have a problem thinking that 
Job did not find himself in need of regret/repentance.

Shalom,
Bryan

B. M. Rocine
Living Word Church
5101 Court St. Rd.
Syracuse, NY 13206