Job chapter 9

After reading chapter 9:

*Now we have Job's reply to Bildad. He acknowledges the truth of Bildad's statements then says how could any human be considered righteous before god (El). No one can argue with such wisdom and power, even if they wanted to. This God can move mountains, cause earthquakes, put out the light of the sun and stars. Only he spreads out the heavens and walks on water. He makes all the constellations and many other miracles and wonders that cannot be understood.

*This God is invisible to Job. (Then how does he know he exists?) He is also unstoppable and answers to no one. God (elowah) does not hold back his anger, even the cohorts of Rahab cowered at his feet. Who is Rahab? In this passage, it possibly represents Egypt and is not the same root as Rahab in The book of Joshua. How could Job argue with this God who could crush him and make him worse off than he is. Who can even beg him for mercy or justice?

*Job goes on to say that even though he is blameless, he doesn't care to go on living. That is why he says this God destroys both the blameless and the wicked with various  impartial acts of detriment to humanity. If God is not doing it, who is? Interesting. Do you suppose the first two Yahweh chapters were added to answer that question, thereby letting God off the hook?

*Job says time is passing very swiftly without any joy. Even if he tries to smile he still dreads his sufferings because he knows he will not be held innocent. If He's been judged guilty already, why should he put up a fight? Even if he metaphorically cleanses himself, he would be plunged into a slime pit. If only there was a mediator between him and this God, someone who could stop this disciplinary action so that he wouldn't be afraid to speak up for himself. But right now he can't.

Again, if you want to see a different, and sometimes more literal translation of this passage, read it in the KJ version as well. ( I never thought I would say that.)

Right now it seems that Job is saying all the good stuff and all the bad stuff of life is wrought by the same entity who dishes it out impersonally, without regard for innocence and guilt. Humans have no way to appeal.