Job 9: Wrestling with Divine Justice – How Can a Mortal Be Just Before God?

✨ Executive Summary

Job 9 grapples with the profound and agonizing question: How Can a Mortal Be Just Before God? This chapter intensifies Job’s despair as he contemplates God’s immense power and inscrutability. He acknowledges God’s sovereignty and creative might, but struggles to reconcile these attributes with the suffering he endures. Job argues that even if he were righteous, he could not win a legal case against God due to God’s overwhelming power. He feels trapped, unable to justify himself or comprehend God’s purpose. This chapter highlights the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine mystery and the desperate search for justice and meaning in suffering, a theme central to the Book of Job and resonates deeply with Coptic Orthodox theology.

Job, in this chapter, expresses a sentiment that echoes throughout human history – the feeling of being a small, insignificant being standing before an all-powerful, seemingly indifferent God. It’s a question of fairness, a cry for understanding, and a plea for mercy. This chapter is not just about Job; it’s about all of us who have ever questioned God’s ways.

📖 Commentary Sections

Job 9:1-2 – The Inevitable Truth

Then Job answered and said: “Truly, I know it is so, but how can a man be righteous before God?” (KJV)
Then Job answered and said: “I know it is so, that it is true; But how can a man be righteous before God?” (NKJV)

Job begins with a somber affirmation. He acknowledges the conventional wisdom – that God is just and punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous. However, his own experience starkly contradicts this view. The core question, “How Can a Mortal Be Just Before God?”, is immediately presented. This isn’t about being morally perfect; it’s about achieving legal or moral parity with an infinite, omnipotent being. From a Coptic Orthodox perspective, this highlights the inherent limitations of fallen humanity. We are inherently incapable of achieving perfect righteousness on our own merit. As St. Paul says in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge your own limitations and dependence on God’s grace. Humility is the first step towards spiritual growth. Explore different services we offer, and visit dohost.us to build your personal website.

Job 9:3-4 – Unmatchable Power and Wisdom

If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand. He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered? (KJV)
If one wished to contend with Him, He could not answer Him one time out of a thousand. God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered? (NKJV)

Job recognizes the futility of arguing with God. Even if he could present a valid case, God’s wisdom and power are so far beyond human comprehension that he couldn’t possibly win. This echoes the sentiment found throughout the Old Testament, especially in the wisdom literature. Consider Proverbs 21:30, “There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel that can prevail against the Lord.” The Fathers emphasize God’s aseity – His self-existence and independence. He is not bound by human laws or logic. As St. Athanasius states, “Αὐτὸς γὰρ ἦν ὁ Λόγος ὁ ὢν πρὸς τὸν Θεόν, δι’ οὗ τὰ πάντα ἐγένετο” (Autos gar ēn ho Logos ho ōn pros ton Theon, di’ hou ta panta egeneto – “For the Word was with God, through whom all things were made”). (Athanasius, *Contra Arianos* 3.36). God’s creative power also implies a wisdom beyond our grasp.

Spiritual Application: Surrender your need to understand everything. Trust in God’s wisdom, even when you cannot see His purpose. Accept that some things are beyond human comprehension.

Job 9:5-10 – God’s Cosmic Power

Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger. Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble. Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars. Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea. Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south. Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number. (KJV)
He removes the mountains, and they do not know when He overturns them in His anger; He shakes the earth out of its place, And its pillars tremble; He commands the sun, and it does not rise; He seals off the stars; He alone spreads out the heavens, And treads on the waves of the sea; He makes the constellations: the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, And the chambers of the south; He does great things past finding out, Yes, wonders without number. (NKJV)

Here, Job paints a vivid picture of God’s immense power over creation. He moves mountains, shakes the earth, controls the sun and stars, and commands the seas. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of the cosmos, where divine power was directly linked to control over natural phenomena. The mention of constellations like Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades showcases the human attempt to understand the order and beauty of the heavens, created and sustained by God. From a scientific perspective, we now understand the immense energy and forces involved in geological processes and stellar phenomena. Job’s words, though poetic, point to the underlying reality of God’s control over these forces. St. Basil the Great marvels at the order and beauty of creation, seeing it as a testament to God’s wisdom and goodness: “Ἡ δὲ τάξις καὶ ἡ διακόσμησις τῆς κτίσεως τὴν ἀνεξιχνίαστον σοφίαν καὶ τὴν ἀμέτρητον ἀγαθότητα τοῦ Δημιουργοῦ φανερῶς ἐπιδείκνυται” (Hē de taxis kai hē diakosmēsis tēs ktiseōs tēn anexichniaston sophian kai tēn ametrēton agathotēta tou Dēmiourgou phanerōs epideiknytai – “The order and arrangement of creation clearly display the unsearchable wisdom and boundless goodness of the Creator”). (Basil the Great, *Homiliae in Hexaemeron* 1.2)

Spiritual Application: Recognize the immensity of God’s creation and His power over all things. Cultivate a sense of awe and wonder in your daily life. Find God in the beauty of nature.

Job 9:11-12 – The Unknowable God

Lo, he goeth by me, and I see him not: he passeth on also, but I perceive him not. Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him? who will say unto him, What doest thou? (KJV)
If He goes by me, I do not see Him; If He moves past, I do not perceive Him. If He takes away, who can restrain Him? Who can say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’ (NKJV)

Job laments the hiddenness of God. Even when God is acting, Job cannot see or understand His actions. This emphasizes the limitations of human perception and understanding in the face of the divine. This resonates with the concept of *apophatic theology*, prevalent in Eastern Christianity, which emphasizes that God is ultimately unknowable and beyond human comprehension. We can only speak of what God *is not*, rather than what He *is*. We experience God through His energies, but His essence remains hidden. St. Gregory of Nyssa eloquently speaks of this divine hiddenness: “Τὸ θεῖον ἀεὶ φεύγει τὴν κατάληψιν” (To theion aei pheugei tēn katalēpsin – “The Divine always escapes comprehension”). (Gregory of Nyssa, *Vita Moysis* 1.25).

Spiritual Application: Accept that God is often beyond our understanding. Seek Him through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments, even when you don’t feel His presence. Practice patience and trust in His timing.

Job 9:13-21 – No Justification Possible

If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him. How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him? Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge. If I had called, and he had answered me, yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice. For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause. He will not suffer me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead? If I condemn myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life. (KJV)
God will not withdraw His anger; The allies of the proud lie prostrate beneath Him. How then can I answer Him, And choose my words to reason with Him? For though I were righteous, I could not answer Him; I would beg mercy of my Judge. Though I might call and He would answer me, I would not believe that He was listening to my voice. For He crushes me with a tempest, And multiplies my wounds without cause. He will not allow me to catch my breath, But fills me with bitterness. If it is a matter of strength, indeed He is mighty; And if of justice, who will summon Him? If I condemn myself, my own mouth will condemn me; If I say, ‘I am blameless,’ It will prove me perverse. Though I am blameless, I do not know myself; I would despise my life. (NKJV)

This section delves into the heart of Job’s despair. He feels utterly helpless before God. Even if he were righteous, he wouldn’t dare argue with God, knowing his words would be twisted against him. He even doubts that God would listen if he cried out. This reflects a profound sense of alienation and abandonment. The phrase “multiplies my wounds without cause” highlights Job’s perception of injustice. He sees his suffering as undeserved and inexplicable. The idea that “if I condemn myself, my own mouth will condemn me” speaks to the psychological toll of prolonged suffering. Job is trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and despair. The final statement, “Though I am blameless, I do not know myself; I would despise my life,” is a stark expression of existential angst. Job has lost his sense of self and his will to live. This echoes the cries of many saints facing intense trials. The Coptic Church emphasizes the importance of persevering through suffering, trusting that God has a purpose, even when it’s unclear.

Spiritual Application: In times of intense suffering, cling to faith, even when you doubt. Seek counsel from spiritual mentors and trusted friends. Remember that God’s love is unwavering, even when you feel abandoned. Explore the wisdom and insights of the Church Fathers for strength and guidance.

Job 9:22-24 – The Implied Injustice

This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked. If the scourge slay suddenly, he will laugh at the trial of the innocent. The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he? (KJV)
It is all the same; therefore I say, ‘He destroys the blameless and the wicked.’ If the scourge slays suddenly, He laughs at the plight of the innocent. The earth is given into the hand of the wicked; He covers the faces of its judges. If it is not He, then who is it? (NKJV)

Job expresses his most profound accusation against God: that He treats the righteous and the wicked alike. This undermines the fundamental principle of divine justice. He points to the apparent triumph of the wicked on earth and implies that God either enables or allows this injustice. The phrase “He covers the faces of its judges” suggests corruption and the perversion of justice. This is a direct challenge to the conventional wisdom that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. This resonates with the suffering servant prophecies in Isaiah. Christ, the ultimate righteous one, suffered unjustly for the sins of humanity. His suffering, though seemingly senseless, ultimately brought about salvation.

Spiritual Application: Recognize that injustice exists in the world, but don’t let it shake your faith. Trust that God will ultimately bring justice and righteousness to prevail. Work to promote justice and compassion in your own sphere of influence.

Job 9:25-35 – A Fleeting Hope

Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good. They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle that hasteth to the prey. If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort myself: I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that thou wilt not hold me innocent. If I be wicked, why then labour I in vain? If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me. For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both. Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me: Then would I speak, and not fear him; but it is not so with me. (KJV)
“Now my days are swifter than a runner; They flee away, they see no good. They pass by like swift ships, Like an eagle swooping on its prey. If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face and be cheerful,’ I am afraid of all my sufferings; I know that You will not hold me innocent. If I am guilty, why then do I labor in vain? If I wash myself with snow water, And cleanse my hands with soap, Yet You will plunge me in the pit, And my own clothes will abhor me. For He is not a man, as I am, That I may answer Him, And that we may go to court together. Nor is there any mediator between us, Who might lay his hand on us both. Let Him take His rod away from me, And do not let His dread terrify me. Then I would speak, and not fear Him; But it is not so with me. (NKJV)

This final section of Job 9 expresses a longing for relief and understanding. Job laments the swift passage of his days, filled with nothing but sorrow. He desires to forget his complaint but fears that God will never acquit him. He feels trapped, unable to cleanse himself of God’s perceived accusations. The most significant verse is 9:33: “Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.” This expresses Job’s desire for a mediator, someone who could bridge the gap between him and God. From a Christian perspective, this foreshadows the role of Christ as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, Christ reconciles us to God. St. Cyril of Alexandria states, “Μεσίτης γὰρ Θεοῦ καὶ ἀνθρώπων, ἄνθρωπος Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς” (Mesitēs gar Theou kai anthrōpōn, anthrōpos Christos Iēsous – “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus”). (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on 1 Timothy* 2:5). Job’s longing for a mediator reveals a deep spiritual need for reconciliation and understanding.

Spiritual Application: Recognize your need for a mediator between you and God. Embrace Christ as your Savior and Advocate. Seek reconciliation with God through prayer, repentance, and the sacraments. Remember that Christ understands your suffering and intercedes on your behalf.

✨ Key Reflections and Teachings

Here are some key reflections and teachings drawn from Job 9:

• 💡 **The Limits of Human Understanding:** Job’s struggle highlights the inherent limitations of human reason in comprehending God’s ways. We must accept that some things are beyond our understanding.
• 🕊️ **The Sovereignty of God:** Despite his suffering, Job acknowledges God’s sovereignty and power over creation. This reminds us to trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it.
• 📖 **The Problem of Injustice:** Job’s complaint about the apparent triumph of the wicked raises the age-old question of injustice. This challenges us to confront injustice in the world and to trust that God will ultimately bring justice.
• 📜 **The Need for a Mediator:** Job’s longing for a mediator foreshadows the role of Christ as the reconciler between God and humanity.
• ✨ **The Importance of Perseverance:** Despite his despair, Job perseveres in his search for understanding and justice. This encourages us to persevere in faith, even in the face of suffering.
• 💡 **The Mystery of Suffering:** Job’s suffering remains a mystery, but it reminds us that suffering is a part of the human experience. We can find meaning and purpose in suffering by drawing closer to God.

❓ FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Job 9:

• Q: Why does Job question God’s justice in this chapter?
  A: Job is experiencing immense suffering and cannot reconcile his suffering with the idea of a just and righteous God. He feels that he has done nothing to deserve his fate and questions why God would allow him to suffer so greatly. This questioning is a crucial element in Job’s search for truth.
• Q: How does Job’s longing for a mediator relate to Christian theology?
  A: Job’s longing for a “daysman” or mediator foreshadows the role of Christ as the mediator between God and humanity. Christ, through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, bridges the gap between humanity and God, offering reconciliation and salvation.
• Q: What is the spiritual application of Job 9 for modern Christians?
  A: Job 9 encourages us to acknowledge the limits of human understanding, to trust in God’s sovereignty, to confront injustice, and to persevere in faith, even in the face of suffering. It also reminds us to seek Christ as our mediator and to find meaning and purpose in suffering.
• Q: Does Job’s suffering mean he was unrighteous?
  A: No, the Book of Job explicitly states that Job was a righteous man (Job 1:1). His suffering is not a result of his sin but rather a test of his faith and a demonstration of God’s power. The book challenges the simplistic notion that suffering is always a punishment for sin.

Conclusion

Job 9 forces us to confront the uncomfortable reality of human limitations in the face of divine power. The central question, How Can a Mortal Be Just Before God?, remains unanswered, but the chapter points towards the need for a mediator and the importance of trusting in God’s sovereignty, even when we don’t understand His ways. This wrestling with divine justice reflects the essence of the human spiritual journey and the need for humility and faith in the face of suffering. Job’s struggle is a reminder that true faith isn’t about having all the answers, but about trusting God even when the answers elude us.

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Job, Suffering, Justice, God, Faith, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Scripture, Mediator, Divine Sovereignty

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Explore Job 9: How Can a Mortal Be Just Before God? A Coptic Orthodox perspective on suffering, justice, faith, and the need for a mediator. Deep theological insights.