Smoodock's Blog

It would appear at this point (Job 27:1) that Job paused and waited for Zophar to reply, but when he didn’t, Job continued (H5375). That is, he added to his argument the support that he offers in verses 2-6. The friends had ceased their replies against him, which became apparent in Zophar’s silence. Job now victoriously sums up and strengthens his argument that the Lord had not brought all those catastrophic events upon him in judgment of his sins. That was the friends’ conclusion, for they had concluded that the wrath of God, which they assumed was poured out upon Job, was the only possibility to account for Job’s present circumstances. Nevertheless, Job’s replies had silenced them, and they were unable to add to their argument any proof that their claims were true.

Therefore, Job concluded by offering his oath, swearing by the Lord that what he claimed about his innocence was true (Job 27:2). An oath was taken by the ancients to conclude a dispute, implying God would judge the thing spoken, if it weren’t true. Thus, it was done to end strife between two parties (cp. Hebrews 6:16;). Knowing the friends weren’t convinced by Job’s words, though they were unable to continue in their replies,[1] Job showed them he wasn’t afraid to allow God to judge the matter, if, indeed, Job had uttered lies.

For Job’s part, he had hoped that the Lord would intervene and justify him immediately by healing him. Thus, showing openly that he hadn’t judged him for wickedness he had done. Nevertheless, this didn’t occur: “As God lives, who has taken away my judgment…” In other words, the Lord had, indeed, caused all the calamity that Job had to endure, and in doing so he had weakened Job’s argument that he was righteous. However, Job maintains that his present circumstances are not due to the Lord’s judgment

Job declares, as his vow, that as long as he has breath in him, which is the spirit/breath of God in his nostrils, he would not speak wickedness nor utter deceit (Job 27:3-4). In other words, as long as he is alive, Job wouldn’t utter a lie. Here Job admits that it is God who gives him life. It is the Lord who supplies the air that Job breathes in and out (cp. Genesis 2:7; 6:7; 7:15). Therefore, as long as the Lord continues to give Job life, he will not utter the lie.

In the context of the debate with the friends, Job claims he would not justify their words against him by admitting to their argument. They are wrong, pure and simple, and Job says he would never agree with them as long as he lives, because that would break his vow to the Lord. The Lord knows the truth, so let him judge between you and me! As for me, “I will maintain my integrity” (Job 27:5-6). I will never cease to hold fast to my righteousness, and I’ll have a clear conscience as long as I live.”

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[1] It needs to be said that those holding to error will rarely concede they are wrong. They may not be able to defend their traditions etc. with a plausible argument, but much more often than not they will refuse to own up to the fact that they embraced error, while their opponent spoke the truth. In our own day this practice is more the norm than, perhaps, we are willing to admit. Winning an argument will not necessarily change a mind. It only means the folks, with the weaker argument are unable to continue the debate in a respectable tone and as credible spokesmen.