Job 8:5
If thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty;
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תְּשַׁחֵ֣ר
If thou wouldest seek
H7836
תְּשַׁחֵ֣ר
If thou wouldest seek
Strong's:
H7836
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to dawn, i.e., (figuratively) be (up) early at any task (with the implication of earnestness); by extension, to search for (with painstaking
אֵ֑ל
unto God
H410
אֵ֑ל
unto God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
5 of 8
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
Historical Context
Wisdom literature emphasizes seeking God, but Bildad's timing reveals insensitivity. His advice, though containing truth, exemplifies speaking the right words at the wrong time (Proverbs 25:11).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you offer spiritual counsel without making assumptions?
- When has conditional advice ('if you would just...') minimized your pain?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Bildad's counsel 'if thou wouldest seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the Almighty' assumes Job hasn't already done so. The conditional 'if' adds insult to injury, implying Job's prayerlessness caused his calamity. Well-meaning advice becomes cruelty when it misunderstands the situation.