Job 8:8
For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שְׁאַל
For enquire
H7592
שְׁאַל
For enquire
Strong's:
H7592
Word #:
2 of 8
to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand
נָ֭א
H4994
נָ֭א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
3 of 8
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
לְדֹ֣ר
age
H1755
לְדֹ֣ר
age
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
רִישׁ֑וֹן
I pray thee of the former
H7223
רִישׁ֑וֹן
I pray thee of the former
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
5 of 8
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
וְ֝כוֹנֵ֗ן
and prepare
H3559
וְ֝כוֹנֵ֗ן
and prepare
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
Cross References
Job 15:18Which wise men have told from their fathers, and have not hid it:Deuteronomy 4:32For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?Deuteronomy 32:7Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.Romans 15:4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.1 Corinthians 10:11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom was transmitted orally through generations, creating strong emphasis on ancestral teaching (Proverbs 4:1-4). Bildad's appeal to 'former age' and 'their fathers' reflects this pedagogical method. However, Job represents new revelation that challenges inadequate traditional formulations—anticipating progressive revelation's pattern throughout Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we honor tradition while remaining open to Holy Spirit's correction of inadequate inherited theology?
- What does Bildad's appeal to the fathers teach about the relationship between Scripture and church tradition in Reformed theology?
- In what ways can devotion to orthodoxy become an idol that prevents us from hearing God's fresh word?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Bildad appeals to antiquity: 'For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers.' The verb 'enquire' (sha'al, שָׁאַל) means to ask, inquire, or seek. 'Prepare thyself' (kun, כּוּן) means to establish, prepare, or make firm. Bildad commands Job to research ancestral wisdom as authoritative foundation for theology. This appeal to tradition represents conservative hermeneutics—truth is discovered in what previous generations taught.
Bildad's methodology contains both strength and weakness. Scripture honors tradition: 'Ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee' (Deuteronomy 32:7). Proverbs repeatedly urges heeding parental instruction. The Reformed tradition values church fathers and confessional heritage. However, Bildad absolutizes tradition, making it trump present experience and divine revelation. He cannot conceive that God might work contrary to received wisdom.
The gospel both honors and transcends tradition. Jesus frequently cited 'it is written' but also declared 'but I say unto you' (Matthew 5:21-48). The apostles honored Old Testament Scripture while revealing its fulfillment in Christ. True wisdom holds tradition and present revelation in proper tension, allowing Scripture to critique tradition rather than enslaving Scripture to it.