Job 9
Job Says There Is No Arbitrator Between God And Man
1Then Job answered,
But how can a man be in the right before God?
He could not answer Him once in a thousand times.
Who has defied Him without harm?
When He overturns them in His anger;
And its pillars tremble;
And sets a seal upon the stars;
And tramples down the waves of the sea;
And the chambers of the south;
And wondrous works without number.
Were He to move past me, I would not perceive Him.
Who could say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’
Beneath Him crouch the helpers of Rahab.
And choose my words before Him?
I would have to implore the mercy of my judge.
I could not believe that He was listening to my voice.
And multiplies my wounds without cause.
But saturates me with bitterness.
And if it is a matter of justice, who can summon Him?
Though I am guiltless, He will declare me guilty.
I do not take notice of myself;
I despise my life.
‘He destroys the guiltless and the wicked.’
He mocks the despair of the innocent.
He covers the faces of its judges.
If it is not He, then who is it?
They flee away, they see no good.
Like an eagle that swoops on its prey.
I will leave off my sad countenance and be cheerful,’
I know that You will not acquit me.
Why then should I toil in vain?
And cleanse my hands with lye,
And my own clothes would abhor me.
That we may go to court together.
Who may lay his hand upon us both.
And let not dread of Him terrify me.
But I am not like that in myself.