Job 8:1
French (La Bible expliquée)
Bildad de Chouha prit alors la parole et dit à Job: Après avoir repris la thèse de la rétribution collective déjà défendue par Élifaz en 5.1-7, Bildad développe une théologie du donnant, donnant, bien illustrée par l'emploi du conditionnel « si » (v. 5-6). Comme l'accusateur, dans les chap. 1–2, cet avocat de Dieu ne croit pas en la foi désintéressée. Il est enfermé dans un système d'échanges de bons procédés où le salut s'acquiert par les bonnes œuvres. Il n'y a aucune place pour la gratuité, la grâce. Deux attitudes conditionnent le bonheur. La première, c'est de se montrer innocent et droit. Or, ce sont là des qualités qui ont déjà été reconnues à Job (1.1 8 2.3). La deuxième condition, c'est de chercher la présence de Dieu et de lui adresser une prière. Or, c'est ce que Job vient tout juste de faire (7.7-21). La relation avec Dieu ou avec les autres est-elle fondée sur le calcul ou sur la gratuité?
What Does This Mean?
This verse introduces Bildad the Shuhite, who is about to speak. Bildad is one of Job's friends who come to comfort him but end up criticizing him. The key message here is the start of Bildad's response to Job's suffering.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're playing a game of catch with your friends, and one of your friends is feeling sad. Bildad is like that friend who's about to throw the ball, but instead of cheering you up, he's going to say something that might make you feel worse. This verse is the moment when Bildad is ready to speak.
Historical Background
The Book of Job is traditionally attributed to Moses, but the exact author is unknown. It was likely written between 1500-1000 BCE, detailing a conversation between Job and his friends. The cultural setting was patriarchal, where friends would often interpret calamities as a sign of divine displeasure or punishment.
Living It Out Today
When a friend is going through a tough time, it's tempting to offer advice based on assumptions. For example, if a friend is jobless, we might assume they're lazy, which is a harmful and unfounded conclusion. Instead, we should listen and offer support without judgment.
Topics
friendshipsufferingcomfortjudgmentperspectivesorrow
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bildad the Shuhite?
Bildad is one of Job's friends who come to comfort him during his suffering but ends up criticizing Job, believing his troubles are due to his sins.
What does this verse tell us about Job's friends?
It indicates that Job's friends are about to offer their perspectives on Job's situation, which often involve judgments based on the belief that suffering is a result of sin.
How can we apply Bildad's response to modern relationships?
In modern relationships, it teaches us to avoid judging others' suffering based on assumptions and to offer genuine support without criticism.
What can we learn from the context of Job 8:1?
The context teaches us about the importance of empathy and understanding in friendship, rather than offering unsolicited and potentially hurtful advice.