Bible Commentaries
Job 25

Verses 1-6

Bildad Speaks (25:1-6)

A glance at the text is sufficient indication that the structure of the book is out of joint here. Bildad’s third speech is so short that some explanation must be offered. The possibilities can be reduced to two. The first is that the author by shortening the speeches of the friends, even by altogether omitting a third speech by Zophar, wished to symbolize the defeat of the friends in the debate. If this is the case it is a rather subtle device, and if such was the author’s intent it could easily have failed in its purpose.

The second possibility has to do with possible dislocation of the original order of the book. When we try to assign reasons for such disorder we find no absolutely secure ground. It is conceivable that actual physical disrepair of manuscripts led to faulty rearrangement. It is also conceivable that some parts of speeches were deliberately moved in order to achieve what would seem to be a more orthodox effect.

God Alone Is Great (25:1-6)

These verses form a kind of doxology, reciting the majesty and power of God in such a way as to emphasize the littleness of man. This is, of course, in no sense an answer to Job’s preceding speech; rather, it intensifies the problem with which he deals there. Verses 2 and 3 stress God’s absolute and unyielding control, and dwell on the effect of his control in heaven where his absolute dominion produces universal "fear." The phrase "he makes peace" refers to God’s power to quell rebellion (a reference to Job’s complaint?) but also conveys the idea of God’s power to establish a condition of peace. The line is like the second line of verse 3, which in a striking way stresses the total rule of God but does so in an image ("light") which carries the idea of blessing.

These ideas are not, however, expanded by Bildad. Rather he draws the conclusion that God’s greatness and his universal dominion serve to illuminate the uncleanness of man.