Part 29 (1/2)

[208] This entire speech is ironical.

[209] Allusion to a myth.

[210] In the light of my own conscience I am not an evil-doer.

[211] Ironical.

[212] _Lit_., the man of lips.

[213] Wisdom.

[214] _I.e_., G.o.d's wisdom enables him to discern the deceit of those who appear just, and the punishment which he deals out to them makes the result of his knowledge visible to the dullest comprehension.

[215] A name for G.o.d.

[216] The current versions of the Bible make Job say the contrary: ”With the ancient _is_ wisdom; and in length of days understanding” (Job xii. 12, Authorised Version). _Cf. ante_, ”Interpolations.”

[217] _I.e_., Will ye persist in maintaining that G.o.d rewards the good and punishes the wicked (as Zophar has just done, strophe xcvii.) in spite of the fact that ye know it is untrue?

[218] _I.e_., not on grounds obvious to all, but because your own particular lot is satisfactory.

[219] Compare this with the extraordinary verse in our Authorised Version: ”Thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet”! (Job ii. 27).

[220] This is one of the very few pa.s.sages in the Poem which throw light upon the date of its composition.

[221] _I.e_., the object for which he bartered righteousness.

[222] Host of evils which has attacked me from all sides.

[223] Ironical.

[224] An allusion to the promises made by the friends on the part of G.o.d that Job would, if he repented and asked for pardon, recover his former prosperity.

[225] _Lit_., the pieces of his skin.

[226] Probably an allusion to elephantiasis.

[227] The personification of death.

[228] Either ”the sons of the womb which has borne me,” as in iii. 10, or else ”my own children,” the poet forgetting that in the prologue they are described as having been killed.

[229] _I.e_., when it is too late.

[230] Zophar discerns perfect moral order in the world.

[231] G.o.d.

[232] _I.e_., by man.