Opening Criticism

Bildad’s speech clearly falls into two major segments: the opening response caustically directed to Job (18:1–4); and a longer wisdom rumination or admonition concerning the ultimate destruction of the wicked (18:5–21). The commentators variously divide the latter section into subsections, but in my opinion no particular division is more persuasive than another. The discussions of Clines, Job 1–20, pp. 407–8, and Whybray, Job, pp. 89–91, however, are particularly helpful.

18:1  The heat of Bildad’s reply illustrates the friends’ growing frustration (and perhaps desperation!) at Job’s refusal to accede to their arguments. Unable to persuade him to acknowledge their superior wisdom or even to submit to the wisdom of the ages, Bildad lashes out and turns from persuasion to rat…