👉 Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire [is, that] the Almighty would answer me, and [that] mine adversary had written a book.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Job 31:35. It's a really interesting and poetic passage about a powerful and frustrated king. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Job is feeling incredibly upset and bitter. He’s talking about his adversary (who he sees as evil) writing a book – essentially, he’s lamenting the fact that someone has deliberately created a record of his pain and grievances. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Oh that one would hear me!” - This is Job's biggest plea. He's begging for someone to listen to him, to understand what he’s going through. “Behold, my desire [is, that] the Almighty would answer me…” – This part highlights his desperation. He’s not just asking for sympathy; he’s asking for a divine response – a direct answer from God. “…and that mine adversary had written a book.” - This is the really striking part. It suggests that this person (the “adversary”) has deliberately and maliciously created a record of Job's suffering, perhaps to mock him or cause him pain. It’s like someone actively trying to hurt him through their words. Overall Meaning: Job is expressing immense frustration and anger because someone is deliberately trying to torment him. He feels that this person has not only wronged him but has also created a record of his suffering, making it seem like something he can't escape. It’s a powerful expression of feeling overwhelmed by hardship. It speaks to the idea that sometimes, the things that feel impossible or deeply hurtful are actually being orchestrated by others. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a commentary on the nature of God and His justice. Job's suffering is seen as a test of faith, and it’s suggesting that God isn’t just passively allowing hardship to happen; He actively intervenes and uses it to demonstrate His power and love. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the context of Job 31? Compare this passage to other biblical stories about suffering?
