Bildad
Bildad is a religious dogmatist of the superficial kind, whose dogmatism rests upon tradition (e.g.) Job 8:8-10 and upon proverbial wisdom and approved pious phrases. These abound in all his discourses. His platitudes are true enough, but then every one knows them.; Job 9:1 ; Job 9:2 ; Job 13:2 nor do they shed any light on such a problem as Job's.
Context Summary
Job 8:1-22 - God Will Not Cast Away
Bildad now takes up the argument, appealing to the experience of former generations to show that special suffering, like Job's, indicated special sin, however deeply concealed. He feels that God could not pervert judgment, and that the sudden destruction of Job's children proved that they had transgressed.
Job 8:11-13 are probably quoted from an old poem, embodying the sententious observation of some older generation, which compared the ungodly to the rapid growth and more rapid destruction of the papyrus plant. Job 8:14-15 compare the state of the ungodly to the slight fabric of the spider's web, fine-spun, flimsy, and insecure. Job 8:16-19 employ yet another comparison-that of the weeds, which grow to rank luxuriance, spreading over heaps of stones and even walls, which they are figuratively said to see in the distance and creep toward; the very earth is ashamed of them, as presently they lie withered on the path. But notice the assurances that God will uphold all those who return to Him. Be of good cheer; thou shalt yet praise Him! [source]
Chapter Summary: Job 8
1Bildad shows God's justice in dealing with men according to their works 8He alleges antiquity to prove the certain destruction of the hypocrite 20He applies God's just dealing to Job