“Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.”
Job continues 'Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.' Job invokes the form from God's speeches ('hear... I will speak'), creating a kind of mirror or echo of God's address. Job asks to be heard and invites God to declare to Job what Job requests. The verse suggests that Job has questions he wishes to pose to God, though the questions are not explicitly stated. The verse maintains a kind of dialogue even as Job submits. Job is not simply accepting silence but is requesting that God speak further if Job has questions. Yet the questions never come; instead, Job moves immediately to withdrawal of complaint.
Church Fathers on Job 42:3
Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? For Leviathan hides counsel without knowledge, because, though he is concealed from our infirmity by many frauds, he is yet disclosed to us by the holy inspiration of our Protector. He hides counsel without knowledge, because though he escapes the notice of those who are tempted, yet he cannot escape the notice of the Protector of the tempted. Having heard therefore the power and craft of the devil, having heard also the power…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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