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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 8:8 Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/8-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/18_Job_08_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 8:8 - Bildad: Job Should Repent" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/8-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/8-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/8-7.htm" title="Job 8:7">◄</a> Job 8:8 <a href="/job/8-9.htm" title="Job 8:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Ask the former generation and find out what their ancestors learned,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Just ask the previous generation. Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“For inquire, please, of bygone ages, and consider what the fathers have searched out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“For inquire, please, of the former age, And consider the things discovered by their fathers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Please inquire of past generations, And consider the things searched out by their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Please inquire of past generations, And consider the things searched out by their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Please inquire of past generations, And consider the things searched out by their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Please ask of past generations, And establish the things searched out by their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Inquire, please, of past generations, And consider <i>and</i> apply yourself to the things searched out by their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For ask the previous generation, and pay attention to what their ancestors discovered,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For ask the previous generation, and pay attention to what their fathers discovered, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, And apply thyself to that which their fathers have searched out<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Our ancestors were wise, so learn from them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and apply thyself to that which their fathers have searched out:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Ask the people of past generations. Find out what their ancestors had learned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Look for a moment at ancient wisdom; consider the truths our ancestors learned. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Inquire of the previous generation, won't you please? Consider what their forefathers searched out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"For inquire now of the former generation, and pay attention to the findings of their ancestors; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Please inquire of past generations. Find out about the learning of their fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Please inquire of past generations. Find out about the learning of their fathers. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For inquire, please, of a former generation, "" And prepare for a search of their fathers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For, ask I pray thee of a former generation, And prepare to a search of their fathers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For ask now to the first generation, and prepare to seek their fathers:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For inquire of the former generation, and search diligently into the memory of the fathers: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For inquire of the earliest generation, and investigate diligently the history of the fathers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Inquire of the former generations, pay attention to the experience of their ancestors— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“For inquire now of bygone generations, and consider what their ancestors have found;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For inquire, I pray you, of the former generations, and learn through the search of their fathers;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Ask now about the first generations and discern the search of their fathers<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For inquire, I pray thee, of the former generation, And apply thyself to that which their fathers have searched out--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For ask of the former generation, and search diligently among the race of <i>our</i> fathers:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/8-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=1198" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/8.htm">Bildad: Job Should Repent</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>Though your beginnings were modest, your latter days will flourish. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: šə·’al- (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">inquire</a> <a href="/hebrew/7223.htm" title="7223: rî·šō·wn (Adj-ms) -- Former, first, chief. Or riishon; from ri'shah; first, in place, time or rank.">of past</a> <a href="/hebrew/1755.htm" title="1755: lə·ḏōr (Prep:: N-ms) -- Period, generation, dwelling. Or dor; from duwr; properly, a revolution of time, i.e. An age or generation; also a dwelling.">generations</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: wə·ḵō·w·nên (Conj-w:: V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">and consider</a> <a href="/hebrew/2714.htm" title="2714: lə·ḥê·qer (Prep:: N-msc) -- A searching, a thing (to be) searched out. From chaqar; examination, enumeration, deliberation.">the discoveries</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">of their fathers.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-7.htm">Deuteronomy 32:7</a></span><br />Remember the days of old; consider the years long past. Ask your father, and he will tell you, your elders, and they will inform you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-1.htm">Psalm 44:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Maskil of the sons of Korah. We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us the work You did in their days, in the days of old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2-4</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning, / that we have heard and known and our fathers have relayed to us. / We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/143-5.htm">Psalm 143:5</a></span><br />I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-9.htm">Isaiah 46:9</a></span><br />Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-16.htm">Jeremiah 6:16</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-15.htm">Jeremiah 18:15</a></span><br />Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to worthless idols that make them stumble in their ways, leaving the ancient roads to walk on rutted bypaths instead of on the highway.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-11.htm">1 Corinthians 10:11</a></span><br />Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">Hebrews 11:2</a></span><br />This is why the ancients were commended.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Hebrews 11:39-40</a></span><br />These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. / God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">2 Peter 3:2</a></span><br />by recalling what was foretold by the holy prophets and commanded by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-26.htm">Exodus 12:26-27</a></span><br />When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ / you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-13.htm">Judges 6:13</a></span><br />“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders of which our fathers told us, saying, ‘Has not the LORD brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-57.htm">1 Kings 8:57</a></span><br />May the LORD our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. May He never leave us or forsake us.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For inquire, I pray you, of the former age, and prepare yourself to the search of their fathers:</p><p class="hdg">enquire.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/12-12.htm">Job 12:12</a></b></br> With the ancient <i>is</i> wisdom; and in length of days understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/15-10.htm">Job 15:10,18</a></b></br> With us <i>are</i> both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/32-6.htm">Job 32:6,7</a></b></br> And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I <i>am</i> young, and ye <i>are</i> very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/7-16.htm">Age</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-2.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/job/5-27.htm">Apply</a> <a href="/esther/4-5.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/job/7-17.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/job/4-7.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/ezra/7-14.htm">Enquire</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-18.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/job/5-24.htm">Find</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Former</a> <a href="/esther/8-5.htm">Found</a> <a href="/esther/9-28.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-31.htm">Generations</a> <a href="/job/5-8.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/job/4-15.htm">Past</a> <a href="/job/6-29.htm">Please</a> <a href="/esther/5-8.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/ezra/5-5.htm">Question</a> <a href="/job/8-5.htm">Search</a> <a href="/job/5-27.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/job/5-27.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/11-17.htm">Age</a> <a href="/psalms/61-4.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/psalms/90-12.htm">Apply</a> <a href="/job/9-11.htm">Attend</a> <a href="/job/21-2.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/job/11-11.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/psalms/27-4.htm">Enquire</a> <a href="/job/15-18.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/job/9-14.htm">Find</a> <a href="/job/17-6.htm">Former</a> <a href="/job/9-29.htm">Found</a> <a href="/job/42-16.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/job/42-16.htm">Generations</a> <a href="/job/10-6.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/job/34-2.htm">Learning</a> <a href="/job/9-10.htm">Past</a> <a href="/job/10-3.htm">Please</a> <a href="/job/11-13.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/job/9-19.htm">Question</a> <a href="/job/10-6.htm">Search</a> <a href="/job/11-18.htm">Searched</a> <a href="/job/10-16.htm">Thyself</a><div class="vheading2">Job 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/8-1.htm">Bildad shows God's justice in dealing with men according to their works.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/8-8.htm">He alleges antiquity to prove the certain destruction of the hypocrite.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/8-20.htm">He applies God's just dealing to Job.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Please inquire of past generations</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from those who have come before us. In the context of the Book of Job, Bildad is advising Job to look to the traditions and teachings of the ancestors for understanding. This reflects a common practice in ancient cultures, where oral traditions and historical accounts were passed down through generations. The Bible often highlights the value of learning from history, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/32-7.htm">Deuteronomy 32:7</a>, which encourages remembering the days of old and considering the years of many generations. This approach underscores the belief that wisdom is cumulative and that the experiences of past generations can provide guidance for present challenges.<p><b>and consider the discoveries of their fathers.</b><br>The term "discoveries" here can be understood as the insights, knowledge, and experiences gained by previous generations. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this would include not only practical knowledge but also spiritual and moral lessons. The "fathers" refers to the patriarchs and ancestors who have laid the foundation of faith and understanding. This phrase suggests a respect for tradition and the accumulated wisdom of the community. It aligns with <a href="/proverbs/1-8.htm">Proverbs 1:8</a>, which advises listening to the instruction of one's father and not forsaking the teaching of one's mother. The emphasis on learning from the past is a recurring theme in Scripture, pointing to the idea that God's truths are timeless and that the lessons learned by previous generations remain relevant.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/bildad_the_shuhite.htm">Bildad the Shuhite</a></b><br>One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Bildad speaks, urging Job to consider the wisdom of past generations.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who faces severe trials and suffering. The book of Job explores his responses and the dialogues with his friends.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancestors/forefathers.htm">Ancestors/Forefathers</a></b><br>Refers to the generations before Job and his friends, whose experiences and wisdom are considered valuable for understanding and guidance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/u/uz.htm">Uz</a></b><br>The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_dialogue.htm">The Dialogue</a></b><br>The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, which forms the central account of the book, exploring themes of suffering, justice, and divine wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_historical_wisdom.htm">Value of Historical Wisdom</a></b><br>The verse emphasizes the importance of learning from the past. In a conservative Christian perspective, this means valuing the teachings and experiences of those who have gone before us, especially as recorded in Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_godly_counsel.htm">Seeking Godly Counsel</a></b><br>Bildad's advice to Job reflects the biblical principle of seeking wisdom from others, particularly those who have walked with God and can offer insights grounded in faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_learning.htm">Humility in Learning</a></b><br>Recognizing that we do not have all the answers and that there is much to learn from the experiences and teachings of previous generations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/interpreting_suffering.htm">Interpreting Suffering</a></b><br>While Bildad's application may be flawed, the principle of seeking understanding through the lens of historical faithfulness remains valuable, especially when grappling with personal trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preserving_tradition.htm">Preserving Tradition</a></b><br>Encourages a respect for and preservation of biblical teachings and traditions, understanding them as a foundation for living a life pleasing to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_guidance_for_christian_fathers.htm">What guidance does the Bible give to Christian fathers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_stay-at-home_dads.htm">What does the Bible say about stay-at-home dads?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_timothy_keller's_impact.htm">Am I assured of my salvation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_are_we_captives_in_your_parade.htm">What are spiritual beings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For inquire... of the former age</span>. Put the matter to the test of experience - not the short-lived experience of living men, but the treasure of experience which has been handed down from generation to generation since the remotest times, and which is embodied in proverbs - the expression of the concentrated wisdom of antiquity. Search out and see what has in former ages been thought concerning prosperous men, like thyself, when suddenly cast down and afflicted. <span class="cmt_word">And prepare thyself to the search of their fathers</span>. Go back, <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, to the past age, but do not stop there - pursue thy researches further and further to their remote ancestors. Bildad implies that the records of these remote times have been, in some way or other, preserved, either in writings or by oral tradition. Writing was certainly known in Egypt and Babylonia from a time anterior to Abraham, and to the Hittites at a date not very much later. Books of advice and instruction embodied in proverbs, or moral precepts, were among the earliest, in Egypt certainly. See the "Instructions of Amen-em-hat." in the 'Records of the Past,' vol. if. pp. 11-16, and the 'Proverbs of Aphobis,' published by the Revelation Dunbar Heath. Bildad's speech is thought to indicate "special familiarity with Egypt." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/8-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Please</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֭א</span> <span class="translit">(nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> </span><span class="str2">I pray', 'now', 'then'</span><br /><br /><span class="word">inquire</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁאַל־</span> <span class="translit">(šə·’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of past</span><br /><span class="heb">רִישׁ֑וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(rî·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7223.htm">Strong's 7223: </a> </span><span class="str2">First, in place, time, rank</span><br /><br /><span class="word">generations</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדֹ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1755.htm">Strong's 1755: </a> </span><span class="str2">A revolution of time, an age, generation, a dwelling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and consider</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝כוֹנֵ֗ן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵō·w·nên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the discoveries</span><br /><span class="heb">לְחֵ֣קֶר</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḥê·qer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2714.htm">Strong's 2714: </a> </span><span class="str2">A searching, a thing (to be) searched out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of their fathers.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבוֹתָֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/8-8.htm">Job 8:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/8-8.htm">Job 8:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/8-8.htm">Job 8:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/8-8.htm">Job 8:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/8-8.htm">Job 8:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/8-8.htm">Job 8:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/8-8.htm">Job 8:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/8-8.htm">Job 8:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/8-8.htm">Job 8:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/8-8.htm">Job 8:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/8-8.htm">OT Poetry: Job 8:8 Please inquire of past generations (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/8-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 8:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 8:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/8-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 8:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 8:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>