p67 [H C Anstey] MY DEAR BROTHER, - In Job 2:9 you have also from his wife, "Curse God and die." In 1 Kings 21:10 it cannot mean bless. If taken in this sense it must be a euphemism for cursing. The usual explanation is this: barak means 'to kneel,' used for camels even: berek is 'a knee,' hence 'to implore'; and there are two words, one Arabic the other Ethiopic, which have this uncertain sense (I know nothing of these languages). Hence while kneeling is the physical sense, it is to bless from above in Piel, and to cause (camels) to kneel down in Hiphil: but while some Hebraists, particularly Jews - but Schultens and others - will not allow the sense of cursing in this derivation of the word, and the Jews translate bless when we say curse, if you believe Gesenius it is as I have said above; others take it as derived from a word signifying 'to dismiss,' 'send off.' So Delitzsch interprets it in Job. In 1 Kings 21, his fellow-labourer also translates 'blasphemed'; but in explaining, derives from 'dismissing, or sending off,' saying, 'Which is the same as blasphemed.'

I judge you are quite right as to the purport of the book, but all God's dealings and care are wonderfully brought out. "He withdraws not his eyes from the righteous" - had considered Job before Satan; justified Job, by allowing Satan's efforts, from his charge of hypocrisy, and then takes him in His own hand for discipline, making him know himself in grace, and God in majesty; sends an interpreter, one among a thousand; and when he has owned both, blesses him more than ever.

My answer has been delayed, but if you knew all I have to do you would pardon me.

1880.

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