Job 18:2

“How long [will it be] ere ye make an end of words? etc.] Because these words are expressed the plural number, some think more persons than one are addressed, either Eliphaz and Job together, who are complained of as taking up all the time, and having all the talk to themselves, that another could scarce put in a word; Bildad could say this with a better grace, because his discourses were but short; or else all his friends, whom he blames for not stopping Job’s mouth at once, and for lengthening out the dispute with him; as if he should say, why are you so complaisant to him, to wait till he has done speaking, before you reply? why do not you, without any ceremony, interrupt him, and not…”

“How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? - It has been made a question to whom this is addressed. It is in the plural number, and it is not usual in Hebrew when addressing an individual to make use of the plural form. Some have supposed that it is addressed to Job and to Eliphaz, as being both “long-winded” and tedious in their remarks. Others have supposed that it refers to Job “and the members of his family,” who possibly interposed remarks, and joined Job in his complaints. Others suppose that it refers to Eliphaz and Zophar, as being silent during the speech of Job, and not arresting his remarks as they ought to have done. Rosenmuller supposes that it refers to Job and those…”

“Ye - Thou, O Job; of whom he speaks here, as also Job 18:3, in the plural number, as was a common idiotism of the Eastern language, to speak thus of one person, especially where he was one of eminency. Mark - Consider the matter better. Job 18:3”

“18:2-3 How long before you stop talking? Bildad addressed Job in the plural, perhaps meaning “people like you.””

“How long: Job 8:2, Job 11:2, Job 13:5, Job 13:6, Job 16:2, Job 16:3 mark: Job 3:5, Job 3:6, Job 3:17, Job 21:2, Job 33:1; Pro 18:13; Jam 1:19 Job 18:3”