BALDAD (Hebr. Bildadli). — One of the three characters (with Elipha and Sophar) mentioned by the common friend Job (q.v.), to comfort him in his misfortunes (Job 2:11; 8:11; 18:1; 25:1; 42:9).
He is called “the Suhite,” Hebr. *haṣ-Ṣiḥî*, or *Zayyîrî* in the Septuagint. According to cuneiform records, the tribe of Suhî inhabited the banks of the Euphrates, south of Carchemish and north of Arabia.
In the first of the three discussions between Job and his friends, B. supports Elipha’s thesis that every suffering is a punishment for personal guilt. Yet whoever repents may recover his former prosperity; the just man moreover enjoys special divine protection (Job 8). In the second discussion, B. vividly portrays the prosperity of the wicked man, who finally falls under harsh calamities, is left isolated and bereft of strength (Job 18). In the third, with a few phrases he contrasts the power of God with the nothingness of man (Job 25:2–6).
In B.’s speeches, vivid and fanciful description prevails over reflection. He buttresses Elipha’s thoughts with the authority of ancient sages. Only in the final discussion, overcome by the force of Job’s arguments, does he soften the harsh tone with which he had previously spoken. At the end, by divine command, he joins the other friends in publicly vindicating the great sufferer.