I don’t have direct access to specific chapters or content from Mercerus’ Commentary on Job. However, if you have access to this work, you may find the speech in the third chapter where Mercerus discusses the topic. If the work is available online or in a library, you could consult that specific chapter for the detailed speech.

Mercerus’ Commentary on Job, like many historical texts, may be available in libraries, rare book collections, or through digital archives. Here are a few steps you can take to find it:

1. University Libraries: Check with university libraries that have a strong focus on theology, classical studies, or ancient languages.
2. Digital Libraries: Explore digital libraries and archives that specialize in historical texts. Websites like Project MUSE, JSTOR, or Google Books might have it.
3. Online Bookstores: Check online bookstores that specialize in rare or antique books.
4. Specialized Archives: Some theological or historical archives may have digital or physical copies of Mercerus’ Commentary.
5. Request from Interlibrary Loan: If you can’t find it locally, you might request it through interlibrary loan services. Librarians can help you with this.

Keep in mind that the availability of such historical texts can vary, and access may depend on your location and the resources of the libraries you have access to. If you’re affiliated with a university or research institution, their library services could be valuable in your search.

Franciscus Gomarus, in his work “Davidis Lyra,” appears to be engaged in a broader theological and scholarly discussion about the nature of poetry, specifically in the context of Hebrew Scriptures. The emphasis on hexameter, a poetic meter commonly associated with classical epic poetry in Greek and Latin traditions, seems to be a point of contention and inquiry.

The discussion about the presence or absence of metrical patterns, such as hexameter, in Hebrew poetry, particularly in the Psalms and other biblical books, was a topic of interest among scholars during that time. Some scholars, like Gomarus, may have sought to explore whether classical poetic forms, such as hexameter, were applicable or present in Hebrew poetic compositions.

Understanding the poetic structure of biblical texts was not merely a matter of literary curiosity. It had implications for the interpretation of the sacred texts, their divine inspiration, and their relationship with classical literature. The debate also touched upon questions related to the nature of Hebrew poetry, linguistic characteristics, and the cultural and historical context of biblical writings.

In summary, Gomarus’ interest in hexameter and the broader discussion about poetic forms in Hebrew Scriptures reflect a scholarly effort to explore the intricacies of biblical poetry, potentially influenced by contemporary debates and the intellectual climate of his time.

The exact perspective of scholars like Gomarus may vary, but generally, during periods of intense scholarly engagement with biblical texts, there was a debate regarding the influence of classical forms, such as those found in Greek and Latin literature, on the interpretation of Hebrew Scriptures. Some scholars, influenced by the classical traditions, may have sought to identify and apply classical poetic forms, like hexameter, to the understanding of Hebrew poetry.

This does not necessarily imply an insistence that the ancient scriptures were directly applicable in form for a Hellenized audience and culture. Rather, it could be an attempt to find common ground or parallels between the literary forms of the biblical texts and those of classical literature. Scholars were grappling with questions related to the universality of literary forms, the influence of cultural exchange, and the broader implications for understanding the nature of the biblical texts.

It’s important to note that interpretations and scholarly perspectives can vary widely, and individuals like Gomarus might have had nuanced views within the broader context of discussions about the relationship between classical and biblical literature.

Discussions about the relationship between classical and biblical literature have a rich history and involve various perspectives. Here are a few examples:

1. Allegorical Interpretation:
   • Some early Christian scholars, like Origen of Alexandria, used allegorical interpretation to find hidden meanings in biblical texts. This approach often drew on classical philosophy and literature, attempting to reconcile biblical narratives with Greek philosophical ideas.
2. Hexameter in Hebrew Poetry:
   • As seen in the case of Gomarus, there were discussions about the presence of classical poetic forms, such as hexameter, in Hebrew poetry. Scholars debated whether the structure of classical poetry could be applied to the understanding of biblical verses.
3. Philological Studies:
   • Scholars like Lorenzo Valla in the Renaissance engaged in philological studies, comparing linguistic features of the Bible with classical texts. This included discussions on language structure, vocabulary, and stylistic elements.
4. Humanism and Classical Influences:
   • During the Renaissance, the Humanist movement emphasized a revival of classical learning. Scholars, including Christian humanists, sought to integrate classical knowledge into the study of the Bible. Erasmus, for instance, produced a Greek New Testament, applying humanist philological methods to the biblical text.
5. Poetics and Literary Forms:
   • The Renaissance and later periods saw discussions about the poetics and literary forms of the Bible. Scholars explored whether biblical writings followed classical literary conventions and whether these conventions should influence the interpretation of the text.
6. Christian Apologetics and Classical Rhetoric:
   • Christian apologists, especially during the early centuries of Christianity, often employed classical rhetorical techniques in their writings. Figures like Augustine were influenced by classical rhetoric in their theological and apologetic works.

These examples highlight the varied ways in which scholars engaged with the relationship between classical and biblical literature. The discussions were not uniform, and interpretations often depended on the theological, philosophical, and cultural context of the scholars involved.