The deity accosts Job again, but Job has not heard in the deity’s first discourse an answer to his demand to learn what he is thought to have done wrong. Accordingly, he places his hand over his mouth, indicating that he is ready to listen and to hear more (see at 21:5 and 29:9).
[40:1] Up spoke YHWH to Job and he said:
[2] Should one who censures1 charge Shaddai?
Should Eloah answer an accuser?
[3] Up spoke Job to YHWH and he said:
[4–5] Lacking respect, how can I answer you?
My hand I place over my mouth.
I have spoken once and I will not repeat;2
Twice—and I will (speak) no more.
1. The form yissor is a noun formed from yisser “to discipline” on the pattern of gibbor “brave one.”
2. In view of the next line, read ’eshneh (see 29:22; so several scholars) for ’e‘eneh “I will (not) answer.”