Job 3
BSB1 After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. 2 And this is what he said: 3 “May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, ‘A boy is conceived.’ 4 If only that day had turned to darkness! May God above disregard it; may no light shine upon it. 5 May darkness and gloom reclaim it, and a cloud settle over it; may the blackness of the day overwhelm it. 6 If only darkness had taken that night away! May it not appear among the days of the year; may it never be entered in any of the months. 7 Behold, may that night be barren; may no joyful voice come into it. 8 May it be cursed by those who curse the day — those prepared to rouse Leviathan. 9 May its morning stars grow dark; may it wait in vain for daylight; may it not see the breaking of dawn. 10 For that night did not shut the doors of the womb to hide the sorrow from my eyes. 11 Why did I not perish at birth; why did I not die as I came from the womb? 12 Why were there knees to receive me, and breasts that I should be nursed? 13 For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest 14 with kings and counselors of the earth, who built for themselves cities now in ruins, 15 or with princes who had gold, who filled their houses with silver. 16 Or why was I not hidden like a stillborn child, like an infant who never sees daylight? 17 There the wicked cease from raging, and there the weary find rest. 18 The captives enjoy their ease; they do not hear the voice of the oppressor. 19 Both small and great are there, and the slave is freed from his master. 20 Why is light given to the miserable, and life to the bitter of soul, 21 who long for death that does not come, and search for it like hidden treasure, 22 who rejoice and greatly exult when they can find the grave? 23 Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? 24 I sigh when food is put before me, and my groans pour out like water. 25 For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has befallen me. 26 I am not at ease or quiet; I have no rest, for trouble has come."
Study Notes — Job 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Job 3
- Themes from Job 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Job 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Job chapter 3 is a poetic and emotional expression of Job's suffering and despair. He begins by cursing the day he was born, saying 'Let the day perish wherein I was born' (Job 3:3). Job then expresses his desire to escape his suffering and find rest in death, saying 'Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?' (Job 3:11). He also laments the fact that he was ever born, saying 'Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul?' (Job 3:20). Throughout the chapter, Job's emotions are raw and intense, and he struggles to understand why God is allowing him to suffer.
Context for the Chapter
Job chapter 3 is part of the larger book of Job, which is a wisdom literature book in the Old Testament. The book of Job tells the story of a righteous man who suffers intensely, and it explores the question of why God allows suffering in the world. Job chapter 3 is a key part of this story, as it expresses Job's emotional and spiritual struggles in the face of his suffering. The chapter is also connected to other biblical themes, such as the suffering of Christ and the promise of eternal life.
Heart Application
As we read Job chapter 3, we are reminded of the importance of being honest with God about our emotions. Like Job, we can express our feelings to God in a raw and intense way, and we can trust that he will hear us and respond. We are also reminded of the fact that suffering is a part of life, but that it is not the end of the story. Through Christ, we have the promise of eternal life, and we can trust that God will bring us through our suffering into a deeper relationship with him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Job chapter 3 is about a man named Job who is suffering greatly. He is in a lot of pain and is very sad. He wishes that he had never been born and that he could die to escape his suffering. He is questioning why God is allowing him to suffer, and he is expressing his feelings in a very honest way. We can learn from Job's example by being honest with God about our emotions, and by trusting that he will bring us through our suffering into a deeper relationship with him (Job 3:11, Job 3:20).
Voices from the Church
“Job's affliction was not a punishment, but a trial. It was not a token of God's displeasure, but a test of Job's faith.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“Job's complaint is not a rebellion against God, but a expression of his deep sorrow and frustration. He is not questioning God's sovereignty, but rather his wisdom and justice.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Job's Lamentation (3:1-10) — Job begins by cursing the day he was born, and he expresses his desire to escape his suffering. He wishes that he had never been born, and that he could have avoided the pain and misery that he is experiencing.
- Job's Questioning of God (3:11-19) — Job questions God's wisdom and justice, and he wonders why he is suffering. He asks God why he was born, and why he is experiencing such intense pain and misery.
- Job's Longing for Death (3:20-23) — Job longs for death as an escape from his suffering, and he sees it as a way to find rest and relief. He wishes that he had never been born, and that he could have avoided the pain and misery that he is experiencing.
- Job's Emotional Honesty (3:24-26) — Job is incredibly honest about his emotions, and he expresses his feelings in a raw and intense way. He is not afraid to tell God exactly how he is feeling, and he pours out his heart in a deeply personal way.
- Conclusion (3:27-28) — Job's lamentation comes to a close, and he expresses his desire to find rest and relief from his suffering. He trusts that God will bring him through his suffering into a deeper relationship with him.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- Job chapter 3 teaches us about the sovereignty of God, and the fact that he is in control of all things. Even in the midst of suffering, God is working out his plan and purpose for our lives.
- The Problem of Evil
- The chapter also explores the problem of evil, and the question of why God allows suffering in the world. Job's story reminds us that suffering is not always a result of sin, but rather a result of living in a fallen world.
- The Importance of Faith
- Job's story teaches us about the importance of faith, and the fact that it is not always easy. Job's faith is tested in the fire of suffering, and he comes out stronger and more faithful as a result.
- The Promise of Eternal Life
- Finally, the chapter reminds us of the promise of eternal life, and the fact that our suffering is not the end of the story. Through Christ, we have the promise of eternal life, and we can trust that God will bring us through our suffering into a deeper relationship with him.
Lessons from Job 3
- The Importance of Emotional Honesty — Job's story teaches us about the importance of being honest with God about our emotions. We can express our feelings to God in a raw and intense way, and we can trust that he will hear us and respond.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter reminds us of the sovereignty of God, and the fact that he is in control of all things. Even in the midst of suffering, God is working out his plan and purpose for our lives.
- The Problem of Evil — Job's story explores the problem of evil, and the question of why God allows suffering in the world. We can learn from Job's example by trusting God in the midst of our own suffering, and by seeking to understand his plan and purpose for our lives.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter teaches us about the importance of faith, and the fact that it is not always easy. Job's faith is tested in the fire of suffering, and he comes out stronger and more faithful as a result.
- The Promise of Eternal Life — Finally, the chapter reminds us of the promise of eternal life, and the fact that our suffering is not the end of the story. Through Christ, we have the promise of eternal life, and we can trust that God will bring us through our suffering into a deeper relationship with him.
Themes from Job 3
- Suffering — Job's story teaches us about the reality of suffering, and the fact that it is a part of life. We can learn from Job's example by trusting God in the midst of our own suffering, and by seeking to understand his plan and purpose for our lives.
- Faith — The chapter reminds us of the importance of faith, and the fact that it is not always easy. Job's faith is tested in the fire of suffering, and he comes out stronger and more faithful as a result.
- Emotional Honesty — Job's story teaches us about the importance of being honest with God about our emotions. We can express our feelings to God in a raw and intense way, and we can trust that he will hear us and respond.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter reminds us of the sovereignty of God, and the fact that he is in control of all things. Even in the midst of suffering, God is working out his plan and purpose for our lives.
- The Promise of Eternal Life — Finally, the chapter reminds us of the promise of eternal life, and the fact that our suffering is not the end of the story. Through Christ, we have the promise of eternal life, and we can trust that God will bring us through our suffering into a deeper relationship with him.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can express your emotions to God in a raw and honest way, like Job did in this chapter?
- How does Job's story help you to understand the problem of evil, and the question of why God allows suffering in the world?
- What are some ways that you can trust God in the midst of suffering, like Job did in this chapter?
- How does the promise of eternal life give you hope and comfort in the face of suffering?
- What are some ways that you can apply the lessons of Job chapter 3 to your own life, and trust God in the midst of your own struggles and challenges?
Detailed Chapter Outline
Job's Lamentation (3:1-10)
| Job 3:1 | Job begins by cursing the day he was born, and he expresses his desire to escape his suffering. |
| Job 3:2 | Job says that he wishes he had never been born, and that he could have avoided the pain and misery that he is experiencing. |
| Job 3:3 | Job curses the day he was born, and he wishes that it had never been. |
| Job 3:4 | Job says that the day he was born should be shrouded in darkness, and that it should be forgotten. |
| Job 3:5 | Job wishes that the day he was born had been a day of darkness, and that it had been forgotten. |
| Job 3:6 | Job says that the night he was born should be barren and void of joy. |
| Job 3:7 | Job wishes that the night he was born had been a night of sorrow, and that it had been filled with pain and misery. |
| Job 3:8 | Job says that those who curse the day should have cursed the day he was born. |
| Job 3:9 | Job wishes that the stars of the morning had not shone on the day he was born. |
| Job 3:10 | Job says that the day he was born should have been a day of darkness, and that it should have been forgotten. |
Job's Questioning of God (3:11-19)
| Job 3:11 | Job questions God's wisdom and justice, and he wonders why he is suffering. |
| Job 3:12 | Job says that he wishes he had never been born, and that he could have avoided the pain and misery that he is experiencing. |
| Job 3:13 | Job wishes that he had been stillborn, and that he had never seen the light of day. |
| Job 3:14 | Job says that kings and counselors rest in death, and that they are at peace. |
| Job 3:15 | Job wishes that he could have been born into a life of wealth and power, and that he could have avoided the suffering that he is experiencing. |
| Job 3:16 | Job says that the small and the great are there, and that they are at peace. |
| Job 3:17 | Job wishes that the slave is free from his master, and that he is at peace. |
| Job 3:18 | Job says that the prisoners are at ease together, and that they are not troubled. |
| Job 3:19 | Job wishes that he could have been born into a life of freedom, and that he could have avoided the suffering that he is experiencing. |
Job's Longing for Death (3:20-23)
| Job 3:20 | Job longs for death as an escape from his suffering, and he sees it as a way to find rest and relief. |
| Job 3:21 | Job says that those who long for death cannot find it, and that it is hidden from them. |
| Job 3:22 | Job wishes that he could have been happy and joyful, and that he could have avoided the suffering that he is experiencing. |
| Job 3:23 | Job says that the life of man is full of trouble, and that he is surrounded by darkness and fear. |
Job's Emotional Honesty (3:24-26)
| Job 3:24 | Job is incredibly honest about his emotions, and he expresses his feelings in a raw and intense way. |
| Job 3:25 | Job says that the thing that he feared has come upon him, and that he is filled with fear and anxiety. |
| Job 3:26 | Job wishes that he could have been at peace, and that he could have avoided the suffering that he is experiencing. |
Conclusion (3:27-28)
| Job 3:27 | Job's lamentation comes to a close, and he expresses his desire to find rest and relief from his suffering. |
| Job 3:28 | Job says that he is troubled and bowed down, and that he is filled with fear and anxiety. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Job chapter 3?
The main theme of Job chapter 3 is Job's lamentation and complaint to God regarding his suffering. Job expresses his emotional and spiritual struggles in a raw and intense way, and he questions God's wisdom and justice.
Why does Job curse the day he was born?
Job curses the day he was born because he wishes that he had never been born, and that he could have avoided the pain and misery that he is experiencing. He sees his birth as a source of suffering, and he longs for death as an escape.
What is the significance of Job's longing for death?
Job's longing for death is significant because it shows the depth of his suffering and his desire to escape it. However, it also highlights the fact that death is not the end of the story, and that God has a plan and purpose for our lives that goes beyond our suffering.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 3:1 → Jeremiah 20:14 | Job's curse on the day he was born is similar to Jeremiah's curse on the day he was born (Jeremiah 20:14). |
| 2 | Job 3:11 → Psalm 22:1 | Job's question of why he was born is similar to the psalmist's question in Psalm 22:1. Both Job and the psalmist are expressing their feelings of abandonment and despair. |
| 3 | Job 3:20 → Ecclesiastes 7:1 | Job's statement that the day of death is better than the day of birth is similar to the statement in Ecclesiastes 7:1 that the day of death is better than the day of birth. |
| 4 | Job 3:23 → Psalm 23:4 | Job's statement that the life of man is full of trouble is similar to the statement in Psalm 23:4 that the valley of the shadow of death is a place of trouble and fear. |
| 5 | Job 3:24 → Psalm 42:1 | Job's expression of his emotional pain is similar to the expression of emotional pain in Psalm 42:1. |
| 6 | Job 3:25 → Proverbs 10:24 | Job's statement that the thing that he feared has come upon him is similar to the statement in Proverbs 10:24 that the fear of the wicked will come upon them. |
| 7 | Job 3:26 → Matthew 11:28 | Job 3:26 is similar to Matthew 11:28, where Jesus says that he will give rest to those who are weary and heavy-laden. |
| 8 | Job 3:27 → John 14:27 | Job's statement that he is troubled and bowed down is similar to the statement in John 14:27, where Jesus says that he will give peace to those who are troubled and fearful. |
| 9 | Job 3:28 → Hebrews 4:15 | Job's expression of his emotional pain is similar to the expression of emotional pain in Hebrews 4:15, where Jesus is said to be able to sympathize with our weaknesses. |
| 10 | Job 3:1-28 → Romans 8:18 | The overall theme of Job chapter 3 is similar to the theme in Romans 8:18, where Paul says that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us. |
Sermons on Job 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(John - Part 3): The Beauteous World as Made by Him by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word in upholding and sustaining the universe. He highlights the beauty and order that God has created in the world. The |
|
|
The Beauteous World as Made by Him, and His Reception Into It by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word in upholding and sustaining the universe. He highlights the beauty and order that God has created in the world. The |
|
Corporate Confession and Repentance - Part 1 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scenario of a young girl getting married to an older man, emphasizing the importance of finding the right partner in God's eyes. |
|
Encouragement by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and how he faced hard times. Job's friends initially provided comfort by simply being present, but they made things worse wh |
|
(Through the Bible) Job 1-4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job from the Bible. Job was a man who experienced extreme loss and suffering, losing his wealth, possessions, and even his child |
|
Job, 1975 Part 2 by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the preacher discusses various aspects of God's creation, focusing on animals such as hawks, peacocks, and unicorns. The preacher emphasizes God's power and wisdom |
|
The Burning Bush by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of preserving a pure testimony for God, focusing on the need to die to self, let go of personal opinions, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. |
|
Homily 33 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of emulating the faith and endurance of biblical figures like Job, the apostles, and the three children in the fiery furnace. He emphasiz |
|
Our Daily Homily - Job by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of Job, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against temptation during times of festivity and the necessity of prayer and intercession for loved |
|
Fear Thou Not; for I Am With Thee by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes that fear is a tool used by Satan to weaken our faith and hinder our blessings. He highlights how fear, rooted in falsehood, can paralyze us and lead to dis |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Job 3
Matthew Henry's commentary on Job chapter 3 highlights the deep emotional pain and spiritual struggle that Job is experiencing. Henry notes that Job's curse on the day he was born is a expression of his deep frustration and despair, and that it is a sin that Job will later repent of. Henry also emphasizes the fact that Job's suffering is not a result of his own sin, but rather a result of God's sovereignty and wisdom. Henry encourages readers to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even in the midst of suffering, and to seek to understand his plan and purpose for our lives. As Henry says, 'The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord' (Job 1:21). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Job's Emotional Honesty
Job is incredibly honest about his emotions, and he expresses his feelings in a raw and intense way. He is not afraid to tell God exactly how he is feeling, and he pours out his heart in a deeply personal way.
Job's Questioning of God
Job questions God's wisdom and justice, and he wonders why he is suffering. He asks God why he was born, and why he is experiencing such intense pain and misery.
Job's Longing for Death
Job longs for death as an escape from his suffering, and he sees it as a way to find rest and relief. He wishes that he had never been born, and that he could have avoided the pain and misery that he is experiencing.