Job 6

In his reply, the patriarch attempts to justify his complaints on the ground of his severe sufferings (2-7): repeats his desire for death, asserting that his strength was insufficient to bear his trials (8-13); charges his friends with aggravating his afflictions (14-23); and calls upon them to reconsider his case (24-30). Turning from them, he complains of the misery of life (vii. 1-6); entreats God to consider its brevity (7-10); and remonstrates with Him for so deeply afflicting him (11-21).

2 my grief. Eliphaz had used the same word, rendered “wrath” in v. 2. “Vexation,” R.V. Moffatt rightly translates Job as repeating the word used by Eliphaz, thus: “Passion? Compare my passion of despair with the full weight of my calamity.”

laid in the balances together. My complaining would not be found greater than the case warrants.

3. For now it would be heavier, etc. Rather, “For now it (my calamity) is heavier than the sand of the sea; hence my words were vehement,” or, “rash” (R.V.).

4. The poison whereof drinketh up my spirit. Here are two images; the shower of poisoned arrows, and the assailing host.

5. Doth the wild ass bray, etc.? This means, Does any one complain in prosperity? Think not that I am impatient without cause.

6. Is there any taste in the white of an egg? The meaning is, Can any one take delight in what is tasteless? Much less can I feel satisfied with misery.

10. I would harden myself in sorrow. Rather, “And it shall still be my consolation; yea, I will exult in unsparing anguish, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.”

11 prolong my life. Or, “be patient” (R.V.); as the Hebrew phrase usually means.

13. Is not my help in me, etc.? This may be better read, “Is not my help in me nothing” (see R.V.), “and soundness (i.e., vigour of constitution) driven from me?”

14 he forsaketh. Or, “lest he forsake,” etc.

15 have dealt deceitfully. Or, “disappoint me.”

as a brook. Job compares his friends to streams which are abundant in the winter, but are dried up in the heat of summer, and so have least water when it is most needed. The scene so graphically described in the following verses is often witnessed in Arabia.

as the stream, etc. Rather, as R.V., “as the channel of brooks that pass away,” referring to the watercourses or wadys that intersect the region.

18. The paths of their way, etc. This verse should be translated, “Caravans turn aside in their way (i.e., in search of these streams); they go up into the desert, and perish.”

19. Tema . . . Sheba (districts in Arabia). “The troops of Tema and the companies of Sheba” were the merchant-caravans which carried goods from those regions to the western parts of Asia. They knew well all the streams on their route, and directed their journeys by them (ver. 18).

20 were ashamed. That is, at having hoped in vain, like Job himself, in counting upon his friends’ sympathy.

21 ye are nothing. In other words, Ye are useless, like them.

22. Did I say, Bring unto me, etc.? These interrogations mean, Did I ask any assistance from you, either a gift or an effort?

25 what doth your arguing reprove? i.e., what force is there in such upbraiding as yours?

26 to reprove words. That is, mere words. The second clause should be read, as R.V. marg., “Seeing that the speeches of one that is desperate are for the wind”; i.e., not to be taken into serious account.

27 ye overwhelm . . . ye dig. Rather, as R.V., “ye cast lots for . . . ye make merchandise of,” taking advantage of utter helplessness to secure your own gain.

28 be content, etc. Or, “be pleased to look upon me; to your face surely I shall not lie”: see R.V.

29. Return, etc. Or, “Return, I pray (i.e., from your unfair judgement); let there be no iniquity (or injustice); yea, return, yet my right is herein”; i.e., my case is good.