Job 6:3-13

3 I'm sure they would weigh more than the grains of sand on the seashore. No wonder I've been so quick to speak!
4 The Mighty One has shot me with his arrows. I have to drink their poison. God's terrors are aimed at me.
5 Does a wild donkey cry out when it has enough grass? Does an ox call out when it has plenty of food?
6 Is food that doesn't have any taste eaten without salt? Is there any flavor in the white of an egg?
7 I refuse to touch that kind of food. It makes me sick.
8 "I wish I could have what I'm asking for! I wish God would give me what I'm hoping for!
9 I wish he would crush me! I wish his powerful hand would cut off my life!
10 Then I'd still have one thing to comfort me. It would be that I haven't said no to the Holy One's commands. That would give me joy in spite of my pain that never ends.
11 "I'm so weak that I no longer have any hope. Things have gotten so bad that I can't wait for help anymore.
12 Am I as strong as stone? Is my body made out of bronze?
13 I don't have the power to help myself. All hope of success has been taken away from me.

Job 6:3-13 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 6

This and the following chapter contain Job's answer to the speech of Eliphaz in the two foregoing; he first excuses his impatience by the greatness of his afflictions, which, if weighed by good and impartial hands, would be found to be heavier than the sand of the sea, and which words were wanting to express, Job 6:1-3; and the reason why they were so heavy is given, they being the arrows and terrors of the Almighty, Job 6:4; and by various similes he shows that his moans and complaints under them need not seem strange and unreasonable, Job 6:5-7; and what had been said not being convincing to him, he continues in the same sentiment and disposition of mind, and wishes to be removed by death out of his miserable condition, and gives his reasons for it, Job 6:8-13; and though his case was such as required pity from his friends, yet this he had not from them, but represents them as deceitful, and as having sadly disappointed him, and therefore he neither hoped nor asked for anything of them, Job 6:14-23; and observes that their words and arguments were of no force and weight with him, but harmful and pernicious, Job 6:24-27; and in his turn gives them some exhortations and instructions, and signifies that he was as capable of discerning between right and wrong as they, with which this chapter is concluded, Job 6:28-30.

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