Job 6:12-22

12 My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh of brass.
13 Behold there is no help for me in myself, and my familiar friends also are departed from me.
14 He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.
15 My brethren have passed by me, as the torrent that passeth swiftly in the valleys.
16 They that fear the hoary frost, the snow shall fall upon them.
17 At the time when they shall be scattered they shall perish: and after it groweth hot, they shall be melted out of their place.
18 The paths of their steps are entangled: they shall walk in vain, and shall perish.
19 Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while.
20 They arc confounded, because I have hoped: they are come also even unto me, and are covered with shame.
21 Now you are come: and now, seeing my affliction, you are afraid.
22 Did I say: Bring to me, and give me of your substance?

Job 6:12-22 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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