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Job 10

22 verses

TL;DR

Job mourns his suffering, questioning God's justice while acknowledging divine creation and power.

Summary

Job 10 opens with a lament of weariness and self-complaint. He addresses God directly, pleading not to be condemned and asking why God opposes him, suggesting that the Almighty's anger may be directed at the wicked. Job questions the nature of God's perspective, comparing human sight to divine vision, and highlights his own innocence and lack of deliverance. He reminds God of His role as creator—shaping him from clay, curdling him like cheese, and clotting him with skin, bones, and sinews—yet laments destruction. Job acknowledges God's hidden judgment yet expresses doubt, asking whether his sin will be judged or if righteousness will save him. He describes suffering as fierce as a lion and expresses confusion and grief, longing for relief. Job ultimately wishes for release from his misery, wishing he had not been born, pleading that his days are few and that he be let alone before death’s inevitable shadow.

Outline
  1. 1. Complaint and plea for non-condemnation
  2. 2. Inquiry into divine perspective and justice
  3. 3. Remembrance of divine creation and request for mercy
Themes
suffering and questioningdivine justice and innocencemortality and fate
Keywords
complaintcondemnoppressdespiseclaylifefavorsinrighteousliondarknessdeath
People
JobGod
Places
wombland of darknessshadow of death
Things
claymilkcheeseskinfleshbonessinewslifefavordeath
Key Verses
  • Job 10:1: Marks the opening lament and personal tone.
  • Job 10:8: Reasserts God as creator despite destruction.
  • Job 10:17: Illustrates intensifying accusations and anger.
  • Job 10:18: Expresses desire for death as relief from suffering.
Questions
  • Why does Job insist that he is not wicked?
  • How does Job reconcile being both created by God and yet facing divine punishment?
  • What does the metaphor of being made from clay and clotting like cheese suggest about human fragility?
  • In what ways does Job's view of death reflect his hope for relief?
  • How does the imagery of a lion contribute to understanding Job’s perceived oppression?
Sentiment

negative
Job expresses sorrow, confusion, and a plea for release from suffering.