Read Job chapter 6 online with LogosAI Bible study tools, highlights, and cross references.
Job 6 is part of “First Cycle of Dialogue” (4–14) in the outline of Job.
Job 6 summary
Eliphaz concluded his discourse with an air of assurance; very confident he was that what he had said was so plain and so pertinent that nothing could be objected in answer to it. But, though he that is first in his own cause seems just, yet his neighbour comes and searches him. Job is not convinced by all he had said, but still justifies himself in his complaints and condemns him for the weakness of his arguing. I. He shows that he had just cause to complain as he did of his troubles, and so it would appear to any impartial judge (Job 6:2-7). II. He continues his passionate wish that he might speedily be cut off by the stroke of death, and so be eased of all his miseries (Job 6:8-13). III. He reproves his friends for their uncharitable censures of him and their unkind treatment (v. 14-30). It must be owned that Job, in all this, spoke much that was reasonable, but with a mixture of passion and human infirmity. And in this contest, as indeed in most contests, there was fault on both sides.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
1 Then Job answered,
2 “Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!
3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore my words have been rash.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.
5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass? Or does the ox low over his fodder?
6 Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7 My soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me.
8 “Oh that I might have my request, that God would grant the thing that I long for,
9 even that it would please God to crush me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!
10 Let it still be my consolation, yes, let me exult in pain that doesn’t spare, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11 What is my strength, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient?