Job 1:14

KJV

And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:

KJV (with Strong's)

And there came {H935} a messenger {H4397} unto Job {H347}, and said {H559}, The oxen {H1241} were plowing {H2790}, and the asses {H860} feeding {H7462} beside {H3027} them:

Complete Jewish Bible

a messenger came to him and said, "The oxen were plowing, with the donkeys grazing near them,

Berean Standard Bible

a messenger came and reported to Job: “While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby,

American Standard Version

that there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 1:14 serves as the ominous prelude to a series of catastrophic events that befall the righteous Job, vividly contrasting a scene of ordinary, peaceful agricultural productivity with the sudden eruption of chaos. This verse marks the initial report of disaster, shattering the tranquility of Job's prosperous life and setting the stage for one of the Bible's most profound explorations of suffering, faith, and divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the pivotal heavenly dialogue between God and Satan in [Job 1:6-12](/job/1-6 "Job 1:6-12 - The Heavenly Council and Satan's Challenge"). In that exchange, Satan challenges Job's integrity, claiming his piety is purely mercenary. God, confident in Job's blameless character, grants Satan permission to strike at all Job possesses, though not Job himself ([Job 1:12](/job/1-12 "Job 1:12 - God's Permission to Satan")). Job 1:14 is the direct and immediate consequence of this divine permission being executed. It initiates a rapid succession of devastating reports, with subsequent verses detailing the loss of Job's oxen, asses, servants, sheep, camels, and ultimately, his children ([Job 1:15-19](/job/1-15 "Job 1:15-19 - Rapid Succession of Disasters")). The verse's depiction of normal, productive activity serves as a stark narrative device to amplify the shock and suddenness of the impending calamities.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Job's story unfolds in the ancient Near East, likely in the land of Uz, a region known for its agricultural and pastoral economies. In this context, oxen were indispensable for plowing fields, which was the foundation of food production and wealth. Asses were crucial for transportation, carrying goods, and various agricultural tasks. Job's immense wealth, as established in [Job 1:3](/job/1-3 "Job 1:3 - Job's Great Wealth"), was measured primarily in livestock and servants. The scene of oxen plowing and asses feeding depicts a typical, prosperous agricultural enterprise. Messengers were the primary means of communication over distances, and their arrival often signaled significant news, whether good or bad. The swift succession of messengers in the following verses underscores the efficiency and immediacy of communication in Job's large household, even as it highlights the relentless nature of the unfolding tragedy.

* **Key Themes:** Job 1:14 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the **suddenness and unpredictability of calamity**, demonstrating how life can shift from peace and prosperity to devastation in an instant, without warning. Secondly, it underscores the **vulnerability and transient nature of earthly possessions**. Job's vast wealth, which seemed so secure, proves to be fragile and susceptible to forces beyond his control, foreshadowing the broader biblical teaching that [earthly treasures are not secure from loss](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"). Thirdly, this verse marks the **beginning of Job's profound and agonizing test of faith**, initiating the narrative exploration of why the righteous suffer, the nature of divine justice, and human endurance in the face of inexplicable adversity. Finally, it subtly points to the theme of **divine sovereignty**, as the events, though seemingly random and malicious, are ultimately operating within the boundaries of God's permission ([Job 1:12](/job/1-12 "Job 1:12 - God's Permission to Satan")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Messenger (Hebrew, _mal'akh_):** The Hebrew word מַלְאָךְ (_mal'akh_) commonly translates to "messenger" or "angel." While it can refer to a divine being, in this immediate context, it clearly denotes a human servant of Job, dispatched to deliver urgent news. The rapid succession of such messengers in the following verses underscores the human element of the unfolding disaster, even as the ultimate orchestrator is Satan, operating under God's permission.
* **Plowing (Hebrew, _ḥoreshot_):** The Hebrew word חֹרְשׁוֹת (_ḥoreshot_) refers to the act of plowing, specifically indicating that the oxen "were plowing." This is an active, ongoing verb, painting a picture of productive labor in progress. It signifies the normal, industrious rhythm of Job's agricultural life, emphasizing the sudden interruption of this established order.
* **Feeding (Hebrew, _ro'ot_):** The Hebrew word רֹעוֹת (_ro'ot_) means "feeding" or "grazing." This verb describes the asses in a state of peaceful, undisturbed activity. The image of the asses calmly feeding alongside the working oxen further reinforces the scene of tranquility and prosperity that is about to be violently disrupted, heightening the dramatic impact of the messenger's report.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there came a messenger unto Job, and said":** This opening clause introduces the abrupt arrival of the first bearer of bad news. The simple, direct language emphasizes the immediacy and unexpected nature of the communication. The messenger's direct address to Job highlights the personal nature of the impending calamity.
* **"The oxen were plowing":** This phrase establishes the scene of productive agricultural activity. Oxen were vital for turning the soil, a fundamental aspect of ancient farming. Their active plowing signifies the ongoing, orderly, and prosperous operation of Job's estate, representing a tangible aspect of his wealth and the stability of his household.
* **"and the asses feeding beside them":** This complementary phrase further develops the peaceful and pastoral setting. Asses, also valuable livestock, are depicted calmly grazing. This detail reinforces the sense of normalcy and undisturbed tranquility, making the subsequent news of their destruction all the more shocking and devastating. It paints a picture of a well-managed and thriving estate, poised for continued prosperity.

#### Literary Devices
Job 1:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to achieve its dramatic effect. **Juxtaposition** is central, contrasting the peaceful, productive scene of oxen plowing and asses feeding with the imminent, violent destruction. This stark contrast amplifies the shock and suddenness of the calamities. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as the arrival of the messenger and the description of the livestock in their ordinary activities subtly hint at the impending disaster that will target these very possessions. The normalcy described is the "calm before the storm." Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** at play: the very signs of Job's blessing and prosperity—his abundant livestock and productive land—are precisely what become the targets of the test, turning his strengths into points of vulnerability. The oxen and asses themselves serve as **Symbolism** for Job's earthly wealth and the stability of his life, making their reported destruction a direct assault on his material security.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 1:14, though brief, sets in motion a profound theological drama, immediately confronting the reader with the fragility of earthly security and the suddenness with which life can change. It challenges any simplistic notion that piety guarantees uninterrupted prosperity, introducing the complex reality of righteous suffering. The verse highlights the vulnerability of all material blessings, reminding us that even the most well-ordered and prosperous lives are subject to forces beyond human control. Theologically, it subtly points to the unseen spiritual battle that undergirds human experience, as the messenger's report is but the visible manifestation of a divine permission granted in a heavenly council. This initial loss forces Job, and by extension the reader, to grapple with the true source of security and the nature of faith when all visible means of support are stripped away.

* [Proverbs 27:1](/proverbs/27-1 "Proverbs 27:1 - Do Not Boast About Tomorrow")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [1 Peter 4:12](/1_peter/4-12 "1 Peter 4:12 - Suffering for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 1:14 serves as a powerful, albeit unsettling, reminder of life's inherent unpredictability and the transient nature of all earthly possessions. In an instant, the meticulously built structures of our lives—our financial security, our health, our relationships—can be shaken or even dismantled. This verse calls us to a profound appreciation for the present moment of peace and prosperity, not taking them for granted, but also to cultivate a faith that transcends circumstances. It challenges us to examine the true foundation of our security and hope. If our trust is solely in what we possess or in the stability of our routines, we will inevitably find ourselves unprepared and devastated when the inevitable "messenger" of loss arrives. Instead, the broader narrative of Job encourages us to anchor our hope in God alone, recognizing that true wealth and lasting security are found not in material abundance, but in an unwavering relationship with the Creator, who remains sovereign even amidst chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the suddenness of the calamity in Job 1:14 challenge my assumptions about stability and security in life?**
* **Where do I primarily place my trust and find my security—in my possessions, my plans, or in God?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a faith that is resilient enough to withstand unexpected losses and trials?**

### FAQ
**Why does the text emphasize the oxen plowing and asses feeding just before the disaster?**

Answer: The emphasis on the oxen plowing and asses feeding serves a crucial literary and thematic purpose. It paints a vivid picture of normalcy, productivity, and prosperity, highlighting the orderly and thriving state of Job's estate. By depicting this peaceful, industrious scene, the narrative maximizes the shock and impact of the subsequent, sudden destruction. It underscores the immense wealth Job possessed, making the losses even more profound, and emphasizes how quickly and unexpectedly life can change from a state of peace to one of chaos. This contrast serves to heighten the drama and underscore the fragility of earthly blessings, setting the stage for the profound questions about suffering and divine justice that the book of Job explores.

**What is the significance of the "messenger" in this verse, and why is he the first to arrive?**

Answer: The "messenger" (Hebrew: _mal'akh_) in Job 1:14 is significant because he is the first in a rapid succession of four messengers who deliver devastating news to Job ([Job 1:14-19](/job/1-14 "Job 1:14-19 - The Messengers of Disaster")). His arrival marks the immediate execution of Satan's test, initiated by God's permission ([Job 1:12](/job/1-12 "Job 1:12 - God's Permission to Satan")). The fact that he is the first to arrive, reporting on the loss of Job's most basic agricultural assets (oxen and asses), immediately signals the systematic and comprehensive nature of the attack on Job's prosperity. Each subsequent messenger brings news of an even greater loss, building a crescendo of calamity. The messengers serve as the visible, human instruments through which the unseen spiritual battle manifests in Job's earthly reality, emphasizing the direct and personal impact of the trials on Job.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 1:14 describes an earthly calamity befalling a righteous man, it foreshadows the ultimate, incomprehensible suffering of the perfectly righteous Son of God. Just as Job's peaceful, productive life was suddenly shattered, so too did Jesus, the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly enter into a world of suffering, culminating in His unjust trial and crucifixion. The vulnerability of Job's earthly possessions points to Christ's own radical detachment from worldly wealth, having [nowhere to lay His head](/luke/9-58 "Luke 9:58 - Jesus Has Nowhere to Lay His Head") and warning His followers against laying up [treasures on earth](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"). The suddenness of Job's trials reflects the unexpected and overwhelming nature of the cross, where the Prince of Peace became the Suffering Servant ([Isaiah 53:4-7](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-7 - The Suffering Servant")), enduring the ultimate test of faith and obedience. In Christ, we see the perfect response to suffering—not questioning God's sovereignty, but submitting to His will, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Job's experience, initiated by this verse, ultimately points to the greater suffering of Christ, through whom believers find not only empathy in their own trials ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest Can Sympathize")), but also the ultimate hope and strength to endure, knowing that their suffering can be a means of sharing in His glory ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, Suffering with Him")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 51:31

One post shall run to meet another, and one messenger to meet another, to shew the king of Babylon that his city is taken at [one] end,

1 Samuel 4:17

And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.

2 Samuel 15:13

¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.