Job 1:4

¶ And his sons went and feasted [in their] houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

And his sons {H1121} went {H1980} and feasted {H4960}{H6213} in their houses {H1004}, every one {H376} his day {H3117}; and sent {H7971} and called {H7121} for their three {H7969} sisters {H269} to eat {H398} and to drink {H8354} with them.

It was the custom of his sons to give banquets, each on his set day in his own house; and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.

Job’s sons would take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them.

And his sons went and held a feast in the house of each one upon his day; and they sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.

Commentary

Job 1:4 describes the social life of Job's children, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the book. It paints a picture of prosperity and familial togetherness before the onset of Job's trials.

Context

This verse immediately follows the introduction of Job, a man described as "perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" (Job 1:1). He was also incredibly wealthy, possessing vast livestock and many servants. Verse 4 introduces his ten children—seven sons and three daughters—who regularly engaged in festive gatherings. This detail highlights the comfortable and seemingly idyllic life of Job's family, emphasizing the blessings they enjoyed before the divine permission for Satan to test Job's faithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Familial Fellowship and Celebration: The verse vividly portrays the close bond among Job's children. They celebrated together, with sons hosting feasts "every one his day," and intentionally inviting their sisters. This shows a culture of hospitality and strong sibling relationships, underscoring the importance of family unity.
  • Prosperity and Abundance: The ability to host regular feasts in their own houses indicates the significant wealth and comfortable lifestyle enjoyed by Job's children, reflective of their father's blessings. This prosperity suggests a period of ease and enjoyment before the trials begin.
  • Routine and Regularity: The phrase "every one his day" suggests a recurring cycle of celebrations, possibly birthdays or other personal significant days, creating a consistent pattern of merriment. This routine provides a stark contrast to the sudden and devastating loss that will soon befall them.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "feasted" is mishteh (מִשְׁתֶּה), which often denotes a drinking party or banquet, implying more than just a simple meal but a time of merriment, consumption, and celebration. This term underscores the festive and potentially boisterous nature of these gatherings, reinforcing the idea of a life of ease and enjoyment.

Related Scriptures

The social activities described here directly lead into Job's subsequent actions in Job 1:5, where he would offer burnt offerings for his children, fearing they might have sinned or cursed God in their hearts during their celebrations. This shows Job's profound spiritual concern and his role as a priestly head of his household, even amidst their prosperity.

Practical Application

Job 1:4 reminds us to appreciate seasons of joy, fellowship, and family togetherness. It highlights the importance of maintaining strong family bonds and celebrating life's blessings. However, it also subtly foreshadows the need for spiritual vigilance, even in times of prosperity, as illustrated by Job's immediate response in the following verse. It encourages us to cherish relationships and practice hospitality, while also being mindful of our spiritual walk, much like Job's proactive approach to sanctifying his children after their gatherings.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 13:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Let brotherly love continue.

  • Psalms 133:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!