Job 1:5

And it was so, when the days of [their] feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings [according] to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

And it was so, when the days {H3117} of their feasting {H4960} were gone about {H5362}, that Job {H347} sent {H7971} and sanctified {H6942} them, and rose up early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, and offered {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} according to the number {H4557} of them all: for Job {H347} said {H559}, It may be {H194} that my sons {H1121} have sinned {H2398}, and cursed {H1288} God {H430} in their hearts {H3824}. Thus did {H6213} Job {H347} continually {H3117}.

After a cycle of banquets, Iyov would send for them to come and be consecrated; then he would get up early in the morning and offer burnt offerings for each of them, because Iyov said, "My sons might have sinned and blasphemed God in their thoughts."This is what Iyov did every time.

And when the days of feasting were over, Job would send for his children to purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.

And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt-offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Commentary

Job 1:5 reveals a crucial aspect of Job’s character and spiritual discipline. Following periods of celebration by his children, Job consistently took proactive spiritual measures on their behalf, demonstrating profound piety and parental care.

Context

This verse immediately follows the introduction of Job as a man of immense wealth and unparalleled righteousness in the land of Uz (Job 1:1). His seven sons and three daughters would regularly hold feasts, rotating homes. Job’s actions here show his deep concern that their revelry might have led to spiritual transgression, even unintentional sin. This consistent spiritual vigilance sets the stage for the dramatic trials that unfold in the rest of the book, highlighting Job's integrity before God.

Key Themes

  • Parental Intercession and Responsibility: Job doesn't just provide for his children physically; he actively intercedes for their spiritual well-being. He takes on the role of a spiritual leader for his household, recognizing his responsibility to God for his family.
  • Proactive Piety and Righteousness: Job's actions were not in response to known sin but out of a preventative fear of God. His rising "early in the morning" and offering "burnt offerings" for each child underscores his diligence and consistent devotion. This reflects a life lived in constant awareness of God’s holiness.
  • Concern for Hidden Sin: The phrase "It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts" highlights Job's acute awareness that sin is not only external action but can also be internal thought or attitude. He recognized the potential for spiritual failings even in seemingly innocent enjoyment. This deep understanding of sin foreshadows later biblical teachings about the heart's condition (Proverbs 4:23).
  • Sacrifice and Atonement: The "burnt offerings" were a common form of sacrifice in the ancient Near East, signifying dedication to God and often serving as an atonement for sin. Job, as the head of his household, acted as a priest for his family, a common practice before the Mosaic Law (Genesis 8:20).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sanctified them" comes from the Hebrew word qadash (קדש), meaning "to set apart," "to purify," or "to consecrate." This implies Job initiated a ritual cleansing or preparation for his children, making them ceremonially fit for the offerings. The most intriguing linguistic nuance is "cursed God in their hearts." The Hebrew word used for "cursed" is barakh (ברך), which typically means "to bless." In this context, it is widely understood as an ironic euphemism for "to renounce," "to blaspheme," or "to curse." Job feared his children might have, in their revelry, shown disrespect or disdain for God, even if only inwardly.

Practical Application

Job 1:5 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Intercede for Your Loved Ones: Like Job, we are called to pray for our families, friends, and even those we are concerned about, especially for their spiritual well-being.
  • Maintain Spiritual Vigilance: It's important to be proactive in our faith, not just reactive. Regularly examine our hearts and attitudes, and seek God's grace for any hidden sins.
  • Understand the Nature of Sin: Job's concern for heart-sins reminds us that sin is not only outward action but also inward thoughts and intentions, as Jesus later taught (Matthew 5:28).
  • Consistent Devotion: Job's "continually" (literally, "all the days") highlights the importance of consistent, ongoing spiritual practices rather than sporadic efforts.
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Cross-References

  • Job 42:8 (9 votes)

    Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you [after your] folly, in that ye have not spoken of me [the thing which is] right, like my servant Job.

  • Genesis 8:20 (8 votes)

    ¶ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

  • Job 8:4 (7 votes)

    If thy children have sinned against him, and he have cast them away for their transgression;

  • 1 Samuel 16:5 (7 votes)

    And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.

  • Genesis 35:2 (6 votes)

    Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that [were] with him, Put away the strange gods that [are] among you, and be clean, and change your garments:

  • Genesis 35:3 (6 votes)

    And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.

  • Ephesians 6:18 (6 votes)

    Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;