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Commentary on Job 10 verses 8–13
In these verses we may observe,
I. How Job eyes God as his Creator and preserver, and describes his dependence upon him as the author and upholder of his being. This is one of the first things we are all concerned to know and consider.
1.That God made us, he, and not our parents, who were only the instruments of his power and providence in our production. He made us, and not we ourselves. His hands have made and fashioned these bodies of ours and every part of them (Job 10:8), and they are fearfully and wonderfully made. The soul also, which animates the body, is his gift. Job takes notice of both here. (1.) The body is made as the clay (v. 9), cast into shape, into this shape, as the clay is formed into a vessel, according to the skill and will of the potter. We are earthen vessels, mean in our original, and soon broken in pieces, made as the clay. Let not therefore the thing formed say unto him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? We must not be proud of our bodies, because the matter is from the earth, yet not dishonour our bodies, because the mould and shape are from the divine wisdom. The formation of human bodies in the womb is described by an elegant similitude (v. 10, Thou hast poured me out like milk, which is coagulated into cheese), and by an induction of some particulars, v. 11. Though we come into the world naked, yet the body is itself both clothed and armed. The skin and flesh are its clothing; the bones and sinews are its armour, not offensive, but defensive. The vital parts, the heart and lungs, are thus clothed, not to be seen - thus fenced, not to be hurt. The admirable structure of human bodies is an illustrious instance of the wisdom, power, and goodness of the Creator. What a pity is it that these bodies should be instruments of unrighteousness which are capable of being temples of the Holy Ghost! (2.) The soul is the life, the soul is the man, and this is the gift of God: Thou hast granted me life, breathed into me the breath of life, without which the body would be but a worthless carcase. God is the Father of spirits: he made us living souls, and endued us with the power of reason; he gave us life and favour, and life is a favour - a great favour, more than meat, more than raiment - a distinguishing favour, a favour that puts us into a capacity of receiving other favours. Now Job was in a better mind than he was when he quarrelled with life as a burden, and asked, Why died I not from the womb? Or by life and favour may be meant life and all the comforts of life, referring to his former prosperity. Time was when he walked in the light of the divine favour, and thought, as David, that through that favour his mountain stood strong.
2.That God maintains us. Having lighted the lamp of life, he does not leave it to burn upon its own stock, but continually supplies it with fresh oil: "Thy visitation has preserved my spirit, kept me alive, protected me from the adversaries of life, the death we are in the midst of and the dangers we are continually exposed to, and blessed me with all the necessary supports of life and the daily supplies it needs and craves."
II. How he pleads this with God, and what use he makes of it. He reminds God of it (Job 10:9): Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me. What then? Why, 1"Thou hast made me, and therefore thou hast a perfect knowledge of me (Psa 139:1-13), and needest not to examine me by scourging, nor to put me upon the rack for the discovery of what is within me." 2. "Thou hast made me, as the clay, by an act of sovereignty; and wilt thou by a like act of sovereignty unmake me again? If so, I must submit." 3. "Wilt thou destroy the work of thy own hands?" It is a plea the saints have often used in prayer, We are the clay and thou our potter, Isa 64:8. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me, Psa 119:73. So here, Thou madest me; and wilt thou destroy me (Job 10:8), wilt thou bring me into dust again? Job 10:9. "Wilt thou not pity me? Wilt thou not spare and help me, and stand by the work of thy own hands? Psa 138:8. Thou madest me, and knowest my strength; wilt thou then suffer me to be pressed above measure? Was I made to be made miserable? Was I preserved only to be reserved for these calamities?" If we plead this with ourselves as an inducement to duty, "God made me and maintains me, and therefore I will serve him and submit to him," we may plead it with God as an argument for mercy: Thou hast made me, new - make me; I am thine, save me. Job knew not how to reconcile God's former favours and his present frowns, but concludes (Job 10:13), "These things hast thou hidden in thy heart. Both are according to the counsel of thy own will, and therefore undoubtedly consistent, however they seem." When God thus strangely changes his way, though we cannot account for it, we are bound to believe there are good reasons for it hidden in his heart, which will be manifested shortly. It is not with us, or in our reach, to assign the cause, but I know that this is with thee. Known unto God are all his works.
Here [Job] foreshadows the incarnation of the divine Word through the assumption of human nature. These words, in fact, appear to be addressed to the Father, as if they were said by the person [the Son] of the Lord.
The seed from which life emerges he calls “milked milk,” for as milk curdles and becomes cheese, so the seed becomes “nature” when it curdles. This is a condition before the embryo. For the seed that sinks into the channels of the vagina becomes “nature” when it curdles like cheese. This formation is further developed or, as Scripture says, “formed out of an image” and takes on shapes … when the limbs are formed and every part emerges and finally moves. Just as the hand or foot of a living being, the delivery of the embryo brings the creature to the light of day. It is clear that “skin and flesh” here signify the body, for he adds in what follows with what holds it together and says, “knit me together with bones and sinews.” The whole procedure and the harmony of the formation of the body he proclaims in the previous [section] and in what is quoted here. It is remarkable that these seem to be words from his soul; for it is [the soul] that is “clothed with skin and flesh” and “knit together with bones and sinews.” That makes it clear that [the soul] is before the clothing and dressing, for it is clothed (already) as that which is the basis. Since skin and flesh, bones and sinews do not live by themselves but move due to the presence of the soul—if it leaves, they do not have life anymore—he says, “You have not only formed me, made flesh, skin, bones and sinews for me and clothed me with them, but you have also given me life and love.”
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SUMMARY
Job 10:12 is a profound moment of reflection within Job's intense lament, where he pauses to acknowledge God's past benevolence and sustaining care, even as he grapples with the inexplicable suffering of his present reality. This verse captures the complex tension of faith in adversity, revealing Job's wrestling yet undeniable recognition that his very life, favor, and spiritual preservation were gifts from the divine hand, contrasting sharply with his current agony and sense of abandonment.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Job 10:12 is situated within Job's extended monologue in chapters 9 and 10, a passionate and often despairing response to his friends' accusations and God's apparent silence. Immediately preceding this verse, Job has expressed his profound sense of being overwhelmed by God's power, lamenting his inability to contend with the Almighty or find an arbiter, as he states, "If one wished to contend with Him, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand". He feels God is arbitrarily crushing him without cause, declaring, "He crushes me with a tempest and multiplies my wounds without cause", and desires for God to simply leave him alone, pleading, "Turn Your eyes away from me, that I may smile again". Amidst this torrent of despair and questioning, verse 12 serves as a poignant, almost wistful, remembrance of a time when God's hand was clearly one of blessing and preservation, highlighting the stark contrast between his past experience and his current, incomprehensible affliction. It underscores the depth of his theological struggle, where past truth clashes with present pain.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, prosperity and well-being were often seen as direct indicators of divine favor, while suffering was commonly attributed to sin or divine displeasure. Job's experience directly challenges this conventional wisdom. The concept of "visitation" (Hebrew: pᵉquddâh) in this context refers to God's active involvement in human affairs, which could be for blessing or judgment. Here, Job explicitly recalls a benevolent visitation. The "favor" (Hebrew: chêçêd) speaks to God's covenantal loyalty and steadfast love, a fundamental aspect of the divine character understood in ancient Israelite thought. Job, likely a patriarch figure, lived in a society where the family unit and personal integrity were paramount, and his loss of both, coupled with his physical affliction, would have been seen as the ultimate sign of divine abandonment, making his acknowledgment of past favor even more remarkable.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. It highlights Divine Providence and Sustenance, asserting that God is the ultimate source of life and all good things, even when His ways are inscrutable. Job's recollection of "life and favour" underscores the theme of God's Unmerited Grace, acknowledging that these blessings were not earned but freely given. The phrase "thy visitation hath preserved my spirit" speaks to God's Active and Preserving Care, emphasizing His intimate involvement in sustaining the inner being and life of His creation, even through challenges. Furthermore, the verse encapsulates the theme of Faith Amidst Adversity, demonstrating that genuine faith can coexist with profound lament and questioning. Job is not denying God's past goodness, but rather wrestling with how that past goodness reconciles with his present suffering, a central tension in the book that explores the Problem of Suffering and the Sovereignty of God versus Human Understanding. This complex interplay reveals a faith that is robust enough to question God without entirely abandoning Him, a testament to the enduring nature of a relationship with the divine, even in incomprehensible circumstances, as seen throughout the book, particularly in Job's eventual vindication when "the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends".
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Job 10:12 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is Juxtaposition, as Job contrasts God's past benevolence ("granted me life and favour," "preserved my spirit") with his present, overwhelming suffering and God's perceived abandonment. This stark contrast amplifies the depth of Job's despair and the theological dilemma he faces. There is also an element of Confession or Affirmation within his lament; despite his pain and questioning, Job cannot deny the fundamental truth of God's past goodness, which underscores the integrity of his faith. The verse functions as a moment of Remembrance, where Job actively recalls and articulates God's previous acts of grace, a common practice in biblical lament and prayer that serves to anchor the petitioner in God's unchanging character even amidst changing circumstances.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 10:12 provides a crucial theological anchor in the midst of Job's profound suffering. It demonstrates that even when God's actions are incomprehensible, and His presence feels distant or even hostile, the believer can still recall and affirm God's foundational character of goodness, grace, and preserving care. This verse challenges the simplistic notion that suffering is always a direct result of sin, forcing a deeper exploration of divine sovereignty and human experience. It underscores the biblical truth that life itself, and all its blessings, are gifts of God's unmerited favor. Job's ability to articulate this truth, even as he wrestles with God, highlights the complexity and resilience of genuine faith—a faith that can lament, question, and even accuse, yet still holds onto the memory of God's steadfast love and past faithfulness. This act of remembering God's past mercies serves as a vital spiritual discipline, providing a counter-narrative to present despair.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 10:12 offers a profound lesson for believers navigating the complexities of suffering and doubt. It validates the human experience of wrestling with God, acknowledging that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic, often tumultuous, relationship. In moments of deep pain, when God's presence seems absent or His actions inexplicable, we are invited to follow Job's example: to recall God's past faithfulness, His unmerited favor, and His preserving care. This act of spiritual remembrance can serve as an anchor for the soul, reminding us of God's unchanging character even when our circumstances are in flux. It encourages us to cultivate a "long memory" of God's goodness, allowing it to inform our present lament and sustain our hope. Furthermore, this verse reminds us that life itself is a gift, and every good thing we possess flows from God's hand. Even when we don't understand His ways, we can reflect on His unchangeable character and His past care, drawing strength from His unfailing mercies and trusting that His "visitation," though sometimes mysterious, is ultimately for our good and His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
How can Job acknowledge God's favor while simultaneously lamenting his suffering?
Answer: Job's ability to acknowledge God's past favor ("life and favour") while intensely lamenting his present suffering is a testament to the profound complexity of biblical faith. It demonstrates that faith is not the absence of doubt or pain, but rather a wrestling with God. Job is not denying God's existence or His past goodness; instead, he is struggling to reconcile God's known character with his current, inexplicable circumstances. This tension is central to the book of Job and to the nature of biblical lament, which often involves honest expression of pain, confusion, and even accusation, alongside an underlying trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and goodness. It shows that his relationship with God is real and deep enough to withstand profound questioning, a dynamic seen in many psalms of lament (e.g., Psalm 22:1-2). Job's faith is not simplistic; it is robust, enduring, and capable of holding seemingly contradictory truths.
What does "visitation" mean in this context, and how does it apply to us today?
Answer: In Job 10:12, "visitation" (Hebrew: pᵉquddâh) carries a positive connotation, referring to God's benevolent oversight, active attention, and preserving care. It's God "checking in" on Job, not for judgment, but for protection and sustenance. This is evident from the accompanying phrase "hath preserved my spirit." For us today, this concept of God's "visitation" applies to His ongoing providence and intimate involvement in our lives. It reminds us that God is not a distant deity but one who actively cares for His creation and His people. His "visitation" can manifest as moments of clear blessing, divine intervention, or the quiet, consistent upholding of our lives and spirits, even when we are unaware. It speaks to God's faithfulness in sustaining us, providing for us, and guarding our inner being through all of life's seasons, echoing the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 10:12, with its poignant acknowledgment of God's past "life and favour" and preserving "visitation," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job wrestled with the seemingly arbitrary nature of suffering and God's hiddenness, Christ is God's ultimate "visitation" to humanity, the Word made flesh who dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). In Jesus, God's chêçêd (favor/lovingkindness) is not merely remembered from the past but is fully embodied and eternally secured. He is the one who grants eternal life (John 3:16) and whose sacrifice on the cross demonstrates the ultimate act of divine favor, taking away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Furthermore, where Job's spirit was preserved through God's care, Christ's resurrection guarantees the preservation of our spirits unto eternal life, offering hope beyond suffering and death, for "if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you". He is our great High Priest, who sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15), providing the perfect answer to Job's longing for an arbiter. Thus, Job's lament, though unresolved in his own time, points forward to the definitive answer found in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ, through whom we receive not just past favor, but an everlasting covenant of life and grace, for "He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was enacted on better promises".