Job 10:7

Commentary on Job 10:7 (KJV)

Job 10:7 captures the profound paradox of Job's suffering: his unwavering assertion of innocence coupled with a desperate acknowledgment of God's absolute power and his own utter helplessness. This verse is a direct plea and lament from Job to God, reflecting his deep anguish and confusion.

Context

This verse is part of Job's direct address to God, following rounds of intense debate with his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. His friends have relentlessly argued that Job's immense suffering must be a direct consequence of some hidden, grievous sin, adhering to a strict retribution theology. Job, however, vehemently denies their accusations, maintaining his integrity and righteousness before God. In this chapter, Job expresses his weariness and despair, questioning God's actions towards him while still clinging to a belief in God's ultimate knowledge and power. He desires to plead his case before God, but feels overwhelmed by God's might.

Key Themes

• The Assertion of Innocence: Job's cry, "Thou knowest that I am not wicked," is a central theme throughout the book. It is not a claim of sinless perfection, but a heartfelt denial of the specific, grave transgressions his friends accuse him of, which they believe are the cause of his suffering. Job appeals to God's perfect and intimate knowledge of his character, trusting that God sees his true heart, as is also evident in God's own initial testimony about Job.
• God's Absolute Sovereignty: The second part of the verse, "and [there is] none that can deliver out of thine hand," highlights Job's profound understanding of God's omnipotence. Despite his anguish and questioning, Job never denies God's ultimate control over all circumstances. He recognizes that no one, neither himself nor any other power, can resist God's will, intervene against His actions, or escape His grasp. This acknowledgment underscores Job's utter helplessness and dependence on the divine decree.
• The Problem of Suffering for the Righteous: This verse encapsulates the core theological dilemma of the Book of Job. Job's assertion of his blamelessness in the face of immense suffering directly challenges the simplistic notion that all suffering is a direct punishment for sin. It forces the reader to grapple with the mystery of divine justice and purpose beyond human comprehension.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "knowest" (יָדַע - yada') implies a deep, personal, and comprehensive knowledge, not merely a superficial acquaintance. Job is appealing to God's perfect and intimate understanding of his life, motives, and character. The term "deliver" (הִצִּיל - hitzil) means to rescue, snatch away, or escape, emphasizing Job's recognition that there is no external force capable of saving him from God's hand once God has acted.

Practical Application

Job 10:7 offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that:

• It is permissible to voice our pain, confusion, and even our grievances directly to God when we suffer, especially when we feel unjustly afflicted. God invites our raw honesty.
• We can appeal to God's perfect knowledge of our hearts, trusting that He sees beyond our outward circumstances and understands our true intentions, even when others misunderstand or accuse us.
• Even in the darkest moments of suffering, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty and power can be a source of both despair and ultimate hope. It reminds us that no one is outside of His control, and His purposes, though often inscrutable to us, are always at work. This profound truth is echoed in Romans 8:28, which assures us that "all things work together for good to them that love God."
• Job's enduring faith, despite his struggle, encourages us to continue trusting God's character even when His ways are beyond our comprehension.