Job 11:14

Context

Job 11:14 is part of the second speech of Zophar the Naamathite, one of Job's three "friends" who came to comfort him in his immense suffering. Zophar, like Eliphaz and Bildad, operates under a rigid system of retribution theology: he believes that great suffering is always a direct result of great sin. In this chapter, Zophar harshly accuses Job of wickedness and foolishness, suggesting that Job's pain is a just punishment from God. He urges Job to turn his heart toward God and put away his alleged iniquity, promising that if he does, prosperity and peace will return. This verse is a direct exhortation to Job to cleanse himself and his household.

Key Themes

• Repentance and Purity: The primary call is to actively remove sin from one's life. "Put it far away" emphasizes a decisive act of separation from wrongdoing and a commitment to spiritual cleansing.
• Personal and Household Holiness: The phrase "let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles" extends the call for purity beyond the individual to their home and sphere of influence. This highlights the ancient understanding that a family's spiritual state was often tied to the head of the household, emphasizing moral integrity in all aspects of life.
• Consequence of Sin (from Zophar's perspective): Zophar firmly believes that sin prevents God's blessing and leads to affliction. His counsel, though based on a flawed understanding of Job's unique situation (as seen in Job 1:1, where Job is described as blameless), contains a universal biblical principle that God desires His people to be free from sin.

Linguistic Insights

• "iniquity [be] in thine hand": The Hebrew word for "iniquity" is 'avon (אָוֶן), which can mean wickedness, guilt, or the punishment for sin. "In thine hand" (yad, יָד) suggests not just the presence of sin, but an active holding onto it, or engaging in sinful deeds. It implies personal responsibility and possession.
• "put it far away": The verb rachaq (רָחַק) means "to be far, to remove." It signifies a deliberate and complete separation from the sin, implying a proactive choice for righteousness.
• "wickedness": The Hebrew 'awlah (עַוְלָה) denotes injustice, unrighteousness, or perversity, emphasizing a deviation from what is right in God's eyes.
• "tabernacles": The word 'ohel (אֹהֶל) refers to a tent or dwelling. In this context, it broadly signifies one's home, family, and everything within their household, emphasizing that sin's influence can extend beyond the individual to their entire environment.

Practical Application

While Zophar's immediate application to Job was misguided, the underlying principle of forsaking sin remains profoundly relevant for all believers. This verse challenges us to:

• Examine Our Lives: Honestly assess if there is any "iniquity in our hand"—any known sin we are clinging to or actively participating in. This requires self-reflection and a willingness to confess before God. (Proverbs 28:13 reminds us that those who conceal their sins do not prosper, but those who confess and forsake them find mercy.)
• Actively Remove Sin: "Put it far away" calls for decisive action, not just passive acknowledgment. This might involve changing habits, relationships, or environments that foster sin. It's a call to pursue personal holiness.
• Sanctify Our Homes: "Let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles" encourages us to ensure our homes are places where righteousness dwells. This involves the media we consume, the conversations we have, and the values we uphold within our families. We are called to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.