Job 11:19

Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make [thee] afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee.

Also thou shalt lie down {H7257}, and none shall make thee afraid {H2729}; yea, many {H7227} shall make suit {H2470} unto thee {H6440}.

you will rest, and no one will make you afraid. Many will seek your favor;

You will lie down without fear, and many will court your favor.

Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; Yea, many shall make suit unto thee.

Commentary

Context

Job 11:19 is part of Zophar the Naamathite's first speech to Job, found in Job chapter 11. Zophar is one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him in his suffering. Unlike the compassionate tone of Eliphaz and Bildad in their first speeches, Zophar's approach is harsher and more judgmental. He argues that God is just and that Job's suffering must be a direct consequence of his sin, implying that God is even lenient with Job compared to what he deserves (Job 11:5-6). Within this framework of retribution theology, Zophar presents a conditional promise of restoration: if Job would repent and put away iniquity, then he would experience peace, security, and prosperity. This verse, "Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make [thee] afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee," describes the positive outcome Zophar envisions for a repentant Job, highlighting a return to a state of undisturbed rest and social standing.

Key Themes

  • Security and Peace: The phrase "thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid" vividly portrays a state of profound peace and security. It speaks to freedom from anxiety, external threats, and a tranquil mind, allowing for undisturbed rest. This contrasts sharply with Job's current state of turmoil and despair.
  • Restoration of Esteem and Influence: "Yea, many shall make suit unto thee" suggests a return to a position of respect and even influence in the community. To "make suit unto thee" implies that people would seek Job's favor, wisdom, or help, a stark reversal from his alienated and scorned condition. This points to a restoration of social standing and honor.
  • Conditional Blessing (from Zophar's View): While the blessings described are desirable, it's crucial to remember that Zophar presents them as contingent upon Job's repentance and turning away from sin. This reflects the friends' flawed understanding that all suffering is a direct result of sin, and all blessings are a direct result of righteousnessโ€”a simplistic view that the book of Job ultimately challenges. For a broader perspective on Job's eventual restoration, see Job 42:10.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "many shall make suit unto thee" translates the Hebrew `chalah panim` (ื—ืœื” ืคื ื™ื), which literally means "to soften the face" or "to appease the face." It carries the connotation of seeking favor, pleading, entreating, or seeking to gain goodwill from someone. This emphasizes the idea of people coming to Job, not in judgment or scorn, but in deference and with requests, acknowledging his renewed status and blessing.

Practical Application

While Zophar's theology is ultimately incomplete, the verse still speaks to universal human desires for peace, security, and respect. It reminds us that:

  • God is the Source of True Peace: The promise of lying down without fear points to a deep spiritual and emotional peace that transcends circumstances. Though Zophar misapplied it, God indeed offers such peace to those who trust Him, as seen in Psalm 4:8, "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."
  • A Life of Integrity Can Earn Respect: The idea of others seeking one's favor suggests that a life lived in alignment with God's principles, marked by wisdom and integrity, can naturally draw people seeking counsel or help. This is often a byproduct of a righteous walk, not its primary goal.
  • Beware of Simplistic Explanations for Suffering: The context serves as a powerful reminder not to impose human-centric, conditional frameworks on God's dealings. True restoration and blessing often come through processes of faith and perseverance, not merely by adhering to a rigid formula of sin and punishment. The ultimate peace and security for believers are found in God's faithfulness and covenant promises, not solely in the absence of trials.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 60:14

    The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

  • Psalms 45:12

    And the daughter of Tyre [shall be there] with a gift; [even] the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.

  • Revelation 3:9

    Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

  • Job 42:8

    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.

  • Job 42:9

    So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite [and] Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.

  • Isaiah 45:14

    Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, [saying], Surely God [is] in thee; and [there is] none else, [there is] no God.

  • Leviticus 26:6

    And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make [you] afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.