Job 23:15

Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

Therefore am I troubled {H926} at his presence {H6440}: when I consider {H995}, I am afraid {H6342} of him.

This is why I am terrified of him; the more I think about it, the more afraid I am -

Therefore I am terrified in His presence; when I consider this, I fear Him.

Therefore am I terrified at his presence; When I consider, I am afraid of him.

Commentary

Job 23:15 (KJV) captures a profound moment of Job's struggle, expressing his deep apprehension and awe in the face of God's immense power and inscrutable nature. Having lost everything and suffering intensely, Job longs for an audience with God to plead his case, yet he is simultaneously overwhelmed by the divine presence he seeks.

Context of Job 23:15

This verse is part of Job's continued discourse where he wrestles with his suffering and the perceived silence or hiddenness of God. Despite his unwavering conviction of his own righteousness, Job cannot comprehend why such calamity has befallen him. He wishes he could find God and present his defense (Job 23:3), but the very thought of God's overwhelming majesty fills him with dread. His friends have offered little comfort, instead accusing him of sin, leaving Job feeling isolated and misunderstood by both man and God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Awe and Reverence for God: Job's fear is not merely terror of punishment, but a profound sense of reverence and humility before the Creator's infinite power and holiness. It's the kind of fear that acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty and transcendence, even when His actions seem mysterious or unjust from a human perspective.
  • The Incomprehensibility of God's Ways: Job feels troubled because he cannot grasp the divine logic behind his suffering. This verse highlights the human inability to fully understand God's purposes, a theme echoed throughout the book of Job and in other scriptures (Isaiah 55:8-9).
  • Human Vulnerability Before Divine Majesty: Job's contemplation of God's presence renders him feeling small and helpless. His fear stems from the realization of God's absolute control over all things, including his own life and circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used convey a strong sense of internal turmoil and dread:

  • "Troubled" comes from the Hebrew word bahal (ื‘ึผึธื”ึทืœ), which means to be dismayed, terrified, or alarmed. It signifies a profound inner agitation and distress.
  • "Afraid" is from pachad (ืคึผึธื—ึทื“), meaning to dread, tremble, or be struck with terror. This term indicates a deep, overwhelming fear that can cause physical trembling.

Together, these terms paint a vivid picture of Job's emotional state: a man deeply disturbed and terrified by the very thought of encountering the God who seems to be afflicting him, yet whom he still acknowledges as supreme.

Practical Application

Job 23:15 offers timeless insights for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • It is natural to feel awe and even apprehension in the presence of God's holiness and power. True reverence often includes a healthy fear of His majesty, not just His wrath.
  • God's ways are often beyond our full comprehension. Like Job, we may face situations where God's purposes seem unclear, even contradictory to our understanding of justice or goodness. This verse encourages humility and trust, even when we don't have all the answers.
  • Faith perseveres through mystery. Despite his fear and lack of understanding, Job does not abandon God. His struggle underscores the reality that faith is often exercised in the midst of uncertainty and unanswered questions, trusting in God's character even when His plan is hidden. This echoes the sentiment found in Habakkuk 3:17-19.

Job's experience teaches us that grappling with the mystery of God is part of the human spiritual journey, and that even in our fear, we can draw closer to Him by acknowledging His supreme authority and wisdom.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 119:120

    My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

  • Job 31:23

    For destruction [from] God [was] a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.

  • Psalms 77:3

    I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.

  • Job 23:3

    Oh that I knew where I might find him! [that] I might come [even] to his seat!

  • Habakkuk 3:16

    ยถ When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

  • Job 10:15

    If I be wicked, woe unto me; and [if] I be righteous, [yet] will I not lift up my head. [I am] full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;