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Commentary on Job 6 verses 14–21
Eliphaz had been very severe in his censures of Job; and his companions, though as yet they had said little, yet had intimated their concurrence with him. Their unkindness therein poor Job here complains of, as an aggravation of his calamity and a further excuse of his desire to die; for what satisfaction could he ever expect in this world when those that should have been his comforters thus proved his tormentors?
I. He shows what reason he had to expect kindness from them. His expectation was grounded upon the common principles of humanity (Job 6:14): "To him that is afflicted, and that is wasting and melting under his affliction, pity should be shown from his friend; and he that does not show that pity forsakes the fear of the Almighty." Note, 1. Compassion is a debt owing to those that are in affliction. The least which those that are at ease can do for those that are pained and in anguish is to pity them, - to manifest the sincerity of a tender concern for them, and to sympathize with them, - to take cognizance of their case, enquire into their grievances, hear their complaints, and mingle their tears with theirs, - to comfort them, and to do all they can to help and relieve them: this well becomes the members of the same body, who should feel for the grievances of their fellow-members, not knowing how soon the same may be their own. 2. Inhumanity is impiety and irreligion. He that withholds compassion from his friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. So the Chaldee. How dwells the love of God in that man? Jo1 3:17. Surely those have no fear of the rod of God upon themselves who have no compassion for those that feel the smart of it. See Jam 1:27. 3. Troubles are the trials of friendship. When a man is afflicted he will see who are his friends indeed and who are but pretenders; for a brother is born for adversity, Pro 17:17; Pro 18:24.
II. He shows how wretchedly he was disappointed in his expectations from them (Job 6:15): "My brethren, who should have helped me, have dealt deceitfully as a brook." They came by appointment, with a great deal of ceremony, to mourn with him and to comfort him (Job 2:11); and some extraordinary things were expected from such wise, learned, knowing men, and Job's particular friends. None questioned but that the drift of their discourses would be to comfort Job with the remembrance of his former piety, the assurance of God's favour to him, and the prospect of a glorious issue; but, instead of this, they most barbarously fall upon him with their reproaches and censures, condemn him as a hypocrite, insult over his calamities, and pour vinegar, instead of oil, into his wounds, and thus they deal deceitfully with him. Note, It is fraud and deceit not only to violate our engagements to our friends, but to frustrate their just expectations from us, especially the expectations we have raised. Note, further, It is our wisdom to cease from man. We cannot expect too little from the creature nor too much from the Creator. It is no new thing even for brethren to deal deceitfully (Jer 9:4, Jer 9:5; Mic 7:5); let us therefore put our confidence in the rock of ages, not in broken reeds - in the fountain of life, not in broken cisterns. God will out-do our hopes as much as men come short of them. This disappointment which Job met with he here illustrates by the failing of brooks in summer.
1.The similitude is very elegant, Job 6:15-20. (1.) Their pretensions are fitly compared to the great show which the brooks make when they are swollen with the waters of a land flood, by the melting of the ice and snow, which make them blackish or muddy, Job 6:16. (2.) His expectations from them, which their coming so solemnly to comfort him had raised, he compares to the expectation which the weary thirsty travellers have of finding water in the summer where they have often seen it in great abundance in the winter, Job 6:19. The troops of Tema and Sheba, the caravans of the merchants of those countries, whose road lay through the deserts of Arabia, looked and waited for supply of water from those brooks. "Hard by here," says one, "A little further," says another, "when I last travelled this way, there was water enough; we shall have that to refresh us." Where we have met with relief or comfort we are apt to expect it again; and yet it does not follow; for, (3.) The disappointment of his expectation is here compared to the confusion which seizes the poor travellers when they find heaps of sand where they expected floods of water. In the winter, when they were not thirsty, there was water enough. Every one will applaud and admire those that are full and in prosperity. But in the heat of summer, when they needed water, then it failed them; it was consumed (Job 6:17); it was turned aside, Job 6:18. When those who are rich and high are sunk and impoverished, and stand in need of comfort, then those who before gathered about them stand aloof from them, those who before commended them are forward to run them down. Thus those who raise their expectations high from the creature will find it fail them when it should help them; whereas those who make God their confidence have help in the time of need, Heb 4:16. Those who make gold their hope will sooner or later be ashamed of it, and of their confidence in it (Eze 7:19); and the greater their confidence was the greater their shame will be: They were confounded because they had hoped, Job 6:20. We prepare confusion for ourselves by our vain hopes: the reeds break under us because we lean upon them. If we build a house upon the sand, we shall certainly be confounded, for it will fall in the storm, and we must thank ourselves for being such fools as to expect it would stand. We are not deceived unless we deceive ourselves.
2.The application is very close (Job 6:21): For now you are nothing. They seemed to be somewhat, but in conference they added nothing to him. Allude to Gal 2:6. He was never the wiser, never the better, for the visit they made him. Note, Whatever complacency we may take, or whatever confidence we may put, in creatures, how great soever they may seem and how dear soever they may be to us, one time or other we shall say of them, Now you are nothing. When Job was in prosperity his friends were something to him, he took complacency in them and their society; but "Now you are nothing, now I can find no comfort but in God." It were well for us if we had always such convictions of the vanity of the creature, and its insufficiency to make us happy, as we have sometimes had, or shall have on a sick-bed, a death-bed, or in trouble of conscience: "Now you are nothing. You are not what you have been, what you should be, what you pretend to be, what I thought you would have been; for you see my casting down and are afraid. When you saw me in my elevation you caressed me; but now that you see me in my dejection you are shy of me, are afraid of showing yourselves kind, lest I should thereby be emboldened to beg something of you, or to borrow" (compare Job 6:22); "you are afraid lest, if you own me, you should be obliged to keep me." Perhaps they were afraid of catching his distemper or of coming within smell of the noisomeness of it. It is not good, either out of pride or niceness, for love of our purses or of our bodies, to be shy of those who are in distress and afraid of coming near them. Their case may soon be our own.
JOB MEANS TO SAY THIS: there is no memory or trace left of my former prosperity. And that is even worse than my misfortune itself. “Oh, that one would indeed weigh the wrath that is upon me and take up my sorrow in a balance together!” And Job now tries to describe his sorrows. “I perceive my food to be loathsome [as the smell of a lion].” I wish to die, but I do not die. I suffer so because I am a man and not a stone; I am an ephemeral human being, I do not enjoy the aid from above. Among my nearest relations, some pass me by without seeing me; others trample me underfoot. No trace of my former prosperity remains.
33. For all persons that are ruled by concern for the present life, are brought to nought by the loss of it, and then they are undone without, who have for long been undone within by disregarding the things of eternity. Concerning whom it is rightly added, When they have become hot, they shall be dissolved from their place. For every wicked man when he ‘has become hot is dissolved from his place,’ in that, in drawing near to the Judgment of the Interior Severity, when he has now begun to be heated in the knowledge of his punishment, he is severed from that gratification of his flesh whereunto he had long time clung. Hence it is that it is delivered by the Prophet against the reprobate, And vexation alone shall only give understanding to the hearing [Is. 28, 19]; in that verily they never understand the things of eternity, saving when they are already made to undergo punishment for those of time without remedy. Thus the mind is heated, and inflames itself with the fires of a fruitless repentance, it shrinks from being led to punishment, and holds fast to the present life in desire, but it is dissolved from its place, in that panting from the gratification of the flesh, its hardness is melted by suffering chastisement. But seeing that we have heard what all the wicked will undergo in the hour of their removal, let us hear further some of the ways in which their course is perplexed in the career of their freedom.
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SUMMARY
Job 6:17 is a profound expression of Job's deep disappointment and sense of betrayal, as he likens his unsupportive friends to ephemeral desert streams. These wadis, which swell with water from melting snow and ice during colder seasons, quickly vanish under the intense heat of summer, precisely when water is most desperately needed. This vivid imagery powerfully captures the complete desiccation of these expected sources of comfort, symbolizing the bitter unreliability and profound abandonment Job experiences from those who should have been steadfast companions in his overwhelming suffering.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Job 6:17 is intricately woven into Job's impassioned response to Eliphaz, spanning Job 6-7. This speech follows Eliphaz's initial, rather insensitive and theologically rigid address in Job 4-5. Job's words in Job 6 are a raw outpouring of his physical anguish, emotional torment, and a desperate longing for an end to his suffering, coupled with a bitter disillusionment with his friends. The immediate context, beginning around Job 6:14, introduces the central metaphor of the deceitful brook or wadi. Job explicitly states in Job 6:15, "My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away." Verse 17 extends and intensifies this imagery, describing the final, complete disappearance of the water, thereby underscoring the utter failure of his friends to provide the expected solace and support. This powerful metaphor serves to amplify the depth of Job's feeling of betrayal and profound isolation.
Historical & Cultural Context: The imagery of the "wadi" or seasonal stream is deeply resonant within the arid and semi-arid regions of the ancient Near East, particularly relevant to the landscape of Uz, Job's presumed homeland. Wadis (Hebrew: naḥal) are natural riverbeds that remain dry for the majority of the year but can suddenly become torrents during flash floods or from the melting snows of distant mountains. Travelers, especially during the intense heat of summer, would often rely on these seemingly promising water sources, only to find them completely dried up when water was most critically needed. This phenomenon made them a potent symbol of unreliability, false hope, and bitter disappointment. Culturally, the ancient Near East placed immense value on hospitality, loyalty, and unwavering support among friends and kin, especially in times of severe distress. Job's friends, by failing to offer true comfort and instead resorting to theological accusations and judgment, violated this deeply ingrained cultural norm, thereby intensifying Job's profound sense of betrayal and abandonment.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Primarily, it highlights The Unreliability of Human Support, contrasting the transient nature of human comfort with the implicit need for a steadfast, unchanging source of strength. Job's friends, who represent conventional human wisdom and expected support, prove utterly inadequate in the face of his overwhelming suffering, mirroring the drying wadi. This leads directly to the theme of Profound Disappointment and Betrayal, as Job's expectations of empathy, solidarity, and practical aid from his closest companions are shattered. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of Divine Steadfastness vs. Human Frailty. While human aid "vanishes" when trials "wax warm," the book of Job ultimately points to the enduring faithfulness of God, whose presence, wisdom, and comfort are not subject to the fleeting seasons of human suffering. This stands in stark contrast to the ephemeral nature of human help, a concept echoed in passages like Psalm 146:3 which warns against putting trust in human beings, and Isaiah 40:8 which affirms the enduring nature of God's word and character.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Job 6:17 is rich in Imagery and relies heavily on a powerful Metaphor. The central Metaphor compares Job's unreliable friends to seasonal wadis or streams that are full and promising in the cold season but quickly dry up and disappear when the heat of summer arrives and water is most desperately needed. This natural phenomenon, familiar to the ancient audience, serves as a poignant analogy for the transient and ultimately unhelpful nature of human support in times of severe trial. The Imagery is vivid, evoking the parched desert landscape and the sudden desiccation of water sources, allowing the reader to viscerally feel Job's profound disappointment and bitter betrayal. The verse also employs a form of Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "What time they wax warm, they vanish" is echoed and intensified by "when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place." This repetition reinforces the central message of unreliability and complete disappearance, amplifying Job's pervasive sense of abandonment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 6:17 serves as a stark reminder of the inherent limitations and often disappointing nature of human relationships and support, especially when faced with overwhelming suffering. While human companionship is a precious gift from God, this verse underscores its fragility and potential unreliability in the crucible of profound adversity. Theologically, it points to the critical distinction between human brokenness and divine steadfastness. Job's lament, born of betrayal by his friends, implicitly drives home the desperate need for a source of comfort and strength that does not "vanish" when the "heat" of life's trials intensifies. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, highlighting God as the ultimate and unfailing refuge, a wellspring that never runs dry.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 6:17 compels us to examine the foundations of our trust and the nature of our expectations from others. In a world where relationships can be as fickle and transient as desert streams, this verse serves as a powerful caution against placing ultimate reliance on human beings, no matter how well-intentioned or seemingly strong. It challenges us to cultivate friendships that are marked by genuine empathy, steadfast loyalty, and a tenacious willingness to endure alongside others through all seasons of life, not just the easy ones. More profoundly, it redirects our gaze from the potential disappointments of human support to the unwavering faithfulness of God. When our human wells of comfort run dry, the Lord remains the inexhaustible spring of living water, ever-present and ever-faithful. Our ultimate comfort, hope, and security must be anchored in Him, for He alone will not "vanish" or be "consumed out of their place" when the "heat" of life's trials becomes unbearable.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse suggest we should never trust human friends?
Answer: Not at all. While Job 6:17 vividly portrays the pain of human unreliability, it doesn't advocate for isolation or a complete distrust of all human relationships. Instead, it serves as a realistic assessment of human limitations and frailty. It reminds us that while human friendships are valuable and necessary (as seen in Proverbs 17:17), they are ultimately finite and can sometimes fail, especially under extreme pressure. The verse encourages discernment and a proper ordering of trust: ultimate reliance belongs to God, who is unfailing, while human relationships, though imperfect, are a gift to be cherished and nurtured with realistic expectations and a commitment to mutual support.
How can I be a "steadfast friend" in light of this verse?
Answer: To be a steadfast friend means to embody the opposite of the "vanishing stream" metaphor. It involves a deep commitment, genuine empathy, and consistent presence, especially when life "gets hot" for your friend. This means listening without judgment, offering practical help when possible, and consistently showing up even when you don't have all the answers or when the situation is prolonged and difficult. It requires patience and perseverance, understanding that true support is not conditional on the other person's ability to "get better" quickly or meet your expectations. It's about loving "at all times," as Proverbs 17:17 states, and bearing one another's burdens, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2, reflecting the enduring love of Christ.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 6:17, with its lament over vanishing human support, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job's friends proved to be like unreliable wadis, drying up when the heat was most intense, Jesus is the ultimate, unfailing source of living water, whose wellspring never runs dry. He is the friend who "sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24), demonstrating perfect loyalty and steadfastness even unto death. Unlike Job's companions who withdrew, Christ entered into the deepest human suffering, experiencing abandonment on the cross so that we, His followers, might never truly be forsaken (Matthew 27:46; Hebrews 13:5). He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, providing comfort, sustenance, and an eternal presence that will never "vanish" or be "consumed out of their place." In Him, we find the ultimate reliable source of strength, comfort, and unwavering presence, fulfilling the deepest longing for steadfast support that Job's bitter lament so powerfully expresses. He truly is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and the one in whom all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20), providing an eternal wellspring of grace that will never fail, regardless of the heat of our trials.