Job 9:33

Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, [that] might lay his hand upon us both.

Neither is {H3426} there any daysman {H3198} betwixt us, that might lay {H7896} his hand {H3027} upon us both {H8147}.

There is no arbitrator between us who could lay his hand on us both.

Nor is there a mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both.

There is no umpire betwixt us, That might lay his hand upon us both.

Context

Job 9:33 is spoken by Job during his intense suffering, as he responds to Bildad's arguments. Throughout this chapter, Job acknowledges God's immense power and sovereignty (Job 9:1-12), recognizing that no human can contend with Him or prove their righteousness against such a mighty Creator. Job feels overwhelmed and misunderstood, believing that even if he were innocent, God's overwhelming majesty would prevent him from successfully pleading his case. In this verse, Job expresses a profound sense of helplessness and isolation, lamenting the absence of an impartial third party to arbitrate between himself and God.

Key Themes

  • The Need for a Mediator: The central cry of Job 9:33 is for an intermediary, someone who can stand between the suffering human and the almighty God to facilitate communication, understanding, or even reconciliation. Job feels the chasm between himself and God is too vast to bridge alone.
  • Human Helplessness Before God: This verse underscores humanity's inherent limitation and frailty when faced with the infinite power and justice of God. Job perceives God as unapproachable and unchallengeable in his current state.
  • The Problem of Divine Incomprehensibility: Job struggles to understand God's actions and His reasons for allowing such immense suffering, leading to a desperate longing for someone who could "lay his hand upon us both" and bring clarity or resolution.

Linguistic Insights

The key term in this verse is "daysman." In the King James Version, "daysman" translates the Hebrew word mokhiach (מוֹכִיחַ), which literally means "one who reproves, argues, decides, or arbitrates." It refers to an umpire, arbiter, or mediator who could stand between two disputing parties, hear their cases, and render a fair judgment or bring them to agreement. Job's use of this term highlights his desire for someone with authority and impartiality to bridge the immense gap he perceives between himself and God, someone who could compel both sides to a resolution.

Related Scriptures

Job's longing for a "daysman" prefigures a central theme of the New Testament – the provision of a divine mediator. This profound longing for a mediator finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the one Mediator between God and men. The New Testament presents Jesus as the bridge between humanity and God, not only as an advocate but as the very means of reconciliation. The author of Hebrews further emphasizes this role, describing Jesus as the mediator of a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6) and the mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 12:24). Job's cry here echoes a universal human need for connection with the divine, a need fully met in the person of Christ.

Practical Application

Job's desperate plea in Job 9:33 resonates deeply with anyone who has felt distant from God, misunderstood in their suffering, or overwhelmed by life's complexities. It reminds us that humanity, in its own strength, cannot fully comprehend or contend with the Almighty. However, for those who believe, this verse highlights the incredible grace of God in providing the ultimate "daysman." Through Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life, we have direct access to God the Father. We no longer need to search for an impartial arbiter, because Christ Himself stands between us and God, not as a judge of our dispute, but as our advocate, high priest, and reconciler, making possible a relationship of peace and understanding.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Samuel 2:25

    If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.

  • 1 John 2:1

    ¶ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

  • 1 John 2:2

    And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

  • Job 9:19

    If [I speak] of strength, lo, [he is] strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time [to plead]?

  • Psalms 106:23

    Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].

  • 1 Kings 3:16

    ¶ Then came there two women, [that were] harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.

  • 1 Kings 3:28

    And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment.

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