Job 6:19

The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

The troops {H734} of Tema {H8485} looked {H5027}, the companies {H1979} of Sheba {H7614} waited {H6960} for them.

The caravans from Tema look for them, the travelers from Sh'va hope to find them;

The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it.

The caravans of Tema looked, The companies of Sheba waited for them.

Commentary

Job 6:19 describes Job's deep disappointment as he reflects on where he expected help to come from, but found none. He speaks metaphorically, or perhaps literally, of caravans from distant lands failing to provide the solace or wisdom he desperately needed.

Context

This verse is part of Job's response to his friend Eliphaz. Job is expressing the depth of his suffering and the failure of his friends' attempts to comfort him. He contrasts his overwhelming grief with the emptiness of their words. Here, he highlights the failure of external sources – even those from renowned trading regions like Tema and Sheba, known for their wealth and presumably, their knowledge or resources – to offer any relief or understanding for his plight. It underscores his profound isolation and the fact that his suffering was beyond the comprehension or help of ordinary human means.

Key Themes

  • Failed Expectations: The verse vividly portrays the pain of expecting help or comfort from a specific source and being utterly disappointed.
  • Isolation: It emphasizes Job's feeling of being alone in his suffering, with even distant, potentially helpful groups passing by without offering aid.
  • Hope Deferred: The act of waiting ("waited for them") that results in nothing ("looked" but saw no help) is a picture of hope deferred making the heart sick.
  • Disappointment in Human Sources: Job is learning that human wisdom and resources, even from respected or wealthy areas, are insufficient in the face of such profound trials.

Linguistic Insights

"Tema" and "Sheba" refer to regions in Arabia, associated with valuable trade routes (like the incense trade) and caravans. Tema was known for its oasis and was a significant stopping point. Sheba was a powerful kingdom (famously, the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon - see 1 Kings 10:1). Mentioning these places highlights that Job's disappointment wasn't from insignificant sources, but from places one might reasonably expect to find resources, wisdom, or aid. The failure of these prominent groups to help underscores the exceptional nature of Job's suffering and his complete abandonment.

Reflection and Application

Job's experience in this verse resonates with anyone who has felt the sting of disappointment when expected help or comfort fails to arrive. It reminds us that while we may look to various human sources for support in times of trouble – friends, experts, resources – there are times when these sources prove insufficient. This can drive us to recognize the limitations of human aid and ultimately point us toward the need for a more reliable source of comfort and strength. Job's journey, though marked by deep despair here, eventually leads him to find his hope and vindication in God alone (see Job 19:25). Our greatest comfort in suffering comes not from passing worldly resources, but from the steadfast presence and promises of God.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 25:15 (5 votes)

    Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:

  • Isaiah 21:14 (5 votes)

    The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him that was thirsty, they prevented with their bread him that fled.

  • Jeremiah 25:23 (4 votes)

    Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all [that are] in the utmost corners,

  • 1 Kings 10:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.

  • Ezekiel 27:22 (2 votes)

    The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they [were] thy merchants: they occupied in thy fairs with chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.

  • Ezekiel 27:23 (2 votes)

    Haran, and Canneh, and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Asshur, [and] Chilmad, [were] thy merchants.

  • Genesis 10:7 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.