Job 1:15
And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּפֹּ֤ל
fell
H5307
וַתִּפֹּ֤ל
fell
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
1 of 14
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
שְׁבָא֙
And the Sabeans
H7614
שְׁבָא֙
And the Sabeans
Strong's:
H7614
Word #:
2 of 14
sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an ethiopian district
וַתִּקָּחֵ֔ם
upon them and took them away
H3947
וַתִּקָּחֵ֔ם
upon them and took them away
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
3 of 14
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַנְּעָרִ֖ים
the servants
H5288
הַנְּעָרִ֖ים
the servants
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
5 of 14
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
הִכּ֣וּ
yea they have slain
H5221
הִכּ֣וּ
yea they have slain
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
6 of 14
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
לְפִי
with the edge
H6310
לְפִי
with the edge
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
7 of 14
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
חָ֑רֶב
of the sword
H2719
חָ֑רֶב
of the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
8 of 14
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
וָאִמָּ֨לְטָ֧ה
and I only am escaped
H4422
וָאִמָּ֨לְטָ֧ה
and I only am escaped
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
רַק
H7535
רַק
Strong's:
H7535
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
לְבַדִּ֖י
H905
לְבַדִּ֖י
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
Historical Context
The Chaldeans (proto-Babylonians) were semi-nomadic peoples known for raiding and warfare. Their targeting of camels reflects their value in ancient trade and transportation networks.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain faith when multiple trials attack simultaneously from different directions?
- What does the pattern of Job's losses teach us about God's sovereignty over seemingly random events?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Chaldean attack parallels the Sabean raid, showing that evil comes from multiple sources but under one sovereign purpose. The 'three bands' indicates organized, military-style coordination. The repeated pattern—attack, slaughter of servants, one messenger—reveals God's sovereign ordering even in catastrophic events. The loss of the camels represented Job's transportation and trade capacity, compounding his economic devastation.