Job 1:18
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
Original Language Analysis
עַ֚ד
H5750
עַ֚ד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
מְדַבֵּ֔ר
While he was yet speaking
H1696
מְדַבֵּ֔ר
While he was yet speaking
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְזֶ֖ה
H2088
בָּנֶ֨יךָ
Thy sons
H1121
בָּנֶ֨יךָ
Thy sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּבְנוֹתֶ֤יךָ
and thy daughters
H1323
וּבְנוֹתֶ֤יךָ
and thy daughters
Strong's:
H1323
Word #:
8 of 14
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
בְּבֵ֖ית
house
H1004
בְּבֵ֖ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
The survivor motif appears throughout biblical narratives as a means of testimony and witness. Here it serves both to multiply Job's grief and to ensure the events are properly documented for future generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing the full extent of your trials affect your ability to trust God?
- What purpose might God have in ensuring we don't remain ignorant of our losses?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The repetitive phrase 'and I only am escaped alone to tell thee' occurs four times (verses 15-19), creating a literary pattern that emphasizes Job's complete awareness of his losses. Each messenger's survival serves God's purpose of ensuring Job knows the full extent of his trial without false hope. This demonstrates God's comprehensive orchestration even of the manner in which suffering comes to His people.