Job 10:22
A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.
Original Language Analysis
צַ֭לְמָוֶת
itself and of the shadow of death
H6757
צַ֭לְמָוֶת
itself and of the shadow of death
Strong's:
H6757
Word #:
5 of 10
shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively, calamity)
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ancient cosmologies often associated the underworld with chaos and darkness—the opposite of ordered, illuminated creation. Job's description borrows these cultural concepts while maintaining monotheism—Sheol isn't rival realm but the grave's dark reality. Christ's resurrection conquers this darkness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the New Jerusalem's perpetual light answer Job's vision of death as permanent darkness?
- What does Job's description of chaos in death teach about resurrection's restoration of order?
- In what ways does Christ's resurrection represent new creation that reverses death's de-creation?
Analysis & Commentary
Job concludes with darkness imagery: 'A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.' The repetition intensifies: 'darkness... as darkness itself' (choshek kemo opel, חֹשֶׁךְ כְּמוֹ אֹפֶל). 'Without any order' (lo sedarim, לֹא סְדָרִים) suggests chaos, formlessness. Even light there 'is as darkness' (yopia kemo-opel, יֹפִיעַ כְּמוֹ-אֹפֶל)—any illumination is swallowed by prevailing darkness.
Job's description inverts creation: God created light from darkness, order from chaos (Genesis 1:2-5). Sheol represents de-creation—return to primordial chaos and darkness. Job envisions death as entering realm where creation's goodness is reversed. Light doesn't dispel darkness there; darkness consumes light. Order doesn't structure existence; chaos reigns.
Revelation inverts Job's vision: the New Jerusalem has no night, and God's glory provides perpetual light (Revelation 21:23-25, 22:5). Where Job sees death leading to permanent darkness, resurrection leads to eternal light. The formless chaos Job dreads gives way to new creation's perfect order. Christ transforms death's destination from darkness to glory.