Job 10:3
Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?
Original Language Analysis
הֲט֤וֹב
H2896
הֲט֤וֹב
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 12
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תַעֲשֹׁ֗ק
unto thee that thou shouldest oppress
H6231
תַעֲשֹׁ֗ק
unto thee that thou shouldest oppress
Strong's:
H6231
Word #:
4 of 12
to press upon, i.e., oppress, defraud, violate, overflow
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִ֭מְאַס
that thou shouldest despise
H3988
תִ֭מְאַס
that thou shouldest despise
Strong's:
H3988
Word #:
6 of 12
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
יְגִ֣יעַ
the work
H3018
יְגִ֣יעַ
the work
Strong's:
H3018
Word #:
7 of 12
toil; hence, a work, produce, property (as the result of labor)
כַּפֶּ֑יךָ
of thine hands
H3709
כַּפֶּ֑יךָ
of thine hands
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
8 of 12
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עֲצַ֖ת
upon the counsel
H6098
עֲצַ֖ת
upon the counsel
Strong's:
H6098
Word #:
10 of 12
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
Cross References
Isaiah 64:8But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.Psalms 138:8The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.Job 14:15Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern theology struggled with the problem of divine justice when observation contradicted expectation. Job's questions aren't unique to him but represent universal human wrestling with divine providence. His formulation is more personal and intense because he experiences the problem firsthand.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the cross demonstrate God's character when He appears to 'oppress' His own?
- What does Job's question about God 'shining upon the wicked' teach about the problem of prosperity gospel?
- In what ways should recognizing ourselves as 'work of God's hands' affect our confidence in His ultimate care?
Analysis & Commentary
Job questions God's motives: 'Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?' The verb 'oppress' (ashaq, עָשַׁק) means to wrong, exploit, or treat violently. 'Despise' (ma'as, מָאַס) denotes rejection or spurning. Job asks whether God derives satisfaction from mistreating His own creation while favoring the wicked's plans ('shining upon' means to favor or bless).
Job's questions aren't accusations of divine injustice but expressions of baffled faith. He cannot reconcile God's character as loving Creator with his experienced oppression. The phrase 'work of thine hands' recalls Genesis 2:7—humans are God's craftsmanship. Would an artisan destroy his masterwork? Job's logic seems sound, yet his experience contradicts it.
The cross provides the answer Job lacks: God does 'oppress' and 'despise' the work of His hands—not Job, but Christ. On the cross, the Father pours out wrath that sinners deserve upon His beloved Son. This vindicates God's justice while accomplishing redemption. Job's question finds its answer in substitutionary atonement.