Job 10:7
Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand.
Original Language Analysis
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶרְשָׁ֑ע
that I am not wicked
H7561
אֶרְשָׁ֑ע
that I am not wicked
Strong's:
H7561
Word #:
5 of 8
to be (causatively, do or declare) wrong; by implication, to disturb, violate
וְאֵ֖ין
H369
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern law allowed for advocates or intercessors on behalf of the accused. Job's complaint that none can deliver from God's hand highlights his isolation—when God is both prosecutor and judge, no human advocate suffices. This anticipates the need for divine-human mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's need for a deliverer from God's hand point forward to Christ as our advocate?
- What does Job's confidence that God knows his innocence teach about the importance of integrity?
- In what ways does Christ's role as mediator address Job's despair that none can deliver from God's hand?
Analysis & Commentary
Job asserts his innocence: 'Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand.' The verb 'knowest' (yada, יָדַע) emphasizes intimate, personal knowledge—God doesn't merely perceive but fully knows Job's righteousness. The phrase 'I am not wicked' (lo rasha, לֹא רָשָׁע) directly contradicts his friends' accusations. Yet Job adds the despairing recognition: 'there is none that can deliver' (natsal, נָצַל) from God's hand.
Job's dilemma reaches its apex: God knows Job is innocent, yet afflicts him anyway, and no one can intervene. This isn't the complaint of guilty conscience but of baffled righteousness. Job maintains his integrity while acknowledging God's absolute power. He needs advocate, mediator, deliverer—but none exists (compare 9:33). This despair sets up the gospel's answer: Christ is the Deliverer who can rescue from divine judgment.
Job's confidence that God knows his righteousness foreshadows the believer's confidence in Christ's imputed righteousness. Though we cannot claim innocence as Job does, we can claim Christ's righteousness. God knows we are righteous in Christ, and that knowledge is our security. No one can deliver from God's hand, but God Himself delivers through Christ.