Job 13:25
Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?
Original Language Analysis
הֶעָלֶ֣ה
a leaf
H5929
הֶעָלֶ֣ה
a leaf
Strong's:
H5929
Word #:
1 of 7
a leaf (as coming up on a tree); collectively, foliage
תַּעֲר֑וֹץ
Wilt thou break
H6206
תַּעֲר֑וֹץ
Wilt thou break
Strong's:
H6206
Word #:
3 of 7
to awe or (intransitive) to dread; hence, to harass
Cross References
Job 21:18They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.Leviticus 26:36And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.
Historical Context
Dry leaves and stubble were proverbial images for the helpless and worthless (Isaiah 40:24, Psalm 1:4). In arid Palestine, wind easily scattered such lightweight materials. Job applies this image to emphasize his powerlessness before divine might.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing our frailty before God's power produce humility rather than despair?
- When have you felt crushed by circumstances that seemed disproportionate to your strength?
- What comfort comes from knowing that God is aware of our weakness and doesn't judge beyond what we can bear?
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Analysis & Commentary
Job feels God treats him like insignificant refuse: 'Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?' The imagery emphasizes Job's utter helplessness—he's as powerless as windblown leaves or dried stubble. Yet God seems to pursue him with overwhelming force. The contrast is stark: God's infinite power versus Job's complete weakness. Job can't understand why divine omnipotence would crush something so fragile.