Job 13:28
And he, as a rotten thing, consumeth, as a garment that is moth eaten.
Original Language Analysis
וְ֭הוּא
H1931
וְ֭הוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 6
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִבְלֶ֑ה
consumeth
H1086
יִבְלֶ֑ה
consumeth
Strong's:
H1086
Word #:
3 of 6
to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)
Historical Context
Boundary markers were significant in ancient Near Eastern law and custom (Deuteronomy 19:14, Proverbs 22:28). Setting boundaries represented establishing authority and limits. Job experiences God's sovereign boundaries as constraining, not yet recognizing their protective purpose.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's boundaries in our lives simultaneously limit and protect us?
- When have you experienced God's constraints that you later recognized as grace?
- What does it mean that God sets limits even on the suffering He permits?
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Analysis & Commentary
Job describes God's marking of boundaries he cannot cross: 'Thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet.' The imagery suggests God has drawn a circle around Job, limiting where he can go. This develops the stocks metaphor—Job is confined, unable to escape his suffering. Yet theologically, this also points to divine sovereignty setting boundaries for suffering (as seen in Job 1-2, where God limited Satan's actions). Though Job doesn't see it, God's boundaries protect even in suffering.