Job 15:26
He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers:
Original Language Analysis
בְּצַוָּ֑אר
upon him even on his neck
H6677
בְּצַוָּ֑אר
upon him even on his neck
Strong's:
H6677
Word #:
3 of 6
the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)
Historical Context
Ancient warfare involved shield charges—warriors using shields offensively to push back enemies. Applying this imagery to human-divine relationship would strike ancients as absurd (humans attacking God) yet Eliphaz claims Job does exactly this through his words.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish appropriate boldness in prayer from presumptuous arrogance toward God?
- What role does humility play in approaching God with hard questions?
- How does Christ's mediation enable us to approach God boldly without presumption?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked are arrogantly stubborn: 'He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers.' This violent imagery depicts the wicked charging at God like a warrior with shield prominently displayed—defiant, aggressive, presumptuous. The 'thick bosses' (shield reinforcements) suggest confidence in one's own defenses. Eliphaz portrays the wicked as foolishly attacking omnipotence. His implication: Job's bold speeches to God constitute such presumption.