Job 21:11
They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.
Original Language Analysis
יְשַׁלְּח֣וּ
They send forth
H7971
יְשַׁלְּח֣וּ
They send forth
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 5
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
כַ֭צֹּאן
like a flock
H6629
כַ֭צֹּאן
like a flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
2 of 5
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom assumed righteous prosperity and wicked suffering as general principles. Job challenges this by pointing to observable exceptions. His empirical approach—look at reality, not just theory—demonstrates wisdom that accounts for life's complexity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we handle tension between doctrine that righteousness brings blessing and reality that the wicked sometimes prosper?
- What does Job's willingness to observe reality rather than maintain theory teach about honest faith?
- How does Psalm 73's resolution (the wicked's ultimate end) address the problem Job raises?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked's children flourish: 'They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.' Job contradicts his friends—the wicked's children DO prosper, dancing joyfully like frolicking lambs. This challenges simplistic retribution theology. If wickedness always brought swift judgment, the wicked's children would suffer. Job observes reality: the righteous sometimes suffer while the wicked prosper. This prepares for Psalm 73's later treatment of this problem.