Job 24:8
They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.
Original Language Analysis
הָרִ֣ים
of the mountains
H2022
הָרִ֣ים
of the mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
2 of 7
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
וּֽמִבְּלִ֥י
H1097
וּֽמִבְּלִ֥י
Strong's:
H1097
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, failure, i.e., nothing or destruction; usually (with preposition) without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc
מַ֝חְסֶ֗ה
for want of a shelter
H4268
מַ֝חְסֶ֗ה
for want of a shelter
Strong's:
H4268
Word #:
5 of 7
a shelter (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Mountainous terrain in ancient Palestine provided some natural shelters—caves, rock overhangs—where shepherds and travelers might take refuge. That the poor must embrace bare rocks suggests they're denied even these basic refuges, perhaps driven from caves by those with power. Alternatively, they live in areas so marginal that even minimal natural shelter is unavailable. The image reinforces systematic exclusion from all resources.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this physical image of embracing rocks illuminate our spiritual need for God as our true refuge?
- What does Job's empathetic description of the poor's suffering reveal about authentic covenant righteousness?
- How can believers ensure that those without shelter have access to protection and safety?
Analysis & Commentary
They are wet with the showers of the mountains (מִזֶּרֶם הָרִים יִרְטָבוּ, mizzérem harím yirtávu)—The zerem (זֶרֶם) is a rainstorm or downpour, and ratav (רָטַב) means to be drenched or soaked. Mountain rains in the ancient Near East were cold and dangerous—those without shelter risked hypothermia. Job continues his portrayal of the desperately poor, exposed to the elements without protection. This vulnerability to weather represents complete destitution—they can't even access basic shelter.
And embrace the rock for want of a shelter (וּמִבְּלִי מַחְסֶה חִבְּקוּ־צוּר, umibbéli machséh chibbequtsúr)—The verb chabaq (חָבַק) means to embrace or clasp, suggesting desperate clinging for any protection. The tsur (צוּר, rock) might provide minimal wind-break but no real shelter. Machseh (מַחְסֶה) means refuge or shelter—its absence forces the poor to cling to rocks. This word appears frequently in Psalms describing God as refuge (Psalm 91:2, 9), creating poignant contrast: the poor literally embrace rocks while the faithful embrace God as refuge. The image evokes Jesus's teaching about building on rock versus sand (Matthew 7:24-27), but here the tragedy is that the poor have only literal rocks, not the Rock of salvation.