Job 29:18
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.
Original Language Analysis
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
2 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
קִנִּ֣י
in my nest
H7064
קִנִּ֣י
in my nest
Strong's:
H7064
Word #:
3 of 7
a nest (as fixed), sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling
Cross References
Psalms 91:16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.Job 5:26Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.Jeremiah 49:16Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, and the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD.Genesis 32:12And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.Obadiah 1:4Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom emphasized longevity as divine blessing (Proverbs 3:16, Psalm 91:16). Dying "in one's nest" surrounded by family was the ideal death. Job's expectation aligned with cultural and covenantal norms. His shock at suffering's arrival reflects how deeply blessing-theology was embedded in Israelite thought—making Job's ultimate faith triumph even more remarkable when those expectations were demolished.
Questions for Reflection
- How can confidence in God's promises coexist with openness to unexpected suffering?
- What is the difference between biblical hope and presumption about how God will act?
- How does Job's shattered expectations prepare us for Jesus' redefinition of blessing in the Beatitudes?
Analysis & Commentary
Job recalls his former confidence: "Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand." The metaphor of dying "in my nest" (qinni, קִנִּי) evokes security, comfort, domestic peace. The comparison to multiplying days "as the sand" uses the common biblical image of innumerable abundance. Job's past expectation was not unreasonable—covenant theology promised blessing for obedience (Deuteronomy 28). Yet Job's experience shattered this confidence, forcing him to grapple with suffering that contradicted his theological expectations. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates the danger of presumption—assuming we can predict God's dealings based on formulas. While God's promises are sure, His providence remains mysterious. Job's journey from presumption to faith mirrors the believer's growth: from confidence in predictable blessing to trust in sovereign goodness regardless of circumstances. This prepares for New Testament teaching that following Christ may mean suffering, not prosperity (2 Timothy 3:12).