Job 29:23
And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.
Original Language Analysis
וְיִֽחֲל֣וּ
And they waited
H3176
וְיִֽחֲל֣וּ
And they waited
Strong's:
H3176
Word #:
1 of 6
to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope
וּ֝פִיהֶ֗ם
their mouth
H6310
וּ֝פִיהֶ֗ם
their mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 6
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Cross References
Hosea 6:3Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.Psalms 72:6He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.Zechariah 10:1Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.
Historical Context
Israel's agricultural calendar depended on two rainy seasons: the early rains (October-November) for plowing and planting, and the latter rains (March-April) for crop maturation before the dry summer. The latter rain was especially critical—its failure meant crop failure regardless of the early rains' success. James 5:7 uses this same agricultural pattern to teach patient waiting. Job's listeners understood this existential dependence.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the 'latter rain' metaphor reveal about the timing and necessity of godly counsel?
- How does anticipating wise words 'as for rain' differ from casual entertainment by speakers?
- In what spiritual 'season' do you most need the latter rain of God's wisdom to bring your growth to maturity?
Analysis & Commentary
They waited for me as for the rain (וְיִחֲלוּ כַמָּטָר לִי, veyichalu chamatar li)—Yachal (waited) with matar (rain) creates the image of farmers scanning the sky with eager anticipation. In Palestine's climate, rain meant survival; its absence meant famine. Job's counsel was awaited with the same life-or-death urgency.
Opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain (וּפִיהֶם פָּעֲרוּ לְמַלְקוֹשׁ, ufihem pa'aru lemalkosh)—Pa'ar (opened wide) suggests gaping or opening to maximum capacity, used of the earth opening to swallow Korah (Numbers 16:32). The malkosh (latter rain) fell in March-April, crucial for ripening grain before harvest. People absorbed Job's words as thirsty ground drinks in the spring rains (compare Zechariah 10:1). This verse intensifies verse 22's gentle dew into the season's critical downpour.