Job 6:19

Authorized King James Version

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The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

Original Language Analysis

הִ֭בִּיטוּ looked H5027
הִ֭בִּיטוּ looked
Strong's: H5027
Word #: 1 of 7
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
אָרְח֣וֹת The troops H734
אָרְח֣וֹת The troops
Strong's: H734
Word #: 2 of 7
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
תֵּמָ֑א of Tema H8485
תֵּמָ֑א of Tema
Strong's: H8485
Word #: 3 of 7
tema, a son of ishmael, and the region settled by him
הֲלִיכֹ֥ת the companies H1979
הֲלִיכֹ֥ת the companies
Strong's: H1979
Word #: 4 of 7
a walking; by implication, a procession or march, a caravan
שְׁ֝בָ֗א of Sheba H7614
שְׁ֝בָ֗א of Sheba
Strong's: H7614
Word #: 5 of 7
sheba, the name of three early progenitors of tribes and of an ethiopian district
קִוּוּ waited H6960
קִוּוּ waited
Strong's: H6960
Word #: 6 of 7
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
לָֽמוֹ׃ H3926
לָֽמוֹ׃
Strong's: H3926
Word #: 7 of 7
to or for

Analysis & Commentary

Job continues: 'The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.' Tema and Sheba were important trade routes in Arabia. These experienced caravans 'looked' (Hebrew 'nabat'—gazed intently) and 'waited' (Hebrew 'qavah'—hoped expectantly) for the streams. Even the experienced are deceived by deceptive wadis. Similarly, Job (no fool about theology) expected genuine comfort from his friends but was disappointed. This warns that even mature believers can be misled by plausible but false counsel.

Historical Context

Tema and Sheba were major Arabian trading centers whose caravans regularly traversed desert routes. Their experience made them knowledgeable about water sources, yet even they could be deceived by deceptive wadis.

Questions for Reflection