Job 7:14
Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:
Original Language Analysis
וְחִתַּתַּ֥נִי
Then thou scarest
H2865
וְחִתַּתַּ֥נִי
Then thou scarest
Strong's:
H2865
Word #:
1 of 4
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures practiced dream divination and considered dreams portals to divine communication. Joseph and Daniel gained prominence through dream interpretation (Genesis 40-41, Daniel 2). Job's nighttime visions would have been understood as divinely significant, making their terrifying nature doubly distressing.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we respond when God's presence feels more terrifying than comforting?
- What does Job's experience teach about the difference between God's communication and our interpretive capacity?
- In what ways does Christ mediate God's presence, making it gracious rather than terrifying for believers?
Analysis & Commentary
God's persecution continues even in sleep—'thou scarest me with dreams' (chalam, חֲלוֹם) 'and terrifiest me through visions' (chizzayon, חִזָּיוֹן). The verb 'scarest' (chathath, חָתַת) means to terrify, dismay, or shatter. Even unconsciousness provides no sanctuary from divine assault. Ancient dream interpretation considered dreams as divine communication (Genesis 20:3, 28:12, Daniel 2), but Job experiences them as torment rather than revelation.
This verse challenges simplistic views of divine communication. Not all supernatural experiences bring comfort—sometimes God's presence terrifies (Isaiah 6:5, Daniel 10:8-9). Job cannot escape even into unconsciousness; God meets him there with fearful revelations. The Reformed tradition recognizes that God's terrifying holiness must humble us before His comforting grace can be received.
The contrast with Psalm 16:7 is striking: 'I will bless the LORD... my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.' David finds night instruction precious; Job finds it terrifying. The difference lies not in God's character but in the sufferer's interpretive framework. Job lacks understanding of his trial's purpose, rendering God's presence frightening rather than comforting.