Job 7:3
So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.
Original Language Analysis
כֵּ֤ן
H3651
כֵּ֤ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
הָנְחַ֣לְתִּי
So am I made to possess
H5157
הָנְחַ֣לְתִּי
So am I made to possess
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
2 of 9
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
שָׁ֑וְא
of vanity
H7723
שָׁ֑וְא
of vanity
Strong's:
H7723
Word #:
5 of 9
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
וְלֵיל֥וֹת
nights
H3915
וְלֵיל֥וֹת
nights
Strong's:
H3915
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
עָ֝מָ֗ל
and wearisome
H5999
עָ֝מָ֗ל
and wearisome
Strong's:
H5999
Word #:
7 of 9
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
Historical Context
The ancient Near Eastern context understood prosperity as divine favor and prolonged suffering as divine displeasure. Job's 'months of vanity' would have been interpreted by his peers (including his friends) as clear evidence of hidden sin requiring repentance. Job's uniqueness lies in maintaining his integrity while acknowledging God's sovereign appointment of his suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we reconcile God's sovereignty in appointing suffering with His essential goodness and love?
- What does Job's extended timeline of suffering teach us about false expectations for quick resolution to trials?
- In what ways does recognizing suffering as 'appointed' rather than random affect our response to it?
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'made to possess' (nachal, נָחַל) typically refers to receiving an inheritance or portion—bitterly ironic as Job's 'inheritance' consists of 'months of vanity' and 'wearisome nights.' The Hebrew shav (שָׁוְא, vanity) denotes emptiness, futility, and worthlessness—the same word used in Ecclesiastes to describe life 'under the sun.' Job's suffering has become his appointed portion, replacing the blessed inheritance described in chapter 1.
'Wearisome nights are appointed to me' employs the verb mana (מָנָה), meaning to number, assign, or appoint. This reveals Job's theological sophistication: he recognizes divine sovereignty even in suffering. His sleepless nights aren't random misfortune but divinely appointed trials. This Reformed perspective affirms God's meticulous providence while wrestling with its inscrutability. The verb 'appointed' echoes Lamentations 3:38, 'Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?'
Job's lament paradoxically affirms both God's sovereignty and the legitimacy of human anguish under it. The 'months' (plural) indicate prolonged suffering, not momentary trial. This extended timeline challenges easy answers and demands patient endurance while maintaining faith in divine goodness despite contrary experiential evidence.