Job 9:13
If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָשִׁ֣יב
will not withdraw
H7725
יָשִׁ֣יב
will not withdraw
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
3 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אַפּ֑וֹ
his anger
H639
אַפּ֑וֹ
his anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
תַּחְתָּ֥ו
H8478
תַּחְתָּ֥ו
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
5 of 8
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
Cross References
Isaiah 30:7For the Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose: therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still.Job 26:12He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.Psalms 89:10Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm.Isaiah 51:9Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern creation myths featured gods defeating chaos monsters (Tiamat, Leviathan, Rahab). Biblical references to these figures demythologize them—they're not rival deities but creatures under God's control. Job uses this imagery to emphasize that if mythological 'helpers' cannot resist God, neither can he.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's unyielding purpose both terrify (in judgment) and comfort (in promises)?
- What does the defeat of 'proud helpers' teach about the futility of resisting God's will?
- In what ways does Christ's bearing of divine anger demonstrate God's purpose to save rather than merely punish?
Analysis & Commentary
Job proclaims God's inflexible purpose: 'If God will not withdraw his anger, the proud helpers do stoop under him.' The phrase 'will not withdraw' (lo yashub, לֹא יָשׁוּב) means God won't turn back or relent. His 'anger' (aph, אַף, literally 'nostril') remains fixed. The 'proud helpers' (ra'ab, רַהַב, possibly mythological chaos forces or earthly powers) 'stoop' (shachach, שָׁחַח, bow down) beneath God—even the mightiest forces submit to divine power.
Job may reference Rahab (not the harlot, but a mythological sea monster representing chaos—Psalm 89:10, Isaiah 51:9). If even cosmic chaos-forces cannot resist God, how can Job hope to contend? The imagery emphasizes total divine sovereignty. No ally can assist Job against God; no power can moderate divine anger once kindled. Job's situation appears hopeless—the prosecution is irresistible.
Yet Scripture elsewhere shows God does relent—when Christ bears the anger deserved by sinners. The 'proud helpers' that stoop under God are ultimately defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:15). The inflexible divine anger Job experiences finds appeasement in Christ's substitutionary atonement. God's purpose doesn't change, but Christ redirects divine wrath from us to Himself.