Job 9:34
Let him take his rod away from me, and let not his fear terrify me:
Original Language Analysis
מֵעָלַ֣י
H5921
מֵעָלַ֣י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שִׁבְט֑וֹ
his rod
H7626
שִׁבְט֑וֹ
his rod
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
3 of 6
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
וְ֝אֵמָת֗וֹ
from me and let not his fear
H367
וְ֝אֵמָת֗וֹ
from me and let not his fear
Strong's:
H367
Word #:
4 of 6
fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern legal systems used mediators for disputes between parties of unequal status. Job's wish for such mediation anticipates 1 Timothy 2:5: 'one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ fulfill Job's longing for a mediator?
- What comfort do you find in having an advocate who understands both divine and human nature?
Analysis & Commentary
Job's longing for an umpire/mediator: 'Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both' perfectly anticipates Christ's mediatorial role. The Hebrew word 'daysman' (mokiach) means arbiter or mediator who can bridge the infinite gap between God and humanity.