Job 1:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 1:5
5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
Chapter Context
Job 1 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, holiness, mercy. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 1:5
5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
Analysis
Job's intercessory role prefigures Christ's priestly work. The Hebrew 'qadash' (sanctified) indicates covenant purification through sacrifice. Job's concern that his children might have 'cursed God in their hearts' reveals profound spiritual insight—sin begins in the heart (Matthew 15:19), and only substitutionary atonement can cleanse it. This foreshadows the perfect High Priest who continually intercedes for His people (Hebrews 7:25).
Historical Context
During the patriarchal period, the family patriarch functioned as priest, offering burnt offerings for purification. This practice predates the Levitical priesthood by centuries, showing the universal need for atonement.
Reflection
- How consistently do you intercede for your family's spiritual welfare?
- What does Job's concern about secret sin teach us about God's knowledge of our hearts?
Word Studies
- Sanctify: קָדַשׁ (Qadash) H6942 - To set apart, make holy
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Kings 21:10, 21:13, Acts 8:22, 1 Corinthians 4:5
- Sacrifice: Job 42:8, Genesis 8:20, 22:3
- Sin: Job 8:4
- Holy: 1 Samuel 16:5, Ephesians 6:18