Job 10:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 10:20
20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
Chapter Context
Job 10 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, judgment, faith. 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 10:20
20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
Analysis
Job contemplates mortality's brevity: 'Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little.' The question 'Are not my days few?' (lo meat yamay, הֲלֹא מְעַט יָמַי) acknowledges life's brevity. Job pleads 'cease' (chadal, חֲדַל, stop or desist) and 'let me alone' (shith mimmenni, שִׁית מִמֶּנִּי, leave from me) so he can 'take comfort' (abligha, אַבְלִיגָה, brighten or be glad) 'a little' (meat, מְעַט, small amount).
Job's request is modest—not perpetual happiness but brief respite before death. The plea reveals suffering's toll: Job cannot envision long-term relief, only momentary comfort. Life's brevity usually motivates urgency (Psalm 90:12), but for Job it supports petition for mercy—if days are few, why not grant brief relief? The argument has logical force: punish later or skip it entirely since death comes soon anyway.
James 4:14 echoes Job's brevity theme: 'What is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth.' But the application differs: James warns against presumption, while Job appeals for mercy. Life's brevity cuts both ways—it should humble the proud and comfort the afflicted. Job needs the latter application.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom frequently meditated on life's transience (Psalm 39:4-5, 90:3-6, 103:15-16, Ecclesiastes 6:12). Job appeals to this common wisdom, hoping God will grant mercy given humanity's brief existence. The plea assumes divine compassion should account for human frailty.
Reflection
- How does life's brevity both warn against wasting time and comfort us that suffering is temporary?
- What does Job's modest request (comfort 'a little') teach about suffering's effect on our expectations?
- In what ways does eternal life in Christ transform our perspective on earthly life's brevity?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 14:1, Psalms 39:13