Job 13:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 13:27
27 Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and lookest narrowly unto all my paths; thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet.
Chapter Context
Job 13 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, faith, salvation. 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 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 13:27
27 Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks, and lookest narrowly unto all my paths; thou settest a print upon the heels of my feet.
Analysis
'These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.' 'Ten times' (זֶה עֶשֶׁר פְּעָמִים, zeh eser pe'amim) may be literal or idiomatic for 'many times.' They've 'reproached' (תַחְפְּרוּנִי, tachperuni—insulted, humiliated) and 'make strange' (תַּכְלִימוּנִי, takhlimuni—deal cruelly, abuse). The friends' increasing cruelty shows how ideological commitment can override compassion. They value doctrinal purity over friendship. Job's pain at this abandonment echoes Psalm 41:9 and anticipates Christ's betrayal. True theology should increase compassion, not justify its abandonment. The Reformed emphasis on community and bearing one another's burdens condemns the friends' behavior.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern friendship carried obligations of loyalty and support. The friends' abandonment of Job in favor of doctrinal accusations would be recognized as betrayal of sacred friendship bonds.
Reflection
- How does commitment to theological correctness sometimes override basic compassion?
- What are the limits of confrontation even when we believe someone is wrong?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 33:11