Job 14:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 14:6
6 Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day.
Chapter Context
Job 14 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, worship, wisdom. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 14:6
6 Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day.
Analysis
Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day. Job pleads for God to grant human beings respite, using the metaphor of a hired laborer. The Hebrew shaah (שָׁעָה, "turn from") means to look away, avert one's gaze—Job asks God to stop scrutinizing humanity's sins so intensely. "That he may rest" (veyechdal, וְיֶחְדַּל) employs a verb meaning cease, desist, find relief from labor or trouble.
"Till he shall accomplish" (ad-ritzsoto, עַד־רִצּוֹתוֹ) means "until he delights in" or "until he completes"—suggesting finding satisfaction or pleasure in completing work. "As an hireling" (ke-sakhir, כְּשָׂכִיר) refers to a day laborer who works for wages and eagerly anticipates quitting time. "His day" (yomo, יוֹמוֹ) means his appointed time, his allotted work period.
Job's plea reveals profound weariness under God's sovereign scrutiny. He compares human life to hired labor—toil under a master's watchful eye, longing for release when the workday ends. This isn't rebellion but exhausted honest prayer, expressing what many feel but fear to voice. Job's theology recognizes God's right to examine and judge, yet pleads for temporary mercy within human finitude. The passage anticipates Christ who grants true rest to the weary and heavy-laden (Matthew 11:28), accomplishing our work through His finished work.
Historical Context
Job likely lived during the patriarchal period (2000-1800 BC) based on lifestyle details, lifespan, and absence of Mosaic Law references. The book addresses timeless questions about suffering, divine justice, and human meaning when the righteous suffer inexplicably. Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature from Egypt and Mesopotamia explored similar themes, but Job's monotheistic framework and theodicy are unique.
The cultural context of day laborers provides Job's metaphor power. In ancient economies, most people survived through daily manual labor with minimal security. A hireling worked sunrise to sunset under an employer's supervision, earning just enough for that day's needs (Matthew 20:1-16). The anticipated evening rest represented blessed relief from toil, poverty, and oversight.
Job's friends had applied retribution theology—suffering proves sin, prosperity proves righteousness. Job's speeches refute this simplistic formula while maintaining God's sovereignty. His appeal for God to "turn away" doesn't deny divine justice but requests temporary relief, acknowledging human frailty. Early church fathers saw Job as pre-figuring Christ's innocent suffering and patient endurance. The Septuagint and later rabbinic interpretations emphasized Job's faithfulness under trial as exemplary piety, though the book ultimately points beyond human righteousness to God's inscrutable wisdom.
Reflection
- How does Job's honest complaint before God model authentic prayer versus superficial piety?
- What does this passage teach about human finitude and our need for divine mercy?
- How do we balance acknowledging God's sovereignty with pleading for relief from suffering?
- In what ways does Christ fulfill Job's longing for rest from labor and divine scrutiny?
- Why does God permit His people to experience weariness that makes them long for escape?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 7:19, Psalms 39:13