Job 15:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 15:25
25 For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.
Chapter Context
Job 15 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, holiness, prayer. 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 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. 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 15:25
25 For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.
Analysis
The wicked oppose God: 'For he stretcheth out his hand against God, and strengtheneth himself against the Almighty.' This describes active rebellion—the wicked don't just fail morally but defiantly oppose God. The imagery of stretching out the hand suggests aggressive attack. Strengthening oneself against God indicates prideful self-reliance. Eliphaz implies Job's questioning constitutes such rebellion. But Scripture distinguishes wrestling with God (Jacob, Job) from rebelling against Him.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern texts depicted divine-human conflict as rebellion against cosmic order. Israel's tradition included both unacceptable rebellion (Korah, Absalom) and acceptable struggle (Jacob wrestling, prophets questioning). Eliphaz conflates these categories.
Reflection
- What distinguishes honest wrestling with God from rebellious opposition to Him?
- How do we maintain appropriate reverence while engaging in bold prayer and questioning?
- What biblical figures demonstrated that struggling with God can coexist with deep faith?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H410 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 52:7, Daniel 5:23
- Parallel theme: Job 9:4, 36:9, 1 Samuel 6:6, Psalms 73:9, Malachi 3:13