Job 15:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 15:7
7 Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?
Chapter Context
Job 15 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, truth, 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 15:7
7 Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?
Analysis
Eliphaz sarcastically asks: 'Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?' The Hebrew הָרִאשׁוֹן אָדָם (harishon adam—the first man) echoes Genesis 2-3. 'Before the hills' (לִפְנֵי־גְבָעוֹת, lifney-geva'ot) suggests primordial existence. Eliphaz mocks Job's presumption to question traditional wisdom. Yet the irony: Job doesn't claim special knowledge; he claims normal observation contradicts the friends' theories. The accusation backfires—Eliphaz assumes his tradition contains all wisdom, the actual presumption. The Reformed principle of sola Scriptura warns against elevating tradition to Scripture's level while acknowledging wisdom in Christian tradition tested by Scripture.
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom traditions valued primordial knowledge—the belief that oldest wisdom was truest. Eliphaz here appeals to this, suggesting Job arrogantly claims knowledge reserved for the ancient ones.
Reflection
- How do we distinguish between valuing church tradition and making tradition equal to Scripture?
- What are the dangers of assuming traditional interpretations are beyond questioning?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 90:2