Job 19:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 19:11
11 He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies.
Chapter Context
Job 19 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of creation, sacrifice, truth. 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 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 19:11
11 He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies.
Analysis
He hath also kindled his wrath against me (וַיַּחַר עָלַי אַפּוֹ, wayyachar 'alay 'appo)—The verb חָרָה (charah, 'to burn, be kindled') with אַף ('ap, 'nose/anger') creates the vivid image of nostrils flaring with rage. Job perceives God's anger as fire directed specifically at him—against me ('alay) appears twice for emphasis.
And he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies (וַיַּחְשְׁבֵנִי לוֹ כְּצָרָיו)—The verb חָשַׁב (chashav, 'to reckon, account') is the same used of God crediting Abraham's faith as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Tragically, Job feels God has reversed the accounting—reckoning him as צַר (tsar, 'adversary/enemy'). The irony is profound: Satan is God's adversary opposing Job, yet Job perceives himself as God's adversary.
Historical Context
The concept of divine wrath (ap) permeates Old Testament theology, usually directed at covenant unfaithfulness. Job's horror stems from experiencing this wrath while innocent—a theological crisis resolved only through Christ, who bore God's wrath for the innocent (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Reflection
- How do you reconcile Job's perception of God's kindled wrath with the prologue's revelation that God defended Job (1:8)?
- When have you felt God was treating you as an enemy rather than a beloved child?
- How does Christ's cry of dereliction ('Why have you forsaken me?') validate Job's honest expression of feeling abandoned?
Word Studies
- Wrath: אַף (Aph) H639 - Wrath, anger