Job 21:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 21:15
15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
Chapter Context
Job 21 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of obedience, salvation, love. 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 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 21:15
15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?
Analysis
The wicked ask, "What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?" The interrogative mah (מָה, "what") can express dismissiveness—not seeking information but expressing contempt. The verb abad (עָבַד, "serve") denotes worship and work. The noun ya'al (יַעַל, "profit") asks about utility and benefit. Job quotes the wicked's utilitarian approach to God: "What's in it for us?" This exposesreligious pragmatism that values God only for benefits received. From a Reformed perspective, this reveals the natural man's transactional view of religion—serving God for gain rather than because He deserves worship. True piety worships God for His worth, not for personal advantage. This contrast appears in Job 1:9, where Satan asks if Job fears God for nothing. The book demonstrates that genuine faith persists even when profit disappears. Jesus warned against this mentality: "Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves" (John 6:26).
Historical Context
Ancient religions operated on quid pro quo principles—sacrifice to receive blessings. The wicked's question reflects this mercenary approach. However, Israelite covenant theology, while including blessings for obedience, demanded love and service from the heart (Deuteronomy 6:5). The prophets condemned mere ritual without genuine devotion (Isaiah 1:11-17). Job's faithfulness when profit vanished demonstrated authentic piety transcending transactionalism.
Reflection
- How do we examine whether our service to God is motivated by His worth or by what we hope to gain?
- What does Job's continued faithfulness despite loss teach about authentic versus mercenary religion?
- How does Jesus' warning about following Him for loaves rather than truth apply to modern Christianity?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 34:9, Exodus 5:2