Job 27:10
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Job 27:10
10 Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?
Chapter Context
Job 27 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, holiness, judgment. 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 21-23: 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 27:10
10 Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?
Analysis
Will he delight himself in the Almighty? (עַל־שַׁדַּי יִתְעַנָּג)—the verb ta'anag (תַּעֲנַג) means to take exquisite delight, pleasure, or joy. Shaddai (שַׁדַּי, the Almighty) emphasizes God's self-sufficiency and sovereignty. Job questions whether the wicked finds joy in God Himself apart from blessings received. Will he always call upon God? (יִקְרָא אֱלוֹהַּ בְּכָל־עֵת)—the persistence implied by 'always' (bekol-et, בְּכָל־עֵת, at every time) reveals true faith.
These rhetorical questions probe the heart of genuine piety: Does one love God for who He is, or merely for what He gives? This echoes Satan's original accusation against Job (1:9-11)—does Job fear God 'for nothing'? Job has now become his own test case, maintaining his relationship with God despite loss, thus refuting Satan's charge. True faith delights in God's character and perseveres in prayer not because of favorable circumstances but because God Himself is the soul's treasure (Psalm 73:25-26). This anticipates the NT teaching on joy in God as the essence of eternal life (John 17:3).
Historical Context
Job's question addresses the fundamental issue debated throughout the book: What motivates authentic worship? Ancient Near Eastern religion was largely transactional—offerings secured divine favor and blessing. Job's insistence on delighting in God Himself apart from benefits represents a theological revolution, pointing toward the gospel's emphasis on knowing God as supreme treasure.
Reflection
- Would you still delight in God if He never gave you another earthly blessing?
- How do you cultivate prayer as communion with God rather than merely presenting requests?
- What does Job's persistent calling upon God despite unanswered prayer teach about faith's perseverance?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H433 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Light: Psalms 37:4