Job 5:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 5:11
11 To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.
Chapter Context
Job 5 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, sacrifice, creation. 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 21-27: 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 5:11
11 To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.
Analysis
Eliphaz declares God 'setteth up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.' The Hebrew 'rum' (set high/exalt) and 'yesha' (safety/salvation) describe God's pattern of lifting the humble. This is true—God does exalt the humble (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6). But Eliphaz wrongly implies that Job's continued low estate proves he's not truly humble, and that genuine humility would have already brought restoration. This ignores that God's timing differs from human expectations.
Historical Context
The reversal of fortunes—exalting the lowly—is a common theme in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature and appears throughout Scripture (1 Samuel 2:7-8, Luke 1:52).
Reflection
- How do you maintain faith in God's pattern of exalting the humble when exaltation is delayed?
- What does God's timing in deliverance teach us about the relationship between faith and immediate results?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalms 107:41, 113:7, Ezekiel 17:24, Luke 6:21, 1 Peter 5:10