Job 5:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 5:20
20 In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.
Chapter Context
Job 5 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, righteousness, holiness. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 5:20
20 In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.
Analysis
Eliphaz lists deliverances: 'In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword.' The Hebrew 'padah' (redeem) indicates God's ransoming deliverance. Eliphaz's promise is conditionally true—God does often deliver His people—but falsely promises immediate relief upon repentance. This ignores that God's servants sometimes die in famine and war (Hebrews 11:37), not because God failed them, but because God's purposes include martyrdom and suffering witness.
Historical Context
Famine and warfare were the two greatest threats to ancient Near Eastern populations. Eliphaz's promise of deliverance from both would sound comprehensive and appealing but fails to account for God's various purposes in allowing or preventing such calamities.
Reflection
- How do you maintain faith when God doesn't deliver you from life-threatening circumstances?
- What purposes might God have in allowing His people to experience famine, war, or martyrdom?
Word Studies
- Redeem: גָּאַל (Gaal) H6299 - To redeem, act as kinsman-redeemer
Cross-References
- Redemption: Hosea 13:14
- Word: Psalms 144:10
- Parallel theme: Genesis 45:7, 1 Kings 17:6, Psalms 27:3, 33:19, 37:19, Proverbs 10:3