Job 6:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 6:19
19 The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.
Chapter Context
Job 6 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, grace, covenant. 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 21-30: 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 6:19
19 The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.
Analysis
Job continues: 'The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.' Tema and Sheba were important trade routes in Arabia. These experienced caravans 'looked' (Hebrew 'nabat'—gazed intently) and 'waited' (Hebrew 'qavah'—hoped expectantly) for the streams. Even the experienced are deceived by deceptive wadis. Similarly, Job (no fool about theology) expected genuine comfort from his friends but was disappointed. This warns that even mature believers can be misled by plausible but false counsel.
Historical Context
Tema and Sheba were major Arabian trading centers whose caravans regularly traversed desert routes. Their experience made them knowledgeable about water sources, yet even they could be deceived by deceptive wadis.
Reflection
- How do you guard against deception even when counsel seems plausible and comes from apparently wise sources?
- What does the failure of experienced caravans teach us about the deceptiveness of false theology?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Genesis 25:15, 1 Kings 10:1, Isaiah 21:14, Jeremiah 25:23