Job 7:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 7:2
2 As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:
Chapter Context
Job 7 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, truth, sacrifice. 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 21-21: 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 7:2
2 As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for the reward of his work:
Analysis
Job employs a double comparison to express his desperate longing for relief. The Hebrew word for 'servant' (ebed, עֶבֶד) refers to a bondservant or slave who eagerly awaits the evening shadow—the end of his labor day. The 'hireling' (sakir, שָׂכִיר) denotes a day laborer who anxiously anticipates his wages. Both images convey earnest, weary expectation of relief from toil.
Job's comparison reveals the existential anguish of suffering without hope of resolution. While servants and hirelings have defined endpoints (evening and payday), Job sees no terminus to his agony. This verse introduces a profound meditation on human temporality and the weariness of existence under God's inscrutable providence. The Reformed understanding recognizes that fallen creation subjects humanity to futility (Romans 8:20), yet this groaning anticipates final redemption.
The imagery foreshadows Christ's own words about laborers worthy of their hire (Luke 10:7) and points to the eschatological rest awaiting God's people (Hebrews 4:9-11). Job's anguish, though premature given his eventual restoration, articulates the legitimate cry of those who suffer under divine sovereignty while maintaining faith.
Historical Context
Job's metaphors reflect ancient Near Eastern labor practices where agricultural workers and servants endured harsh physical demands. The 'shadow' (tsel, צֵל) refers to the lengthening afternoon shadows that signaled the end of the workday around 6 PM. Day laborers were paid at sunset according to Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 24:15), though Job predates this codification.
Reflection
- How does Job's honest expression of suffering challenge superficial 'count it all joy' approaches to trials?
- In what ways does recognizing that even the righteous experience weariness and longing for relief vindicate authentic Christian experience?
- How does this verse point forward to the rest and reward promised to those who labor faithfully in Christ's vineyard?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Leviticus 19:13, Deuteronomy 24:15, Malachi 3:5, James 5:4