Job 17:12

They have turned night into day, making light seem near in the face of darkness.

Study Bible

They have turned night into day
This phrase captures the profound disorientation and confusion that Job feels. In the Hebrew text, the word for "turned" is "שׂוּם" (sum), which means to place or set. This suggests an intentional act of reversing the natural order. Historically, this reflects Job's perception of his friends' misguided counsel, which attempts to redefine his suffering and reality. In a broader scriptural context, this inversion of night and day symbolizes a distortion of truth and justice, echoing Isaiah 5:20, where woe is pronounced on those who call evil good and good evil.

in the face of darkness
The Hebrew word for "darkness" is "חֹשֶׁךְ" (choshek), often used in the Old Testament to denote chaos, evil, or judgment. Job's use of "darkness" here underscores the depth of his despair and the seeming absence of divine light or understanding in his situation. Archaeologically, darkness was often associated with the unknown and feared aspects of life in ancient Near Eastern cultures, further emphasizing Job's sense of being enveloped by uncertainty and dread.

they say, 'Light is near.'
The assertion "Light is near" is a statement of false hope or denial of reality. The Hebrew word for "light" is "אוֹר" (or), which typically represents life, prosperity, and divine presence. Job's friends, in their attempts to comfort him, offer platitudes that fail to acknowledge the severity of his suffering. This reflects a broader biblical theme where human wisdom falls short of comprehending God's purposes, as seen in Proverbs 14:12, which warns that there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Job's lament here is a poignant reminder of the need for genuine empathy and understanding in the face of suffering, rather than superficial reassurances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. In this chapter, Job is expressing his despair and the distortion of reality by his friends.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to counsel Job but often misinterpret his situation and God's will, leading to further distress for Job.

3. Darkness and Light
Symbolic elements representing despair and hope, respectively. In this verse, Job uses these symbols to describe the false hope offered by his friends.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Counsel
Be cautious of advice that distorts reality. Like Job's friends, well-meaning individuals can sometimes offer counsel that doesn't align with God's truth.

Hope in Darkness
Even when circumstances seem bleak, remember that God's light is always near. Trust in His presence and promises.

The Reality of Suffering
Acknowledge the reality of suffering without sugarcoating it. Job's honesty about his pain is a model for how we can bring our struggles before God.

The Power of Words
Words have the power to either uplift or mislead. Strive to speak truth and encouragement, especially to those who are suffering.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do Job's friends' attempts to "turn night into day" reflect common misconceptions about suffering and God's will?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our counsel to others aligns with biblical truth rather than personal opinion?

3. How does the symbolism of light and darkness in Job 17:12 relate to other biblical passages about God's presence in difficult times?

4. What practical steps can we take to maintain hope and faith when we feel surrounded by darkness?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Job's experience to support others who are going through trials and suffering?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 5:20
This verse warns against those who call evil good and good evil, paralleling Job's experience with his friends who misrepresent his situation.

John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This New Testament verse provides a hopeful contrast to Job's situation, emphasizing the ultimate triumph of light over darkness.

Psalm 139:11-12
These verses speak of God's presence in both light and darkness, offering comfort that God is with us even in our darkest times.