They encounter darkness
The phrase "They encounter darkness" suggests a sudden and unexpected confrontation with confusion or calamity. In the Hebrew text, the word for "darkness" is "ḥōšeḵ," which often symbolizes chaos, ignorance, or judgment. This darkness is not merely the absence of light but a profound spiritual or moral blindness. Historically, darkness in the Bible is frequently associated with divine judgment or the absence of God's presence, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 10:21-23). In this context, it implies that those who rely on their own wisdom rather than God's guidance will inevitably face confusion and despair.

by day
The phrase "by day" emphasizes the unexpected nature of the darkness. Daytime is typically associated with clarity, safety, and the ability to see and understand one's surroundings. The Hebrew word "yôm" for "day" often signifies a time of opportunity and revelation. The juxtaposition of darkness occurring during the day underscores the severity of the judgment or confusion faced by those who reject divine wisdom. It serves as a warning that human understanding is insufficient without God's illumination.

and grope
The word "grope" conveys a sense of helplessness and desperation. In Hebrew, "māšaš" is used to describe a blind or disoriented person feeling their way in the dark. This imagery is powerful, suggesting that without God's guidance, individuals are left to stumble through life, unable to find their way. The act of groping implies a lack of direction and purpose, highlighting the futility of relying solely on human insight.

at noon
"At noon" further intensifies the irony of the situation. Noon, or "ṣāhŏrayim" in Hebrew, is the time of day when the sun is at its highest and brightest, symbolizing maximum visibility and understanding. The fact that people are groping in darkness at this time suggests a profound spiritual blindness. It serves as a metaphor for those who, despite having every opportunity to see and understand the truth, remain in ignorance due to their rejection of God's wisdom.

as in the night
The comparison "as in the night" completes the imagery of disorientation and confusion. Night, or "lāylâ" in Hebrew, is traditionally a time of danger and uncertainty. This phrase implies that those who reject divine wisdom live in a perpetual state of night, regardless of the actual time of day. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, emphasizing that true understanding and clarity come only from Him.

1. Eliphaz the Temanite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. Eliphaz is the speaker in this passage, offering his perspective on the suffering of the wicked.

2. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man who experiences immense suffering and seeks to understand the reasons behind it.

3. Teman
A region in Edom, known for its wise men. Eliphaz, being a Temanite, is considered a man of wisdom.

4. Darkness and Light
Symbolic elements used throughout the Bible to represent ignorance and understanding, evil and good, or judgment and salvation.

5. The Suffering of the Wicked
A theme in Eliphaz's speech, suggesting that those who do wrong will face confusion and calamity.The Consequences of Sin
Sin leads to spiritual blindness and confusion. Just as Eliphaz describes the wicked groping in darkness, sin can cloud our judgment and lead us away from God's truth.

The Need for Spiritual Light
In a world filled with darkness, we must seek the light of God's Word to guide our paths. Jesus is the light of the world, and through Him, we find clarity and direction.

Discernment in Suffering
Not all suffering is a result of personal sin. While Eliphaz attributes Job's suffering to wrongdoing, we must be careful not to make hasty judgments about others' circumstances.

The Role of Friends in Times of Trouble
Eliphaz's approach to Job's suffering reminds us of the importance of offering compassionate support rather than judgment when others are in distress.

Trusting God's Wisdom
Even when we face confusion and darkness, we can trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty. He sees the bigger picture and works all things for good.(14) Darkness in the daytime.--This is possibly an allusion to the Egyptian plague of darkness "that may be felt" (Exodus 10:21), as the words used are similar. This may be a note of probable date. (Compare Isaiah 59:10, where the thoughts correspond, but the words differ.) This is one of the many passages of Job in which there seems to be an indication of some acquaintance with the events related in the Pentateuch, though the points of contact are too slight for us to be quite sure of it.

Verse 14. - They meet with darkness in the daytime (comp Deuteronomy 28:29 and Isaiah 59:10). The metaphor expresses the bewilderment of the crafty, when they find their schemes foiled, and all their subtlety of no avail. Suddenly their light goes out; they know not what to do, or which way to turn; "their way is hid" (Job 3:23); they are baffled, perplexed, confounded. And grope in the noonday as in the night (comp. Job 12:25). A variant form of the preceding hemistich.

Parallel Commentaries ...


They encounter
יְפַגְּשׁוּ־ (yə·p̄ag·gə·šū-)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6298: To come in contact with, to concur

darkness
חֹ֑שֶׁךְ (ḥō·šeḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2822: The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness

by day
יוֹמָ֥ם (yō·w·mām)
Adverb
Strong's 3119: Daytime, by day

and grope
יְֽמַשְׁשׁ֥וּ (yə·maš·šū)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4959: To feel of, to grope

at noon
בַֽצָּהֳרָֽיִם׃ (ḇaṣ·ṣā·ho·rā·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6672: A light, double light, noon

as in the night.
וְ֝כַלַּ֗יְלָה (wə·ḵal·lay·lāh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity


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OT Poetry: Job 5:14 They meet with darkness in the day (Jb)