to a land of utter darkness, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness." to the landThe phrase "to the land" refers to a destination or realm that Job is describing. In the Hebrew context, "land" (אֶרֶץ, erets) often signifies a physical place but can also symbolize a state of being or existence. Here, it metaphorically represents the realm of the dead or Sheol, a place of separation from the living and from God. This reflects Job's deep despair and his perception of death as an inevitable journey to a place devoid of life and hope. of utter darkness
The term "utter darkness" (אֵפֶל, 'ephêl) conveys a profound absence of light, both physically and spiritually. In the ancient Near Eastern context, darkness was often associated with chaos, evil, and the unknown. Job's use of this term underscores his feeling of being engulfed by overwhelming sorrow and confusion, as if he is entering a realm where God's presence and guidance are absent. and deep shadow
"Deep shadow" (צַלְמָוֶת, tsalmaveth) is a Hebrew word that can be translated as "shadow of death." This term is used throughout the Old Testament to describe a place of extreme danger or distress. It evokes the imagery of a valley or a place where light barely penetrates, symbolizing Job's perception of his life as being on the brink of death, surrounded by fear and uncertainty. where even the light
The phrase "where even the light" suggests a paradoxical situation where light, typically a symbol of hope and clarity, is ineffective. In Job's context, it implies that any potential for understanding or relief is obscured. This reflects his belief that his suffering is so profound that even the presence of light cannot dispel the darkness he feels. is like darkness
The comparison "is like darkness" (כַּחֹשֶׁךְ, kachôshek) emphasizes the depth of Job's despair. In the Hebrew Bible, darkness often symbolizes ignorance, judgment, or divine absence. By stating that light is like darkness, Job expresses his perception that his situation is beyond redemption or comprehension, as if the very essence of hope has been inverted. Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning God's justice. 2. Land of Utter DarknessA metaphorical place representing the depths of despair and chaos, often associated with Sheol or the grave in Hebrew thought. 3. Deep Shadow and DisorderSymbolic of confusion, lack of clarity, and the absence of divine order, reflecting Job's inner turmoil and the seeming absence of God's presence. Teaching Points Understanding SufferingJob's description of darkness and disorder reflects the reality of human suffering and the feeling of being distant from God. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and seek God's presence even when He seems absent. The Nature of DespairThe imagery of darkness and disorder can be a powerful reminder of the chaos sin brings into the world. Believers are called to trust in God's ultimate order and sovereignty, even when life feels chaotic. Hope in DarknessWhile Job speaks of darkness, the broader biblical account assures us of God's light. Christians are encouraged to hold onto the hope of Christ, who is the light in our darkest times. Faith Amidst TrialsJob's lament teaches us that it is permissible to express our deepest fears and doubts to God. Faith does not mean the absence of questions but trusting God despite them. Community SupportIn times of darkness, the support of a faith community can be crucial. Believers are encouraged to bear one another's burdens and provide encouragement and support. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Job's description of "utter darkness" resonate with your own experiences of suffering or despair? 2. In what ways can the imagery of "deep shadow and disorder" be seen in today's world, and how can Christians respond to it? 3. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 23 or John 1, provide hope and contrast to the darkness described in Job 10:22? 4. What practical steps can you take to seek God's light in times of personal darkness or confusion? 5. How can you be a source of light and support to others who may be experiencing their own "land of utter darkness"? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23Contrasts the "valley of the shadow of death" with God's guidance and comfort, offering hope amidst darkness. Isaiah 9Speaks of a people walking in darkness seeing a great light, pointing to the hope of deliverance and the coming of the Messiah. John 1Describes Jesus as the light shining in the darkness, which the darkness has not overcome, offering a New Testament perspective on overcoming spiritual darkness. People JobPlaces UzTopics Chaos, Dark, Darkness, Death, Death-shade, Deep, Disorder, Gloom, Itself, Midnight, Obscurity, Order, Shades, Shadow, Shines, Shining, Thick, UtterDictionary of Bible Themes Job 10:2-22 8615 prayer, doubts Job 10:20-22 4811 darkness, symbol of sin Job 10:21-22 4846 shadow Library The Sweet Uses of Adversity
Now, I propose to address myself to the two classes of persons who are making use of this question. First, I shall speak to the tried saint; and then I shall speak to the seeking sinner, who has been seeking peace and pardon through Christ, but who has not as yet found it, but, on the contrary, has been buffeted by the law, and driven away from the mercy-seat in despair. I. First, then, to THE CHILD OF GOD. I have--I know I have--in this great assembly, some who have come to Job's position. They …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859St Gregory the Great (Ad 540-604)
PART I Gregory was born at Rome, of a noble and wealthy family, in the year 540. In his youth he engaged in public business, and he rose to be proctor of Rome, which was one of the chief offices under the government. In this office he was much beloved and respected by the people. But about the age of thirty-five, a great change took place in his life. He resolved to forsake the pursuit of worldly honours, and spent all his wealth in founding seven monasteries. He gave up his family house at Rome …
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation Whether God Works in Every Agent?
Objection 1: It would seem that God does not work in every agent. For we must not attribute any insufficiency to God. If therefore God works in every agent, He works sufficiently in each one. Hence it would be superfluous for the created agent to work at all. Objection 2: Further, the same work cannot proceed at the same time from two sources; as neither can one and the same movement belong to two movable things. Therefore if the creature's operation is from God operating in the creature, it cannot …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Damned are in Material Darkness?
Objection 1: It would seem that the damned are not in material darkness. For commenting on Job 10:22, "But everlasting horror dwelleth," Gregory says (Moral. ix): "Although that fire will give no light for comfort, yet, that it may torment the more it does give light for a purpose, for by the light of its flame the wicked will see their followers whom they have drawn thither from the world." Therefore the darkness there is not material. Objection 2: Further, the damned see their own punishment, for …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether the Fire of Hell is of the Same Species as Ours?
Objection 1: It would seem that this fire is not of the same species as the corporeal fire which we see. For Augustine says (De Civ. Dei xx, 16): "In my opinion no man knows of what kind is the everlasting fire, unless the Spirit of God has revealed it to anyone." But all or nearly all know the nature of this fire of ours. Therefore that fire is not of the same species as this. Objection 2: Further, Gregory commenting on Job 10:26, "A fire that is not kindled shall devour him," says (Moral. xv): …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica That a Man Ought not to Reckon Himself Worthy of Consolation, but More Worthy of Chastisement
O Lord, I am not worthy of Thy consolation, nor of any spiritual visitation; and therefore Thou dealest justly with me, when Thou leavest me poor and desolate. For if I were able to pour forth tears like the sea, still should I not be worthy of Thy consolation. Therefore am I nothing worthy save to be scourged and punished, because I have grievously and many a time offended Thee, and in many things have greatly sinned. Therefore, true account being taken, I am not worthy even of the least of Thy …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The Sad Case of a Relapse into Known and Deliberate Sin, after Solemn Acts Op Dedication to God and Some Progress Made in Religion.
1. Unthought of relapses may happen.--2. And bring the soul into a miserable case.--3. Yet the case is not desperate.--4. The backslider urged immediately to return, by deep humiliation before God for so aggravated an offence.--5. By renewed regards to the divine mercy in Christ.--6. By an open profession of repentance, where the crime hath given public offence.--7. Falls to be reviewed for future caution.--8. The chapter concludes with a prayer for the use of one who hath fallen into gross sins, …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul The Fourth Continental Journey.
1842-3. In the journey which now lay before them, John and Martha Yeardley were about to explore a part of Europe hitherto untried,--the province of Languedoc, conspicuous in past ages for its superior enlightenment, but now, owing to the temporary mastery of error, wrapt in ignorance and gloom. In this mission, the opportunities which they found for reviving and gathering together the scattered embers of truth, were nearly confined to social intercourse; in seeking occasions for which, they availed …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel Whether Christ Went Down into the Hell of the Lost?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ went down into the hell of the lost, because it is said by the mouth of Divine Wisdom (Ecclus. 24:45): "I will penetrate to all the lower parts of the earth." But the hell of the lost is computed among the lower parts of the earth according to Ps. 62:10: "They shall go into the lower parts of the earth." Therefore Christ who is the Wisdom of God, went down even into the hell of the lost. Objection 2: Further, Peter says (Acts 2:24) that "God hath raised up Christ, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica In the Work of the Redemption of Man, not Only the Mercy, but Also the Justice, of God is Displayed.
In the work of the Redemption of man, not only the mercy, but also the justice, of God is displayed. 15. Man therefore was lawfully delivered up, but mercifully set free. Yet mercy was shown in such a way that a kind of justice was not lacking even in his liberation, since, as was most fitting for man's recovery, it was part of the mercy of the liberator to employ justice rather than power against man's enemy. For what could man, the slave of sin, fast bound by the devil, do of himself to recover …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux How the Whole and the Sick are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 13.) Differently to be admonished are the whole and the sick. For the whole are to be admonished that they employ the health of the body to the health of the soul: lest, if they turn the grace of granted soundness to the use of iniquity, they be made worse by the gift, and afterwards merit the severer punishments, in that they fear not now to use amiss the more bountiful gifts of God. The whole are to be admonished that they despise not the opportunity of winning health for ever. …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive.
1. Men either idolatrous, profane, hypocritical, or regenerate. 1. Idolaters void of righteousness, full of unrighteousness, and hence in the sight of God altogether wretched and undone. 2. Still a great difference in the characters of men. This difference manifested. 1. In the gifts of God. 2. In the distinction between honorable and base. 3. In the blessings of he present life. 3. All human virtue, how praiseworthy soever it may appear, is corrupted. 1. By impurity of heart. 2. By the absence of …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Mercy of God
The next attribute is God's goodness or mercy. Mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness. Psa 33:5. So then this is the next attribute, God's goodness or mercy. The most learned of the heathens thought they gave their god Jupiter two golden characters when they styled him good and great. Both these meet in God, goodness and greatness, majesty and mercy. God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. They are both put together in Psa 119:98. Thou art good, and doest good.' This …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Job 10:22 NIVJob 10:22 NLTJob 10:22 ESVJob 10:22 NASBJob 10:22 KJV
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