They open their mouths against me and strike my cheeks with contempt; they join together against me. They open their mouths against meThis phrase captures the verbal assault and slander that Job experiences from his friends and others. The Hebrew root for "open" (פָּתַח, patach) conveys the idea of opening wide, suggesting an aggressive and intentional act. In the ancient Near Eastern context, speaking against someone was not just a personal attack but a communal shaming. Words had power, and to open one's mouth against another was to unleash a torrent of accusations and insults. This reflects the deep betrayal Job feels, as those who should have been his comforters instead become his accusers. and strike my cheeks with scorn they join together against me Persons / Places / Events 1. JobThe central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. 2. Job's Friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to offer comfort but end up accusing him of wrongdoing. 3. The Accusers While not named specifically in this verse, they represent those who unjustly criticize and attack Job during his time of suffering. 4. Uz The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. 5. Heavenly Court The setting of the initial chapters where God and Satan discuss Job's faithfulness, setting the stage for his trials. Teaching Points Endurance in SufferingJob's experience teaches us the importance of maintaining faith and integrity even when faced with unjust accusations and suffering. The Reality of False Accusations Believers may face false accusations and scorn, but they are called to respond with grace and truth. Community and Support The failure of Job's friends to provide true comfort highlights the need for genuine support and empathy within the Christian community. Christ as Our Example Jesus, like Job, faced scorn and physical abuse, yet He responded with forgiveness and love, setting an example for us to follow. Trust in God's Justice Despite the immediate injustice Job faces, the account encourages trust in God's ultimate justice and vindication. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Job's response to his accusers challenge or inspire you in your own experiences of unjust criticism?2. In what ways can the church better support those who are suffering, based on the failures of Job's friends? 3. How does the experience of Jesus during His trial and crucifixion provide a model for responding to scorn and false accusations? 4. What practical steps can you take to maintain your integrity and faith when facing trials similar to Job's? 5. How can reflecting on God's ultimate justice and vindication bring comfort in times of personal injustice or suffering? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 22This psalm, often seen as prophetic of Christ's suffering, echoes the theme of being surrounded by mockers and accusers, similar to Job's experience. Isaiah 50 The suffering servant passage, where the servant is struck and insulted, parallels Job's experience of being scorned and attacked. Matthew 26 Jesus' trial, where He is struck and mocked, reflects the unjust treatment Job describes. 1 Peter 2 Peter speaks of enduring unjust suffering, encouraging believers to follow Christ's example, which resonates with Job's endurance.
People Job, RuffiansPlaces UzTopics Bitter, Blows, Cheek, Cheeks, Contempt, Face, Falling, Gape, Gaped, Gather, Gathered, Insolently, Jeer, Mass, Massed, Mouth, Mouths, Open, Range, Reproach, Reproachfully, Scorn, Scornfully, Slapped, Smite, Smitten, Strike, Struck, Themselves, Unite, WideDictionary of Bible Themes Job 16:10 5141 cheeks Library Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician . To Theoctista, Patrician [153] . Gregory to Theoctista, &c. We ought to give great thanks to Almighty God, that our most pious and most benignant Emperors have near them kinsfolk of their race, whose life and conversation is such as to give us all great joy. Hence too we should continually pray for these our lords, that their life, with that of all who belong to them, may by the protection of heavenly grace be preserved through long and tranquil times. I have to inform you, however, that I have … Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face. The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate, The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by Angels to the Shepherds. Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Job Links Job 16:10 NIVJob 16:10 NLT Job 16:10 ESV Job 16:10 NASB Job 16:10 KJV Job 16:10 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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