Job 16:14
He breaks me with wound upon wound; He rushes me like a mighty warrior.
He breaks me
The Hebrew root for "breaks" is "פָּרַץ" (parats), which conveys the idea of bursting forth or breaking through. In the context of Job's suffering, this word paints a vivid picture of relentless and overwhelming force. Job feels as though God is not merely allowing his suffering but actively breaking him down. This imagery reflects the intensity of Job's trials, suggesting a divine power that is both awe-inspiring and fearsome. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine sovereignty, where gods were seen as having absolute control over human fate.

with wound upon wound
The repetition here emphasizes the continuous and compounding nature of Job's afflictions. The Hebrew word for "wound" is "פֶּצַע" (petza), which can mean a physical injury or a metaphorical blow. This phrase suggests that Job's suffering is not a single event but a series of relentless attacks. In the broader scriptural context, this mirrors the trials faced by many biblical figures who endured prolonged periods of hardship, reinforcing the theme of enduring faith amidst suffering.

He rushes me
The verb "rushes" comes from the Hebrew "רָדַף" (radaf), meaning to pursue or chase. This word choice conveys a sense of urgency and aggression, as if Job is being hunted down. It evokes the image of a relentless pursuer, adding to the intensity of Job's plight. This reflects the ancient understanding of divine retribution, where God is seen as actively pursuing justice or discipline.

like a warrior
The term "warrior" is translated from the Hebrew "גִּבּוֹר" (gibbor), which denotes a mighty or valiant man, often used to describe heroes or champions in battle. This metaphor suggests that God is engaging with Job in a manner akin to a warrior in combat, highlighting the formidable and overpowering nature of Job's trials. In the historical context, warriors were revered for their strength and skill, and this comparison underscores the might and authority of God in the face of human frailty.

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.

2. God
The sovereign deity who allows Job's trials, testing his faith and righteousness.

3. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom but fail to understand God's purpose.

4. Satan
The adversary who challenges Job's righteousness, initiating the trials with God's permission.

5. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel.
Teaching Points
Understanding Suffering
Recognize that suffering is a complex part of the human experience and can serve a greater purpose in God's plan.

God's Sovereignty
Trust in God's sovereignty, even when His actions or inactions are beyond our understanding.

Perseverance in Faith
Like Job, maintain faith and integrity in the face of trials, knowing that God is ultimately just and compassionate.

Empathy and Support
Learn from Job's friends' mistakes by offering genuine empathy and support to those who are suffering, rather than judgment.

Spiritual Warfare
Acknowledge the spiritual dimension of suffering, where trials can be a battleground for faith and righteousness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job's description of his suffering in Job 16:14 reflect the intensity of his trials, and what can we learn about expressing our own pain to God?

2. In what ways does the account of Job challenge or affirm your understanding of God's role in human suffering?

3. How can the example of Job's perseverance inspire you to remain faithful during your own times of trial?

4. What lessons can we draw from Job's friends about how to (or not to) support someone who is suffering?

5. How do other biblical accounts of suffering, such as those of Paul or the suffering servant in Isaiah, provide additional insights into the purpose and nature of suffering?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 88
This psalm echoes the theme of feeling overwhelmed by suffering and God's perceived absence, similar to Job's lament.

Isaiah 53
The suffering servant passage, which parallels Job's experience of undeserved suffering and points to Christ's ultimate suffering.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Paul's discussion of his "thorn in the flesh" and God's grace being sufficient, which relates to enduring suffering with faith.

Hebrews 12:5-11
The passage on God's discipline, which can be seen as a lens to understand Job's trials as a form of divine discipline and growth.

James 5:11
James references Job as an example of perseverance and the Lord's compassion and mercy.
Deep Dejection and Irrepressible HopeE. Johnson Job 16:1-22
The Severity of the Divine JudgmentsR. Green Job 16:11-17
People
Job, Ruffians
Places
Uz
Topics
Breach, Breaketh, Breaks, Broken, Giant, Mighty, Runneth, Runs, Rushes, Rushing, War, Warrior, Wound
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 16:13

     5166   liver and kidneys

Job 16:12-13

     4452   gall

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.
1. The phrase scriptural.--2. It signifies the withdrawing the tokens of the divine favor.--3 chiefly as to spiritual considerations.--4. This may become the case of any Christian.--5. and will be found a very sorrowful one.--6. The following directions, therefore, are given to those who suppose it to be their own: To inquire whether it be indeed a case of spiritual distress, or whether a disconsolate frame may not proceed from indisposition of body,--7. or difficulties as to worldly circumstances.--8,
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Birth of Jesus Proclaimed by Angels to the Shepherds.
(Near Bethlehem, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 8-20. ^c 8 And there were shepherds in the same country [they were in the same fields from which David had been called to tend God's Israel, or flock] abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. [When the flock is too far from the village to lead it to the fold at night, these shepherds still so abide with it in the field, even in the dead of winter.] 9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them [He stood upon the earth at their side, and did
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
Preached August 19TH, 1688 [ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR] This sermon, although very short, is peculiarly interesting: how it was preserved we are not told; but it bears strong marks of having been published from notes taken by one of the hearers. There is no proof that any memorandum or notes of this sermon was found in the autograph of the preacher. In the list of Bunyan's works published by Chas. Doe, at the end of the 'Heavenly Footman,' March 1690, it stands No. 44. He professes to give the title-page,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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

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