Job 24:17
For to them, deep darkness is their morning; surely they are friends with the terrors of darkness!
For to them
This phrase introduces the subject of the verse, referring to those who engage in wickedness. In the context of Job 24, Job is lamenting the apparent prosperity and impunity of the wicked. The Hebrew word here implies a specific group, setting the stage for a contrast between their perception and reality.

deep darkness
The Hebrew term for "deep darkness" is "tsalmaveth," which conveys a profound, oppressive darkness often associated with death or the grave. This darkness is not merely the absence of light but a symbol of moral and spiritual blindness. In the ancient Near Eastern context, darkness was often feared and associated with chaos and evil, contrasting with the order and goodness represented by light.

is their morning
The paradoxical statement that "deep darkness is their morning" suggests that what is typically feared and avoided is embraced by the wicked as their time of activity. Morning, usually a time of new beginnings and light, is ironically the time when these individuals thrive in their deeds of darkness. This inversion highlights their moral corruption and the topsy-turvy nature of their values.

surely they are friends
The phrase "surely they are friends" indicates a close association or affinity. The Hebrew word "chaber" suggests companionship or alliance. This implies that the wicked are not merely passive participants in darkness but are actively allied with it, finding comfort and camaraderie in their deeds.

with the terrors of darkness
"Terrors of darkness" refers to the fears and dangers that are typically associated with the night. In the ancient world, night was a time of vulnerability, when unseen threats were most potent. The wicked, however, are not deterred by these terrors; instead, they are at home with them. This phrase underscores the depth of their depravity, as they not only endure but embrace what others dread.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who endures immense suffering and questions the justice of God.

2. The Wicked
In this context, Job is describing those who engage in evil deeds under the cover of darkness, symbolizing moral and spiritual blindness.

3. Darkness
Represents both literal and metaphorical darkness, often associated with evil, ignorance, and separation from God.
Teaching Points
Understanding Spiritual Darkness
Recognize that spiritual darkness is a state of separation from God, where evil deeds are hidden and thrive.

The Deceptive Comfort of Darkness
Reflect on how sin can create a false sense of security, as those who do evil may feel emboldened by the cover of darkness.

The Call to Live in the Light
As Christians, we are called to live transparently and righteously, exposing and rejecting the deeds of darkness.

The Consequences of Sin
Consider the ultimate consequences of living in darkness, which include spiritual blindness and separation from God.

Hope in God's Justice
Trust in God's ultimate justice, knowing that He sees all deeds, whether done in light or darkness, and will judge accordingly.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 24:17 describe the relationship between the wicked and darkness, and what does this reveal about their spiritual state?

2. In what ways can we be tempted to hide our actions in "darkness," and how can we bring them into the light?

3. How do the themes of darkness and light in Job 24:17 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are living as "children of the light" in our daily lives?

5. How can understanding the consequences of living in darkness motivate us to pursue a closer relationship with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 3:19-20
This passage discusses how people love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil, echoing the theme of moral darkness in Job 24:17.

Ephesians 5:11-13
Paul instructs believers to expose the deeds of darkness, which aligns with Job's lament about the wicked who operate in darkness.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5
Believers are called to be children of the light, contrasting with those who are friends with the terrors of darkness.
DeathAlfred Port, B. D.Job 24:17
Apparent Anomalies in the Divine JudgmentR. Green Job 24:1-22
Consideration for OthersJ. Ruskin.Job 24:1-25
Great Crimes not Always Followed by Great Punishment in This LifeHomilistJob 24:1-25
Pictures of Secret End Unpunished Evil-DoersE. Johnson Job 24:13-25
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Dark, Darkness, Death, Deep, Discerneth, Familiar, Fear, Friends, Knoweth, Middle, Morning, Shade, Shades, Shadow, Terrors, Thick, Troubled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 24:13-17

     4835   light, spiritual

Job 24:16-17

     4811   darkness, symbol of sin

Library
Whether the Husband Can on his Own Judgment Put Away his Wife on Account of Fornication?
Objection 1: It would seem that the husband can on his own judgment put away his wife on account of fornication. For when sentence has been pronounced by the judge, it is lawful to carry it out without any further judgment. But God, the just Judge, has pronounced this judgment, that a husband may put his wife away on account of fornication. Therefore no further judgment is required for this. Objection 2: Further, it is stated (Mat. 1:19) that Joseph . . . being a just man . . . "was minded to put"
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether to be Eternal Belongs to God Alone?
Objection 1: It seems that it does not belong to God alone to be eternal. For it is written that "those who instruct many to justice," shall be "as stars unto perpetual eternities [*Douay: 'for all eternity']" (Dan. 12:3). Now if God alone were eternal, there could not be many eternities. Therefore God alone is not the only eternal. Objection 2: Further, it is written "Depart, ye cursed into eternal [Douay: 'everlasting'] fire" (Mat. 25:41). Therefore God is not the only eternal. Objection 3: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether in Hell the Damned are Tormented by the Sole Punishment of Fire?
Objection 1: It would seem that in hell the damned are tormented by the sole punishment of fire; because Mat. 25:41, where their condemnation is declared, mention is made of fire only, in the words: "Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire." Objection 2: Further, even as the punishment of purgatory is due to venial sin, so is the punishment of hell due to mortal sin. Now no other punishment but that of fire is stated to be in purgatory, as appears from the words of 1 Cor. 3:13: "The fire
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members of the Household?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law set forth unsuitable precepts about the members of the household. For a slave "is in every respect his master's property," as the Philosopher states (Polit. i, 2). But that which is a man's property should be his always. Therefore it was unfitting for the Law to command (Ex. 21:2) that slaves should "go out free" in the seventh year. Objection 2: Further, a slave is his master's property, just as an animal, e.g. an ass or an ox. But it is commanded (Dt.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
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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