Job 30:14
They advance as through a wide breach; through the ruins they keep rolling in.
They advance
The Hebrew word used here is "yāḇō'ū," which conveys a sense of coming or entering. In the context of Job's lament, this phrase suggests an aggressive and relentless approach by his adversaries. Historically, this can be likened to an invading army, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of Job's suffering and the feeling of being besieged by his troubles. It reflects the spiritual and emotional assault Job feels, as if his life is under attack.

as through a wide breach
The term "breach" in Hebrew is "perets," which refers to a break or gap, often in a wall or fortification. This imagery is powerful, suggesting vulnerability and exposure. In ancient times, a breach in a city wall was a critical point of weakness, allowing enemies to flood in. For Job, this symbolizes the complete breakdown of his defenses, both physically and spiritually, leaving him open to the onslaught of his afflictions and the scorn of others.

through the ruins
The word "ruins" translates from the Hebrew "šō'āh," meaning desolation or devastation. This term paints a picture of destruction and chaos, akin to the aftermath of a siege. Job's life, once prosperous and secure, now lies in ruins, reflecting the totality of his loss. This imagery serves to highlight the depth of Job's despair and the extent to which his former life has been dismantled.

they keep rolling in
The phrase "keep rolling in" is derived from the Hebrew "hithgallēl," which suggests a continuous, unstoppable movement. This relentless progression mirrors the unending nature of Job's trials. The use of this phrase underscores the idea that Job's suffering is not a momentary affliction but a persistent and overwhelming force, much like waves crashing against a shore, eroding his strength and resolve.

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. Job's Adversaries
In this chapter, Job describes those who mock and attack him, likening them to a relentless invading force.

3. The Breach
A metaphorical image used by Job to describe the overwhelming and unstoppable nature of his suffering and the attacks against him.

4. Ruins
Symbolic of Job's life and status, which have been devastated by his trials and the scorn of others.

5. The Book of Job
A poetic and philosophical text in the Old Testament that explores themes of suffering, justice, and faith.
Teaching Points
Understanding Suffering
Job's description of his adversaries as advancing through a breach highlights the overwhelming nature of suffering. Believers can find solace in knowing that God understands the depth of human pain.

The Reality of Spiritual Attack
Just as Job faced relentless attacks, Christians should be aware of spiritual warfare and the need for God's protection and strength.

Resilience in Faith
Despite the ruins of his life, Job's account encourages believers to maintain their faith and integrity, trusting in God's ultimate justice and restoration.

Empathy for the Suffering
Job's vivid imagery calls Christians to empathize with those who are suffering and to offer support and compassion.

Hope in Restoration
The breach and ruins are not the end of Job's account. Believers can hold onto the hope of restoration and redemption through Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job's description of his adversaries in Job 30:14 reflect the nature of spiritual and emotional attacks we might face today?

2. In what ways can the imagery of a "wide breach" and "ruins" help us understand the impact of sin and suffering in our lives?

3. How can we apply Job's resilience and faith in the face of overwhelming adversity to our own life situations?

4. What other biblical figures or accounts can you think of that experienced similar feelings of devastation and how did they respond?

5. How can the hope of restoration and redemption, as seen in Job's account, encourage us in our current trials and challenges?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 22
This psalm, like Job 30, expresses a deep sense of abandonment and suffering, yet ultimately turns to trust in God.

Isaiah 59
Describes the consequences of sin and the resulting separation from God, similar to the breach and ruins imagery in Job.

Lamentations 3
Reflects on the destruction and suffering of Jerusalem, paralleling Job's personal devastation.

2 Corinthians 4
Paul speaks of being hard-pressed but not crushed, drawing a parallel to Job's resilience despite his trials.

James 5
References Job as an example of perseverance and faith amidst suffering.
Job's Social DisabilitiesHomilistJob 30:1-15
A Sorrowful ContrastR. Green Job 30:1-31
The Troubles of the PresentE. Johnson Job 30:1-31
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Amid, Attack, Breach, Breaking, Broken, Confusion, Crash, Desolation, Gaping, Midst, Onward, Overturned, Roll, Rolled, Rolling, Ruin, Ruins, Shock, Tempest, Themselves, Wall, Waters, Wide
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 30:1-15

     8340   self-respect

Job 30:9-31

     5945   self-pity

Library
Christian Sympathy
Job, in his great indignation at the shameful accusation of unkindness to the needy, pours forth the following very solemn imprecation--"If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; if I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; if his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; if I have lifted up my
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 8: 1863

What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of India
Carey's relation to science and economics--State of the peasantry--Carey a careful scientific observer--Specially a botanist--Becomes the friend of Dr. Roxburgh of the Company's Botanic Garden--Orders seeds and instruments of husbandry--All his researches subordinate to his spiritual mission--His eminence as a botanist acknowledged in the history of the science--His own botanic garden and park at Serampore--The poet Montgomery on the daisies there--Borneo--Carey's paper in the Asiatic Researches
George Smith—The Life of William Carey

Whether the Limbo of Hell is the Same as Abraham's Bosom?
Objection 1: It would seem that the limbo of hell is not the same as Abraham's bosom. For according to Augustine (Gen. ad lit. xxxiii): "I have not yet found Scripture mentioning hell in a favorable sense." Now Abraham's bosom is taken in a favorable sense, as Augustine goes on to say (Gen. ad lit. xxxiii): "Surely no one would be allowed to give an unfavorable signification to Abraham's bosom and the place of rest whither the godly poor man was carried by the angels." Therefore Abraham's bosom is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of Confession of Our Infirmity and of the Miseries of this Life
I will acknowledge my sin unto Thee;(1) I will confess to Thee, Lord, my infirmity. It is often a small thing which casteth me down and maketh me sad. I resolve that I will act bravely, but when a little temptation cometh, immediately I am in a great strait. Wonderfully small sometimes is the matter whence a grievous temptation cometh, and whilst I imagine myself safe for a little space; when I am not considering, I find myself often almost overcome by a little puff of wind. 2. Behold, therefore,
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Messiah Unpitied, and Without a Comforter
Reproach [Rebuke] hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. T he greatness of suffering cannot be certainly estimated by the single consideration of the immediate, apparent cause; the impression it actually makes upon the mind of the sufferer, must likewise be taken into the account. That which is a heavy trial to one person, may be much lighter to another, and, perhaps, no trial at all. And a state
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

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

No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin.
(Palace of Caiaphas. Friday.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 57, 59-68; ^B Mark XIV. 53, 55-65; ^C Luke XXII. 54, 63-65; ^D John XVIII. 24. ^d 24 Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. [Foiled in his attempted examination of Jesus, Annas sends him to trial.] ^b and there come together with him all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes. ^a 57 And they that had taken Jesus led him away to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, ^c and brought him into the high priest's house. ^a where
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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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