What use to me was the strength of their hands, since their vigor had left them? What use to meThis phrase reflects Job's deep sense of disillusionment and frustration. In the Hebrew text, the word for "use" can be understood as "profit" or "benefit." Job is questioning the value or advantage he could derive from those around him. This rhetorical question underscores his feeling of abandonment and the futility of relying on human strength when divine favor seems withdrawn. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of strength and utility, where one's worth was often measured by their ability to contribute physically or materially. was the strength of their hands since their vigor had left them 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 the justice of God. 2. The Young Men In this context, Job refers to younger men who are now mocking him. They are described as having lost their vigor, indicating a lack of strength or usefulness. 3. The Land of Uz The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia. 4. Job's Suffering The broader context of this verse is Job's lament over his current state of suffering and the loss of respect and status he once held. 5. God's Sovereignty Throughout the Book of Job, the theme of God's sovereignty and the mystery of His ways is prevalent, as Job grapples with understanding his suffering. Teaching Points Human FrailtyRecognize the limitations of human strength and the inevitability of physical decline. Reflect on how this awareness should lead us to rely more on God's strength. Value of Wisdom Over Strength Understand that wisdom and character are more valuable than physical strength. Encourage the pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity over physical prowess. Empathy in Suffering Develop empathy for those who are suffering or have lost their former strength. Consider how we can support and uplift those who feel marginalized or weak. God's Strength in Our Weakness Embrace the truth that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Seek God's strength in times of personal weakness or challenge. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Job's reflection on the loss of vigor in others relate to his own experience of suffering and loss?2. In what ways can recognizing our own limitations lead us to a deeper reliance on God? 3. How can we apply the principle of valuing wisdom over physical strength in our daily lives? 4. What are some practical ways we can support those who feel weak or marginalized in our communities? 5. How does the concept of God's strength being made perfect in our weakness encourage you in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Isaiah 40:30-31This passage contrasts human weakness with the strength that comes from the Lord, highlighting the renewal of strength for those who wait on God. Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 These verses discuss the decline of physical strength and vigor with age, similar to the loss of vigor mentioned in Job 30:2. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Paul speaks of finding strength in weakness, which can be related to Job's realization of human frailty and dependence on God.
People JobPlaces UzTopics Age, Force, Gain, Hands, Indeed, Perished, Power, Profit, Ripe, Strength, Vigor, Vigour, Whereto, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Job 30:2Library Christian SympathyJob, 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 Whether the Limbo of Hell is the Same as Abraham's Bosom? Of Confession of Our Infirmity and of the Miseries of this Life Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona . Messiah Unpitied, and Without a Comforter Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician . No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow Love Second Stage of Jewish Trial. Jesus Condemned by Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. Job Links Job 30:2 NIVJob 30:2 NLT Job 30:2 ESV Job 30:2 NASB Job 30:2 KJV Job 30:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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