Job 7:13

When I think my bed will comfort me and my couch will ease my complaint,

Study Bible

When I think
The phrase "When I think" reflects a moment of introspection and expectation. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "אָמַרְתִּי" (amarti), which means "I said" or "I thought." This indicates a personal reflection or a moment of self-dialogue. Job is expressing a hope or assumption that his bed, a place of rest, might provide solace. This highlights the human tendency to seek comfort in familiar places during times of distress.

my bed
The "bed" in ancient Near Eastern culture was not just a place for sleep but also a symbol of rest and refuge. In Job's context, the bed represents a place where he might find relief from his physical and emotional suffering. The Hebrew word "מִשְׁכָּבִי" (mishkavi) suggests a personal and intimate space, emphasizing Job's longing for peace in his turmoil.

will comfort me
The expectation that the bed "will comfort me" reveals Job's deep desire for relief. The Hebrew root "נָחַם" (nacham) means to comfort or console. This word is often used in the context of mourning or distress, indicating that Job is seeking not just physical rest but emotional and spiritual consolation. It underscores the depth of his suffering and his yearning for divine intervention.

and my couch
The "couch" here, translated from the Hebrew "עֶרְשִׂי" (ershi), is another term for a place of rest. In ancient times, couches were used for reclining and relaxation, often associated with leisure and respite. Job's mention of both bed and couch suggests a comprehensive search for comfort in all possible places of rest, highlighting his desperation.

will ease my complaint
The phrase "will ease my complaint" conveys Job's hope that his physical surroundings might alleviate his suffering. The Hebrew word for "ease" is "יָשִׂיחַ" (yasiakh), which can mean to relieve or to remove. "Complaint" is translated from "שִׂיחִי" (sikhi), which refers to a lament or a troubled thought. This reflects Job's ongoing dialogue with God and his struggle to understand his suffering. It emphasizes the human condition of seeking relief from pain and the hope that rest might bring clarity or peace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man described as blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He undergoes severe trials and suffering, losing his wealth, children, and health.

2. Uz
The land where Job lived. It is often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.

3. Job's Suffering
The context of this verse is Job's lament over his intense suffering and the futility of seeking comfort in his physical surroundings.

Teaching Points

The Illusion of Earthly Comfort
Job's expectation that his bed would bring comfort highlights the human tendency to seek solace in temporary, earthly things. True comfort is found in God alone.

The Reality of Suffering
Job's experience reminds us that suffering is a part of the human condition. It challenges us to seek God in our pain rather than relying solely on physical or material comforts.

The Need for Spiritual Rest
While physical rest is important, spiritual rest is essential. Jesus offers a rest that transcends physical circumstances, inviting us to find peace in Him.

The Role of Lament in Faith
Job's honest expression of his pain is a model for how believers can bring their struggles before God. Lament is a valid and important part of a faith journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's expectation of comfort from his bed reflect our own tendencies to seek solace in temporary things? Can you identify areas in your life where you might be doing the same?

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

3. How can the invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 to find rest in Him change your perspective on dealing with personal struggles and burdens?

4. Reflect on a time when you have experienced the futility of seeking comfort in earthly things. How did that experience shape your faith and reliance on God?

5. How can the practice of lament, as seen in Job's life, be incorporated into your own spiritual life to deepen your relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 6:6
This verse echoes Job's sentiment of seeking rest and comfort in sleep but finding none, as the psalmist also describes his bed as a place of tears and unrest.

Ecclesiastes 2:23
This passage reflects on the futility and restlessness of human toil and suffering, similar to Job's experience of finding no solace in his bed.

Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him, contrasting the lack of comfort Job finds in his bed with the true rest offered by Christ.