Job 7:17
What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him,
What is man
This phrase begins with a profound existential question that echoes throughout the Scriptures, notably in Psalm 8:4. The Hebrew word for "man" here is "enosh," which emphasizes human frailty and mortality. In the context of Job, this question reflects Job's deep anguish and his search for understanding in the midst of suffering. It invites readers to ponder the nature of humanity in relation to God, highlighting the contrast between human weakness and divine majesty.

that You should exalt him
The word "exalt" in Hebrew is "gadal," which means to make great or to magnify. This phrase suggests a sense of wonder and perhaps confusion about why God would choose to elevate or pay attention to such a frail being as man. From a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as a reflection of God's grace and love, which elevates humanity despite its inherent weaknesses. It points to the biblical theme of God's unmerited favor towards mankind.

that You should set Your heart upon him
The phrase "set Your heart upon him" uses the Hebrew word "sum," meaning to place or set, and "leb," meaning heart. This indicates a deliberate and affectionate attention from God towards humanity. In the historical context of the Ancient Near East, gods were often seen as distant and capricious, yet the God of the Bible is portrayed as intimately involved with His creation. This phrase underscores the personal relationship God seeks with each individual, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible.

that You attend to him every morning
The word "attend" is translated from the Hebrew "paqad," which can mean to visit, care for, or take note of. The imagery of "every morning" suggests a continual, daily care and concern from God. This reflects the biblical understanding of God's faithfulness and His new mercies each day, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23. It reassures believers of God's constant presence and involvement in their lives.

and test him every moment?
The word "test" comes from the Hebrew "bachan," which means to examine or try. This phrase can be understood in the context of God's refining process, where trials and tests are used to strengthen and purify faith, as seen in James 1:2-4. From a conservative Christian perspective, this testing is not punitive but is part of God's sovereign plan to develop character and reliance on Him. It challenges believers to trust in God's wisdom and purpose, even when His ways are not immediately understood.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A 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 God's justice.

2. God
The Almighty Creator, who is sovereign over all creation. In the context of Job, God allows Job's faith to be tested by Satan.

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

4. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up arguing with him about the reasons for his suffering.

5. Satan
The adversary who challenges Job's righteousness, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity.
Teaching Points
The Value of Humanity
Despite our frailty, God places immense value on human beings, as seen in His attention and care for us. This should inspire gratitude and humility.

God's Sovereignty and Care
God's sovereignty is evident in His intimate involvement with humanity. He sets His heart upon us, indicating a deep, personal concern for our lives.

The Mystery of Suffering
Job's question reflects the mystery of human suffering and God's purposes. While we may not always understand, we can trust in God's wisdom and love.

Humanity's Exalted Position
Being made in God's image, humans hold a unique place in creation. This should lead us to live responsibly and honorably, reflecting God's character.

Faith in Trials
Like Job, we may face trials that challenge our understanding of God's justice. Maintaining faith and seeking God's perspective is crucial during such times.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 7:17 challenge or affirm your understanding of humanity's place in God's creation?

2. In what ways can reflecting on God's care for humanity impact your daily life and decisions?

3. How do the themes in Job 7:17 relate to the New Testament teachings about Jesus' role in exalting humanity?

4. What can we learn from Job's response to suffering that can help us in our own trials?

5. How does understanding our creation in God's image influence our interactions with others and our stewardship of the world?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 8:4
This verse echoes Job 7:17, pondering the significance of humanity in God's creation. It highlights the wonder of God's attention to mankind.

Hebrews 2:6-8
This passage references Psalm 8, discussing the exaltation of humanity through Christ, who was made lower than the angels for a time.

Genesis 1:26-27
These verses describe humanity being made in the image of God, which underscores the value and dignity bestowed upon humans by their Creator.
Continual TrialJ. Caryl.Job 7:17
Divine CondescensionT. Hannam.Job 7:17
God's Dealings with Insignificant ManJ. H. Evans, M. A.Job 7:17
God's Perpetual Providence in LifeE. L. Hull, B. A.Job 7:17
Man Magnified by the Divine RegardR. Watson.Job 7:17
Measured by the ShadowW. L. Watkinson.Job 7:17
On the Nature and Character of ManW. Jones, M. A.Job 7:17
The Dignity and Possibility of ManhoodSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJob 7:17
The Philosophy of Human WorthJabez Cole.Job 7:17
The Tragedy of LifeT. Campbell Finlayson.Job 7:17
What is Man?R. Green Job 7:17
The Littleness of ManW.F. Adeney Job 7:17, 18
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Attention, Concerned, Fixed, Heart, Magnify, Makest, Mind, Settest, Shouldest, Shouldst
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 7:11-21

     5265   complaints

Job 7:17-18

     8478   self-examination
     8832   testing

Library
December 4 Evening
I would not live alway.--JOB 7:16. And I said, O that I had wings like a dove, for then would I fly away, and be at rest. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest. In this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.--Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 12 Evening
When shall I arise, and the night be gone?--JOB 7:4. Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh. Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.--He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

"Am I a Sea, or a Whale?"
On Thursday Evening, May 7th, 1891. "Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?"--Job 7:12. JOB WAS IN GREAT PAIN when he thus bitterly complained. These moans came from him when his skin was broken and had become loathsome and he sat upon a dunghill and scraped himself with a potsherd. We wonder at his patience, but we do not wonder at his impatience. He had fits of complaining, and failed in that very patience for which he was noted. Where God's saints are most glorious, there you
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Of Resisting Temptation
So long as we live in the world, we cannot be without trouble and trial. Wherefore it is written in Job, The life of man upon the earth is a trial.(1) And therefore ought each of us to give heed concerning trials and temptations, and watch unto prayer, lest the devil find occasion to deceive; for he never sleepeth, but goeth about seeking whom he may devour. No man is so perfect in holiness that he hath never temptations, nor can we ever be wholly free from them. 2. Yet, notwithstanding, temptations
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Pursues the Same Matter.
104. Thou must know that in this unspeakable Sacrament, Christ is united with the Soul, is made one thing with it, whose fineness and purity is the most profound and admirable, and the most worthy of consideration and thanks. Great was the pureness of him in being made Man; greater that of dying ignominiously on the Cross for our sake, but the giving of himself whole and entire to man in this admirable Sacrament, admits no comparison: This is singular favour, and infinite pureness: because there
Miguel de Molinos—The Spiritual Guide which Disentangles the Soul

Whether the Aureole is the Same as the Essential Reward which is Called the Aurea?
Objection 1: It would seem that the aureole is not distinct from the essential reward which is called the "aurea." For the essential reward is beatitude itself. Now according to Boethius (De Consol. iii), beatitude is "a state rendered perfect by the aggregate of all goods." Therefore the essential reward includes every good possessed in heaven; so that the aureole is included in the "aurea." Objection 2: Further, "more" and "less" do not change a species. But those who keep the counsels and commandments
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Souls who are in Heaven or Hell are Able to Go from Thence?
Objection 1: It would seem that the souls in heaven or hell are unable to go from thence. For Augustine says (De Cura pro Mort. xiii): "If the souls of the dead took any part in the affairs of the living, to say nothing of others, there is myself whom not for a single night would my loving mother fail to visit since she followed me by land and sea in order to abide with me": and from this he concludes that the souls of the departed do not mingle in the affairs of the living. But they would be able
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of the Lack of all Comfort
It is no hard thing to despise human comfort when divine is present. It is a great thing, yea very great, to be able to bear the loss both of human and divine comfort; and for the love of God willingly to bear exile of heart, and in nought to seek oneself, nor to look to one's own merit. What great matter is it, if thou be cheerful of heart and devout when favour cometh to thee? That is an hour wherein all rejoice. Pleasantly enough doth he ride whom the grace of God carrieth. And what marvel,
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

And what Members of the Holy Body, which is the Church...
40. And what members of the holy body, which is the Church, ought more to take care, that upon them the holy Spirit may rest, than such as profess virginal holiness? But how doth He rest, where He findeth not His own place? what else than an humbled heart, to fill, not to leap back from; to raise up, not to weigh down? whereas it hath been most plainly said, "On whom shall rest My Spirit? On him that is humble and quiet, and trembles at My words." [2157] Already thou livest righteously, already thou
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The Consolation
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received at the LORD 's hand double for all her sins. T he particulars of the great "mystery of godliness," as enumerated by the Apostle Paul, constitute the grand and inexhaustible theme of the Gospel ministry, "God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

"Now the God of Hope Fill You with all Joy and Peace in Believing," &C.
Rom. xv. 13.--"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing," &c. It is usual for the Lord in his word to turn his precepts unto promises, which shows us, that the commandments of God do not so much import an ability in us, or suppose strength to fulfil them, as declare that obligation which lies upon us, and his purpose and intention to accomplish in some, what he requires of all: and therefore we should accordingly convert all his precepts unto prayers, seeing he hath made
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Eternity and Unchangeableness of God.
Exod. iii. 14.--"I AM THAT I AM."--Psal. xc. 2.--"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God."--Job xi. 7-9.--"Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea." This is the chief point of saving knowledge,
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

What Now Shall I Say Concerning the Very Carefulness and Watchfulness against Sin? "Who...
48. What now shall I say concerning the very carefulness and watchfulness against sin? "Who shall boast that he hath a chaste heart? or who shall boast that he is clean from sin?" [2200] Holy virginity is indeed inviolate from the mother's womb; but "no one," saith he, "is clean in Thy sight, not even the infant whose life is of one day upon the earth." [2201] There is kept also in faith inviolate a certain virginal chastity, whereby the Church is joined as a chaste virgin unto One Husband: but That
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The Value of this Doctrine
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). "Doctrine" means "teaching,"
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Confession of Sin --A Sermon with Seven Texts
The Hardened Sinner. PHARAOH--"I have sinned."--Exodus 9:27. I. The first case I shall bring before you is that of the HARDENED SINNER, who, when under terror, says, "I have sinned." And you will find the text in the book of Exodus, the 9th chap. and 27th verse: "And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked." But why this confession from the lips of the haughty tyrant? He was not often wont to
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

"And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind, have Taken us Away. "
Isaiah lxiv. 6.--"And we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Here they join the punishment with the deserving cause, their uncleanness and their iniquities, and so take it upon them, and subscribe to the righteousness of God's dealing. We would say this much in general--First, Nobody needeth to quarrel God for his dealing. He will always be justified when he is judged. If the Lord deal more sharply with you than with others, you may judge there is a difference
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Sinner Stripped of his Vain Pleas.
1, 2. The vanity of those pleas which sinners may secretly confide in, is so apparent that they will be ashamed at last to mention them before God.--3. Such as, that they descended from pious us parents.--4. That they had attended to the speculative part of religion.--5. That they had entertained sound notion..--6, 7. That they had expressed a zealous regard to religion, and attended the outward forms of worship with those they apprehended the purest churches.--8. That they had been free from gross
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Letter Xlvi (Circa A. D. 1125) to Guigues, the Prior, and to the Other Monks of the Grand Chartreuse
To Guigues, the Prior, And to the Other Monks of the Grand Chartreuse He discourses much and piously of the law of true and sincere charity, of its signs, its degrees, its effects, and of its perfection which is reserved for Heaven (Patria). Brother Bernard, of Clairvaux, wishes health eternal to the most reverend among fathers, and to the dearest among friends, Guigues, Prior of the Grande Chartreuse, and to the holy Monks who are with him. 1. I have received the letter of your Holiness as joyfully
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
DO not mistake me, I do not say that of their own nature the worst things are good, for they are a fruit of the curse; but though they are naturally evil, yet the wise overruling hand of God disposing and sanctifying them, they are morally good. As the elements, though of contrary qualities, yet God has so tempered them, that they all work in a harmonious manner for the good of the universe. Or as in a watch, the wheels seem to move contrary one to another, but all carry on the motions of the watch:
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

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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