For now you are of no help;
In this phrase, Job addresses his friends, who have come to comfort him but have instead offered little support. The context is Job's immense suffering and the failure of his friends to provide the empathy and understanding he needs. This reflects the broader theme of human inadequacy in providing true comfort without divine wisdom. The friends' lack of help can be seen as a failure to understand God's purposes, a recurring theme in the book. This phrase also highlights the limitations of human wisdom compared to divine wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where reliance on God rather than human understanding is emphasized.

you see terror,
The "terror" here refers to the overwhelming nature of Job's suffering and the divine judgment his friends perceive. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, suffering was often seen as a direct result of divine displeasure or judgment. Job's friends interpret his suffering as evidence of hidden sin, reflecting a common belief of the time that suffering was always a consequence of personal wrongdoing. This misinterpretation is a central issue in the dialogues between Job and his friends. The terror they see could also symbolize the fear of God's wrath, a theme explored in other parts of the Old Testament, such as in the Psalms and the Prophets.

and you are afraid.
The fear of Job's friends can be understood as a fear of the same fate befalling them, or a fear of confronting the reality of innocent suffering. This fear prevents them from offering genuine support and leads them to cling to their rigid theological views. Their fear is indicative of a lack of faith and understanding of God's sovereignty and justice, themes that are explored throughout the book of Job. This fear contrasts with the biblical call to trust in God even amidst suffering, as seen in passages like Isaiah 41:10, which encourages believers not to fear because God is with them. The friends' fear also highlights the human tendency to avoid confronting difficult truths about suffering and divine justice.

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 loss.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up accusing him of wrongdoing, suggesting his suffering is due to his sins.

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 series of calamities that befall Job, including the loss of his children, wealth, and health, which set the stage for the dialogues in the book.

5. The Dialogue
The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, where they debate the reasons for Job's suffering and the nature of God's justice.The Nature of True Friendship
True friends provide support and comfort, especially in times of distress. Job's friends failed in this regard, serving as a cautionary example.

The Human Response to Suffering
Fear and misunderstanding often accompany witnessing another's suffering. Job's friends were afraid and quick to judge, rather than offering empathy and support.

The Importance of Empathy
Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. As Christians, we are called to bear one another's burdens and offer compassion.

Trusting God Amidst Trials
Even when human support fails, God remains a steadfast source of comfort and strength. Believers are encouraged to rely on Him during difficult times.

The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth
Suffering can be a tool for refining faith and character. Job's account invites reflection on how trials can deepen one's relationship with God.(21) For now ye are nothing.--"Surely now ye are become like it" i.e., that wady; or, according to another reading followed in the text of the Authorised Version, "Ye have become nothing: ye have seen an object of terror, and are terrified: ye have seen my broken-down condition, and are dismayed at it."

Verse 21. - For now ye are nothing. Like the dried-up torrents, the comforters had come to nought; were wholly useless and unprofitable. Another reading gives the sense, "Ye are like to them" - "ye comforters," i.e., "are like the winter torrents, and have misled me, as they misled the caravans." Ye see my casting down, and are afraid. Here Job penetrates to the motive which had produced the conduct of his friends. They had come with good intentions, meaning to comfort and console him; but when they came, and saw what a wreck he was, how utterly "broken up" and ruined, they began to be afraid of showing too much friendliness. They thought him an object of the Divine vengeance, and feared lest, if they showed him sympathy, they might involve themselves in his punishment.

Parallel Commentaries ...


For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

now
עַ֭תָּה (‘at·tāh)
Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

you are
הֱיִ֣יתֶם (hĕ·yî·ṯem)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

of no help;
ל֑וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3808: Not, no

you see
תִּֽרְא֥וּ (tir·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

terror,
חֲ֝תַ֗ת (ḥă·ṯaṯ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2866: Dismay

and you are afraid.
וַתִּירָֽאוּ׃ (wat·tî·rā·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten


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OT Poetry: Job 6:21 For now you are nothing (Jb)