Job 16:14

He breaks me with wound upon wound; He rushes me like a mighty warrior.

Study Bible

He breaks me with wound upon wound;
This phrase reflects Job's deep sense of suffering and relentless affliction. In the context of the Book of Job, Job is expressing his anguish over the continuous and seemingly unending trials he faces. The imagery of being "broken" suggests a complete and utter devastation, both physically and emotionally. This can be compared to the trials faced by other biblical figures, such as Joseph, who endured betrayal and imprisonment before his eventual rise to power (Genesis 37-50). The repetition of "wound upon wound" emphasizes the intensity and accumulation of Job's suffering, akin to the relentless nature of trials described in Psalm 42:7, "Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me."

He rushes me like a mighty warrior.
Here, Job likens his suffering to an attack by a powerful and unstoppable force. The imagery of a "mighty warrior" suggests an overwhelming and aggressive assault, which can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual and existential battles that believers face. This phrase can be connected to the concept of God as a warrior, as seen in Exodus 15:3, "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name." However, in Job's lament, the warrior imagery is inverted to express his feeling of being besieged by God Himself. This reflects the cultural understanding of warfare in the ancient Near East, where battles were often brutal and decisive. The sense of being overwhelmed by a divine force can also be seen in the prophetic writings, such as Isaiah 42:13, where God is described as a warrior who will prevail against His enemies. In the New Testament, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who, though He suffered, ultimately triumphed over sin and death, offering hope and redemption to believers (Colossians 2:15).

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. God
The sovereign deity who allows Job's trials, testing his faith and righteousness.

3. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom but fail to understand God's purpose.

4. Satan
The adversary who challenges Job's righteousness, initiating the trials with God's permission.

5. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel.

Teaching Points

Understanding Suffering
Recognize that suffering is a complex part of the human experience and can serve a greater purpose in God's plan.

God's Sovereignty
Trust in God's sovereignty, even when His actions or inactions are beyond our understanding.

Perseverance in Faith
Like Job, maintain faith and integrity in the face of trials, knowing that God is ultimately just and compassionate.

Empathy and Support
Learn from Job's friends' mistakes by offering genuine empathy and support to those who are suffering, rather than judgment.

Spiritual Warfare
Acknowledge the spiritual dimension of suffering, where trials can be a battleground for faith and righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's description of his suffering in Job 16:14 reflect the intensity of his trials, and what can we learn about expressing our own pain to God?

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

3. How can the example of Job's perseverance inspire you to remain faithful during your own times of trial?

4. What lessons can we draw from Job's friends about how to (or not to) support someone who is suffering?

5. How do other biblical accounts of suffering, such as those of Paul or the suffering servant in Isaiah, provide additional insights into the purpose and nature of suffering?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 88
This psalm echoes the theme of feeling overwhelmed by suffering and God's perceived absence, similar to Job's lament.

Isaiah 53
The suffering servant passage, which parallels Job's experience of undeserved suffering and points to Christ's ultimate suffering.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Paul's discussion of his "thorn in the flesh" and God's grace being sufficient, which relates to enduring suffering with faith.

Hebrews 12:5-11
The passage on God's discipline, which can be seen as a lens to understand Job's trials as a form of divine discipline and growth.

James 5:11
James references Job as an example of perseverance and the Lord's compassion and mercy.