Job 24:9
The fatherless infant is snatched from the breast; the nursing child of the poor is seized for a debt.
The fatherless infant is snatched from the breast;
This phrase highlights the vulnerability of orphans in ancient society. In biblical times, the fatherless were often among the most marginalized and defenseless, lacking a protector or provider. The act of snatching an infant from the breast underscores the cruelty and injustice faced by the weakest members of society. This imagery is consistent with other biblical references to the plight of orphans, such as in Exodus 22:22-24, where God commands His people not to mistreat widows or orphans. The act of snatching also reflects a violation of the natural bond between mother and child, emphasizing the heartlessness of those who exploit the vulnerable.

the nursing child of the poor is seized for a debt.
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, debt slavery was a common practice. If a person could not repay a debt, their children could be taken as collateral or sold into servitude. This phrase illustrates the extreme measures creditors would take, even to the point of taking a nursing child, which would have been seen as a particularly egregious act. The Mosaic Law provided protections against such exploitation, as seen in Deuteronomy 24:10-13, which instructs lenders not to take a millstone or any essential item as a pledge. The seizing of a child for debt highlights the systemic injustice and lack of compassion in society, contrasting with the biblical call for mercy and justice. This situation also foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who came to set the captives free and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor (Luke 4:18-19), offering hope and restoration to those oppressed by sin and societal injustices.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who endures immense suffering and questions the justice of God.

2. The Fatherless Infant
Represents vulnerable children in society who lack protection and support.

3. The Poor
Individuals who are economically disadvantaged and often exploited or oppressed.

4. The Oppressors
Those who take advantage of the weak and vulnerable, often for personal gain.

5. Ancient Near East
The cultural and historical context of the Book of Job, where social justice and the treatment of the poor were significant concerns.
Teaching Points
God's Heart for Justice
God consistently shows concern for the vulnerable, including orphans and the poor. Believers are called to reflect this concern in their actions.

The Sin of Exploitation
Taking advantage of the weak is a grave sin. Christians must stand against such practices and advocate for justice.

Compassion and Advocacy
Followers of Christ are encouraged to be voices for the voiceless, ensuring that the rights of the marginalized are upheld.

The Role of the Church
The church should be a refuge for the oppressed, actively working to meet the needs of the fatherless and the poor.

Personal Responsibility
Each believer has a role in addressing injustice, whether through prayer, advocacy, or direct action.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 24:9 reflect the broader theme of justice in the Book of Job?

2. In what ways can the church today address the needs of the fatherless and the poor, as highlighted in Job 24:9?

3. How do the warnings against exploitation in Job 24:9 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can you take to advocate for the vulnerable in your community, in light of Job 24:9?

5. How does understanding the cultural context of the Ancient Near East enhance our interpretation of Job 24:9?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 22:22-24
This passage warns against mistreating widows and orphans, highlighting God's concern for the vulnerable.

Isaiah 10:1-2
Condemns those who enact unjust laws and deprive the poor of their rights, similar to the oppressors in Job 24:9.

James 1:27
Emphasizes pure religion as caring for orphans and widows, aligning with the call to protect the fatherless.

Proverbs 22:22-23
Advises against robbing the poor or exploiting the afflicted, echoing the themes of justice in Job 24:9.
Examples of God's Incomprehensible DealingsE. Johnson Job 24:1-12
Apparent Anomalies in the Divine JudgmentR. Green Job 24:1-22
Consideration for OthersJ. Ruskin.Job 24:1-25
Great Crimes not Always Followed by Great Punishment in This LifeHomilistJob 24:1-25
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Breast, Child, Debt, Fatherless, Forced, Infant, Lay, Mother's, Orphan, Pledge, Pluck, Poor, Seized, Snatch, Snatched, Violently
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 24:9

     5140   breasts
     5274   credit
     5289   debt
     5730   orphans
     8791   oppression, nature of

Job 24:1-12

     5339   home
     5554   status

Job 24:2-11

     8715   dishonesty, and God

Job 24:2-12

     5972   unkindness

Job 24:4-10

     5169   nakedness

Job 24:5-11

     5569   suffering, hardship

Library
Whether the Husband Can on his Own Judgment Put Away his Wife on Account of Fornication?
Objection 1: It would seem that the husband can on his own judgment put away his wife on account of fornication. For when sentence has been pronounced by the judge, it is lawful to carry it out without any further judgment. But God, the just Judge, has pronounced this judgment, that a husband may put his wife away on account of fornication. Therefore no further judgment is required for this. Objection 2: Further, it is stated (Mat. 1:19) that Joseph . . . being a just man . . . "was minded to put"
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether to be Eternal Belongs to God Alone?
Objection 1: It seems that it does not belong to God alone to be eternal. For it is written that "those who instruct many to justice," shall be "as stars unto perpetual eternities [*Douay: 'for all eternity']" (Dan. 12:3). Now if God alone were eternal, there could not be many eternities. Therefore God alone is not the only eternal. Objection 2: Further, it is written "Depart, ye cursed into eternal [Douay: 'everlasting'] fire" (Mat. 25:41). Therefore God is not the only eternal. Objection 3: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether in Hell the Damned are Tormented by the Sole Punishment of Fire?
Objection 1: It would seem that in hell the damned are tormented by the sole punishment of fire; because Mat. 25:41, where their condemnation is declared, mention is made of fire only, in the words: "Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire." Objection 2: Further, even as the punishment of purgatory is due to venial sin, so is the punishment of hell due to mortal sin. Now no other punishment but that of fire is stated to be in purgatory, as appears from the words of 1 Cor. 3:13: "The fire
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Old Law Set Forth Suitable Precepts About the Members of the Household?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law set forth unsuitable precepts about the members of the household. For a slave "is in every respect his master's property," as the Philosopher states (Polit. i, 2). But that which is a man's property should be his always. Therefore it was unfitting for the Law to command (Ex. 21:2) that slaves should "go out free" in the seventh year. Objection 2: Further, a slave is his master's property, just as an animal, e.g. an ass or an ox. But it is commanded (Dt.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Degrees of Sin
Are all transgressions of the law equally heinous? Some sins in themselves, and by reason of several aggravations, are more heinous in the sight of God than others. He that delivered me unto thee, has the greater sin.' John 19: 11. The Stoic philosophers held that all sins were equal; but this Scripture clearly holds forth that there is a gradual difference in sin; some are greater than others; some are mighty sins,' and crying sins.' Amos 5: 12; Gen 18: 21. Every sin has a voice to speak, but some
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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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