Job 3:6

If only darkness had taken that night away! May it not appear among the days of the year; may it never be entered in any of the months.

Study Bible

If only that day
The phrase "that day" refers to the day of Job's birth. In the Hebrew text, the word for "day" is "yom," which is often used to denote a specific period or event. Job is expressing a deep lament, wishing that the day of his birth had never occurred. This reflects the depth of his suffering and despair. In the ancient Near Eastern context, days were often personified and could be seen as having a destiny or fate. Job's wish for the day to be erased underscores his desire to escape his current suffering.

had turned to darkness
The imagery of darkness is significant in the Hebrew Bible, often symbolizing chaos, evil, or judgment. The Hebrew word for darkness is "choshek," which can also imply obscurity or the absence of God's presence. Job's wish for darkness instead of light on his birth day suggests a desire for non-existence or for his life to have been void of meaning. This reflects the profound depth of his anguish and the feeling of being abandoned by God.

may God above not care about it
Here, Job is invoking "God above," which emphasizes the sovereignty and transcendence of God. The Hebrew word for God used here is "Eloah," a term that highlights God's power and majesty. Job's plea for God not to care about the day of his birth is a radical expression of his suffering, as it implies a desire for divine indifference. In the ancient world, divine attention was often seen as a source of blessing, so Job's wish for the opposite reveals his deep sense of despair and alienation.

may no light shine upon it
Light in the Hebrew Bible is frequently associated with life, goodness, and divine favor. The Hebrew word for light is "or," which is often used to symbolize God's presence and guidance. By wishing that no light shine upon the day of his birth, Job is expressing a desire for the absence of life and blessing. This reflects his feeling of being cut off from God's favor and the goodness that light represents. In a broader scriptural context, this longing for darkness over light is a poignant illustration of Job's inner turmoil and the depth of his existential crisis.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. In this chapter, Job is lamenting his birth and expressing deep anguish.

2. The Night
Symbolically represents the time of Job's birth. Job wishes that this night had been erased from the calendar, highlighting his profound despair.

3. Days of the Year / Months
Represents the passage of time and the natural order. Job's desire to exclude the night of his birth from these signifies his wish to undo his existence.

Teaching Points

The Depth of Human Suffering
Job's lamentation is a raw expression of human suffering. It reminds us that even the most faithful can experience profound despair. This teaches us to be compassionate and understanding towards those in deep pain.

The Struggle with God's Sovereignty
Job's desire to erase the day of his birth reflects a struggle with understanding God's sovereignty in the midst of suffering. It challenges us to trust in God's greater plan, even when it is beyond our comprehension.

The Importance of Lament
Job's honest expression of his feelings is a form of lament. This teaches us that it is acceptable to bring our deepest sorrows and questions before God, trusting that He hears us.

The Value of Life
Despite Job's wish to erase his birth, the broader biblical account affirms the value of life. This encourages us to seek God's purpose in our lives, even when circumstances are difficult.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's lament in Job 3:6 reflect the depth of his suffering, and how can this understanding help us support others in their times of despair?

2. In what ways does Job's wish to erase the day of his birth challenge our understanding of God's sovereignty and purpose for our lives?

3. How can the practice of lament, as seen in Job's expression, be a healthy part of our spiritual lives today?

4. Compare Job's perspective on his birth with the view of life presented in Psalm 139. How can these contrasting views inform our understanding of God's involvement in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you struggled with understanding God's plan in your life. How can Job's account encourage you to trust in God's greater purpose?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:3-5
The creation of light and the separation from darkness. Job's wish for perpetual darkness contrasts with God's creation of light, emphasizing his deep sorrow.

Psalm 139:13-16
Speaks of God's intimate involvement in the creation of life. Job's lament can be contrasted with the psalmist's praise for God's handiwork, highlighting the tension between human suffering and divine purpose.

Ecclesiastes 7:1
Discusses the value of the day of death over the day of birth, which resonates with Job's lament about his birth.