Job 10 Study Notes

10:1-3 Since Job was convinced of his uprightness and innocence, he would like to know why God was oppressing him. For God had apparently rejected him, while looking on approvingly at the plans of the wicked. Job’s rhetorical question implied a negative response.

10:4-7 Job’s rhetorical question amounted to a charge that God was acting from a human perspective in his investigation of Job. God knew that Job was not wicked. Nevertheless, Job viewed God as bringing charges against him just because he could.

10:8-12 The image of dust is reminiscent of man’s creation in the cycle of life (Gn 2:7; 3:19; Ps 104:14). Like a divine cheese maker or weaver, God created Job and nurtured him. Why did he now seek to destroy him?

10:13-17 Job accused God of being a relentless prosecutor and unjust judge. His predetermined plan was to convict Job, whether he was wicked or righteous. Job had lost all sense of self-worth and did not dare to lift his head (Lm 2:10).

10:18-19 Job reiterated his opening lament, wishing never to have been born or wishing to have died at birth (3:11-16; Jr 20:18).

10:20-22 Job pleaded with God to be compassionate and to stop his incessant persecution so he might enjoy his few remaining years (7:6-10,21). Job piled up the images in describing the afterlife as a place of deepest darkness. His despairing words reflect a common Mesopotamian understanding about the afterlife but not the biblical view clarified in the NT (1Co 15:51-57).