Job 4:21

Excellency. Heb. yether, meaning also “cord” or “string.” The verb translated “doth go away” has the basic meaning of “to pull up or out,” and hence to set out on a journey. Therefore some translators render this verse thus: “If their tent-cord is plucked up within them, do they not die, and that without wisdom?” (RSV). According to this translation, yether refers to the rope that holds up a tent.

The revelation that Eliphaz describes may be summarized as a glimpse of the greatness and goodness of God in contrast with the sinfulness and frailty of man. But his statements are not tempered with sympathy, kindness, and human understanding. Job needs to be told how he can maintain his trust in God amid terrible suffering. Eliphaz merely tells him what he already knows — that he should trust in God.

Excellency. Hebrew yether, meaning also “cord” or “string.” The verb translated “doth go away” has the basic meaning of “to pull up or out,” and hence to set out on a journey. Therefore some translators render this verse thus: “If their tent-cord is plucked up within them, do they not die, and that without wisdom?” (RSV). According to this translation, yether refers to the rope that holds up a tent.

The revelation that Eliphaz describes may be summarized as a glimpse of the greatness and goodness of God in contrast with the sinfulness and frailty of man. But his statements are not tempered with sympathy, kindness, and human understanding. Job needs to be told how he can maintain his trust in God amid terrible suffering. Eliphaz merely tells him what he already knows — that he should trust in God.

=== 18 Job 01-06.txt ===