6:2 vexation In response to Eliphaz’s statement that vexation slays a fool (5:2), Job acknowledges his vexation, but not that he is a fool.

in the balances Job uses the image of a scale to express his burden of suffering. Two trays balanced on either side of a center pole formed a scale; on one side, Job would put his misery and anguish, which would outweigh the sands of the seas on the other side (v. 3).

6:4 the arrows of Shaddai are in me The first time Job names God as the cause of his suffering, which he will repeat throughout his speeches (e.g., 7:12–21; 9:13–35; 13:19–27).

6:5 the wild ass bray over grass Job uses examples from the animal world to illustrate the validity of his complaint. Just as animals do not cry for food when they have it, Job likewise would not lament if he had no reason to do so.

6:7 I refused to touch Job likens his suffering to an inedible meal. The meal God has served him is too difficult to swallow.

6:8 my request Job previously wished he had never been born (3:1, 3–10) or that he had died at birth (3:11–19); here he wishes to die (see v. 9).

6:9 he would let loose his hand and kill me Job wants God to end his life.

6:10 I have not denied Rather than repent or accept God’s discipline as Eliphaz suggests (5:17), Job asserts his innocence. He has done nothing to deserve his suffering. See note on 4:6; note on 4:8.

6:14 Loyal love should come for the afflicted from his friend Job accuses his friends of forsaking God by removing their kindness from him.

Chesed Word Study

Job uses the same name for God, “Almighty” (shadday) as Eliphaz does in 5:17 when he encourages Job to accept God’s discipline.

The Name Theology of the Old Testament

6:19 Tema Tema and Sheba were famous trade centers of Arabia.

6:20 They are disappointed, because they trusted Merchants traveling across the desert could die if they counted on water sources that turned up dry (v. 19). Job finds his friends disappointing and even dangerous in their assumptions about him.

6:21 now you have become Job likens his friends to the desert streams, which were full in the winter season (v. 16) but dry in the hot summers (v. 17). When travelers needed them most, the streams were empty and unable to help (vv. 18–20).

6:22 I have said, ‘Give to me Job reminds his friends that he has never made any demands of them.

6:24 make me understand how I have gone astray Job has already asserted his innocence. Eliphaz suggested he accept God’s discipline (5:17), but Job asks what transgression he is being disciplined for.

6:29 Please turn Job pleads for compassion from his friends. The Hebrew term that occurs here is used often in the context of people repenting or turning away from sin (2 Kgs 17:13; Isa 44:22; Jer 31:18–20). It is also used to describe God turning away from His anger (2 Kgs 23:26; Jonah 3:9).

6:30 my tongue Job declares his innocence. In Wisdom literature, the tongue and lips are indicators of character (e.g., Prov 10:20–21). What comes out of a person’s mouth is related to that person’s wisdom or righteousness (Prov 15:2; Psa 37:30).