Job 24:17 – “For all of them, midnight is their morning; they make friends with the terrors of darkness.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Job 24:17, Job describes those who commit sins in the dark. For these people, “midnight is their morning,” meaning they feel at ease in darkness and treat it like others would treat the start of a new day. Instead of being afraid of what the darkness might bring, they have “made friends” with it, becoming comfortable with wrongdoing under cover of night. In essence, they’ve become so used to sin that darkness feels like a natural environment to them.
Job’s words here suggest that those who do evil have lost their fear of the consequences that often come from wrongdoing. He observes that these people embrace darkness rather than the light, showing how completely they have chosen a path away from God’s guidance.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, darkness was often associated with evil, secrecy, and danger. Without modern lighting, the night was a time of risk, and most people would stay indoors to avoid the dangers that came with darkness. Night was also when many crimes took place, as wrongdoers could act without fear of being easily caught. Ancient societies, including Job’s, valued light as a symbol of truth and goodness and saw darkness as a place where evil thrived.
Job’s reference to people treating “midnight as their morning” suggests that he was familiar with those who were so comfortable with sin that they lived as though darkness was their preferred reality. This worldview highlights the difference between those who sought to live in God’s light and those who chose to reject it by embracing darkness.
Theological Implications
Job 24:17 brings up theological themes related to sin, human nature, and God’s desire for people to walk in light rather than darkness. People who “make friends with the terrors of darkness” are choosing a life separated from God’s truth. Theologically, this verse reveals the extent to which sin can distort human desires, causing people to feel more comfortable in the shadows of wrongdoing rather than in the light of God’s goodness.
This verse challenges believers to choose God’s ways over the paths of darkness. The Bible teaches that God desires for people to live in the light, experiencing His truth and goodness rather than hiding in sin. For believers, this verse serves as a reminder to resist the pull of sin and to pursue a life that honors God’s call to integrity and righteousness.
Literary Analysis
Job uses powerful symbolism in this verse to contrast light and darkness. “Midnight is their morning” is an expression that flips the natural order, emphasizing how those who do evil have turned things upside down, treating darkness as their comfort zone rather than something to avoid. The phrase “make friends with the terrors of darkness” suggests an acceptance of things most people would fear, like wrongdoing and secrecy, which thrive in hidden places.
This verse contributes to Job’s larger message in Chapter 24, where he lists the injustices and sinful behaviors he sees, building his argument about the need for God’s judgment. His choice of language highlights the unsettling nature of evil and the way sin distorts a person’s perspective, leading them to accept darkness as normal.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 3:19-20 – “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.”
- Proverbs 4:19 – “But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:5 – “You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
- Ephesians 5:11-13 – “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 24:17 is a reminder to avoid becoming comfortable with sin or with anything that goes against God’s truth. This verse calls believers to examine their own lives and to make sure they aren’t letting anything in that would thrive in “darkness,” like secrecy, dishonesty, or any other sin. Instead, Christians are encouraged to bring all aspects of their lives into God’s light, where they can live openly and honestly before Him.
This verse also serves as a caution against being influenced by the world’s attitudes toward sin. Society often downplays or even celebrates things that God calls wrong, but believers are called to live in a way that reflects God’s truth and not become desensitized to sin. Job’s observation encourages us to stay alert and to make sure our lives reflect God’s goodness and truth.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Job’s observation of those who “make friends with the terrors of darkness” contrasts sharply with God’s loving nature, which desires light, truth, and goodness for His people. God’s love is evident in His desire for people to live in the light, free from the fear and guilt that comes from hiding in darkness. A loving God wants people to experience freedom from sin, encouraging them to live openly in His presence.
God’s love is not permissive of sin, but it is patient, giving people opportunities to turn away from darkness and come into the light. Job’s words reflect a belief in a God who values truth and who ultimately desires His people to reject sin and live in a way that reflects His character.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus described Himself as the “light of the world” (John 8:12), bringing clarity, truth, and freedom to those who were lost in darkness. Jesus’ mission was to call people out of darkness and into the light, offering forgiveness and a new life free from sin’s grip. In John 3:19-21, Jesus explains that people who love truth come into the light, while those who love evil prefer the darkness. Through Jesus, God invites everyone to leave behind hidden sin and live openly before Him.
Jesus’ teachings encourage believers to reject darkness and walk in the light of God’s truth. His invitation is for everyone to live a life marked by integrity, openness, and freedom, embracing a relationship with God that has nothing to hide. Through His life and sacrifice, Jesus makes it possible for people to come out of the darkness and live in God’s light.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Job’s description of people who “make friends with the terrors of darkness” challenge you to examine your own attitudes toward sin?
- Are there areas in your life where you might feel tempted to hide actions or thoughts from God?
- How does Jesus’ example as the “light of the world” inspire you to live in a way that reflects God’s truth and integrity?
- What practical steps can you take to bring any hidden actions or habits into God’s light and live more openly before Him?
- How does trusting in God’s love and justice help you find peace, even when you see wrongdoing that seems hidden or unaddressed?
Job 24:17 reminds believers of the importance of living in God’s light and avoiding the pull of sin. Through Jesus, we are given the grace and strength to leave behind any hidden wrongdoing and live fully in the truth, free from the fear and shame that come with hiding in darkness.