Job 6:20 “They are distressed, because they had been confident; they arrive there, only to be disappointed.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Job 6:20, Job is continuing his lament over the failure of his friends to support him in his time of deep suffering. He uses the metaphor of travelers, specifically caravans, who were confident they would find water at a certain place, only to arrive and discover nothing. The hope they had was shattered, leaving them in distress and disappointment. Job likens his experience with his friends to that of these travelers. He had been confident that his friends would provide him with the comfort and support he needed during his suffering, but instead, he found himself let down and abandoned by them.
Job’s feelings of betrayal and emotional isolation are vividly expressed in this verse. He had placed hope in his friends, expecting that they would help carry his burden, but they failed him. This deep sense of disappointment adds to the already overwhelming physical, emotional, and spiritual pain that Job was enduring.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, travelers often faced the challenge of navigating through harsh desert environments, relying on knowledge of where to find water and other resources along the way. For caravans, particularly those in regions like the Arabian Peninsula, finding water was crucial for survival. If a caravan arrived at a place expecting water, only to find it dry, it could be devastating. This imagery would have been familiar to Job’s audience, as they knew the danger of unmet expectations in such harsh conditions.
Job uses this well-understood scenario to explain how he feels about his friends. In the same way that travelers are left distressed and disappointed when they can’t find water, Job is left emotionally drained by the lack of support from those he thought he could count on.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Job 6:20 speaks to the nature of human relationships and the inevitable disappointments we face when we place our hope solely in people. Job’s friends were expected to provide comfort and encouragement, but they failed, leaving Job in greater distress. This verse reminds us that while people can offer support, they are ultimately fallible. Only God is perfectly faithful and reliable, never failing to meet our needs.
Job’s experience teaches us the importance of turning to God for our ultimate source of hope and comfort. People, no matter how well-intentioned, may let us down, but God is always dependable. When human relationships fail, God remains our rock and refuge, providing the strength and comfort we need.
Literary Analysis
Job 6:20 uses the vivid metaphor of caravans seeking water to convey Job’s emotional state. The words “distressed” and “disappointed” capture the profound sense of hopelessness and frustration that comes from unmet expectations. The structure of the verse emphasizes the contrast between the confidence the travelers once had and the deep disappointment they feel when their hope is shattered. This literary device enhances the emotional impact of the verse, allowing the reader to feel the weight of Job’s disappointment.
The metaphor also highlights the suddenness of the shift from hope to despair. The travelers were confident that they would find what they needed, but their arrival at an empty well represents the abrupt realization that their hopes were in vain. This parallels Job’s experience with his friends, who he thought would support him, only to discover their words were empty and unhelpful.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 13:12 – “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” This verse speaks to the emotional toll of unmet expectations, similar to what Job is experiencing.
- Psalm 146:3 – “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” Job’s disappointment in his friends aligns with this warning to not place ultimate trust in people, but rather in God.
- Isaiah 49:23 – “Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” While Job’s friends failed him, this verse assures us that God will never disappoint those who place their hope in Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 6:20 serves as a reminder that people, even our closest friends, can sometimes let us down. This doesn’t mean relationships aren’t important, but it does remind us that our ultimate hope and trust should be in God, who never fails. We may encounter times in life when those we rely on don’t provide the support or comfort we expect, leaving us feeling distressed and disappointed. In those moments, we can turn to God, who is always present, always faithful, and always able to meet our deepest needs.
This verse also encourages us to examine our own behavior toward others. Are we being the kind of friend who provides real support and comfort, or are we leaving people disappointed when they need us most? As Christians, we are called to reflect God’s love and faithfulness in our relationships, standing by others during their times of need.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Job 6:20 highlights the contrast between human failure and God’s steadfast love. While Job’s friends failed him, God never abandons us in our time of need. God’s love is not like a dried-up stream or a failed promise. He is faithful, providing exactly what we need when we need it. In the Bible, God is often described as a dependable source of water and life, unlike the disappointment of the travelers in Job’s metaphor.
God’s love is constant, even when people fail us. He never leaves us distressed or disappointed when we turn to Him. This verse serves as a reminder that while human relationships may fall short, God’s love and provision never do. He is our sure foundation, always reliable and full of grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Job’s feelings of disappointment point forward to the ultimate fulfillment of our need for hope and life in Jesus Christ. In John 4:14, Jesus says, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” Jesus is the living water that satisfies our deepest needs, ensuring that we are never left thirsty or disappointed when we turn to Him. While Job’s friends failed him, Jesus offers a kind of friendship and support that never fails.
Jesus Himself experienced betrayal and abandonment, just as Job did. In Matthew 26:56, when Jesus was arrested, all His disciples fled, leaving Him alone in His darkest hour. Yet, Jesus remained faithful to His mission and His love for humanity. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provided the ultimate source of life and hope, offering us the confidence that we will never be disappointed when we place our trust in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever placed your hope in people, only to be let down? How did that experience affect your faith?
- What does Job 6:20 teach us about the limitations of human relationships and the importance of relying on God?
- How can we be more faithful friends, offering real support and encouragement to those who are struggling?
- In what ways does Jesus fulfill the deep longing for dependable support and life-giving water that Job expresses in this verse?
- How can you deepen your trust in God, knowing that He will never leave you disappointed or abandoned?