Job 7:17 – “What is mankind that you make so much of them, that you give them so much attention,”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Job 7:17, Job is asking a profound question: Why does God pay so much attention to human beings? Job is reflecting on the seeming intensity of God’s focus on mankind, but in this context, it comes from a place of frustration and suffering. To Job, God’s attention feels overwhelming, especially since his life is filled with pain. The verse echoes Job’s bewilderment at why God would bother with humanity, especially when life seems so full of difficulty.
This verse expresses Job’s confusion about the role of suffering in his relationship with God. Job feels that if God is paying attention to him, it only seems to bring more suffering and trials. He wonders why human beings are so significant to God that He would watch them so closely, especially when that attention seems to lead to hardship rather than blessing.
Historical Context
Job’s question in this verse reflects a common ancient understanding of humanity’s smallness in comparison to the greatness of God. In the ancient Near East, people often saw their gods as distant or indifferent to human affairs, or as directly involved in bringing blessings or curses based on human behavior. Job’s complaint comes from his experience of intense suffering, which he can’t reconcile with the belief that God is loving and just.
The historical background also highlights how Job, as a man living in a patriarchal and religiously structured society, would have viewed himself in relationship to God’s power. Job’s friends argue that his suffering must be due to sin, but Job doesn’t believe this is the case. Instead, he struggles with the mystery of why God would pay such close attention to human lives, especially if that attention brings suffering.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Job 7:17 touches on humanity’s relationship with God. Job’s question—”What is mankind that you make so much of them?”—reflects the mystery of why the all-powerful God would care so much about seemingly insignificant human beings. Job’s question can be seen as part of a larger biblical theme of God’s deep involvement in human life, even when we don’t understand His purposes.
From a theological perspective, this verse invites us to consider both the incredible value that God places on human beings and the tension that comes when His attention feels like a burden during times of suffering. Job is wrestling with the fact that God’s care can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when life is full of pain.
Literary Analysis
This verse is phrased as a rhetorical question, which emphasizes Job’s confusion and frustration. The structure of the question—”What is mankind?”—echoes similar questions found elsewhere in Scripture, where human beings are contrasted with the majesty and power of God. Job’s use of the phrase “give them so much attention” suggests that he feels God’s attention is both constant and burdensome, especially as he endures suffering.
The tone of the verse is one of wonder, but it’s a wonder tinged with frustration. Job is asking not in awe but in confusion, trying to understand why God would be so focused on humans, especially when that attention doesn’t seem to bring relief.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 8:4 – “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” This verse parallels Job’s question but reflects a tone of awe and praise, marveling at God’s care for humanity.
- Psalm 144:3 – “Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them?” Like Job, the psalmist expresses wonder at God’s attention to humans, but here it reflects humility rather than frustration.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 7:17 can serve as a reminder of both the greatness of God and the incredible care He has for humanity. Job’s question reflects the mystery of why God would be so involved in our lives, especially when we experience suffering or hardship. It can be difficult to understand why God allows trials in our lives, but this verse also reminds us that God sees and knows us intimately.
This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s attention, even when life feels overwhelming. While Job’s experience of God’s attention felt burdensome because of his suffering, we can take comfort in knowing that God is deeply concerned with our lives and that He is with us, even in times of hardship.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Job’s question about God’s attention may seem like a complaint, but it actually points to the truth that God is deeply involved in human life. Even in his frustration, Job acknowledges that God cares enough about humanity to pay close attention to them. This reflects a fundamental truth about God’s nature: He is not distant or indifferent but is actively involved in our lives because He loves us.
God’s love is not always experienced as comfort or blessing, especially in moments of suffering. But even when His attention feels overwhelming, we can trust that God is working out His purposes in our lives. God’s love is demonstrated in His continual presence with us, even when we can’t understand His ways.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Job’s question about why God would care so much about humanity finds its fullest answer in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, God showed the ultimate expression of His love and care for humanity by becoming one of us. In John 1:14, it says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus, fully God and fully man, came to live among us, demonstrating that God’s attention to humanity is not just from afar but up close and personal.
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection show us the depth of God’s love for humanity. God cares so much about us that He sent His Son to die for our sins, so that we could have eternal life (John 3:16). In Jesus, we see the ultimate answer to Job’s question: God pays attention to us because He loves us more than we can comprehend.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt like Job, wondering why God pays so much attention to humanity, especially during times of suffering?
- How does this verse challenge you to think about God’s involvement in your life, even when you don’t understand His purposes?
- What does Job’s question teach you about the value God places on human beings, despite our smallness compared to His greatness?
- How does the life of Jesus help answer Job’s question about why God cares so much about humanity?
- In what ways can you take comfort in knowing that God is deeply involved in your life, even during difficult times?
Job 7:17 shows us that while we may not always understand why God pays such close attention to us, we can trust that His care for us is rooted in His deep love. Through Jesus, we see the ultimate expression of God’s attention and involvement in our lives, giving us hope and comfort, even in the midst of suffering.