Job 7:18 – “that you examine them every morning and test them every moment?”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Job 7:18, Job is continuing his complaint about the intensity of God’s scrutiny over humanity. He wonders why God would examine and test humans so relentlessly, observing them every morning and testing them at every moment. Job is feeling the weight of constant suffering and is questioning why God seems to be so focused on human beings, allowing them no relief from their trials. He feels that life is filled with endless challenges, as if God is continually watching and testing him without any break.
Job’s question reflects his confusion and pain. He can’t understand why God, who is so powerful, would be so involved in the daily struggles of human life, especially when that involvement seems to lead to continuous hardship. For Job, it seems that God’s attention brings more suffering rather than comfort or relief.
Historical Context
Job’s expression of frustration in this verse reflects the ancient view that suffering was often seen as a punishment from the gods. In Job’s culture, intense suffering would typically be interpreted as a result of personal sin or wrongdoing. However, Job knows that he has lived a righteous life, which makes his suffering even more puzzling to him.
In the ancient Near East, the concept of being “tested” by God was not unusual. People believed that the gods sometimes put humans through trials to see if they were worthy or faithful. Job, however, feels that this testing has become excessive and constant. He is asking why God would put humans through such frequent and intense trials, especially when life is already filled with so much difficulty.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse raises important questions about God’s relationship with humanity, especially in the context of suffering. Job is wrestling with the idea that God’s involvement in human life might be more burdensome than helpful. He wonders why God seems to be testing him constantly, and this reflects a deeper struggle to understand God’s purpose in allowing suffering.
This verse challenges believers to think about the role of suffering and trials in their relationship with God. While Job feels that God’s testing is relentless, the Bible teaches that God’s testing is not meant to harm but to refine and strengthen our faith. Job’s complaint reflects the human experience of questioning God’s purposes during times of hardship, but it also points to the truth that God’s testing, though painful, is often part of His plan to draw us closer to Him and shape our character.
Literary Analysis
Job 7:18 is structured as a rhetorical question, which emphasizes Job’s confusion and frustration. The repetition of the phrase “every morning” and “every moment” highlights the constant nature of Job’s suffering. The imagery of being examined and tested suggests that Job feels like he is under a microscope, with no reprieve from God’s watchful eye. This sense of being constantly observed and tested contributes to Job’s feeling of being overwhelmed and weary.
The verse also uses contrast. While mornings are usually associated with new beginnings and hope, Job sees them as another opportunity for God to examine and test him. This inversion of expectations adds to the intensity of Job’s lament.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 139:1-3 – “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.” While this Psalm reflects the comforting aspect of God’s close attention, it contrasts with Job’s feeling of being burdened by that same scrutiny.
- James 1:2-3 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” This New Testament passage shows how testing, though difficult, is intended to produce perseverance and maturity in believers.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 7:18 speaks to the experience of feeling overwhelmed by life’s trials and wondering why God allows us to go through so much testing. Job’s frustration is something many believers can relate to, especially during seasons of prolonged difficulty. It can feel as though we are constantly being tested, with little time for relief or rest.
However, this verse also challenges us to consider the purpose of testing in our spiritual lives. While it may feel burdensome, the Bible teaches that God allows testing not to crush us but to strengthen us. It is through trials that our faith is refined, and we are drawn closer to God. Even when we don’t understand why we are going through hardship, we can trust that God is at work in our lives for our ultimate good.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, Job’s question might seem to suggest that God’s love is absent in the midst of suffering. However, the broader message of the Bible shows that God’s love is actually present in all circumstances, even in the midst of testing. While Job feels that God’s attention is causing more harm than good, we know from Scripture that God’s testing is part of His loving plan to mold and shape us into His image.
God’s love is not always expressed through the removal of trials but through His presence with us in those trials. In Hebrews 12:6, we are reminded that “the Lord disciplines the one he loves.” This shows that God’s testing, though painful, is a sign of His care for us, as He works to develop our character and faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Job’s feeling of being constantly examined and tested finds its ultimate resolution in the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus, too, was tested during His time on earth, particularly during His 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus endured intense trials and temptations, yet He remained faithful to God’s plan. Through His suffering, Jesus showed us that God’s testing is not meant to destroy but to refine and prepare us for greater purposes.
Furthermore, through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have the assurance that God’s testing is not without hope. Jesus conquered sin and death, giving us the promise of eternal life and victory over suffering. In 1 Peter 1:6-7, we are reminded that “though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials, these have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt like Job, wondering why God seems to be testing you constantly? How did you handle those feelings?
- How does this verse challenge you to think about the purpose of trials in your life?
- What does Job’s question teach us about being honest with God in our frustrations and struggles?
- How does the life of Jesus, who was also tested, encourage you to trust God’s plan during difficult times?
- In what ways can you find comfort in knowing that God’s testing is part of His loving plan to refine and strengthen your faith?
Job 7:18 reminds us that even in the midst of constant trials, God’s purpose is to refine and strengthen our faith. Though Job feels overwhelmed, the larger message of Scripture assures us that God’s testing is part of His loving plan to shape us, and through Jesus, we have the hope of victory over all suffering.