Job 7:20 – “If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you who see everything we do? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you?”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Job 7:20, Job is speaking directly to God, asking hard questions about his suffering. Job wonders aloud if he has committed some sin that has brought on his suffering, even though he cannot identify any wrongdoing on his part. He feels like God has made him a target, punishing him for reasons he doesn’t understand. Job is grappling with the intensity of his suffering and the belief that God sees everything. He cannot figure out why he is being treated as if he is a sinner or a burden to God, which adds to his confusion and frustration.
This verse shows Job’s desperation as he tries to understand his suffering in the context of his relationship with God. He feels like God has singled him out for punishment, and he wants to know why.
Historical Context
In the ancient Near East, it was commonly believed that suffering was a direct result of sin or divine displeasure. If someone was experiencing severe hardship, like Job was, it was assumed that they had done something to anger God. This belief was reflected in the thinking of Job’s friends, who later suggest that his suffering must be because of some hidden sin.
However, Job maintains that he has done nothing to deserve such intense suffering, which makes his situation even more perplexing. He is aware that God is all-seeing and all-knowing, so he struggles to understand why God, who knows Job’s righteousness, would allow such intense suffering. This question challenges the simplistic idea that suffering is always a punishment for sin.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Job 7:20 touches on the problem of suffering and the mystery of God’s justice. Job’s question—“If I have sinned, what have I done to you?”—reflects the human tendency to assume that suffering must have a clear cause, like sin. Job is struggling to reconcile his understanding of God’s justice with his personal experience of undeserved suffering.
This verse also highlights the feeling of being singled out by God, which many people experience in times of intense trial. Job’s frustration shows that even faithful believers can wrestle with questions about God’s fairness when life feels unjust. Theologically, this verse invites us to consider that not all suffering is a direct result of personal sin, and it challenges us to trust in God’s greater plan, even when we don’t understand it.
Literary Analysis
The language in Job 7:20 is deeply emotional and filled with raw honesty. The phrase “If I have sinned, what have I done to you?” is a bold question, reflecting Job’s inner turmoil. He is directly addressing God, showing both his respect for God’s authority and his frustration with the apparent unfairness of his suffering.
The use of “you who see everything we do” emphasizes God’s omniscience, acknowledging that nothing is hidden from God. Yet, Job cannot see how he has offended God. The rhetorical questions in this verse—“Why have you made me your target?” and “Have I become a burden to you?”—are expressions of Job’s deep confusion and hurt. He feels unjustly singled out and doesn’t understand why God would treat him as if he were a burden.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 139:1-2 – “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” This Psalm reflects the same theme of God’s complete knowledge of human life, much like Job’s acknowledgment that God sees everything.
- Psalm 44:24 – “Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression?” This verse reflects a similar cry for understanding when it feels like God has abandoned His people during their suffering.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 7:20 reflects the very human experience of asking “Why?” during times of suffering. Job’s willingness to ask hard questions of God shows that it’s okay to bring our doubts and frustrations to God when we don’t understand what’s happening in our lives. Like Job, we may sometimes feel like God has made us His target or that our suffering is unwarranted, but this verse encourages us to be honest with God about our feelings.
This verse also challenges the belief that suffering is always a direct result of personal sin. Job’s situation shows that sometimes suffering occurs for reasons that we cannot understand. For today’s Christian, this verse encourages trust in God’s wisdom, even when His reasons are unclear to us.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, Job 7:20 might seem to suggest that God is distant or harsh, but in the broader biblical narrative, we know that God is deeply loving and compassionate. Job’s suffering makes him feel like a target, but God’s love is steadfast, even when we don’t understand His ways. Job’s frustration does not mean that God has abandoned him, and this is an important truth for all believers to remember: God’s love is not diminished by our suffering.
God allows Job to ask his questions and express his frustration, showing that He is not offended by our honest cries. God’s love is patient and understanding, and He invites us to bring our deepest hurts and questions to Him, trusting that He is with us, even when we can’t make sense of our circumstances.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Job’s feeling of being targeted by God connects to Jesus Christ in a profound way. Jesus, the only truly innocent person, was treated as a sinner on the cross. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, it says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus was unjustly targeted with the punishment for sin, not because of anything He had done, but because He took on the sins of the world.
Through His suffering, Jesus identified with the pain and questions of people like Job. Jesus’ experience shows that suffering is not always a punishment for sin, but can serve a greater purpose in God’s plan. In Christ, we find the ultimate answer to Job’s question: God’s attention is not meant to harm, but through Jesus’ sacrifice, God offers redemption and hope in the midst of suffering.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt like Job, questioning why you are going through a difficult time? How did you handle those feelings?
- What does this verse teach us about being honest with God during times of confusion and suffering?
- How does Job’s question challenge the idea that all suffering is a direct result of sin?
- How does knowing that Jesus also suffered unjustly give you hope in your own times of trial?
- In what ways can you find comfort in God’s love, even when you feel like life is unfair or overwhelming?
Job 7:20 reminds us that it’s natural to question God’s ways when we are suffering, but through Jesus Christ, we are given the assurance that our suffering is not meaningless. God’s love remains constant, even in the midst of our pain, and His purposes for us are ultimately for our good.