DAWN
Daily Arts Web Nucleus
Discover the Arts! Each day a different image from the Literary, Performing, or Visual Arts representing a portion of Scripture plus an explanation with links 2015 January 6
St Francis Supported by an Angel (c. 1603)
Orazio Lomi Gentileschi (1563-1639)
Italian Baroque Style
Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain
Image Source: Web Gallery of Art
Explanation: As the second series of accusations and answers continues, Job begins a two chapter reply to Eliphaz in Job 16. The image above reflects the kind of deep comfort Job yearned for throughout the chapter.
[ THEMATICALLY AND CHRONOLOGICALLY RELATED SCRIPTURES: Job 15. Job 17. ]
[ CHRONOLOGY: General. Patriarchs (Traditional). Judges # 1. Judges # 2. Kings # 1. Kings # 2. Prophets # 1. Prophets # 2. NT # 1. NT # 2. NT # 3. ]
[ MAPS: Maps # 1. Maps # 2. Maps # 3. Maps # 4. Maps # 5. ]
The first thing Job said in answer to Eliphaz is that Eliphaz and the other accusers were "miserable comforters." He asked them when their vain words would end and why they were so bold to speak to him as they did. He told them that he could be their accusers if they where in his place; but, instead, he would strengthen them and assuage their grief (1-5). But, said Job, his grief was not assuaged whether he spoke or remained silent. He was weary, desolate, and shriveled. God had torn him with wrath and hatred, had gnashed his teeth (in anger) at him, and had sharpened his eyes against him. Also, men spoke against him, struck him on the cheek, and came together against him. God gave him up to ungodly and wicked men. And God himself broke him apart, seized him by the neck, and set him as his target. he slashed his kidneys and poured out his gall on the ground. He broke Job repeatedly and ran upon him like a warrior (6-15). In response, Job sowed sackcloth on his flesh and laid his strength in the dust; his face was red with weeping; and his eyelids were darkened (16-17). There was no violence in Job's hand; and his prayer was pure. So he asked that his cause would be heard: that the earth would not cover his blood, and that his cry would find no resting place, because God in heaven was poised to testify in his behalf. His friends scorned him; but he poured out his tears to God. He wanted God to plead his case, because he would soon go away and not return (18-22).
Job 16
1 Then Job answered and said,
2 I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.
3 Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?
4 I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.
5 But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.
6 Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged: and though I forbear, what am I eased?
7 But now he hath made me weary: thou hast made desolate all my company.
8 And thou hast filled me with wrinkles, which is a witness against me: and my leanness rising up in me beareth witness to my face.
9 He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.
10 They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.
11 God hath delivered me to the ungodly, and turned me over into the hands of the wicked.
12 I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.
13 His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.
14 He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant.
15 I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.
16 My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death;
17 Not for any injustice in mine hands: also my prayer is pure.
18 O earth, cover not thou my blood, and let my cry have no place.
19 Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.
20 My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.
21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!
22 When a few years are come, then I shall go the way whence I shall not return.
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