Job 6:15 - My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away;

Generated Verse: Job 6:15

What does "Job 6:15" mean?


Job 6:15 is part of Job's lament about the lack of support and comfort he is receiving from his friends. Let's break down what it means:

"My brothers have dealt deceitfully": Job uses the term "brothers" metaphorically to refer to his friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar). He accuses them of being unreliable and untrustworthy ("dealt deceitfully"). He expected them to offer compassion and support in his suffering, but they have instead offered judgment and accusations.

"as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away": This is the core of the verse and uses a powerful simile. In the arid landscape of the ancient Near East, seasonal brooks and riverbeds were crucial. People relied on them for water, especially during the dry season. However, these brooks could be deceptive. They might appear full and promising after the rainy season, only to dry up quickly when water was most needed during the heat and drought.

"brook" and "channel of brooks" are essentially synonymous here, emphasizing the dried-up riverbed.
"that pass away" highlights the ephemeral, unreliable nature of these water sources.

Therefore, the entire verse means:

Job is saying that his friends (whom he expected to be like reliable sources of comfort and support) have proven to be as unreliable and disappointing as a dried-up riverbed in the middle of a drought. They appeared to be there for him, but when he needed them most, they offered nothing but empty words and accusations, failing to provide the solace he desperately sought. They were like brooks that promised refreshment but vanished when the heat intensified and the need was greatest.

Key takeaways:

Disappointment: Job is expressing deep disappointment in his friends' lack of support.
Unreliability: The simile of the dried-up brook highlights the unreliability of his friends.
Betrayal: There's a sense of betrayal because he expected his friends to be sources of comfort, but they have instead contributed to his suffering.
Context of suffering: It's important to remember that Job is speaking from a place of intense suffering. He feels abandoned and misunderstood.

The verse is a poignant expression of the pain of being let down by those you expect to support you in times of great need. It resonates with anyone who has experienced the disappointment of relying on someone who ultimately proves to be unreliable.

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