Job 6:7 expresses Job's profound disgust and rejection of the consolations offered by his friends. Let's break it down:
"My soul refuses to touch them..." This "them" refers to the words and arguments of Job's friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar). Job is saying he can't bear to engage with their advice or perspectives. He finds their words repulsive. It's a complete rejection, not just intellectual, but emotional and spiritual. "Touch" here implies interaction, engagement, and acceptance. He refuses to interact with their ideas.
"...They are as loathsome food to me." This is a powerful simile. He compares their words to food that is utterly repulsive. "Loathsome" suggests something disgusting, nauseating, even revolting. Food that is decayed, rotten, or otherwise inedible would be considered loathsome. It implies something that would cause one to retch or become physically ill at the thought of consuming it. Their words, therefore, are not nourishing, helpful, or comforting but the opposite. They are offensive and unbearable to him.
Meaning:
The verse vividly communicates Job's utter rejection of the "wisdom" and advice offered by his friends. He finds their explanations for his suffering completely unacceptable and even repugnant. He doesn't just disagree with them; he is revolted by their perspectives. This highlights:
Job's Isolation: He feels utterly alone in his suffering, unable to find comfort or understanding from those closest to him.
Rejection of Simplistic Explanations: Job refuses to accept the traditional theological explanation that his suffering is a direct result of his sin. He finds such simplistic answers to be insensitive and inadequate in the face of his profound pain.
Intensified Suffering: His suffering is not only physical and emotional but also spiritual. The words of his friends only deepen his anguish.
In short, Job finds his friends' words to be worse than useless; they are actively harmful and offensive to his soul. He can't stomach their explanations or find any solace in them. He experiences spiritual nausea at their attempts to comfort him.
Job 6:7 expresses Job's profound disgust and rejection of the consolations offered by his friends. Let's break it down:
"My soul refuses to touch them..." This "them" refers to the words and arguments of Job's friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar). Job is saying he can't bear to engage with their advice or perspectives. He finds their words repulsive. It's a complete rejection, not just intellectual, but emotional and spiritual. "Touch" here implies interaction, engagement, and acceptance. He refuses to interact with their ideas.
"...They are as loathsome food to me." This is a powerful simile. He compares their words to food that is utterly repulsive. "Loathsome" suggests something disgusting, nauseating, even revolting. Food that is decayed, rotten, or otherwise inedible would be considered loathsome. It implies something that would cause one to retch or become physically ill at the thought of consuming it. Their words, therefore, are not nourishing, helpful, or comforting but the opposite. They are offensive and unbearable to him.
Meaning:
The verse vividly communicates Job's utter rejection of the "wisdom" and advice offered by his friends. He finds their explanations for his suffering completely unacceptable and even repugnant. He doesn't just disagree with them; he is revolted by their perspectives. This highlights:
Job's Isolation: He feels utterly alone in his suffering, unable to find comfort or understanding from those closest to him.
Rejection of Simplistic Explanations: Job refuses to accept the traditional theological explanation that his suffering is a direct result of his sin. He finds such simplistic answers to be insensitive and inadequate in the face of his profound pain.
Intensified Suffering: His suffering is not only physical and emotional but also spiritual. The words of his friends only deepen his anguish.
In short, Job finds his friends' words to be worse than useless; they are actively harmful and offensive to his soul. He can't stomach their explanations or find any solace in them. He experiences spiritual nausea at their attempts to comfort him.