Verse
Context
Sermons
A.W. Pink
Thomas BrooksThomas Brooks
Peter Hammond
John Follette
Charles Ewing Brown Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Yet man is born unto trouble - לעמל leamal, to labor. He must toil and be careful; and if in the course of his labor he meet with trials and difficulties, he should rise superior to them, and not sink as thou dost. As the sparks By upward - ובני רשף יגביהי עוף ubeney resheph yagbihu uph; And the sons of the coal lift up their flight, or dart upwards. And who are the sons of the coal? Are they not bold, intrepid, ardent, fearless men, who rise superior to all their trials; combat what are termed chance and occurrence; succumb under no difficulties; and rise superior to time, tide, fate, and fortune? I prefer this to all the various meanings of the place with which I have met. Coverdale translates, It is man that is borne unto mysery, like as the byrde for to fle. Most of the ancient versions give a similar sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Yet--rather, "Truly," or, But affliction does not come from chance, but is the appointment of God for sin; that is, the original birth-sin of man. Eliphaz passes from the particular sin and consequent suffering of Job to the universal sin and suffering of mankind. Troubles spring from man's common sin by as necessary a law of natural consequences as sparks (Hebrew, "sons of coal") fly upward. Troubles are many and fiery, as sparks (Pe1 4:12; Isa 43:2). UMBREIT for "sparks" has "birds of prey;" literally, "sons of lightning," not so well.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Yet man is born unto trouble,.... Or but (b), after the negative follows the positive part of the assertion; before we have what is denied as the cause of affliction, here what it is affirmed to be, or what it is to be ascribed unto, even to the appointment of God for sin: to be born to it is to be appointed to it, as all men are appointed to death, and to everything previous and that leads on to it; and it signifies that affliction or trouble springs from the birth sin of man, from original sin, the sin of the first parent, and of his nature; as all sins arise from hence, and are streams from this fountain of pollution, so all disorders and diseases of body, all distresses and anguish of mind, and death in every sense, corporeal, spiritual, and eternal; and these are the lot and portion, the estate and inheritance, of the sons of men by nature, what they are born unto, and are full of, see Job 14:1; the same word is here used as in Job 5:6, and signifies labour, mischief, the mischief of sin, improbity, wickedness, moral evil; and man may be said to be born to sin, inasmuch as he is conceived, shapen, and born in it; and as he is born at once into a sinful state, and sins as soon as born, goes astray from the womb, is a transgressor from thence, and the imagination of his heart evil from his infancy and youth upwards, he becomes a slave to sin, and is a homeborn one; not that he is laid under a necessity of force to sin, or his will compelled to it; for he sins most freely, is a voluntary slave to it; he serves various lusts as pleasures, and gives himself up to work all iniquity with greediness; but there is such a connection between his birth, the circumstances of it, and sin, that sin is the certain consequence of it, and immediately, naturally, and necessarily follows upon it; that is, by a necessity of consequence, though not of coaction or force; it is as natural for man to sin as it is for a thirsty man to covet and drink water; or as for an Ethiopian to be born black, and a leopard with spots; or, as it follows: as the sparks fly upward; which they do naturally and necessarily when coals are blown, and which are here called "the sons of coals" (c); and to these, troubles and afflictions, the fruits and effects of sin, may be aptly compared; not only for the necessity of them, it is if needs be they are, but for the nature of them, being fiery and troublesome, hence called fiery trials, and signified by fires and flames of fire, Pe1 4:12; and also for the number of them, being many, and very grievous: some interpret this of flying fowls, of young vultures, as the Septuagint; of young eagles, as others; Aben Ezra makes mention of this sense, as if it was, as a fowl is born to fly, so man is born to labour; to labour in the law, according to the Targum; or to labour for his bread; or rather, to labour and sorrow; that is, to affliction and trouble: a learned man (d) thinks the phrase, according to the use of it in the Arabic language, designs the more rapid cast of a dart, of the vibration of it, which is very quick. (b) "sed", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius Schmidt, so Broughton. (c) , "tilii prunae", Montanus, Vatablus, Piscator, Cocceius, Bolducius, Schmidt. (d) Hinckelman. Praefat. ad Alcoran. p. 29. So Schultens renders it, "tela corusea".
Eliphaz Continues: God Blesses those Who Seek Him
6For distress does not spring from the dust, and trouble does not sprout from the ground. 7Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Affliction and Glory
By A.W. Pink1AfflictionEternal GloryJOB 5:7ACT 14:22ROM 8:182CO 4:17JAS 1:2A.W. Pink emphasizes the contrast between our present afflictions and the eternal glory that awaits believers, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 4:17. He encourages Christians not to be overwhelmed by trials, reminding them that these light and momentary troubles serve a greater purpose in shaping their character and faith. Pink explains that while afflictions are a common part of life, they are light in comparison to the weight of glory that God has prepared for us. He urges believers to view their suffering through the lens of eternity, recognizing that the hardships of this life are temporary and ultimately lead to a greater appreciation of divine glory. The sermon calls for faith to help us endure present trials while anticipating the joy of eternal life with God.
Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod - Part 1
By Thomas Brooks0AfflictionTrust in God's SovereigntyJOB 5:7PSA 34:19PSA 39:9LAM 3:27HAB 2:20Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of maintaining a silent and humble spirit during afflictions, drawing from Psalm 39:9, where David acknowledges God's sovereignty in his suffering. He encourages Christians to recognize God's hand in their trials and to respond with a calm and quiet heart, rather than with complaints or despair. Brooks outlines various forms of silence, distinguishing between unholy and holy silence, and stresses that true silence involves a deep understanding of God's justice and mercy. He reassures believers that afflictions serve a purpose in their spiritual growth and that God’s love remains constant even in hardship. Ultimately, Brooks calls for a patient waiting on the Lord, trusting in His goodness and timing.
Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous
By Thomas Brooks0AfflictionGod's MercyJOB 5:7PSA 34:19PSA 119:71ISA 43:2ROM 8:282CO 4:172TI 3:12HEB 12:6JAS 1:21PE 5:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes that the righteous are destined to face numerous afflictions, as illustrated in Job 5:7 and Psalms 34:19. He explains that troubles often come in waves, much like April showers, and that these challenges are part of God's wise and good plan. Despite the frequency and intensity of these trials, Brooks reassures Christians that each affliction is a sign of God's mercy, as not every hardship leads to condemnation. He encourages believers to recognize the purpose behind their struggles and to find hope in God's goodness amidst their trials.
Being Prepared
By Peter Hammond0GEN 6:11GEN 41:331SA 17:45JOB 5:7PRO 3:25PRO 24:10PRO 27:12ECC 9:12MAT 7:24LUK 12:4LUK 22:36ACT 14:22ROM 8:281CO 9:24PHP 4:121TI 4:81TI 5:8Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of being prudent and prepared for adversity, drawing lessons from biblical figures like Noah, Joseph, and the Apostle Paul who faced hardships but trusted in God. The sermon emphasizes the need to fear God alone, make practical preparations for the future, and build a strong foundation on God's Word to endure life's storms. It highlights the significance of mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical preparedness, urging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and cultivate a deep personal relationship with Him.
Trouble -- a Servant
By John Follette0GEN 50:20JOB 5:7PSA 34:19JHN 16:33ROM 5:32CO 4:172CO 11:232TI 3:12HEB 5:8John Follette emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing trouble and testing in life as a means for God to prove our faith and shape our character. He highlights that trouble is a part of the divine arrangement and a sign of spirituality and growth, rather than a punishment for sin. Follette challenges the misconception that the Christian life should be void of trouble, emphasizing that tribulation is a word used in relation to saints and is a necessary element for building character and releasing potential power. He encourages believers to use trouble as a servant to bring forth the best in them, leading to a deeper surrender of spirit and the development of Christ-like character.
The Need of Salvation
By Charles Ewing Brown0GEN 3:17JOB 5:7PSA 24:1ECC 3:11ROM 8:19Charles Ewing Brown preaches about the universal theme of human suffering and misery, tracing it back to the earliest times and the inherent struggles faced by mankind. The sermon delves into the philosophical views of various thinkers like Schopenhauer, Thomas a Kempis, John Milton, and John Bunyan, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of human misery and the eternal quest for understanding and solutions. It emphasizes the dual nature of man, torn between the physical and spiritual realms, and the misalignment with God that leads to maladjustment and sin, ultimately causing the perpetual state of human suffering.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Yet man is born unto trouble - לעמל leamal, to labor. He must toil and be careful; and if in the course of his labor he meet with trials and difficulties, he should rise superior to them, and not sink as thou dost. As the sparks By upward - ובני רשף יגביהי עוף ubeney resheph yagbihu uph; And the sons of the coal lift up their flight, or dart upwards. And who are the sons of the coal? Are they not bold, intrepid, ardent, fearless men, who rise superior to all their trials; combat what are termed chance and occurrence; succumb under no difficulties; and rise superior to time, tide, fate, and fortune? I prefer this to all the various meanings of the place with which I have met. Coverdale translates, It is man that is borne unto mysery, like as the byrde for to fle. Most of the ancient versions give a similar sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Yet--rather, "Truly," or, But affliction does not come from chance, but is the appointment of God for sin; that is, the original birth-sin of man. Eliphaz passes from the particular sin and consequent suffering of Job to the universal sin and suffering of mankind. Troubles spring from man's common sin by as necessary a law of natural consequences as sparks (Hebrew, "sons of coal") fly upward. Troubles are many and fiery, as sparks (Pe1 4:12; Isa 43:2). UMBREIT for "sparks" has "birds of prey;" literally, "sons of lightning," not so well.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Yet man is born unto trouble,.... Or but (b), after the negative follows the positive part of the assertion; before we have what is denied as the cause of affliction, here what it is affirmed to be, or what it is to be ascribed unto, even to the appointment of God for sin: to be born to it is to be appointed to it, as all men are appointed to death, and to everything previous and that leads on to it; and it signifies that affliction or trouble springs from the birth sin of man, from original sin, the sin of the first parent, and of his nature; as all sins arise from hence, and are streams from this fountain of pollution, so all disorders and diseases of body, all distresses and anguish of mind, and death in every sense, corporeal, spiritual, and eternal; and these are the lot and portion, the estate and inheritance, of the sons of men by nature, what they are born unto, and are full of, see Job 14:1; the same word is here used as in Job 5:6, and signifies labour, mischief, the mischief of sin, improbity, wickedness, moral evil; and man may be said to be born to sin, inasmuch as he is conceived, shapen, and born in it; and as he is born at once into a sinful state, and sins as soon as born, goes astray from the womb, is a transgressor from thence, and the imagination of his heart evil from his infancy and youth upwards, he becomes a slave to sin, and is a homeborn one; not that he is laid under a necessity of force to sin, or his will compelled to it; for he sins most freely, is a voluntary slave to it; he serves various lusts as pleasures, and gives himself up to work all iniquity with greediness; but there is such a connection between his birth, the circumstances of it, and sin, that sin is the certain consequence of it, and immediately, naturally, and necessarily follows upon it; that is, by a necessity of consequence, though not of coaction or force; it is as natural for man to sin as it is for a thirsty man to covet and drink water; or as for an Ethiopian to be born black, and a leopard with spots; or, as it follows: as the sparks fly upward; which they do naturally and necessarily when coals are blown, and which are here called "the sons of coals" (c); and to these, troubles and afflictions, the fruits and effects of sin, may be aptly compared; not only for the necessity of them, it is if needs be they are, but for the nature of them, being fiery and troublesome, hence called fiery trials, and signified by fires and flames of fire, Pe1 4:12; and also for the number of them, being many, and very grievous: some interpret this of flying fowls, of young vultures, as the Septuagint; of young eagles, as others; Aben Ezra makes mention of this sense, as if it was, as a fowl is born to fly, so man is born to labour; to labour in the law, according to the Targum; or to labour for his bread; or rather, to labour and sorrow; that is, to affliction and trouble: a learned man (d) thinks the phrase, according to the use of it in the Arabic language, designs the more rapid cast of a dart, of the vibration of it, which is very quick. (b) "sed", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius Schmidt, so Broughton. (c) , "tilii prunae", Montanus, Vatablus, Piscator, Cocceius, Bolducius, Schmidt. (d) Hinckelman. Praefat. ad Alcoran. p. 29. So Schultens renders it, "tela corusea".