Job 36:20

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

لَا تَلْهَثْ وَرَاءَ الظُّلمَةِ الَّتِي تُغَطِّي الآخَرِينَ.

What Does This Mean?

Job 36:20 says, 'Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place.' Elihu, one of Job's friends, is speaking here, warning Job not to long for dark times when bad things happen.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game and it's getting dark. Your friend says, 'Don't wish for night to come, because when it's dark, things can get scary and people might leave.' That's what Elihu is telling Job.

Historical Background

Job 36:20 is part of the Book of Job, written around 1500-500 BC. Elihu, a young man, speaks to Job and his friends, warning Job against despair and encouraging him to trust God even in difficult times.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can apply to someone who is facing tough situations and considering giving up. Just like Job, one might feel like the night is coming and want to escape, but the verse encourages staying hopeful and trusting that the situation will pass.

Topics

• hope
• trust
• adversity
• encouragement
• perseverance
• despair

Related Verses

• Psalms 30:5
• Lamentations 3:21-23
• Romans 8:28
• Jeremiah 29:11
• 1 Peter 5:7

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Elihu in the Book of Job?

Elihu is a young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering his own perspective on Job's suffering and encouraging him to trust in God.

What does it mean to 'desire not the night'?

It means not longing for dark times when bad things happen, instead staying hopeful and trusting that things will improve.

How does this verse relate to perseverance?

This verse encourages perseverance by warning against wishing for the end when times are tough, instead emphasizing trust and hope.

Can you give a modern example of applying this verse?

Someone going through a difficult job search might use this verse to remind themselves to stay hopeful and not give up, trusting that a better situation will come.