For the thing I feared has overtaken me
This phrase reflects Job's deep-seated anxieties and fears, which have now become his reality. In the context of the Book of Job, Job was a man of great wealth and piety, known for his fear of God and shunning of evil (Job 1:1). His fear likely stemmed from a concern for losing God's favor and the blessings he had received. This sentiment echoes the human condition of fearing loss and suffering, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In Proverbs 10:24, it is stated, "What the wicked dreads will overtake him; what the righteous desire will be granted." This suggests a universal truth about the power of fear and its potential to manifest in one's life. Job's experience can be seen as a test of faith, similar to the trials faced by other biblical figures such as Abraham and Joseph, who also encountered severe trials but ultimately saw God's purpose fulfilled.

and what I dreaded has befallen me
This part of the verse emphasizes the realization of Job's worst fears. In the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, calamity and suffering were often seen as signs of divine displeasure or punishment. Job's dread likely included the loss of his children, wealth, and health, which were considered blessings from God. Theologically, this verse challenges the retribution principle, the belief that good is rewarded and evil is punished, which was prevalent in Job's time. Job's suffering, despite his righteousness, points to a more complex understanding of God's justice and sovereignty. This theme is further explored in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ, though sinless, suffers and dies, fulfilling God's redemptive plan (Isaiah 53:3-5). Job's lament can also be seen as a precursor to the suffering servant motif, highlighting the mystery of suffering and the hope of eventual restoration and vindication.

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He was a wealthy and respected figure in the land of Uz, known for his piety and integrity.

2. Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, a region that is not precisely located but is thought to be in the area of Edom or northern Arabia.

3. Job's Trials
The series of calamities that befall Job, including the loss of his wealth, the death of his children, and his own physical suffering, which lead to his lament in Job 3:25.Understanding Fear and Faith
Job's experience teaches us about the human condition of fear and how it can manifest in our lives. It challenges us to examine our own fears and how they align with our faith in God.

The Reality of Suffering
Job's lament is a reminder that suffering is a part of the human experience, even for the righteous. It encourages believers to seek God amidst trials and to trust in His sovereignty.

The Importance of Perspective
Job's fear and subsequent suffering highlight the need for a godly perspective. Believers are encouraged to focus on God's promises and character rather than their circumstances.

The Role of Community
Job's account underscores the importance of having a supportive faith community during times of fear and suffering, as seen in the interactions with his friends, albeit flawed.

Trusting God's Plan
Despite Job's fears coming true, the broader account of Job encourages trust in God's ultimate plan and purpose, even when it is not immediately apparent.(25) For the thing which I greatly feared . . .--Comp. Proverbs 28:14. It means that he had always had in remembrance the uncertainty and instability of earthly things, an yet he had been overtaken by a calamity that mocked his carefulness and exceeded his apprehensions.

Verse 25. - For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me; literally, for I fear a fear, and it comes upon me. The meaning is not that the affliction which has come upon him is a thing which Job had feared when he was prosperous; but that now that he is in adversity, he is beset with fears, and that all his presentiments of evil are almost immediately accomplished. The second clause, And that which I was (rather, am) afraid of is come unto me, merely repeats and emphasizes the first (see the comment on ver. 11).

Parallel Commentaries ...


For
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the thing
פַ֣חַד (p̄a·ḥaḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6343: A, alarm

I feared
פָּ֭חַדְתִּי (pā·ḥaḏ·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6342: To dread, be in dread or in awe

has overtaken me,
וַיֶּאֱתָיֵ֑נִי (way·ye·’ĕ·ṯā·yê·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 857: To arrive

and what
וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר (wa·’ă·šer)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I dreaded
יָ֝גֹ֗רְתִּי (yā·ḡō·rə·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3025: To be afraid, fear

has befallen
יָ֣בֹא (yā·ḇō)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

me.
לִֽי׃ (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Poetry: Job 3:25 For the thing which I fear comes (Jb)