What is the meaning of Job 42:14? He named his first daughter Jemimah “Jemimah” means “dove,” and the dove picture carries a sense of peace and new beginnings. Job, restored after his long ordeal, signals that God has brought him into a season of calm. This mirrors how a dove marked the end of judgment for Noah (Genesis 8:11) and how the Spirit descended “like a dove” at Jesus’ baptism, announcing favor (Matthew 3:16). By naming his firstborn daughter Jemimah, Job publicly affirms that the God who “makes wars cease” (Psalm 46:9) has also stilled the storms in his own life. • God’s restoration is tangible: the first child born after Job’s trials embodies peace. • Scripture emphasizes God’s ability to end turmoil (Isaiah 26:3). • Jemimah’s introduction sets the tone for a family marked by blessing, foreshadowing the statement that “no women in all the land were found so beautiful” as Job’s daughters (Job 42:15). his second Keziah “Keziah” refers to the spice cassia, known for its rich fragrance. In the tabernacle worship, cassia was part of the anointing oil (Exodus 30:24–25), symbolizing consecration and delight in God’s presence. By selecting this name, Job acknowledges that the Lord has not merely ended suffering but has infused his household with fresh spiritual aroma (2 Corinthians 2:14). • Cassia’s scent points to joy and worship, aligning with Job’s renewed relationship with God after his repentance (Job 42:6). • The fragrance theme recalls Psalm 45:8, where the Messiah’s garments “are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia,” hinting that restored fellowship with God is a foretaste of messianic blessing. • Keziah’s name reminds readers that God’s restorations are pleasant, not grudging; He “gives richly to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). and his third Keren-happuch “Keren-happuch” means “horn of eye paint,” an ancient cosmetic container suggesting beauty accentuated and displayed. The name highlights visible, unmistakable favor. After the ash heap, Job’s life now shines, proving that “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn” (Psalm 37:6). • The “horn” often represents strength (1 Samuel 2:1), so the name blends beauty with renewed vigor. • Eye paint made the eyes sparkle; likewise, God’s deliverance gives spiritual radiance (Psalm 34:5, “their faces are radiant”). • By giving his third daughter this name, Job signals that God not only restores but embellishes; He “is able to do immeasurably more” (Ephesians 3:20). summary Job 42:14 is more than a birth announcement. Each daughter’s name—Jemimah (peace), Keziah (fragrant joy), and Keren-happuch (radiant strength)—proclaims a different facet of God’s restoration. Together they testify that the Lord who allowed Job’s testing also brings peace after turmoil, sweetens life with worshipful delight, and crowns His servants with beauty and strength. |
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