How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.
The verse belongs to Job's answer to Zophar, in which Job turns from men to appeal directly to God. It falls within the larger debate between Job and his three friends about his afflictions, an argument over the cause and purpose of human suffering. It is part of Job's reply to their constant accusations, both stated and implied, and stands within an extended exchange of accusations and responses that belongs together and is best read together rather than in strict daily order. It stands in the part of the book that sets forth the problems that have perplexed humanity through all ages, an overruling providence and sin and suffering.
Job, conscious of his integrity, could not understand God's dealings with him, so the verse expresses his appeal to be shown what sins he has committed. It stands where God is disciplining Job and bringing him through the fire of affliction, while his three friends charge him with sin and declare his sufferings are because of that sin. It shows how humanity is prone to misjudge its fellows in this same way.
The verse is a prayer for God's convicting power, asking to know the number and nature of one's iniquities, transgressions, and sins. It shows a receptive desire to learn from affliction, making affliction an occasion to ask God to reveal one's sins and to seek understanding of where one has gone wrong. It teaches that a person should ask God to make known the extent of their sins and transgressions, since knowing one's wrongdoing is part of becoming right before trying to do right.
The verse belongs to Job's answer to Zophar, in which Job turns from men to appeal directly to God. It falls within the larger debate between Job and his three friends about his afflictions, an argument over the cause and purpose of human suffering. It is part of Job's reply to their constant accusations, both stated and implied, and stands within an extended exchange of accusations and responses that belongs together and is best read together rather than in strict daily order. It stands in the part of the book that sets forth the problems that have perplexed humanity through all ages, an overruling providence and sin and suffering.
Job, conscious of his integrity, could not understand God's dealings with him, so the verse expresses his appeal to be shown what sins he has committed. It stands where God is disciplining Job and bringing him through the fire of affliction, while his three friends charge him with sin and declare his sufferings are because of that sin. It shows how humanity is prone to misjudge its fellows in this same way.
The verse is a prayer for God's convicting power, asking to know the number and nature of one's iniquities, transgressions, and sins. It shows a receptive desire to learn from affliction, making affliction an occasion to ask God to reveal one's sins and to seek understanding of where one has gone wrong. It teaches that a person should ask God to make known the extent of their sins and transgressions, since knowing one's wrongdoing is part of becoming right before trying to do right.