Translations
Modern
While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels, and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
Traditional
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Literal
Still this one was speaking, when this one came and said, “The Chaldeans made three heads and rushed upon the camels and took them away, and they struck the servants with the mouth of the sword—and only I have escaped, by myself alone, to declare it to you.”
Latin
Sed et illo adhuc loquente, venit alius, et dixit: Chaldæi fecerunt tres turmas, et invaserunt camelos, et tulerunt eos, necnon et pueros percusserunt gladio: et ego fugi solus, ut nuntiarem tibi.
Original
Hebrew
English
While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels, and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
Notes
These attacks took away the blessings listed in 1:2–3. Job was left with four messengers who came to report terrible news and a wife who gave poor advice.
The phrase "While he was still speaking" emphasizes the repeated nature of the attacks (see Jeremiah 51:31). The phrase "I alone have escaped to tell you" emphasizes the complete destruction of Job’s resources.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
Places
Chaldea: Ancient Mesopotamian empire; known for astrology and wisdom
Glossary
Topics
Armies: Generally in Three Divisions Armies: March in Ranks: Move, in Attack, in Three Divisions Camel: Herds of Job: A Man Who Lived in Uz: Trial of, by Affliction of Satan Resignation: Exemplified Temptation: A Test The Camel: Esteemed a Valuable Booty