Book of Job - Chapter 40 - Verse 13
Meaning
When examining the verse 'Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.', it's important to understand the context in which it was written. This verse comes from the book of Job in the Old Testament, where Job is expressing his deep anguish and despair. In this particular verse, Job is lamenting the fact that he wishes he had never been born, and that he would rather be hidden away in the dust and forgotten. The phrase "bind their faces in secret" could be interpreted as a desire to be concealed from the world, to not have to face the pain and suffering that life has brought him. Job is expressing his desire for oblivion, to be hidden from the world and to no longer have to endure the hardships he is facing. This verse captures the deep sense of hopelessness and desperation that Job is experiencing, and serves as a reminder of the profound emotional struggles that can accompany life's trials.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the phrase "Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret" carries a deeper theological interpretation. The action of hiding something in the dust symbolizes a sense of humility before the divine. Dust, a symbol of mortality and insignificance, represents our human frailty and need for God's grace and mercy. Binding their faces in secret signifies the concealment of one's identity or true self from the world, indicating a personal and intimate relationship with God that is known only in the secret depths of the heart. This verse highlights the importance of humbling oneself before God and seeking a hidden, intimate communion with Him. The word "secret" in this context emphasizes the profound and mysterious nature of our connection with the divine, which transcends the superficial and external aspects of religious practice.