Definition: Lo, let that night be solitary, let no joyful voice come therein.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Job 3:7. It’s a really interesting and profound passage about God’s perspective on human endeavors. Here's my explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes God’s feeling when he sees humanity – and especially people who are striving or doing something significant – alone, without joy or celebration. It suggests that God finds it difficult to witness such things. Let’s unpack the words: “Lo, let that night be solitary…” - "Lo" is a word meaning "let." It's a command, like saying “please” or “allow.” So, this isn’t just a suggestion; it's a statement of God’s observation. “…let no joyful voice come therein.” – This means that there shouldn't be any happy sounds, laughter, praise, or celebration associated with the situation. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to several things: God’s Perspective: It highlights God’s perspective and his distance from human happiness and success. He doesn’t want us to be joyful all the time – he sees our struggles and challenges as part of the whole picture. The Importance of Purpose & Struggle: Job 3:7 suggests that true meaning isn't found in fleeting joy, but in facing difficulties and persevering through them. It implies that a significant accomplishment or purpose is often born from hardship. God doesn’t like it when people are constantly celebrating without considering the bigger picture. A Sense of Sovereignty: It can also be interpreted as God's ultimate sovereignty – his control over events, and his ability to observe without being affected by our happiness or sorrow. In short, Job 3:7 is a snapshot of God’s observation of humanity – he sees the potential for both great good and great sadness, and finds it challenging when we focus solely on joy. Where does this verse come from? This passage appears in the Book of Job, a lengthy and complex book within the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It's often interpreted as a reflection of God’s own experience with human suffering and the challenges He faced. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Discuss its theological significance from a specific perspective (e.g., existentialism, Stoicism)? Provide a related story or example to help illustrate the point?