Job 1:5

Berean Standard Bible
And when the days of feasting were over, Job would send for his children to purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.
 
King James Bible
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
 
NET Bible
When the days of their feasting were finished, Job would send for them and sanctify them; he would get up early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job thought, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." This was Job's customary practice.
 
Hebrew Text:

וַיְהִי כִּי הִקִּיפוּ יְמֵי הַמִּשְׁתֶּה וַיִּשְׁלַח אִיּוֹב וַיְקַדְּשֵׁם וְהִשְׁכִּים בַּבֹּקֶר וְהֶעֱלָה עוֹלוֹת מִסְפַּר כֻּלָּם כִּי אָמַר אִיּוֹב אוּלַי חָטְאוּ בָנַי וּבֵרֲכוּ אֱלֹהִים בִּלְבָבָם כָּכָה יַעֲשֶׂה אִיּוֹב כָּל־הַיָּמִים׃

 
Transliteration:
Vay'hi ki hikipu y'mei ha'mishteh vayishlach Iyov vay'kadsheim v'hishkim baboker v'he'elah olot mispar kulam ki amar Iyov ulay chateu banai u'beirchu Elohim bilvavam kach ya'aseh Iyov kol-ha'yamim.
 
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Study Bible:
 
And when the days of feasting were over
This phrase sets the scene for a period of celebration, likely tied to familial or cultural traditions. The Hebrew word for "feasting" (מִשְׁתֶּה, mishteh) implies a banquet or a time of joy and abundance. Historically, such feasts were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often marking significant events or seasons. The phrase suggests a cycle of life where joy is followed by reflection, a rhythm that Job respects and adheres to.
 
Job would send and consecrate them
The act of consecration (קָדַשׁ, qadash) involves setting apart or making holy. Job's initiative to consecrate his children underscores his role as a spiritual leader in his family. This reflects the patriarchal responsibility in ancient times, where the head of the family acted as a priestly figure, interceding for his household. Job's actions demonstrate his deep concern for the spiritual well-being of his children, emphasizing the importance of holiness and dedication to God.
 
and he would rise early in the morning
Rising early signifies diligence and earnestness. In the Hebrew context, early morning is often associated with seeking God (Psalm 5:3). Job's commitment to rise early indicates his prioritization of spiritual duties over personal comfort. This practice highlights the discipline and devotion required in maintaining a faithful relationship with God, serving as an example of putting God first in one's daily life.
 
to offer burnt offerings for each of them
The burnt offering (עוֹלָה, olah) was a significant act of worship in the Old Testament, symbolizing atonement and complete surrender to God. By offering sacrifices for each child, Job acknowledges the individual accountability of each person before God. This practice reflects the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, though Job predates Moses, indicating an ancient understanding of sacrifice as a means of seeking divine favor and forgiveness.
 
For Job said, 'Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.'
Job's concern for hidden sins—those committed in the heart—reveals his understanding of sin's nature, which is not just external but internal. The Hebrew word for "cursed" (בָּרַךְ, barak) is often translated as "bless," but in this context, it is used euphemistically for "curse," showing the gravity of turning one's heart against God. Job's vigilance over his children's spiritual state underscores the importance of purity of heart and the need for constant intercession.
 
This was Job’s regular practice
The regularity of Job's actions (כָּל־הַיָּמִים, kol-hayyamim) indicates a lifestyle of consistent faithfulness and devotion. This habitual practice of intercession and sacrifice highlights the importance of perseverance in spiritual disciplines. Job's unwavering commitment serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the need for continual dedication to God and the spiritual oversight of one's family.
 
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Commentary:
 
Key Themes
Parental Responsibility and Spiritual Leadership:
 
Job is depicted as a patriarch deeply concerned with the spiritual welfare of his family. His role as a father extends beyond providing for their physical needs to ensuring their spiritual purity.
 
His actions demonstrate an intercessory role—he offers sacrifices on behalf of his children, indicating his belief in the need for atonement and forgiveness, even for potential sins.
 
Fear of Sin and Reverence for God:
 
Job's precautionary sacrifices suggest a heightened awareness of sin and its consequences. He anticipates the possibility of his children sinning, specifically by cursing God in their hearts.
 
This reflects Job's deep reverence for God and his commitment to living a blameless life, one that seeks to preemptively address any offense that might disrupt their relationship with the Divine.
 
Ritual Purity and Consistency:
 
Job's actions are described as habitual ("Thus Job did continually"). This regularity highlights the importance of consistency in religious practices and the idea that holiness requires ongoing effort and vigilance.
 
The act of rising early indicates dedication and the prioritization of spiritual duties over other daily activities.
 
Theological Implications
Sacrificial System: Job’s sacrifices prefigure the sacrificial system later formalized in the Mosaic Law, where sacrifices are made to atone for sins. It shows the concept of mediation and atonement present before the establishment of the Law.
 
Intercession: Job’s intercessory role can be seen as a precursor to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity. This ties Job’s actions to broader biblical themes of atonement and redemption.
 
Reflective Questions
Personal Reflection: How do we demonstrate our concern for the spiritual well-being of those we care about? Are there ways we can adopt a more proactive, intercessory approach in our own lives?
 
Consistency in Faith: Job’s continual practice of offering sacrifices reminds us of the importance of regular spiritual disciplines. How consistent are we in our spiritual practices, and what can we learn from Job's dedication?
 
By reflecting on Job 1:5, we can gain insights into the importance of spiritual vigilance, the role of intercessory prayer, and the need for consistency in our faith practices. It serves as an inspiring example of a life dedicated to seeking and maintaining a right relationship with God.