Study note

Job 10:8–11

  • A series of images shows God's role in creating Job.

  • Your hands shaped me … You molded me like clay: This is how a "potter" makes a vessel (Isaiah 45:9; Jeremiah 18:1–12). Although the potter has complete control over the clay, Job still questioned God (Isaiah 45:9; Jeremiah 18:5–12; Romans 9:20–25).

  • return me to dust: This common theme in Job shows life's temporary nature (Job 4:19; 7:9–10, 21; 14:1–2, 10; see Genesis 3:19).

  • You not pour me out like milk, and curdle me like cheese: The Hebrew terms create a lively image of a new born baby still covered with vernix (a creamy substance).