And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
JOB 1:15KJVWhat does Job 1:15 mean?
Job 1:15 reports that a group called the Sabeans attacked Job’s servants, killed them with swords, and stole his livestock, leaving only one servant alive to bring Job the news. This verse is part of a series of disasters that suddenly strike Job, showing the complete loss of his wealth and the violence involved.
The verse is spoken by a surviving servant who rushes to tell Job what happened. The Sabeans were a people known for raiding, and here they violently seize Job’s oxen and donkeys. The servant’s escape highlights the total devastation—only one witness remains to report the tragedy, emphasizing the suddenness and completeness of Job’s loss.
The Hebrew behind Job 1:15
- Sabeans (שְׁבָאִים, sheva'im): This word refers to a group known for raiding and plundering, which fits the context of a violent attack on Job’s property.
- Edge (פֶּה, peh): Literally meaning “mouth,” this word is used in Hebrew to describe the “edge” or “mouth” of a sword, painting a vivid picture of the servants being killed by direct violence.
- Escaped (מָלַט, malat): This word means to slip away or escape, stressing that the servant’s survival was narrow and exceptional.
Why Job 1:15 matters
- Job 1:15 makes clear that Job’s losses were not just accidental but involved human violence and cruelty, deepening the sense of tragedy.
- The verse sets a pattern repeated in the chapter: each disaster leaves only one survivor to report to Job, underlining how overwhelming and total the losses are.
- By naming the Sabeans and describing the violence, the verse shows that Job’s suffering comes from both natural and human sources, highlighting the completeness of his trials.