Welcome to NachDaily with Iyov, Perek 30. We continue the 3rd part of Iyov’s three-part monologue.

In the previous perek, Iyov recalled the greatness he’d previously gained. He would positively affect anyone who he came in contact with, and command respect for the greatness he achieved through his righteousness, wealth, and strength of character.

In this perek, among the more heart wrenching chapters in the sefer, Iyov laments his suffering and current state. This is in direct contrast to the amazing life he’d lived heretofore.

Verse 1 says, “V’atah sachaku a’lai ts’eirim mimeni l’yamim asher ma’asti avosam lashis im ka’lvei tsoni – and now those younger than me laugh at me; those whose fathers I despised too much to put among my sheep dogs.”

Iyov says that people have distanced themselves from him with no pity. They cringe when they see him because Hashem has afflicted him.

No one wants to deal with him, as it’s difficult to even look at him.

From verses 16 through 24, Iyov accuses God of causing all his pain and suffering. He also explains his illness in greater detail. In verse 16 he says, “Now my soul drains out of me. Days of misery have taken hold of me.”

His bones are constantly hurting him, and he feels pressure in his veins. He constantly needs to change his clothing because he soils himself. He feels like “dust and ashes.”

Iyov turns to God, articulating his feelings. We get an even deeper glimpse into the depths of Iyov’s pain in pessukim 20 and 21: “I cry out to You, but You do not answer me. I stand, but You contemplate me. You have become cruel to me. With the power of Your Hand You show Your hatred for me.”

These are very powerful statements, but no matter how angry and resentful he was, Iyov still turned to speak with God. He believed fully in God’s goodness, but felt as if Hashem had left the world.

In verses 25 through the end of the perek, Iyov continues to lament that he expected a better life. Although he always tried to do what was right, he’s in endless stomach and intestinal pain. His skin has become black from disease and his bones are constantly aching.

Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily as we continue with this monologue.

Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.