Daily Bible Reading for February 27, 2014: Job 17-18
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Context and Meaning: In Job 17, Job is giving a personal lament of his situation. When reading, it appears as if he is venting. He is beaten down and tired. His friends offer little support, instead insisting that he must have sinned. In Bildad's response, he fired back Job, perhaps insulted at his remarks. In verse 5, he begins a discourse on the fate of the wicked using various metaphors.
World History: In the ancient Middle East, lamps were traditionally kept burning all night. An unlit house signified that the house was abandoned. A snuffed out lamp was a symbol for death.