You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "many shall make suit unto thee" isn't just about people asking for favors; it literally means they will "stroke your face" or "caress you." This paints a picture of a respected leader, whose very presence and favor are sought after, almost like a king.
You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Zophar is painting a picture of what Job's life could be like if he repents and turns back to God, contrasting it with his current suffering. He's essentially telling Job that if he admits his faults and humbles himself, he'll experience a secure and respected life free from fear and full of favor from others.
Imagine a peace so profound that even the thought of danger is banished. Zophar paints this picture for Job, promising a future where he can finally exhale.
Zophar’s words offer a vision of ultimate security. When Job is restored, he won't just feel safe; he will be safe. The violent raids that had plagued him—like those by the Sabeans and Chaldeans—will be a distant memory. This isn't just about physical safety; it’s a deep, internal rest. To 'lie down' in this context means to settle into a profound peace, free from the anxieties that had tormented him. It’s a state where no external threat, and no internal dread, can disturb his slumber.
Beyond just personal peace, Zophar promises Job that his restored life will be one of significant influence and respect.
The second part of the verse, 'many will court your favor,' speaks to a future of restored honor and influence. In ancient Near Eastern culture, being sought after for counsel and advice was a mark of great distinction. It meant people valued your wisdom, your character, and your standing. This wasn't about flattery; it was about genuine respect and the desire for your support. Imagine former adversaries or those who doubted you now coming to you for help or guidance. This signifies a complete turnaround, where Job's prosperity and integrity would draw others to him, eager for his favor and friendship.
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Zophar's words about Job's potential restoration paint a picture of ideal ancient Near Eastern prosperity: complete security from raiders and being sought after by many for favor and counsel, reflecting a deep cultural yearning for peace and high social standing.
c. 2000 BC
Patriarchal Era Begins
This era, marked by figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, sets a precedent for the importance of prosperity, divine favor, and societal standing in the ancient Near East.
~1700 BC
Rise of Ancient Near Eastern City-States
The development of complex societies and economies meant that wealth, influence, and security were highly valued, and seeking the favor of influential individuals was common.
~1500 BC
Flourishing of Wisdom Literature
The cultural context produced 'wisdom literature' like Proverbs, which often described the ideal life as one of security, respect, and the ability to help others – themes echoed in Job's restoration.
c. 1000 BC - 400 BC— this verse
The Book of Job Written
The Book of Job is believed to have been written or compiled during this broad period, reflecting ancient Near Eastern understanding of justice, suffering, and divine sovereignty. The specific context of Job's suffering and Zophar's words likely occurred within this broader timeframe, though Job's exact personal timeline is unknown.
c. 500 BC
Persian Empire's Influence on the Region
Later empires like Persia reinforced social hierarchies and the importance of patronage, where lower status individuals would 'make suit' or seek favor from those in power.
This passage directly illustrates the 'many shall make suit unto thee' idea, as Job recounts how he was revered and sought after by leaders and the poor alike during his prosperity. It shows the depth of respect and favor he once held, a stark contrast to his current suffering.
Psalm 4:8This verse speaks of lying down in peace and safety, echoing the assurance of 'none will make you afraid.' It connects the idea of undisturbed rest to trust in God, highlighting a spiritual foundation for security.
Proverbs 3:23-24This proverb connects walking securely and not stumbling with trusting in the Lord, paralleling the peaceful rest described in Job 11:19. It suggests that true security and freedom from fear come from a right relationship with God.
Isaiah 14:30This verse speaks of the poor and needy finding pasture and rest securely, implying a state of peace and freedom from oppression. It connects the idea of undisturbed rest to the restoration and security promised to those who are cared for.
pooleJob 11:19: "Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee."
Desiring thy favour and friendship, because of thy great power, and riches, and eminent felicity: see Genesis 26:26 , &c.
jfbJob 11:19: "Also thou shalt lie down, and none shall make thee afraid; yea, many shall make suit unto thee."
- (Ps 4:8; Pr 3:24; Isa 14:30); oriental images of prosperity.make suit—literally, "stroke thy face," "caress thee" (Pr 19:6).
The phrase "many shall make suit unto thee" isn't just about people asking for favors; it literally means they will "stroke your face" or "caress you." This paints a picture of a respected leader, whose very presence and favor are sought after, almost like a king.
Zophar is painting a picture of what Job's life could be like if he repents and turns back to God, contrasting it with his current suffering. He's essentially telling Job that if he admits his faults and humbles himself, he'll experience a secure and respected life free from fear and full of favor from others.
Zophar is painting a picture of what Job's life could be like if he repents and turns back to God, contrasting it with his current suffering. He's essentially telling Job that if he admits his faults and humbles himself, he'll experience a secure and respected life free from fear and full of favor from others.
"You will lie down, and none will make you afraid; many will court your favor." — The phrase "many shall make suit unto thee" isn't just about people asking for favors; it literally means they will "stroke your face" or "caress you." This paints a picture of a respected leader, wh…
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Last reviewed October 2026