Definition: When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly poetic verse from Job 29:6. It’s a really strange and evocative passage, but it speaks to a profound sense of perspective and acceptance. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of immense suffering and despair for the speaker, Job. He's describing a situation where he is completely helpless and vulnerable – like being thrown out of a river of oil. Let's unpack it word by word: “When I washed my steps with butter…” - This immediately sets up a very unusual image. Jobs is washing his steps, which suggests a mundane or everyday activity. Butter, however, is a luxurious and precious substance. It’s implying something incredibly valuable being lost. “…and the rock poured me out rivers of oil.” - This is the core of the verse. "Rocks" are usually solid and stable – mountains, boulders, etc. But here, the word “rock” is used metaphorically to represent everything that’s important to him: his family, his possessions, his reputation, his life itself. The “rivers of oil” describe a relentless, unstoppable flow of suffering - pain, loss, and disappointment. It's like an unending torrent. So, what does it mean? The verse isn’t about literal suffering. It's a powerful metaphor for: The Inevitability of Suffering: Job is facing overwhelming hardship – his wealth is lost, his children are gone, and he's facing the judgment of God. He sees this hardship as unavoidable, like a constant stream of something terrible happening to him. Perspective & Acceptance: Job’s response isn’t one of anger or defiance. Instead, he accepts this suffering. He realizes that even in his most difficult moment, he's still present and experiencing it. He’s not trying to stop the flow, but he’s acknowledging its presence. A Shift in Understanding: The verse suggests a shift from focusing on avoiding the hardship to accepting it as part of life. It implies that even in the face of immense loss, there's still value and significance within the experience itself. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t explicitly say why Job is experiencing this. It’s a deeply symbolic expression of human vulnerability and the struggle to find meaning in the midst of pain. --- Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Job](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Job) - This site allows you to read the verse in multiple translations and see context. Insights Bible: [https://insightsbiblestore.com/job-29-6/](https://insightsbiblestore.com/job-29-6/) – A detailed explanation with notes and commentary. Do you want me to: Explain the verse in more detail? Discuss its connection to other biblical themes (like suffering, faith, or wisdom)?