Bildad attempts to comfort Iyov by telling him that if he is as righteous as he claims to be, his suffering will not last long. When the suffering ends, he will feel so happy that his mouth will be filled with laughter. These words are reminiscent of the description, found in Sefer Tehillim (126:2), of the return of the exiled Jews to the Land of Israel: “Our mouths shall be filled with laughter.” It is often said that what causes someone to laugh is an unexpected ending. While he is in the midst of his suffering, it is almost impossible for Iyov to imagine relief from his misery. Similarly, the Jewish people in exile could not always envision an actual redemption. When it comes, therefore, it not only causes feelings of happiness and joy, but laughter as well.
Recent Headlines
- Google labels West Jerusalem ‘capital of Palestine’
New European research initiative launched to improve access to MMR and HPV vaccines in neglected populations
In a nano-optics breakthrough, Haifa researchers observe sound-light pulses in two-dimensional materials for the first time
Mike Evans compares himself to Jeremiah, Evangelical leaders push back
Omar compares Israel to Hamas: Democrats silent
Palestinian charges Israeli checkpoint with a knife, is shot dead by guard
Jonah in our time? Whale swallows man off Massachusetts’ coast, spits him out
Netanyahu hints at miracle before being dethroned: ‘God is on my side’