Job 6:19

The troupes of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them. Job 6:19 (KJV)

The book of Job is set in the ancient Near East and tells the story of a man named Job who experiences great suffering. In this verse Job expresses disappointment with his friends’ lack of support and understanding.

Tema and Sheba were regions on the Arabian Peninsula. Tema was associated with a nomadic tribe, while Sheba was renowned for its wealth and trading activities.

In the passage Job describes how the troops of Tema and the companies of Sheba looked and waited for something. The precise event he is referring to is not made explicit, but the image is used to convey his longing for assistance. The surrounding verses (Job 6:15‑18) compare his friends to drying brooks that the troops of Tema and the companies of Sheba expected to find water in, yet found none.

The reference to the troops and companies functions as a metaphor for the expectation Job had of his friends. He hoped they would come to his aid and provide comfort, much as troops await orders or companies stand ready to assist. This metaphor may serve to highlight the gap between expectation and reality.

Spiritually, the passage underscores the imperfect nature of human relationships and the limits of human understanding. While Job yearned for support, his friends fell short of his hopes, revealing how even well‑intentioned companions can fail to meet our deepest needs.

For further study, readers are encouraged to read the entire book of Job, examine the dialogues between Job and his friends, and consider God’s response to Job’s suffering. This broader context deepens appreciation of the themes of suffering, patience, and divine wisdom.