Daysman
Summary
An archaic English term meaning umpire or arbitrator, used in Job's lament that there was no mediator to stand between him and God.
☩Job's Longing
In his anguish, Job cried out for a daysman—an umpire or arbitrator—who could 'lay his hand upon us both,' meaning one with authority over both parties to render a just verdict. In Eastern custom, a judge would lay hands upon the heads of two disputing parties, symbolizing his judicial authority and impartiality. Job recognized that while a human umpire might judge his claims, no mere man was worthy to call God to account.
☩Foreshadowing the Mediator
Job's longing finds its answer in Jesus Christ, 'the one mediator between God and men.' Unlike the daysman Job wished for, Christ does not stand as a neutral arbitrator but as an advocate who represents man before God while being Himself fully God. The ancient yearning for someone to bridge the unbridgeable gap between sinful humanity and holy God was fulfilled in the incarnation.
Related Verses1 mention
Job· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Daysman," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Daysman," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).