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

This verse is part of the response of Job to the words of his friend Eliphaz, who has just finished speaking to him. Eliphaz has been speaking to Job about the righteous and their blessings, contrasting them with the fate of the wicked. Job, however, has just suffered immense loss and hardship, and he feels abandoned by God. In his response, Job expresses his feelings of despair and longing for relief.

The troops of Tema and the companies of Sheba mentioned in this verse are widely believed to be references to two Arabian tribes. These are significant because they were known for their wealth and power, as well as their association with trade and commerce. Tema was located in northern Arabia, and Sheba was located in southern Arabia. The two tribes were renowned for their camels and their involvement in the trade routes that passed through their territories.

In this context, the verse can be seen as a metaphor for Job's situation. Job, once a wealthy and influential man, has now become destitute and is suffering tremendously. The mention of these powerful and wealthy tribes serves to highlight Job's present state of weakness and lack. He contrasts his current situation with the hopelessness he feels by imagining the great wealth and power of these Arabian tribes. Job longs for the support and comfort of these strong and influential groups, but he is left with nothing.

Furthermore, the troops of Tema and the companies of Sheba symbolize the unmet expectations and disappointment that Job experiences. Job is likely referring to the fact that, in his time of need, those whom he expected to receive help and support from, have turned away from him. The mention of these wealthy and influential tribes serves to accentuate Job's feelings of abandonment and isolation.

This verse also serves to illustrate a universal human longing for strength, support, and comfort. In times of hardship, people often seek out sources of strength and hope for relief. Job's yearning for the help of the troops of Tema and the companies of Sheba reflects this basic human desire.

In addition, the mention of these two Arabian tribes may also point to the theme of the unknown and mysterious ways of God. In the larger context of the book of Job, the verse serves to highlight the inscrutable nature of God's plans and the unpredictability of life. Job, despite his suffering, can still find comfort and faith in the sovereignty of God, who works in ways beyond human understanding.

Overall, Job 6:19 (KJV) is a poignant verse that captures Job's feelings of desperation and yearning for comfort and support. The mention of the troops of Tema and the companies of Sheba serves to emphasize Job's feelings of abandonment and longing for relief. This verse also carries broader themes of the unpredictability of life, the inscrutable ways of God, and the universal human longing for strength and comfort in times of hardship. Job's lament reflects the deep and relatable human experience of facing adversity and longing for solace and support.