Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me;
When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;
As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;
When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;
When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;
When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!
The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up.
The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.
The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.
When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me:
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.
I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.
And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.
My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.
My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.
Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.
After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.
And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.
If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.
I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.
Job 29 offers a poignant glimpse into the life Job lived before his devastating trials. It's not a boastful display, but rather a heartfelt reflection on a past marked by God's favor, respect from the community, and a commitment to justice and mercy. In the midst of his suffering, Job looks back to a time when his relationship with God felt vibrant and his influence was a source of good for those around him. Understanding this chapter helps us appreciate the depth of Job's loss and the integrity he maintained despite it all.
Remembering God's Blessing and Intimacy
Job begins by longing for the intimacy he once shared with God (Job 29:1-5). He remembers the days when the Lord watched over him (Job 29:2) and God’s friendship rested on his home (Job 29:4). The presence of the Almighty was palpable, and his children surrounded him (Job 29:5). These memories highlight the spiritual legacy he actively cultivated for his family. This wasn't a dry, distant faith, but a living, breathing relationship that permeated his home and family life. Job wasn't claiming his faith was dead. He was looking back to happier times. The entire book of Job shows that he never lost faith in God.
The Respect Earned Through Godly Character
Job recalls the respect he commanded in the community because of his character (Job 29:7-11). When he appeared at the city gate, a place of public gathering and legal proceedings, both young and old showed him deference (Job 29:7-9). City officials and noblemen blessed Job and spoke well of him (Job 29:9-11). This wasn't a forced or demanded respect; it was earned through consistent, godly behavior. Job influenced his neighborhood for the better.
A Life Defined by Mercy and Justice
Job highlights specific actions that earned him such high praise: his commitment to mercy and justice (Job 29:12-17). He was a compassionate man who cared deeply for the vulnerable. He was an advocate for the weak because his God is the same (see Ps 68:5). He aided the poor, the fatherless, the dying, the widow, the blind, the lame, the needy, and the stranger (Job 29:12-13, 15-16). When the unjust tried to prey on the innocent, Job intervened (Job 29:17). Job’s life demonstrates that true success isn't just about accumulating wealth or power, but about using those resources to alleviate suffering and defend the defenseless.
Wisdom as a Source of Blessing
Job also blessed those around him with his wisdom (Job 29:21-25). People listened to him with anticipation (Job 29:21). His counsel brought hope and turned lives around (Job 29:22-23). Wisdom is the ability to apply God’s truth to the practical issues of day-to-day life. The counsel of a kingdom man is like fresh water to the thirsty. In a time of uncertainty and confusion, Job offered guidance rooted in understanding and discernment. He was a source of stability and hope for those who sought his advice.
Job 29 paints a picture of a life well-lived, a life marked by God's blessing, community respect, and a commitment to justice, mercy, and wisdom. It's a powerful reminder that true success lies not in material wealth or worldly acclaim, but in living a life that honors God and blesses others. This chapter serves as a benchmark, a standard against which Job, and we, can measure the devastating impact of his later suffering. It also shows us that a life dedicated to God is a life that leaves a lasting impact on the world.
Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me;
When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness;
As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;
When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;
When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;
When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!
The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up.
The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.
The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.
When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me:
Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him.
The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.
I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.
I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out.
And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.
My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.
My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.
Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.
After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.
And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.
If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.
I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.
Job 29 offers a poignant glimpse into the life Job lived before his devastating trials. It's not a boastful display, but rather a heartfelt reflection on a past marked by God's favor, respect from the community, and a commitment to justice and mercy. In the midst of his suffering, Job looks back to a time when his relationship with God felt vibrant and his influence was a source of good for those around him. Understanding this chapter helps us appreciate the depth of Job's loss and the integrity he maintained despite it all.
Remembering God's Blessing and Intimacy
Job begins by longing for the intimacy he once shared with God (Job 29:1-5). He remembers the days when the Lord watched over him (Job 29:2) and God’s friendship rested on his home (Job 29:4). The presence of the Almighty was palpable, and his children surrounded him (Job 29:5). These memories highlight the spiritual legacy he actively cultivated for his family. This wasn't a dry, distant faith, but a living, breathing relationship that permeated his home and family life. Job wasn't claiming his faith was dead. He was looking back to happier times. The entire book of Job shows that he never lost faith in God.
The Respect Earned Through Godly Character
Job recalls the respect he commanded in the community because of his character (Job 29:7-11). When he appeared at the city gate, a place of public gathering and legal proceedings, both young and old showed him deference (Job 29:7-9). City officials and noblemen blessed Job and spoke well of him (Job 29:9-11). This wasn't a forced or demanded respect; it was earned through consistent, godly behavior. Job influenced his neighborhood for the better.
A Life Defined by Mercy and Justice
Job highlights specific actions that earned him such high praise: his commitment to mercy and justice (Job 29:12-17). He was a compassionate man who cared deeply for the vulnerable. He was an advocate for the weak because his God is the same (see Ps 68:5). He aided the poor, the fatherless, the dying, the widow, the blind, the lame, the needy, and the stranger (Job 29:12-13, 15-16). When the unjust tried to prey on the innocent, Job intervened (Job 29:17). Job’s life demonstrates that true success isn't just about accumulating wealth or power, but about using those resources to alleviate suffering and defend the defenseless.
Wisdom as a Source of Blessing
Job also blessed those around him with his wisdom (Job 29:21-25). People listened to him with anticipation (Job 29:21). His counsel brought hope and turned lives around (Job 29:22-23). Wisdom is the ability to apply God’s truth to the practical issues of day-to-day life. The counsel of a kingdom man is like fresh water to the thirsty. In a time of uncertainty and confusion, Job offered guidance rooted in understanding and discernment. He was a source of stability and hope for those who sought his advice.
Job 29 paints a picture of a life well-lived, a life marked by God's blessing, community respect, and a commitment to justice, mercy, and wisdom. It's a powerful reminder that true success lies not in material wealth or worldly acclaim, but in living a life that honors God and blesses others. This chapter serves as a benchmark, a standard against which Job, and we, can measure the devastating impact of his later suffering. It also shows us that a life dedicated to God is a life that leaves a lasting impact on the world.