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Job 29

World English Bible

WEB

1Job again took up his parable, and said, 2“Oh that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me; 3when his lamp shone on my head, and by his light I walked through darkness, 4as I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was in my tent, 5when the Almighty was yet with me, and my children were around me, 6when my steps were washed with butter, and the rock poured out streams of oil for me, 7when I went out to the city gate, when I prepared my seat in the street. 8The young men saw me and hid themselves. The aged rose up and stood. 9The princes refrained from talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. 10The voice of the nobles was hushed, and their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth. 11For when the ear heard me, then it blessed me, and when the eye saw me, it commended me, 12because I delivered the poor who cried, and the fatherless also, who had no one to help him, 13the blessing of him who was ready to perish came on me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. 14I put on righteousness, and it clothed me. My justice was as a robe and a diadem. 15I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame. 16I was a father to the needy. I researched the cause of him whom I didn’t know. 17I broke the jaws of the unrighteous and plucked the prey out of his teeth. 18Then I said, ‘I will die in my own house, I will count my days as the sand. 19My root is spread out to the waters. The dew lies all night on my branch. 20My glory is fresh in me. My bow is renewed in my hand.’ 21“Men listened to me, waited, and kept silence for my counsel. 22After my words they didn’t speak again. My speech fell on them. 23They waited for me as for the rain. Their mouths drank as with the spring rain. 24I smiled on them when they had no confidence. They didn’t reject the light of my face. 25I chose out their way, and sat as chief. I lived as a king in the army, as one who comforts the mourners.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Job Chapter 29 presents a poignant reflection from Job as he reminisces about his former life and the respect he once commanded in his community. Job begins by recalling the days when he enjoyed the favor of God, stating, "Oh, that I were as in months past, as in the days when God watched over me!" (Job 29:2). This longing reveals Job's deep sense of loss and his desire to return to a time when he experienced prosperity, health, and divine protection. He describes how he was a source of wisdom and guidance for others, sitting at the city gate and being honored by the elders, which highlights his role as a respected leader and a man of integrity. Job's past is marked by blessings, where he was able to help the needy and the oppressed, reflecting the biblical principle of caring for the marginalized (Job 29:12-17).

In this chapter, Job contrasts his former glory with his current suffering, emphasizing the stark change in his circumstances. He recalls how he was revered and how his words were sought after, illustrating the deep connection he had with his community and the esteem in which he was held. Job's lamentation serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of human honor and the trials that can befall even the most righteous. His reflections not only express his grief but also set the stage for the ongoing dialogue about suffering and divine justice, themes that resonate throughout the Book of Job. Ultimately, Job's longing for his past life underscores the profound impact of his trials on his identity and faith, inviting readers to consider the complexities of suffering and the hope of restoration in God's plan. #Job #Suffering #Faith #Restoration

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Referenced by

  1. Job 30:1v8In Job 30:1, Job laments how the younger men now mock him, contrasting with Job 29:8 where the young men respected him. This highlights the dramatic reversal of Job's social status and respect.

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