Job 23

Chap. XXIII. Ver. 1-17. Job’s pathetic appeal to God in reply to Eliphaz.—Job, exasperated and indignant at the charges brought against him by Eliphaz, now makes a solemn and animated appeal to God, before whom he expresses an earnest desire to appear and plead his cause, under a conviction that the mercy as well as justice of the Deity would be engaged on his behalf. ‘Would he plead against me with his great strength? Overbearing and overwhelming me like you, my pretended friends?’ ‘No; but he would put strength in me,’ animate, encourage, and assist me, to plead my cause before him. (Compare (Job 16:4-5).) the cardinal points—but he is visible only in his works. “In vain I seek him on the western shore, In vain his footsteps in the north explore, Or in the south: He, working in his might, Wrapt in impervious shades, eludes my sight.”—Scott.

Job comforts himself, however, with the consideration, that though he cannot find God, God is at no loss to find him: “He knoweth (says he) the way that I take;” and when he hath tried me, I shall come forth “as gold from the furnace.” He then reposes on the sovereign power and wisdom of the Almighty, who is as unchangeable in his purposes as in his nature; who doeth whatsoever pleaseth him; and, “as concerns myself, (says the afflicted man,) he performeth the thing appointed for me, and many such things,” many such scenes of pain and affliction “are with him. Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.” The fear of God, however, is awe and reverence, but not despair.

‘There is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” ((Psalms 130:4).) “God orders all: what he appoints is best: Who knows and feels it, is and must be blest.”

Notes on the verses

Chap. XXIII. Ver. 2. My stroke.—Heb. “My hand.” The LXX., Syriac, and Arabic, render it “His hand;” but our translation means the same. Ver. 12. I have esteemed.—“Hid,” or “laid up;” i. e. as great treasure.—My necessary food.—“My appointed portion.” Ver. 16. Maketh my heart soft.—Or, “faint;” i. e. fearful, trembling. So (Leviticus 26:36). (Deuteronomy 20:3). Ver. 17. Because I was not cut off, &c.—Why was I not removed from earth before this heavy affliction came upon me?