Job 29

Job wishing to be restored to his former condition, declareth how happy the same had been through the favour and blessing of the Lord, v.1, etc. And how much he was by all sorts regarded and honoured in the same 7. By reason of his godly and virtuous life and conversation, 12. Be related likewise, what manner of hope he had therein, 18. Together with his continual increase in riches, 19 as also in honour and authority 20.

1. And Job went on, to take up his sentence; [see ab.ch.27.on v.1.] and said:

2. O that I were [Heb. Who shall give me to be, See above 6.on verse 8.] as in the former Months as in the days (when) God kept me. [i.e. in the former time of my life. Compare above chap.14.5. and See the Annotation.]

3. When he made his lamp to shine over my head: [i.e. abode with me by his favour and blessing: so this word is frequently taken. See above 18.on v.6.] and I by his light [i.e. by his favour and blessing: for light is here as much as lamp was just now. See above 18.on verse 5.] walked through the darkness: [i.e. passed through and overcame the miseries, and adversities of this life. Darkness or misery and adversity. See Gen.15.on verse 12.]

4. Like as I was in the days of my youth [i.e. of my best abilities and prosperity. And this is to be understood not so much of his age, as of the flourishing condition of his life, which before was as a continued youthfulness unto him. Oth. In the days of my vintage, viz. When I had abundance and content, such as men use to have in the time of vintage, when all the fruits are ripe and gathered in. Or, in the days of my winter, i.e. when I had rest and quiet, as souldiers and warries have, when they are in good winter quarters.] when Gods hiddenness [understand the eternal providence of God, whereby he took care for Job, to conduct and protect him, together with his favourable cohabitation, by the instruction and comfort of his holy spirit.] was over my tent.

5. When the Almighty was with me yet, [See Gen.21.on v.22.] and my youths round about me [i.e. my servants or sons.]

6. When I washed my goings in butter: [this is an hyperbolical exaggeration, implying his great abundance thereof. Not much unlike that expression, Gen.49.11.,12. And that which followeth here in the next words.] and the rock by me powered out oil-brooks; [Compare Deut.32.13. and 33.24. and above 20.17. Heb. And the rock by me is powered out with brooks of oil.]

7. When I went forth to the gate through the City, [understand to the place or court of judgement. See Gen.22.on v.17. and above 5.4.] When I caused my seat, [i.e. the judgement seat out of which, as a supream Magistrate, he took cognisance of the subjects causes and differences, and administered justice unto them.] to be prepared upon the street. [that, viz. Which was by the City gates, where the people met, to have their causes heard, and to expect the sentence or doom of the judge.]

8. The youths saw me and hid themselves, [getting themselves out of sight at my coming, as afraid, or ashamed] and the decrepit rose up (and) stood. [viz. Till I was set, in taking of respect and reverence. Compare Lev.19.32. 2 Kings 2:19.]

9. The principals withheld the words; [i.e. broke off their discourses or sayings, to hear speak, or for awe of my presence.] and laid the hand upon their mouth, [i.e. were silent. See Jud.18.on v.19.]

10. The voice of the Princes hid it self; and their tongue cleaved to their palate. [this manner of speaking betokeneth silence, or disability to speak. See the same likewise, Psa.137.6. Ezek.3.26.]

11. When an ear heard (me) it counted me happy: when an eye saw me it testified of me. [viz. Of my piety and goodness, which was manifested in all my words and actions.]

12. For I delivered the afflicted, that called: and the orphan, and him that had no helper.

13. The blessing [i.e. the good which was wished me by those, whom I helped out of great distresses.] of him that went (for) lost, [i.e. that stood in danger of going to rack and ruine, if I had not succoured him, with good advice and redress.] came upon me: and the heart of the widow I made to sing cheerfully, [i.e. to rejoice over the benefit and assistance I shewed her, in her sufferance.]

14. I clothed my self with righteousness, and she clothed me: [i.e. the meaning is that as Job held fats and close to righteousness, as to a garment one puts on; so righteousness again served him for an ornament and reputation among men. Compare below 40.5. Psa.132.9. Isa.52.1.] my judgement [viz. That which I pronounced, or determined for the protection of the oppressed.] was as a robe and principally diadem.

15. To the blind I was (for) eyes: [understand that he had helped the afflicted, not only with words of instruction, warning, counsel and comfort, but likewise with real means and actions.] and to the cripple I was for feet.

16. I was a father to the needy: and the difference I knew not, I searched. [His meaning is, that he not only dispatched righteously, what was brought before him, as ordinary Judge; but that he searched and enquired likewise accurately, into that which was not brought before him, for help the oppressed timely, and to prevent their complainings.]

17. And I broke the jaw-teeth of the perverse: [i.e. the power of unrighteous men, which sought to oppress the poor and weak. See the like expression, Psa.3.8. and 57.5. and 58.7. Prov.38.14. Jude 1:6.] and threw the prey out of his teeth.

18. And I said; I shall give (up) the ghost in my nest, [i.e. go out by degrees and so gently, that I shall die of meer age at last. Compare the next following words. The Hebrew word seemeth to be taken thus, Gen.25.8. and 46.33. in my nest, that is in mine own house, among my own family.] and I shall multiply the days as the sand, [i.e. in great number. See Gen.41.on v.49.]

19. My root was spread abroad [Hebr. Opened] by the water, and prosperity increased and multiplied like to the growing of a tree, which is well moistened with water, from the ground, and with dew from heaven. Compare above 18.16. and Psalms 1:3.]

20. My glory [i.e. the honour and credit, or esteem which I had among men by reason of my great prosperity.] was new by me, [i.e. continued not only as before, but augmented and increased daily.] and my bow changed it self in my hand. [understand by the bow the might and means which he had to maintain and protect his estate against all damnyfying or hurtful power, of them he declareth that they changed by increasing and multiplying. Bows for might and means, Gen.49.24. 1 Sam.2. verse 4, &c.]

21. They hearkened unto me and waited; and were silent upon my advice.

22. After my words they spake not again; [Heb. They doubled not. So 1 Sam.26.8. 2 Sam.20.10.] and my speech dropped upon them. [see Deuter.32.on verse 2.]

23. For they waited for me as (for) the rain: [compare Psalm 72.on verse 6.] and opened their mouth (as) for the late rain. [See Deuteronomy 11.on verse 14.]

24. When I smiled on them [or, jested with them] they believing it not, [viz. That I jested, i.e. they stood in such awe of me, and respected me in that manner, that they took the words, which I spake but in jest, as spoken in earnest.] and they made the light of my countenance not to fall down, [i.e. they neither grieved, nor shamed my cheerful disposition, in regard, that by my familiar or jesting carriage I might have made my self contemptible amongst them.]

25. If I chose their way [i.e. if of my self, or of my own accord, I went to them to visit them, and with good instruction, advice or comfort, to encourage and profit them.] then sate I at the upper end, [Heb. The head, or (at) the head] and dwelt as a King among the hands; as one that comforteth the sad. [he will say that he was not only dreaded as a King, because of his Authority, but also beloved and desired, as a comforter of the sad hearted, for his Kindness and bountifulness.]