Job 29

Job 29 is a chapter in which Job reminisces about his past life, when he enjoyed God’s favor and was respected by everyone. He recalls the days when he was wealthy, honored, and active in helping those in need. This reflection contrasts with his current suffering and loss, emphasizing his longing for those days of prosperity and esteem.

Job 29:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Job further continued his discourse, and said:
2 “Oh, that I were as in months past, As in the days when God watched over me;
3 When His lamp shone upon my head, And when by His light I walked through darkness;
4 Just as I was in the days of my prime, When the friendly counsel of God was over my tent;
5 When the Almighty was yet with me, When my children were around me;

Job begins by expressing a deep yearning for the time when God’s presence and protection were clearly over his life. He recalls how God’s guidance, symbolized by His light, directed him through challenging times. Job also remembers the joy of having his family, particularly his children, close to him, underscoring the loss he feels now. His reflection sets a tone of deep sorrow for what he once had.

Job 29:6-10 (NKJV)
6 When my steps were bathed with cream, And the rock poured out rivers of oil for me!
7 “When I went out to the gate by the city, When I took my seat in the open square,
8 The young men saw me and hid, And the aged arose and stood;
9 The princes refrained from talking, And put their hand on their mouth;
10 The voice of nobles was hushed, And their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth.

Job recalls the time when he was highly esteemed by everyone, from the young to the elders and nobles. His life was full of abundance, symbolized by his feet being bathed in cream and oil pouring from rocks, metaphors for his prosperity. In public places, people respected him greatly—young men would shy away, elders would rise in honor, and princes and nobles would fall silent in his presence, acknowledging his wisdom and authority.

Job 29:11-17 (NKJV)
11 When the ear heard, then it blessed me, And when the eye saw, then it approved me;
12 Because I delivered the poor who cried out, The fatherless and the one who had no helper.
13 The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, And I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.
14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban.
15 I was eyes to the blind, And I was feet to the lame.
16 I was a father to the poor, And I searched out the case that I did not know.
17 I broke the fangs of the wicked, And plucked the victim from his teeth.

Job highlights his past acts of righteousness, recalling how he helped the poor, orphans, widows, and the needy. His compassion and justice were like clothing, wrapping him in honor and integrity. He acted as an advocate for the vulnerable, protecting them from the wicked and ensuring justice was served. His kindness and sense of duty toward those in need earned him the respect and gratitude of the community.

Job 29:18-20 (NKJV)
18 “Then I said, ‘I shall die in my nest, And multiply my days as the sand.
19 My root is spread out to the waters, And the dew lies all night on my branch.
20 My glory is fresh within me, And my bow is renewed in my hand.’

Job reflects on how he once thought his life would continue in peace and prosperity, with a long, secure future ahead of him. He imagined his family and legacy growing strong, like a tree by abundant water, constantly refreshed and flourishing. His strength and honor seemed unshakable, as if his bow—a symbol of power and defense—would always be renewed.

Job 29:21-25 (NKJV)
21 “Men listened to me and waited, And kept silence for my counsel.
22 After my words they did not speak again, And my speech settled on them as dew.
23 They waited for me as for the rain, And they opened their mouth wide as for the spring rain.
24 If I mocked at them, they did not believe it, And the light of my countenance they did not cast down.
25 I chose the way for them, and sat as chief; So I dwelt as a king in the army, As one who comforts mourners.

Job concludes his recollection by emphasizing his authority and the respect he commanded from others. People eagerly awaited his counsel, valuing his words as refreshing and life-giving as rain. His leadership was unquestioned, and his presence brought comfort to those in mourning. Job saw himself as a figure of wisdom and compassion, whose influence guided and uplifted those around him.