Job 29

Job begins a new discourse, lamenting his lost prosperity and the divine favor he once enjoyed. He recalls a time when God's presence illuminated his life, his family was intact, and he experienced great abundance. During this period, he commanded immense respect in the community due to his righteous character and his diligent acts of justice and charity.

Job commences a new parable, expressing a deep longing for his former days when God preserved him and His light shone upon his head. He vividly describes a time of great material prosperity, where he metaphorically washed his steps with butter and rocks poured out oil. Beyond wealth, Job recounts the profound respect he commanded in public, with young men hiding and elders rising in his presence, and princes and nobles falling silent. He attributes this reverence to his righteous conduct, having delivered the poor, the fatherless, and widows, and actively pursuing justice for the oppressed. Job recalls his expectation of a long, peaceful life, rooted in prosperity and continuously renewed glory. In those days, his counsel was highly esteemed, and people eagerly awaited his words as they would wait for rain.

Job begins a new discourse, expressing a profound yearning for the days of his former prosperity and the manifest favor of God. He recalls a time when God's "candle shined upon my head," guiding him through darkness, and the "secret of God" was upon his dwelling. During this period, the Almighty was present, and his children were around him, signifying a complete state of blessing. His material abundance was extraordinary, metaphorically described as washing his steps with butter and rocks pouring out oil. Job then details the immense respect and authority he commanded within the community. When he appeared in public, young men would hide, and the aged would rise in deference; princes and nobles would fall silent, their tongues cleaving to the roof of their mouths. This widespread reverence stemmed from his active role as a righteous judge and benefactor. He recounts delivering the poor, the fatherless, and those without help, earning the blessings of the perishing and bringing joy to widows. Job emphasizes his commitment to justice, stating he was clothed in righteousness, acted as eyes to the blind and feet to the lame, and served as a father to the poor, diligently investigating unknown causes. He also asserts his power to break the jaws of the wicked and rescue their victims. In those days, Job had confidently anticipated a long and peaceful life, likening his days to the sand and his roots to a tree by the waters, with ever-fresh glory. His counsel was highly sought after; men listened intently, waited for his words as for rain, and his speech was like refreshing drops. He held a position of leadership, choosing their way, sitting as chief, and dwelling like a king, yet also comforting the mourners, embodying both authority and compassion.