Chapters
Job (42 chapters)
Job 29
1
Job went on speaking.
2
“I wish I was back in the old days when God looked after me!
3
His light shone above me and lit my way through the darkness.
4
When I was young and strong, God was my friend and spoke to me in my home.
5
The Almighty was still with me and I was surrounded with my children.
6
My herds produced much milk, and oil flowed freely from my olive presses.
1
Notes
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Literally, “My steps were washed with butter.”
7
I went out to the city gate and took my seat in the public square.
1
Notes
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This was where the city elders met to discuss matters and to judge disputes.
8
The young men saw me and moved out of the way; the elders would stand up for me.
1
Notes
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Thus showing respect.
9
The leaders remained silent and covered their mouths with their hands.
10
The voices of the officials were hushed; they held their tongues in my presence.
11
Everyone who listened to me praised me; whoever saw me commended me,
12
because I gave to the poor who called out to me and the orphans who had no one to help them.
13
Those who were about to die blessed me; I made the widow sing for joy.
14
Being true and acting right were what I wore for clothing.
1
Notes
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Literally, “righteousness and justice,” but these terms are dated and sometimes misunderstood. Righteousness for example is the nature of a person rather than some outward show, while justice is not so much concerned with legal aspects but doing what is true and right.
15
I was like eyes for the blind and feet for the lame.
16
I was like a father to the poor, and I defended the rights of strangers.
17
I broke the jaw of the wicked and made them drop their prey from their teeth.
18
I thought I would die at home, after many years.
1
Notes
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Literally, “I shall multiply my days like sand.”
19
Like a tree my roots spread out to the water; the dew rests on my branches overnight.
20
Fresh honors were always being given to me; my strength was renewed like an unfailing bow.
21
People listened carefully to what I had to say; they kept quiet as they listened to my advice.
22
Once I had spoken they had nothing else to say; what I said was enough.
1
Notes
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Literally, “my words dropped on them.”
23
They waited for me like people waiting for rain; their mouths wide open for the spring rain.
24
When I smiled at them they could hardly believe it; my approval meant all the world to them.
1
Notes
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Literally, “the light of my countenance they did not cast down.”
25
I decided the way forward as their leader, living like a king among his soldiers, and when they were sad I comforted them.”