Job Chapter 23
From The Open Bible Project
23:1 Then Job answered,
23:2 "Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!
- (a) He shows the just cause of his complaining and concerning that Eliphaz had exhorted him to return to God, (Job 22:21) he declares that he desires nothing more, but it seems that God would not be found of him.
23:4 I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
23:5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell me.
23:6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.
- (b) Using his absolute power and saying because I am God, I may do what I will.
- (c) Of his mercy he would give me power to answer him.
23:7 There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.
- (d) When he of his mercy has given strength to maintain their cause.
23:8 "If I go east, he is not there; if west, I can't find him;
- (e) Meaning, that if he considers God’s justice, he is not able to comprehend his judgments on what side or whatever part he turns himself.
23:9 He works to the north, but I can't see him. He turns south, but I can't catch a glimpse of him.
23:10 But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I shall come forth like gold.
- (f) God has this preeminence about me, that he knows my way: that is, that I am not able to judge his work, he shows also his confidence, that God uses him for his profit.
23:11 My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned aside.
23:12 I haven't gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
- (g) His word is more precious to me than the meat with which the body is sustained.
23:13 But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.
- (h) Job confesses that at the present he did not feel God’s favour and yet was assured that God had appointed him to a good end.
23:14 For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.
- (i) In many points man is not able to attain to God’s judgments.
23:15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.
23:16 For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.
- (k) That I should not be without fear.
23:17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.
- (l) He shows the cause for his fear, which is, that he being in trouble sees no end, nor yet knows the cause.
