1And Job again took up the word and said, 2If only I might again be as I was in the months which are past, in the days when God was watching over me! 3When his light was shining over my head, and when I went through the dark by his light. 4As I was in my flowering years, when my tent was covered by the hand of God; 5While the Ruler of all was still with me, and my children were round me; 6When my steps were washed with milk, and rivers of oil were flowing out of the rock for me. 7When I went out of my door to go up to the town, and took my seat in the public place, 8The young men saw me, and went away, and the old men got up from their seats; 9The rulers kept quiet, and put their hands on their mouths; 10The chiefs kept back their words, and their tongues were joined to the roofs of their mouths. 11For when it came to their ears, men said that I was truly happy; and when their eyes saw, they gave witness to me; 12For I was a saviour to the poor when he was crying for help, to the child with no father, and to him who had no supporter. 13The blessing of him who was near to destruction came on me, and I put a song of joy into the widow's heart. 14I put on righteousness as my clothing, and was full of it; right decisions were to me a robe and a head-dress. 15I was eyes to the blind, and feet to him who had no power of walking. 16I was a father to the poor, searching out the cause of him who was strange to me. 17By me the great teeth of the evil-doer were broken, and I made him give up what he had violently taken away. 18Then I said, I will come to my end with my children round me, my days will be as the sand in number; 19My root will be open to the waters, and the night mist will be on my branches, 20My glory will be ever new, and my bow will be readily bent in my hand. 21Men gave ear to me, waiting and keeping quiet for my suggestions. 22After I had said what was in my mind, they were quiet and let my words go deep into their hearts; 23They were waiting for me as for the rain, opening their mouths wide as for the spring rains. 24I was laughing at them when they had no hope, and the light of my face was never clouded by their fear. 25I took my place as a chief, guiding them on their way, and I was as a king among his army. ...
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Job's former comforts. (1-6) The honour paid to Job, His usefulness. (7-17) His prospect of prosperity. (18-25) 1-6 Job proceeds to contrast his former prosperity with his present misery, through God's withdrawing from him. A gracious soul delights in God's smiles, not in the smiles of this world. Four things were then very pleasant to holy Job. 1. The confidence he had in the Divine protection. 2. The enjoyment he had of the Divine favour. 3. The communion he had with the Divine word. 4. The assurance he had of the Divine presence. God's presence with a man in his house, though it be but a cottage, makes it a castle and a palace. Then also he had comfort in his family. Riches and flourishing families, like a candle, may be soon extinguished. But when the mind is enlightened by the Holy Spirit, when a man walks in the light of God's countenance, every outward comfort is doubled, every trouble is diminished, and he may pass cheerfully by this light through life and through death. Yet the sensible comfort of this state is often withdrawn for a season; and commonly this arises from sinful neglect, and grieving the Holy Spirit: sometimes it may be a trial of a man's faith and grace. But it is needful to examine ourselves, to seek for the cause of such a change by fervent prayer, and to increase our watchfulness. 7-17 All sorts of people paid respect to Job, not only for the dignity of his rank, but for his personal merit, his prudence, integrity, and good management. Happy the men who are blessed with such gifts as these! They have great opportunities of honouring God and doing good, but have great need to watch against pride. Happy the people who are blessed with such men! it is a token for good to them. Here we see what Job valued himself by, in the day of his prosperity. It was by his usefulness. He valued himself by the check he gave to the violence of proud and evil men. Good magistrates must thus be a restraint to evil-doers, and protect the innocent; in order to this, they should arm themselves with zeal and resolution. Such men are public blessings, and resemble Him who rescues poor sinners from Satan. How many who were ready to perish, now are blessing Him! But who can show forth His praises? May we trust in His mercy, and seek to imitate His truth, justice, and love. 18-25 Being thus honoured and useful, Job had hoped to die in peace and honour, in a good old age. If such an expectation arise from lively faith in the providence and promise of God, it is well; but if from conceit of our own wisdom, and dependence on changeable, earthly things, it is ill grounded, and turns to sin. Every one that has the spirit of wisdom, has not the spirit of government; but Job had both. Yet he had the tenderness of a comforter. This he thought upon with pleasure, when he was himself a mourner. Our Lord Jesus is a King who hates iniquity, and upon whom the blessing of a world ready to perish comes. To Him let us give ear.