Reflections on Job 29

 Job 29 (Contemporary English Version)

1. Job said:
2. I long for the past, when God took care of me,
3. and the light from his lamp showed me the way through the dark.
4. I was in the prime of life, God All-Powerful was my closest friend,
5. and all of my children were nearby.
6. My herds gave enough milk to bathe my feet, and from my olive harvest flowed rivers of oil.
7. When I sat down at the meeting of the city council,
8. the young leaders stepped aside,
9. while the older ones stood
10. and remained silent.
11. Everyone was pleased with what I said and did.
12. When poor people or orphans cried out for help, I came to their rescue.
13. And I was highly praised for my generosity to widows and others in poverty.
14. Kindness and justice were my coat and hat;
15. I was good to the blind and to the lame.
16. I was a father to the needy, and I defended them in court, even if they were strangers.
17. When criminals attacked, I broke their teeth and set their victims free.
18. I felt certain that I would live a long and happy life, then die in my own bed.
19. In those days I was strong like a tree with deep roots and with plenty of water,
20. or like an archer's new bow.
21. Everyone listened in silence to my welcome advice,
22. and when I finished speaking, nothing needed to be said.
23. My words were eagerly accepted like the showers of spring,
24. and the smile on my face renewed everyone's hopes.
25. My advice was followed as though I were a king leading my troops, or someone comforting those in sorrow.

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As Job continued to speak he recalled when just months earlier he enjoyed a closeness with God and God watched over him. He could walk through dark times guided by God's light. God's friendship rested on his home.

He had respect in the community, unlike what he had from his friends currently seated around him. When he went to the city gate the men stood and hushed their conversations to speak with him. They spoke well of Job. Again, unlike the friends presently seated with him who accused him of wickedness.

In defense of his integrity, Job told of helping the poor, the orphan, the widow, and the dying when he was prosperous. He was clothed "in righteousness" and his decisions "were like a robe and a turban." Furthermore, he sought justice for the stranger, shattering "the fangs of the unjust." (29:14, 17)

Did Job lack wisdom as accused by his friends? Not in light of his previous life. At that time men listened to him expectantly, waiting for his advise. His words were like rain to a farmer. They gave direction to those who heard them. In short, Job "lived as a king among his troops." (29:25) If only Job could return to those days! Even if he could not return to his previous prosperity, would he not be glad to again feel God watched over him?