Job 29-31
Job was exhausted—both in body and spirit—deeply grieving and suffering physically. His friends blamed him for the loss of his family, wealth, and declining health, convinced that he had committed a great sin. The God whom Job had feared and served was silent, or so it seemed.
Job defended himself before his friends and God. Yet, there he was…an emotional and physical wreck…waiting to die, longing to be released from the prison of both internal and external pain. Job has one last statement to make: it summarizes his condition. First, Job reviews his life (Job 29). Second, he reveals his present suffering (Job 30). Finally, he reaffirms his integrity (Job 31). Let’s take these one at a time.
“I want my old life back!” (Job 29)
A few years ago, a friend lost his wife—the love of his life. As he coped with his grief, he often told me, “I just want my old life back.” That’s where Job began in his concluding statement.
Job 29:2-5
Oh, that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me, 3 when his lamp shone upon my head, and by his light I walked through darkness, 4 as I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was upon my tent, 5 when the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were all around me….
Job wanted his old life back. He wished to be happy again, surrounded by his family. He longed for the days when he held authority at the city gate and earned the respect of men (29:6-10). Job yearned for the opportunity he once had to invest his resources in helping the poor, the fatherless, and widows (29:11-15). He recalled when he was “eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy… ” (29:15-16). Job had been an influencer, encourager, and leader (29:21-25).
Job 29:24-25
I smiled on them when they had no confidence, and the light of my face they did not cast down. 25 I chose their way and sat as chief, and I lived like a king among his troops, like one who comforts mourners.
“I am in misery!” (Job 30)
Job begins chapter 30 with the words, “But now…” In stark contrast to the days when he led, encouraged, and held a position of authority, Job laments, “but now they laugh at me” (30:1). He had cared for widows, the fatherless, and the needy until tragedy struck. When he “hoped for good, evil came,” and when he “waited for light, darkness came” (30:26). Job feels as if his soul is being poured out of his body. “Days of affliction have taken hold” of him (30:16). The pain that “gnaws [him] takes no rest” (30:17). Job states, “My skin turns black and falls from me, and my bones burn with heat” (30:30). He believes that God has abandoned him.
Job 30:19-23
God has cast me into the mire, and I have become like dust and ashes. 20 I cry to you for help and you do not answer me; I stand, and you only look at me. 21 You have turned cruel to me; with the might of your hand you persecute me. 22 You lift me up on the wind; you make me ride on it, and you toss me about in the roar of the storm. 23 For I know that you will bring me to death and to the house appointed for all living.
“I will hold to my integrity!” (Job 31)
Job closes his summary statement with the same message he proclaimed in all his responses. Job is confident in his integrity.
- Job has not led a lustful life.
Job 31:1
I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?
- Job has anchored his life in integrity.
Job 31:5-6
If I have walked with falsehood and my foot has hastened to deceit; 6 (Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!)
- Job has been faithful to his wife.
Job 31:9-11
If my heart has been enticed toward a woman, and I have lain in wait at my neighbor’s door, 10 then let my wife grind for another, and let others bow down on her.11 For that would be a heinous crime; that would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges….
Job attested that he never oppressed anyone (31:13-15) but consistently demonstrated compassion (31:16-22). Furthermore, Job never placed his worth in gold, nor did he regard fine gold as his confidence (31:24-25, 28). Finally, Job concludes his statement.
Job 31:35-37, 40
Oh, that I had one to hear me! (Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!) Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adversary! 36 Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; I would bind it on me as a crown; 37 I would give him an account of all my steps; like a prince I would approach him.40 The words of Job are ended.
Throughout his many responses regarding his circumstances, Job is adamant that his integrity remains intact. He has held fast to his righteousness and will not abandon it (27:5-6). Job signs his name to the statement to eliminate doubt about its authorship and declares emphatically, “Let the Almighty answer me!” And God is preparing to respond, but first, there is one more friend with something to say. His name is Elihu. We will meet him next time.
PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Job 29-31. Use the outline provided in today’s devo to follow Job’s argument.
Talking to God
Job’s life is instructive. Look under the “I will hold to my integrity” section and review Job’s uprightness. Are there any areas mentioned that you need to seek God’s forgiveness and change direction by his strength? Talk to God about those areas.
Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Submit your question below, and we’ll reply soon. And if you don’t know where you stand with Jesus, we would love to have that conversation with you.
God’s perfect timing. I literally was thinking this to myself this morning. Thank You, God!
Thank you all, also! 🙂