Job 29:4-14

4 when I was in my prime; when God's counsel was in my tent;
5 when the Almighty was with me, my children around me;
6 when my steps were washed with cream and a rock poured out pools of oil for me.

Previous honor

7 When I went out to the city gate, took my seat in the square,
8 the young saw me and drew back; the old rose and stood;
9 princes restrained speech, put their hand on their mouth;
10 the voices of officials were hushed, their tongue stuck to their palate.

Job’s implementation of justice

11 Indeed, the ear that heard blessed me; the eye that looked commended me,
12 because I rescued the weak who cried out, the orphans who lacked help.
13 The blessing of the perishing reached me; I made the widow's heart sing;
14 I put on justice, and it clothed me, righteousness as my coat and turban;

Job 29:4-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 29

In this chapter Job gives an account of his former and wishes it was with him now as then; and which he describes with respect to his own person, and the favours he personally enjoyed, whether temporal or spiritual, Job 29:1-4; with respect to his family and domestic affairs, Job 29:5,6; with regard to the esteem he had from men of every age and station, Job 29:7-11; the reasons of which were the mercy and compassion he showed to the poor, the fatherless, and the widow, and the justice he administered in the execution of his office as a magistrate, Job 29:12-17; in which honour and prosperity he expected to have lived and died, Job 29:18-20; and which he further describes by the respect he had among men, and the power and authority he exercised over them, Job 29:21-25.

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