Job 29:13

13 1The blessing of him who was 2about to perish came upon me, and I caused 3the widow's heart to sing for joy.

Job 29:13 Meaning and Commentary

Job 29:13

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me,
&c.] That were ready to perish through the oppression of others, or through want of the necessaries of life, or through false charges brought, and through false witness bore against them, and so liable to a sentence of condemnation to death, or having it passed upon them; but Job taking their part, and searching thoroughly into their cause, not only respited them from destruction, but cleared them from the charges laid against them, and which brought the blessing of those persons on him; who blessed God for him, and blessed him, wished a blessing on him in their prayers to God, who had been such a happy instrument of their deliverance from ruin and destruction; see ( Proverbs 24:11 Proverbs 24:12 ) ( Proverbs 31:5 Proverbs 31:6 ) ;

and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy;
by relieving her wants, defending her cause, and punishing those that oppressed her; which is the reverse of the character Eliphaz gives of Job, ( Job 22:9 ) .

Job 29:13 In-Context

11 When the ear heard, it called me blessed, and when the eye saw, it approved,
12 because I delivered the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to help him.
13 The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me, and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban.
15 I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.

Cross References 3

  • 1. Job 31:20
  • 2. Proverbs 31:6; Isaiah 27:13
  • 3. [Ruth 2:20]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.