Job 33:30

30 to turn their souls away from the pit and to enlighten them with the light of life.

Job 33:30 Meaning and Commentary

Job 33:30

To bring back his soul from the pit
From the pit of the grave; at the mouth or on the brink of which he seemed to be in the apprehension of his friends, and having the sentence of death in himself; see ( Psalms 90:3 ) . Or "to turn away" F24, or "stay his soul from the pit", as Mr. Broughton; prevent his going into it by removing his disorder, and restoring him to health, as in the case of Hezekiah, ( Isaiah 38:17 ) . Or figuratively, from the pit of an unregenerate state, which may be compared to a pit or grave, because in it lie such who are dead in trespasses and sins; and which is a pit of corruption, or a corrupt state: men in it are corrupt and corrupters, corrupt both in principles and practices; and is an impure one, like to mire and clay; and a very uncomfortable one, a pit wherein is no water, no refreshment, no solid peace and comfort. In conversion, which sometimes is brought about by the above means, afflictive providences, as well as by the ministry of the word, souls are brought back from hence; are regenerated, quickened, and raised from the graves of sin, and live spiritually, as they are also secured from going down into the pit of hell and everlasting destruction:

to be enlightened with the light of the living;
in a natural sense, to enjoy the light of living men, the light of the sun, and to live in health and prosperity, which is called light in opposition to affliction and adversity, expressed by darkness; see ( Esther 8:15 ) ( Psalms 112:4 ) ( Isaiah 8:22 ) . And in a spiritual sense, to live a spiritual life, who before were dead in sin, to live a life of faith on Christ as their righteousness, and to live a life of holiness from him, and in newness of life to his honour and glory; and to have spiritual light into their state by nature, and their recovery and salvation by Christ; to see their need of him, his suitableness, worth, and excellency, and to have a glimpse of eternal glory; as also hereafter to partake both of eternal life and eternal light, called by our Lord "the light of life", ( John 8:12 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F24 (byvhl) "ut avertat", Beza, Mercerus, Piscator, Michaelis, Schultens.

Job 33:30 In-Context

28 The messenger has freed my soul from going into the pit, and my life will see the light.'
29 Truly, God does all this two or three times with people
30 to turn their souls away from the pit and to enlighten them with the light of life.
31 "Pay attention, Job! Listen to me! Keep quiet, and let me speak.
32 If you have a response, answer me. Speak, because I'd be happy if you were right.
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