Job 29:13

13 The dying blessed me, and the bereaved were cheered by my visits.

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 People who knew me spoke well of me; my reputation went ahead of me.
12 I was known for helping people in trouble and standing up for those who were down on their luck.
13 The dying blessed me, and the bereaved were cheered by my visits.
14 All my dealings with people were good. I was known for being fair to everyone I met.
15 I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame,
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.