Job 29:13

13 I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows’ hearts 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 “All who heard me praised me. All who saw me spoke well of me.
12 For I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help.
13 I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows’ hearts to sing for joy.
14 Everything I did was honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban.
15 I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.