Job 42:1-6

Job's Reply

1 Job replied to the Lord,

2 "I know that you can do anything. No one can keep you from doing what you plan to do.

3 You asked me, 'Who do you think you are to disagree with my plans? You do not know what you are talking about.' I spoke about things I didn't completely understand. I talked about things that were too wonderful for me to know.

4 "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak. I will ask you some questions. Then I want you to answer me.'

5 My ears had heard about you. But now my own eyes have seen you.

6 So I hate myself. I'm really sorry for what I said about you. That's why I'm sitting in dust and ashes."

Job 42:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 42

This chapter contains Job's answer to the last speech of the Lord's, in which he acknowledges his omnipotence, and his certain performance of his purposes and pleasure; owns his own folly and ignorance, and confesses his sins; for which he abhorred himself, and of which he repented, Job 42:1-6; it also gives an account of the Lord's decision of the controversy between Job and his friends, blaming them and commending him above them; and ordered them to take sacrifices and go to Job and offer them, who should pray for them and be accepted, which was done, Job 42:7-9; and it closes with a relation of the great prosperity Job was restored unto, in which he lived and died, Job 42:10-17.