Job 23:1-10

1 Then Job replied [to his friends],

2 "My complaint is bitter again today. I try hard to control my sighing.

3 "If only I knew where I could find God! I would go where he lives.

4 I would present [my] case to him. I would have a mouthful of arguments.

5 I want to know the words he would use to answer me. I want to understand the things he would say to me.

6 Would he sue me and hide behind great legal maneuvers? No, he certainly would press charges against me.

7 Then decent people could argue with him, and I would escape my judgment forever.

8 However, if I go east, he isn't there. If I go west, I can't find him.

9 If I go northward, where he is at work, I can't observe him. If I turn southward, I can't see him.

10 [I can't find him] because he knows the road I take. When he tests me, I'll come out as pure as gold.

Job 23:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 23

This and the following chapter contain Job's reply to the last oration of Eliphaz; in this he first declares his present sorrowful estate and condition, Job 23:1,2; wishes he knew where to find God, as a judge sitting on a throne, before whom he might lay his cause, and plead it, and have his judgment and final decision passed upon it; when he doubted not but he would deal favourably with him, and both admit him and strengthen him, to plead his own cause, and would acquit him for ever from the charges laid against him, Job 23:3-7; in order to which he sought for him everywhere, but could not find him, but contents himself with this, that God knew his way; and that, after trial of him, he should shine like pure gold, and appear to be no apostate from him, but one sincerely obedient to his commands, and a true lover of his word, Job 23:8-12; and as for his afflictions, they were the result of the unalterable purposes and appointments of God: but what gave him the greatest uneasiness was, that there were more of that sort yet to come, which filled him with fears and faintings, with trouble and darkness, Job 23:13-17.