Job 23:1-11

1 Job replied:

2 "I'm not letting up - I'm standing my ground. My complaint is legitimate. God has no right to treat me like this - it isn't fair!

3 If I knew where on earth to find him, I'd go straight to him.

4 I'd lay my case before him face-to-face, give him all my arguments firsthand

5 I'd find out exactly what he's thinking, discover what's going on in his head.

6 Do you think he'd dismiss me or bully me? No, he'd take me seriously.

7 He'd see a straight-living man standing before him; my Judge would acquit me for good of all charges.

8 "I travel East looking for him - I find no one; then West, but not a trace;

9 I go North, but he's hidden his tracks; then South, but not even a glimpse.

10 "But he knows where I am and what I've done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test with honors.

11 I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way.

Job 23:1-11 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.