Job 23:8-17

8 Lo, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I do not perceive him;

9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I behold [him] not; he hideth himself on the right hand, and I see [him] not.

10 But he knoweth the way that I take; he trieth me, I shall come forth as gold.

11 My foot hath held to his steps; his way have I kept, and not turned aside.

12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have laid up the words of his mouth more than the purpose of my own heart.

13 But he is in one [mind], and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, that will he do.

14 For he will perform [what] is appointed for me; and many such things are with him

15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence; I consider, and I am afraid of him.

16 For God hath made my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me;

17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he hidden the gloom from me.

Job 23:8-17 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or, for verses 8 and 9, 'to the east ... to the west ... to the north ... to the south.'
• [b]. See Note m at ver. 8.
• [c]. Or 'than mine appointed portion.'