Job 23:10-17

10 ipse vero scit viam meam et probavit me quasi aurum quod per ignem transit

11 vestigia eius secutus est pes meus viam eius custodivi et non declinavi ex ea

12 a mandatis labiorum eius non recessi et in sinu meo abscondi verba oris eius

13 ipse enim solus est et nemo avertere potest cogitationem eius et anima eius quodcumque voluerit hoc facit

14 cum expleverit in me voluntatem suam et alia multa similia praesto sunt e

15 et idcirco a facie eius turbatus sum et considerans eum timore sollicitor

16 Deus mollivit cor meum et Omnipotens conturbavit me

17 non enim perii propter inminentes tenebras nec faciem meam operuit caligo

Job 23:10-17 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.