Job 23:3-13

3 I wish I knew where I could find him; then I would go to where he is.
4 I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments
5 I would know his answering words and grasp what he would tell me.
6 Would he browbeat me with his great power? No, he would pay attention to me.
7 There an upright person could reason with him; thus I might be forever acquitted by my judge.
8 "If I head east, he isn't there; if I head west, I don't detect him,
9 if I turn north, I don't spot him; in the south he is veiled, and I still don't see him.
10 Yet he knows the way I take; when he has tested me, I will come out like gold.
11 My feet have stayed in his footsteps; I keep to his way without turning aside.
12 I don't withdraw from his lips' command; I treasure his words more than my daily food.
13 "But he has no equal, so who can change him? What he desires, he does.

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Job 23:3-13 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.

Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.