Job 29:13-23

13 The blessing of the one that was ready to perish came upon me; and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.

14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me as a robe; and my diadem was judgment.

15 I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.

16 I was a father to the needy; and the cause which I did not know I searched out.

17 And I broke the fangs of the wicked and caused their teeth to release the prey.

18 Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.

19 My root is spread out by the waters, and the dew shall remain upon my branches.

20 My glory is renewed with me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.

21 They would hear me and wait, and keep silent at my counsel.

22 After my words they would not reply, but my reason dropped upon them.

23 And they waited for me as for the rain, and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.

Job 29:13-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 29

In this chapter Job gives an account of his former and wishes it was with him now as then; and which he describes with respect to his own person, and the favours he personally enjoyed, whether temporal or spiritual, Job 29:1-4; with respect to his family and domestic affairs, Job 29:5,6; with regard to the esteem he had from men of every age and station, Job 29:7-11; the reasons of which were the mercy and compassion he showed to the poor, the fatherless, and the widow, and the justice he administered in the execution of his office as a magistrate, Job 29:12-17; in which honour and prosperity he expected to have lived and died, Job 29:18-20; and which he further describes by the respect he had among men, and the power and authority he exercised over them, Job 29:21-25.