Job 29:16-25

16 I was a father to the poor, and the cause which I knew not I searched out.

17 And I broke the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth.

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

19 My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.

20 My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.

21 "Unto me men gave ear and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.

22 After my words they spoke not again, and my speech dropped upon them.

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

24 If I laughed on them, they believed it not, and the light of my countenance they cast not down.

25 I chose out their way and sat as chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.

Job 29:16-25 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.