Job 29:18-25

18 And I said, My age shall continue as the stem of a palm-tree; I shall live a long while.

19 root was spread out by the water, and the dew would lodge on my crop.

20 My glory was fresh in me, and by bow prospered in his hand.

21 heard me, and gave heed, and they were silent at my counsel.

22 At my word they spoke not again, and they were very gland whenever I spoke to them.

23 As the thirsty earth expecting the rain, so they my speech.

24 Were I to laugh on them, they would not believe ; and the light of my face has not failed.

25 I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the midst of warriors, as one comforting mourners.

Job 29:18-25 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.