Job 23
Job 23 is part of “Third Cycle of Dialogue” (22–31) in the outline of Job.
Job 23 summary
This chapter begins Job's reply to Eliphaz. In this reply he takes no notice of his friends, either because he saw it was to no purpose or because he liked the good counsel Eliphaz gave him in the close of his discourse so well that he would make no answer to the peevish reflections he began with; but he appeals to God, begs to have his cause heard, and doubts not but to make it good, having the testimony of his own conscience concerning his integrity. Here seems to be a struggle between flesh and spirit, fear and faith, throughout this chapter. I.
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This chapter begins Job's reply to Eliphaz. In this reply he takes no notice of his friends, either because he saw it was to no purpose or because he liked the good counsel Eliphaz gave him in the close of his discourse so well that he would make no answer to the peevish reflections he began with; but he appeals to God, begs to have his cause heard, and doubts not but to make it good, having the testimony of his own conscience concerning his integrity. Here seems to be a struggle between flesh and spirit, fear and faith, throughout this chapter. I. He complains of his calamitous condition, and especially of God's withdrawings from him, so that he could not get his appeal heard (Job 23:2-5), nor discern the meaning of God's dealings with him (Job 23:8, Job 23:9), nor gain any hope of relief (Job 23:13, Job 23:14). This made deep impressions of trouble and terror upon him (Job 23:15-17). But, II. In the midst of these complaints he comforts himself with the assurance of God's clemency (Job 23:6, Job 23:7), and his own integrity, which God himself was a witness to (Job 23:10-12). Thus was the light of his day like that spoken of, Zac 14:6, Zac 14:7, neither perfectly clear nor perfectly dark, but "at evening time it was light."
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Job 23
Job 23 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Job's Reply: Oh, That I Knew Where to Find Him!
1Then Job answered and said, 2Even to-day is my complaint rebellious: My stroke is heavier than my groaning. 3Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat! 4I would set my cause in order before him, And fill my mouth with arguments. 5I would know the words which he would answer me, And understand what he would say unto me. 6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me. 7There the upright might reason with him; So should I be delivered for ever from my judge. 8Behold, I go forward, but he is not [there]; And backward, but I cannot perceive him; 9On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him; He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him. 10But he knoweth the way that I take; When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11My foot hath held fast to his steps; His way have I kept, and turned not aside. 12I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. 13But he is in one [mind], and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. 14For he performeth that which is appointed for me: And many such things are with him. 15Therefore am I terrified at his presence; When I consider, I am afraid of him. 16For God hath made my heart faint, And the Almighty hath terrified me; 17Because I was not cut off before the darkness, Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.