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 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Job's Reply: Oh, That I Knew Where to Find Him!
1Bvt Iob answered and sayd, 2Though my talke be this day in bitternes, and my plague greater then my groning, 3Would God yet I knew how to finde him, I would enter vnto his place. 4I would pleade the cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. 5I would knowe the wordes, that he would answere me, and would vnderstand what he would say vnto me. 6Would he plead against me with his great power? No, but he would put strength in me. 7There the righteous might reason with him, so I shoulde be deliuered for euer from my Iudge. 8Behold, if I go to the East, he is not there: if to the West, yet I can not perceiue him: 9If to the North where he worketh, yet I cannot see him: he wil hide himselfe in the South, and I cannot beholde him. 10But he knoweth my way, and trieth mee, and I shall come forth like the gold. 11My foote hath followed his steps: his way haue I kept, and haue not declined. 12Neyther haue I departed from the commandement of his lippes, and I haue esteemed the words of his mouth more then mine appointed foode. 13Yet he is in one minde, and who can turne him? yea, he doeth what his minde desireth. 14For he will performe that, which is decreed of me, and many such things are with him. 15Therefore I am troubled at his presence, and in considering it, I am afraid of him. 16For God hath softened mine heart, and the Almightie hath troubled me. 17For I am not cut off in darknesse, but he hath hid the darkenesse from my face.