Job 29 | MHM | STEP | Former Prosperity of Job In this section, Job remembers his life before his troubles began. It is natural for people who have lost much to think about the good times they once enjoyed. Job wishes he could return to the days when he was happy, respected, and close to God. He does not only miss his wealth, but also the feeling of God’s presence in his life. Job’s memories show that his greatest joy came from his relationship with God, not just from material blessings. v. 1–2 : Job begins by wishing, O that I were as in months past (Job 29:2 ). He wants to go back to the time when he was prosperous and well. Job’s desire is not selfish; he wants his honor and, most importantly, God’s glory to be restored. He believes that if he was again prosperous, people would stop criticizing him and God’s name would be honored.

‏ Job 29

Former Prosperity of Job

In this section, Job remembers his life before his troubles began. It is natural for people who have lost much to think about the good times they once enjoyed. Job wishes he could return to the days when he was happy, respected, and close to God. He does not only miss his wealth, but also the feeling of God’s presence in his life. Job’s memories show that his greatest joy came from his relationship with God, not just from material blessings.

v. 1–2: Job begins by wishing, O that I were as in months past (Job 29:2 ^a). He wants to go back to the time when he was prosperous and well. Job’s desire is not selfish; he wants his honor and, most importantly, God’s glory to be restored. He believes that if he was again prosperous, people would stop criticizing him and God’s name would be honored.

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v. 3: He remembers that, when his candle shone upon my head, he felt God’s favor and love . God’s presence gave Job guidance and comfort in dark times. Even when life was difficult, God’s favor made everything bearable and joyful.

v. 4: Job describes the time as the days of my youth, when he felt close to God. He says, The secret of God was upon my tabernacle . This means Job felt he had special friendship and understanding with God. He enjoyed God’s guidance and perhaps even led others in worship at his home. Job misses this close relationship most of all.

v. 5: He remembers, the Almighty was yet with me . God’s presence made Job’s home feel safe and happy. Job felt truly blessed because he knew God was with him, which was more important than any material wealth.

v. 6: Job also recalls his family and wealth. He says, My children were about me and he had plenty of food, so much that it was like washing my steps with butter and rivers of oil poured from the rock . His home was full of life and abundance. For Job, having his children around him and enough to provide for them was a true comfort and a sign of God’s blessing.

Job’s Honor and Justice in Public Life

In this section, Job remembers the days when he was respected as a leader in his community. Even though he enjoyed comfort at home, he did not keep to himself. Job believed that people should serve the public, not just live for themselves. He went to the city gate, the place where decisions and judgments were made, to help others and do justice (Job 29:7 ^b). Job’s role as a judge and leader was known by everyone, and his presence brought order and respect to the whole city.

v. 7–8: When Job went out to the city gate, people of all ages respected him. The young men saw me, and hid themselves; and the aged arose, and stood up (Job 29:8 ^c). Young people were careful in his presence, and older people honored him by standing up. This respect was not only because of his high position, but also because of his wisdom and integrity.

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v. 9–10: Even the princes and nobles honored Job. The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth; the nobles held their peace (Job 29:9-10 ^d). They listened carefully to Job and valued his advice more than their own opinions. When Job spoke, everyone paid attention. His wisdom settled arguments and brought agreement among leaders.

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v. 11–13: Job was valued for his kindness and service to others. When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me (Job 29:11 ^e). He helped the poor, defended the fatherless, and rescued those who were about to perish (Job 29:12-13 ^f). The widow’s heart would sing for joy because of Job’s care. People praised and prayed for him because he protected and provided for those who could not help themselves.

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v. 14–16: Job valued justice and fairness above wealth or fame. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem (Job 29:14 ^g). He was honest and careful in all decisions. He helped the blind by giving them guidance, and he was feet to the lame, assisting those who could not help themselves (Job 29:15 ^h). When he did not know the truth, he searched out each matter carefully (Job 29:16 ⁱ). Job cared for the poor, the needy, and anyone who was in trouble.

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v. 17: Job also stood up to the wicked. I broke the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth . He stopped evil people from hurting others and protected the innocent from being robbed or treated unfairly. Job was brave and used his power to defend those who needed help the most.

Job’s Confidence in His Lasting Prosperity

In this passage, Job remembers how, during his days of prosperity, he expected his good fortune to last for the rest of his life. Even though he knew that trouble could come to anyone, he felt secure and had no special reason to fear losing his happiness. Job’s confidence was based on his good health, strong reputation, and the respect and loyalty of those around him.

v. 18: Job says, Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand . He thought he would live a long life and die peacefully at home. Job believed his life would continue in comfort and safety, just as it had been. He did not expect any sudden disaster to disturb his peace, much like David once said, My mountain stands strong (Psalm 30:6 ^j).

v. 19–20: Job explains why he felt so secure. He says he was like a tree with roots spread out by the waters, always healthy and fruitful. The dew lay all night upon my branch (Job 29:19 ^k). God’s blessing made everything in his life fresh and successful. His reputation and strength were always renewed, like a bow that is always ready for use (Job 29:20 ^l). Job had no reason to fear losing his power or honor.

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v. 21–22: Job was respected as a wise counselor. Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel (Job 29:21 ^m). People listened carefully to his advice and did not argue with him. After he spoke, no one felt the need to add anything, because his words were wise and complete (Job 29:22 ⁿ).

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v. 23–24: People were eager to hear Job speak. They waited for me as for the rain (Job 29:23 ^o). His words were refreshing and valuable, like rain to dry ground. When Job smiled at someone, it was a great honor, and people treasured his approval (Job 29:24 ^p). His kindness and favor made others feel truly happy.

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v. 25: Job was like a king among his people. I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners (Job 29:25 ^q). He led others with wisdom and strength, but also showed compassion to those who were sad or in trouble. Job’s leadership was both strong and caring, making him beloved by all.