Job 23
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Lutheran reading notes
In Job chapter 23, the wisdom literature continues to explore suffering, divine justice, and faithfulness amid trial. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.
1
Then Job answered and said,
Job 23:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
Even to day {is} my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning. {stroke: Heb. hand}
Job 23:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
Oh that I knew where I might find him! {that} I might come {even} to his seat!
Job 23:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
I would order {my} cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
Job 23:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
I would know the words {which} he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.
Job 23:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
Will he plead against me with {his} great power? No; but he would put {strength} in me.
Job 23:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
Job 23:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
Behold, I go forward, but he {is} not {there}; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
Job 23:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold {him}: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see {him}:
Job 23:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
But he knoweth the way that I take: {when} he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. {that...: Heb. that is with me}
Job 23:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
Job 23:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary {food}. {esteemed: Heb. hid, or, laid up} {my...: or, my appointed portion}
Job 23:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
But he {is} in one {mind}, and who can turn him? and {what} his soul desireth, even {that} he doeth.
Job 23:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
For he performeth {the thing that is} appointed for me: and many such {things are} with him.
Job 23:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
Job 23:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:
Job 23:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
Because I was not cut off before the darkness, {neither} hath he covered the darkness from my face.
Job 23:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.