The Verses

“Then Job again took up his discourse and said,
‘Oh that I were as in months gone by,
As in the days when God watched over me,
When His lamp shone over my head,
And by His light I walked through darkness;
Just as I was in the days of my youth,
When the protection of God was over my tent;
When the Almighty was still with me,
And my children were around me;
When my steps were bathed in butter,
And the rock poured out streams of oil for me!

When I went out to the gate of the city,
When I took my seat in the public square,
The young men saw me and hid themselves,
And the old men arose and stood.
The leaders stopped talking
And put their hands on their mouths;
The voices of the prominent people were hushed,
And their tongues stuck to their palates.
For when an ear heard, it called me blessed,
And when an eye saw, it testified in support of me,
Because I saved the poor who cried for help,
And the orphan who had no helper.
The blessing of the one who was about to perish came upon me,
And I made the widow’s heart sing for joy.
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;
My justice was like a robe and a headband.
I was eyes to those who were blind,
And feet to those who could not walk.
I was a father to the poor,
And I investigated the case which I did not know.
I broke the jaws of the wicked
And rescued the prey from his teeth.

Then I thought, “I will die with my family,
And I will multiply my days as the sand.
My root is spread out to the waters,
And dew lies on my branch all night.
My glory is ever new with me,
And my bow is renewed in my hand.”

To me they listened and waited,
And they kept silent for my advice.
After my words they did not speak again,
And my speech dropped on them like dew.
They waited for me as for the rain,
And opened their mouths as for the late rain.
I smiled at them when they did not believe,
And they did not look at my kindness dismissively.
I chose a way for them and sat as chief,
And lived as a king among the troops,
As one who comforted those who mourned.’”

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Context and Meaning

In Job 29, Job reflects on his former life of blessing and honor before his suffering began. He recalls his closeness with God, his status as a respected leader, and his acts of justice and mercy.

Key Themes:

1. God’s Past Favor: Job remembers when God’s protection and blessing were evident in his life (v. 1-6).
2. Job’s Influence and Honor: He describes his high social standing, where leaders respected him and the poor looked to him for help (v. 7-17).
3. A Sense of Security: Job believed his prosperity and righteousness would last for the rest of his life (v. 18-20).
4. His Role as a Wise Leader: People once sought his counsel and leadership, eagerly listening to his words (v. 21-25).

This chapter highlights Job’s inner grief—he is not just mourning his physical suffering but also the loss of his former life, reputation, and sense of purpose.

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Reflection and Impact

Job’s speech reveals a deep longing for the past and the pain of losing a life once filled with joy and purpose:

• God’s Presence is Our Greatest Blessing: Job misses God’s protection most of all, showing that true blessing comes from knowing God, not just material success.
• Losing Influence Can Be Painful: Job’s suffering wasn’t just physical—he also lost his position of honor and respect, which can be deeply wounding.
• Job’s Character Stood Out Even in Prosperity: Unlike many who become arrogant in success, Job used his blessings to help the weak and defend the oppressed—a model of godly leadership.

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Application

• Cherish Your Relationship with God Above All Else: Earthly blessings can fade, but God’s presence remains our greatest treasure (Psalm 73:25-26).
• Use Influence for Good: Like Job, strive to use your gifts, status, and resources to bless others and uplift the needy (Proverbs 11:25).
• Trust God Even When Seasons Change: If you are experiencing loss or transition, remember that God’s faithfulness is not tied to circumstances (Lamentations 3:22-23).

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Closing Thought

Job 29 is a beautiful but sorrowful reflection on the loss of blessing and status. Job mourns not just his suffering but the loss of his former influence and closeness with God. His words challenge us to treasure God’s presence above all else and to use our seasons of blessing to serve others well.