Job 23
In Job 23, it is clear that Job desires an audience with God. Job’s words are filled with emotion that have resulted from both his suffering and his friends compounding his misery. When the calamities started, Job was satisfied to just let go and find rest. However, the continual berating of his friends has taken its toll. And although it may seem that Job’s words are strong, he admits that he is weak before the Almighty. Job speaks of the judgment of God that it would strengthen him. So Job looks forward to when God will judge him. Until that time, Job is committed to walking in the ways of the Lord.
Job 23:1-2
1Then Job answered and said, 2Even to day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.
The translator uses the word complaint in Job 23:2, it could have just as easily been translated communication or prayer. This would be less harsh. The translator may have done this, because the next word that is translated ‘bitter’ is more often translated rebellious or rebellion.
As for Job’s complaint, it is bitter because it unanswered. Does this mean that Job himself is bitter? No, it is just the situation may have left a bitter taste in Job’s mouth. Job, who has spent a lifetime of following God, is without an answer. As one that walked with God, it has put him in a position that he probably did not experience in his past. Job has entered uncharted territory in his life, a fearful thing when our spirit is weakened or we are in the dark on an issue.
Job 23:3-5
3Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! 4I would order my cause 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.
Depending on your point of view, Job 23:3-4 could have a completely different meaning. If you are of the mindset that Job is an unrepentant sinner, then this is quite bold and presumptuous of Job. However, if you accept the premises that Job is a righteous man, then Job is merely looking for understanding. As in the fulfillment of Isaiah 1:18.
18Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Isaiah is not inferring that one could possibly negotiate with God. But that God could bring understanding to one’s mind. Then one would understand truth as put forth by God. And when required, they could correct their path to come on course with God. For Job, this reasoning together may result in a lesson beyond what he desired.
Job 23:6-7
6Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me. 7There the righteous might dispute with him; so should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
This passage is both presumption and correct. Job will find out later that there was a lesson in all this for him to learn. Yet for Job, there will also be a great deliverance that will come. Job will repent, but not for what so many assume. And yes, God will raise up Job and deliver him from his present situation, as stated in Psalm 46:1.
1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Further James stated in James 4:10.
10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
God is not there to just chasten us. God’s ultimately goal is to raise up righteous believers.
Job 23:8-9
8Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: 9On 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 admits that he has not seen God since all this began. God has been silent and for a very good reason. We know this because He is God and all He does is for a good reason. Note that Job stated that God is hidden on the right hand. God is hidden on the right hand because the Messiah has yet to be revealed.
Job 23:10
10But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
From this Job believes that God is watchful. Further that God wants to be involved in people’s lives. God would test an individual for the purpose of improving an individual. When Job stated that he would come forth as gold, it should bring to mind Peter’s statement in 1 Peter 1:7.
7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Yeshua Messiah:
God allows us to go through trials to refine us as gold that is refined in the fire. It is in the trial that our faith is purified when we walk with God. Trials are for our faith, so that we become as in 2 Timothy 2:12.
21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
It is true what Job stated. In the end, he will have more than he formerly had. Not only in wealth, Job will have wisdom far beyond what he presently has.
Job 23:11-12
11My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 12Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Job claims here that he has walked with God and has not declined from this path. Job declares that God meant more to him than life. Job’s words would lead one to believe that he is a footstep follower of God. From what is stated by God concerning Job, this is an accurate statement by Job. Job, more than anyone has a right to make such a claim. In the beginning of the book remember Job 1:20.
20Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
Even when things were bad, Job worshipped God. Today when that happens, most would become bitter. Job never cursed God even when his wife told him too. Job’s response to his losses was Job 1:22:
22In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
In all that Job had gone through, he had worshipped God and had not charged God foolishly. Job did not once commit folly with his words. He never turned his back on God.
And when Satan afflicted Job’s skin, it is recorded in Job 2:10B.
10BWhat? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Job accepted his lot and did not sin. Job held to his integrity after the calamity as much as he had prior. Job held God in higher esteem than all.
Job 23:13-17
13But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth. 14For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him. 15Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him. 16For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me: 17Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
Job is speaking of the characteristics of God. Job stated that man cannot change God’s mind. God will do those things that are appointed as God decides. Job is in awe of God and trembles at the thought of being in His presence.
When Job stated “God maketh my heart soft”, Job is referring to the fact that his heart would melt to the point that he could not stand before the God. Job being a servant of God will have lost all will, as will be apparent at the end of the Book of Job. This is in opposition to what is stated many times about pharaoh in Exodus, Exodus 7:3.
3And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.
When it stated that Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, it is similar to when a metal is hardened. To have one’s heart hardened is to strength their will and allow them to act as they please. That is why Exodus 7:4 states:
4But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.
Because Pharaoh’s heart is hardened (strengthened), he will not listen to Moses. Pharaoh had the choice of following his will or having his heart soften and his resolve deflated. Job’s will before God is one that has lost all self-determination. Job knows that if he comes before God, God will speak and that will be the end of the matter.
Job 23:17.
17Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
Job was cut off prior to darkness, Job did not see death. Job did not go to Sheol (7585). God kept Job alive for a reason. Job is without the self-will to face God. He lacks the understanding of why all this is happening and fears that he has failed God.
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