Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Job 29:25
I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one [that] comforteth the mourners.
25. A concluding picture of the joy which he had in the fellowship of men, and how they recognised his worth and set him as a king among them, and yet how he with his high advantages and great wealth felt towards them, being among them as one that comforteth the mourning.
I chose out their way ] The words probably mean that Job “chose” the way that led to the society of men, he gladly sought intercourse with them, and delighted himself in their fellowship. The other sense, I chose out the way for them to go, is less natural.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
I chose out their way – That is, I became their guide and counsellor. Rosenmuller and Noyes explain this as meaning, When I came among them; that is, when I chose to go in their way, or in their midst. But the former interpretation better agrees with the Hebrew, and with the connection. Job is speaking of the honors shown to him, and one of the highest which he could receive was to be regarded as a leader, and to have such respect shown to his opinions that he was even allowed to select the way in which they should go; that is, that his counsel was implicitly followed.
And sat chief – Hebrew Sat head. He was at the head of their assemblies.
And dwelt as a king in the army – As a king, surrounded by a multitude of troops, all of whom were subservient to his will, and whom he could command at pleasure. It is not to be inferred from this, that Job was a king, or that he was at the head of a nation. The idea is, merely, that the same respect was shown to him which is to a monarch at the head of an army.
As one that comforteth the mourners – In time of peace I was their counsellor, and in time of war they looked to me for direction, and in time of affliction they came to me for consolation. There were no classes which did not show me respect, and there were no honors which they were not ready to heap on me.
It may seem, perhaps, that in this chapter there is a degree of self-commendation and praise altogether inconsistent with that consciousness of deep unworthiness which a truly pious man should have. How, it may be asked, can this spirit be consistent with religion? Can a man who has any proper sense of the depravity of his heart, speak thus in commendation of his own righteousness, and recount with such apparent satisfaction his own good deeds? Would not true piety be more distrustful of self, and be less disposed, to magnify its own doings? And is there not here a recalling to recollection of former honors, in a manner which shows that the heart was more attached to them than that of a map whose hope is in heaven should be? It may not be possible to vindicate Job in this respect altogether, nor is it necessary for us to attempt to prove that he was entirely perfect. We are to remember, also, the age in which he lived; we are not to measure what he said and did by the knowledge which we have, and the clearer light which shines upon us. We are to bear in recollection the circumstances in which he was placed, and perhaps we shall find in them a mitigation for what seems to us to exhibit such a spirit of self-reliance, and which looks so much like the lingering love of the honors of this world. Particularly we may recall the following considerations:
(1) He was vindicating himself from charges of enormous guilt and hypocrisy. To meet these charges, he runs over the leading events of his life, and shows what had been his general aim and purpose. He reminds them, also, of the respect and honor which had been shown him by those who best knew him – by the poor the needy, the inhabitants of his own city, the people of his own tribe. To vindicate himself from the severe charges which had been alleged against him, it was not improper thus to advert to the general course of his life, and to refer to the respect in which he had been held. Who could know him better than his neighbors? Who could be better witnesses than the poor whom he had relieved; and the lame, the blind, the sorrowful, whom he had comforted? Who could better testify to his character than they who had followed his counsel in times of perplexity and danger? Who would be more competent witnesses than the mourners whom he had comforted?
(2) It was a main object with Job to show the greatness of his distress and misery, and for this purpose he went into an extended statement of his former happiness, and especially of the respect which had been shown him. This he contrasts beautifully with his present condition, and the colors of the picture are greatly heightened by the contrast. In forming our estimate of this chapter, we should take this object into the account, and should not charge him with a design to magnify his own righteousness, when his main purpose was only to exhibit the extent and depth of his present woes.
(3) It is not improper for a man to speak of his former prosperity and happiness in the manner in which Job did. He does not speak of himself as having any merit, or as relying on this for salvation. He distinctly traces it all to God Job 29:2-5, and says that it was because he blessed him that he had enjoyed these comforts. It was not an improper acknowledgment of the mercies which he had received from his hand, and the remembrance was fitted to excite his gratitude. And although there may seem to us something like parade and ostentation in thus dwelling on former honors, and recounting what he had done in days that were past, yet we should remember how natural it was for him, in the circumstances of trial in which he then was, to revert to past scenes, and to recall the times of prosperity, and the days when he enjoyed the favor of God.
(4) It may be added, that few people have ever lived to whom this description would be applicable. It must have required uncommon and very remarkable worth to have made it proper for him thus to speak, and to be able to say all this so as not to be exposed to contradiction. The description is one of great beauty, and presents a lovely picture of patriarchal piety, and of the respect which then was shown to eminent virtue and worth. It is an illustration of the respect that will be, and that ought to be, shown to one who is upright in his dealings with people, benevolent toward the poor and the helpless, and steady in his walk with God.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 25. I chose out their way, and sat chief – as a king in the army] I cannot see, with some learned men, that our version of the original is wrong. I have not seen it mended, and I am sure I cannot improve it. The whole verse seems to me to point out Job in his civil, military, and domestic life.
As supreme magistrate he chose out their way, adjusted their differences, and sat chief, presiding in all their civil assemblies.
As captain general he dwelt as a king in the midst of his troops, preserving order and discipline, and seeing that his fellow soldiers were provided with requisites for their warfare, and the necessaries of life.
As a man he did not think himself superior to the meanest offices in domestic life, to relieve or support his fellow creatures; he went about comforting the mourners – visiting the sick and afflicted, and ministering to their wants, and seeing that the wounded were properly attended. Noble Job! Look at him, ye nobles of the earth, ye lieutenants of counties, ye generals of armies, and ye lords of provinces. Look at JOB! Imitate his active benevolence, and be healthy and happy. Be as guardian angels in your particular districts, blessing all by your example and your bounty. Send your hunting horses to the plough, your game cocks to the dunghill; and at last live like men and Christians.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
I chose out their way; they sought to me for my advice in all doubtful and difficult cases, and I chalked out their path, and directed them what methods they should take to accomplish their desires.
Sat, as a prince or judge, whilst they stood waiting for my counsel.
Chief, or head; as their head or ruler, and my mind and word was as a law or oracle to them.
As a king in the army, whose presence puts life, and courage, and joy into the whole army. And no less acceptable was my presence to them.
As one that comforteth the mourners; as I was able and ready to comfort any afflicted or sorrowful persons, so my consolations were always grateful and welcome to them. Or, when he, to wit, the king,
comforteth the mourners, i.e. his army, when they are under some great consternation or dejection, by reason of some great loss or danger, but are revived by the presence and speech of a wise and valiant king or general.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
25. I chose out their waythatis, I willingly went up to their assembly (from my country residence,Job 29:7).
in the armyas a kingsupreme in the midst of his army.
comforteth the mournersHereagain Job unconsciously foreshadows Jesus Christ (Isa 61:2;Isa 61:3). Job’s afflictions, asthose of Jesus Christ, were fitting him for the office hereafter(Isa 50:4; Heb 2:18).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
I chose out their way,…. When his friends and neighbours came to him for advice in things civil, he marked out their way for them, directed what steps to take, what methods to pursue for their good; they desired him to choose for them, preferring his judgment to theirs, and were determined to abide by his choice of ways and means, and to follow his counsel; and in religious matters, he instructed them in their duty, both towards God and men, and proposed unto them what was most eligible, both with respect to doctrine and practice;
and sat chief; in all their public assemblies; he presided in their councils and courts of judicature; and when met together for religious worship, he sat in the chair of the teacher, and instructed them; he was chief speaker, as the Heathens said of the Apostle Paul, Ac 14:12;
and dwelt as a king in the army, or “troop” k. Mr. Broughton renders it with a garrison; Job was surrounded with multitudes of persons, that waited upon him on one account or another, who were ready to receive his words, and be obedient to them, as a king or general in the midst of an army, surrounded by his general officers, and the whole army encamped about him, doing him honour, and ready to obey whatever commands or instructions he should give them; some conclude from hence that Job was really a king, as being not a note of similitude, but of truth and reality, as in Mt 14:2; and so he might be; for in those times and countries every city almost had its king; though this is not necessarily supposed here; for the phrase seems only to denote the authority and influence Job had over men by his advice and instruction, which were as much regarded as from a king; and the majesty he appeared in, and the reverence in which he was had:
as one [that] comforteth the mourners: which some restrain to the king in his army, and connect them therewith thus, “when he comforteth the mourners” l; the soldiers mourning for some loss sustained, and slaughter made among them; whose minds the king or general by a set speech endeavours to cheer, and comfort, and allay their fears, and animate them to intrepidity and fortitude, when all eyes are upon him and attentive to him; and so attentive were Job’s hearers to him. Bar Tzemach observes, that the copulative , or “and”, is wanting, and so is a clause by itself, and expresses something distinct from the forager, and may be supplied, “and I was as one that comforteth the mourners”; as a wise man that comforteth them, as Aben Ezra explains it; like one that made it his business to visit mourners in affliction, on account of the death of a relation, and the like: see Job 11:19; and speaks comfortable words to them, to support them under their sorrow; when such an one used to speak alone, and all stood silent before him, and attentive to him; and in a like position was Job, when he gave his instructions to those about him; and he was, no doubt, a comforter of mourners himself, being either in temporal afflictions, or in spiritual troubles; comforted those that were cast down in either sense, and was a type of Christ, who was appointed to comfort all that mourn in Zion.
k “in agmine”, Montanus, Bolducius; “in turma”, Mercerus, Drusius, Cocceius, Michaelis, Schultens. l “quando”, Junius Tremellius, Drusius “quum vel quando”, Schmidt.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(25) I sat.It is still the custom among the Jews for mourners to sit upon the ground and for one who wishes to console them to occupy a seat above them. Such is Jobs pathetic lamentation over the days that were gone. He appears before us as a conspicuous example of one who had worn the poets crown of sorrow in the remembrance of happier things in time of sorrow. He is the type and representative of suffering humanity, of man waiting for redemption, but as yet unredeemed. It is in this way that he points us on to Christ, who, Himself the Redeemer, went through all the sorrows of sinful and unredeemed humanity. He is able to describe his former state and all its glory and bliss, while his friends are constrained to listen in silence. They have said their worst, they have aspersed and maligned his character, but they have not silenced him; he is able to make the most complete vindication of all his past life, to contrast its happiness with the present contempt and contumely of it, so much owing to them and their heartless, unsympathetic treatment of him, while they can make no reply.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
25. I chose out their way I proved their way. Hitzig.
Way The Hebrew, means, also, “usage,” “conduct,” “mode of life,” Job 23:11; Psa 5:8; Psa 27:11. Job was a controlling power among his people, either to the choosing out their way, (Exo 18:20,) or to the testing, reproving, and censuring their mode of life; not actually a king, but enjoying all the dignity and prerogatives of a prince, even that highest royalty, the solace of the sorrowing, “a reminder for the three who did not really, but only in pretence, comfort the wretched.” Ewald.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Job 29:25. I chose out their way, &c. But if, with them, I sought after serious things, I sat in the chief place: as a king when he cometh to comfort the mourners, so did I dwell in the midst of the company. Houb.; who makes this and the foregoing verse correspond to each other. Heath translates it very differently. If I chose to travel with them, I had the most honourable place: I pitched in tent also as a king among the troop; when he leadeth them to the plains.
REFLECTIONS.1st, Reflections upon Job’s former prosperous state, contrasted with his present wretchedness, draw forth the deep sigh from his bosom, and, though no prospect of a change appears, he cannot but wish the return of happier days. Oh, that I were as in months past, enjoying such outward blessings, or rather such communion with God, as even then was his greatest joy. Note; (1.) God does not forbid us to pray for the restoration of health, ease, and worldly good, while we in submission resign ourselves to his will. (2.) A godly man longs more for the light of God’s countenance, than for any blessing that this world can afford.
Job mentions two things especially, which made him wish for the months that were past: the comfort that he had in God and in his family.
1. In God; when he preserved me from all evil, when his candle shined upon my head, the bright communications of his favour were my delight and glory; and when by his light I walked through darkness, and every trouble was made easy by the presence, light, and love of God: As I was in the days of my youth, when he enjoyed a lively sense of the divine regard, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle, and he manifested himself to me, as he doth not to the world; when the Almighty was yet with me, showering down mercies spiritual and temporal upon me. Note; (1.) They are safe whom God preserves, and they only. (2.) The light of God’s love will refresh the soul amid the darkest dispensations. (3.) It is a blessed thing, when in our youthful days we are acquainted with the secret of God.
2. In his family. When my children, those dearest and most valuable earthly blessings, were about me, my comfort and joy: when I washed my steps with butter, so plentifully did the kine supply him, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil; his olive yards so fruitful, that the streams of oil gushed out, as springs of water from beneath the rock. Note; Children are God’s gifts: while we thankfully enjoy them, let us not by idolatrous affection tempt God to take them away.
2nd, Job’s friends had treated him with insolence, and accused him of being an oppressive magistrate, as well as, in general, a bad man. But how differently had he used to be regarded, and what testimonies could he not produce of his integrity! He here declares,
1. What high respect had formerly been paid him from the least to the greatest. When, as a magistrate, he went to the place of judgment, which was usually held in the gate, or where the greatest concourse of people was, that all might hear and have free access, the young men with veneration gave way, and the aged rose up with deep respect, and stood till he was seated. The princes and nobles, the chief magistrates who were on the bench with him, conscious of his superior abilities, heard him as their oracle: they sealed up their lips before him, and waited for his opinion of the case, fully assured, from the depth of his penetration, and the integrity of his heart, that his decisions would be the voice of truth and justice. Every hearer applauded his sentence, and every beholder testified to the gravity, wisdom, and uprightness of his conduct. Note; (1.) Modesty in youth, and respect for the aged, are most amiable and becoming. (2.) A wise and upright judge is worthy to be had in honour, as one of the most useful members of the community. (3.) It is a mark of true wisdom to know when to be silent.
2. What did he do to deserve this respect? He was the friend of the poor and fatherless, espousing their cause, and redressing their complaints. Those who were ready to perish, through want or oppression, experienced his generous support; and the widow’s hearts were made to exult in the kind care that he shewed for them and their interests. Blessings were showered down upon his head, the voice of gratitude; and daily prayers went up to God for him; the best recompence that the poor can make to their benevolent friends, and which Job esteemed the most valuable return. Clothed with righteousness, no respect of persons ever biassed his determinations; and the ornament that he valued more than the purple robe, or the diadem, which as a magistrate, perhaps, he wore, was that judgment, that principle of equity and uprightness, which ever influenced him. The ignorant, who could not plead for themselves, and the helpless, who had neither friends nor money to prosecute their just rights, he freely and effectually assisted; and the poor found in him a father, ever ready to vindicate their wrongs. If difficulties occurred in any cause with close application he set himself to unravel the truth, which cunning, fraud, or falsehood had perplexed; and the wicked, convicted by his wisdom, and condemned by his righteous sentence, unable, as when the jaw-bone is broken, to hold their prey, were compelled by shame and grief, or by compulsion, to restore the fruits of their oppression. Note; (1.) They are truly great, whose will to do good is equal to their ability. (2.) Gratitude and prayer are returns which the poorest can make; these then should never be forgotten. (3.) A heart filled with the love of justice, seasoned with mercy, a head blessed with sound understanding, an ear patiently attentive to the longest evidence, and a hand firm in the execution of proper punishment on the wickedthese constitute a righteous judge.
3rdly. From all appearances, and according to human foresight, no man’s prosperity appeared of surer continuance than Job’s; no wonder therefore,
1. That he promised himself good days. Then I said, when every thing without was so fair, and I felt within conscious integrity, I shall die in my nest. He knew that he must die; and never in his greatest prosperity forgot to prepare for his departure hence; but he hoped that it would be in peace, amid his kind friends surrounding his bed, and his children, the heirs of his virtue as well as affluence, with filial piety closing his dying eyes. I shall multiply my days as the sand, and late return unto the tomb, full of years, riches, and honours. Note; (1.) When things go smoothly we are too apt to count upon their continuance; but how often do we see a quick transition, and our hopes disappointed! (2.) A long life is a desirable blessing, when employed for the glory of God, and the good of mankind.
2. He thought that he had great grounds for his hope. Rooted as a tree, his worldly prosperity seemed fixed on a durable basis, and his vital stamina sound and vigorous. Watered continually by providential care, he grew and increased; the dew of heavenly influences rested upon him, and all his concerns, spiritual and temporal, flourished. His glory was fresh, never withering, ever blooming; while each day added new lustre to his estate, and his bow was renewed in his hand; so that he appeared to have nothing to apprehend from any adversary. When he spoke, attention sat mute; and on his lips the audience hung: the ear, delighted, was never weary; and his discourse, as gentle showers descending to refresh the parched ground, sunk deep into the heart. All heard with silent wonder his words, as the voice of wisdom; and with submission received his counsels, as oracular. If he smiled graciously, so great they esteemed the honour, that they scarcely could believe themselves the objects of his regard; and, far from presuming on his familiar condescension, were awed by his Majesty, and paid him no less respect and reverence. As a counsellor, all who consulted him acquiesced in his advice. As a teacher of divine truth, he pointed out their way, and they followed him. In public assemblies he had the seat of honour; in the congregation of the faithful he presided, and led their devotions. As a king in his army, he was honoured and obeyed, and as one that comforteth the mourners, ready to fly to the relief of the afflicted, and to pour the balm of consolation into the wounded spirit. Note; (1.) If we prosper in body or soul, be it ever remembered who it is that watereth us every moment; whose influences being withheld, we wither, droop, and die. (2.) Superiors should be condescending, and yet in their freedoms maintain their dignity. (3.) They who have comforted others, find themselves often unable to receive in their afflictions the consolations which they have administered.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
REFLECTIONS
READER! in this representation of Job, let you and I look beyond the man of Uz, and behold some of the sweet sketches of Him, who is all that is here said, and infinitely more, to all his people. JESUS is indeed our Lawgiver, our King, our Ruler. Who, when hearing him speak, but must refrain talking, and lay their hands upon their mouth! His government is universal; his power unlimited. To him it belongs to appoint laws in the gate, and to clothe his people with his own robe of righteousness, and his garment of salvation. Yes, blessed JESUS! it is thou that must solve all doubts; clear up all difficulties; and against thy judgment there can be no appeal; and there needeth none. Surely, dear LORD, thou art, and ever hast been, eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame. Who is there to comfort thy poor, and thy needy, but thee? Who to be with us in trouble, to console us with thy presence when afflicted, and to pluck thy poor captives from the hand of him that is stronger than we? Yes, yes! thou Almighty Samaritan, the blessing of them that are ready to perish shall come upon thee: for with the oil and wine of thy grace, and HOLY SPIRIT, thou hast visited them; with the robes of thy righteousness, and with the garments of thy salvation, thou hast clothed them in their perishing circumstances; with thy precious body and blood thou hast fed and sustained them; and through all these manifestations of grace and favor, thy love hath been better than wine! Hail, gracious LORD! the helper of the poor, when he crieth, the hope of Israel, and the Saviour thereof. Be thou everlastingly praised, and everlastingly beloved: give us grace, LORD, to love thee, who hast so loved us.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Job 29:25 I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one [that] comforteth the mourners.
Ver. 25. I chose out their way, and sat chief ] In those days I was the only man in all matters, chosen by consent of all, to be the prolocutor and advanced to the first place in all assemblies and places of judicature, &c. Tremellius and others read it thus, If I chose their way (that is, if of mine own accord I came unto them at any time), I sat chief, and was chairman; in a word, I dwelt as a king amidst his troopers, when he comforteth them being cast down; that is, when, after some defeat or disappointment, he cheereth up their spirits by his speeches, and cries, Courage, my hearts:
Flebile principium, melior fortuna sequatur:
Victorem a victo superari saepe videmus.
The Tigurines render the former part of the verse thus, Accommodavi me illorum moribus cum iudicio,
And dwelt as a king in the army
As one that comforteth the mourners
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
chose out: Gen 41:40, Jdg 11:8, 2Sa 5:2, 1Ch 13:1-4
dwelt: Gen 14:14-17, Deu 33:5
one that: Job 4:3, Job 4:4, Isa 35:3, Isa 35:4, Isa 61:1-3, 2Co 1:3, 2Co 1:4, 2Co 7:5-7, 1Th 3:2, 1Th 3:3
Reciprocal: Job 1:3 – greatest Job 16:5 – But I would Pro 19:6 – will
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Job 29:25. I chose out their way They sought to me for advice in all doubtful and difficult cases, and I directed them what methods they should take; and sat chief As a prince or judge, while they stood waiting for my counsel: Hebrew, , rosh, as their head, or ruler, and my word was as a law, or oracle to them. And dwelt as a king in the army Whose presence puts life, and courage, and joy into the whole army. And no less acceptable was my presence to them. The word , gedud, here rendered army, is generally translated troops, as Gen 49:19; Psa 18:30. And Heath renders the last two clauses, If I chose to travel with them, I had the most honourable place: I pitched my tent also as a king among the troop. As one that comforteth the mourners As I was able and ready to comfort any afflicted or sorrowful persons, so my consolations were always grateful and acceptable to them.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
29:25 I chose out {s} their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one [that] comforteth the mourners.
(s) I had them at commandment.