Job 29 explained: Job Remembers His Better Days

When God felt near (vv. 1-6)

Job remembers a time when God's favor felt like a lamp lighting his way through dark places, and like a close friend's presence in his home. Paths flowing with cream and rocks pouring out olive oil are pictures of overflowing plenty, since milk and oil were the wealth of a herding and farming household.

Honored at the city gate (vv. 7-11)

The city gate was where elders gathered to judge cases and settle public matters, and Job had a seat of honor there. Young men stepping back, old men standing, and leaders covering their mouths were customary signs of deep respect: everyone waited to hear what he would say.

Defender of the helpless (vv. 12-17)

Job explains why people praised him: he stood up for orphans, widows, the disabled, the dying and outsiders, and broke the power of those who preyed on them. Many readers hear this as a reply to the charge in chapter 22 that Job mistreated widows and orphans, though Job does not name his accuser here.

Expecting a long, secure life (vv. 18-20)

Job assumed he would die old and at home, like a well watered tree that never dries out, with his strength always renewed like a fresh bow. The word translated "sand" might instead mean the legendary phoenix bird, a symbol of long life, and scholars are not sure which is meant.

Words like welcome rain (vv. 21-25)

People waited for Job's advice the way dry fields wait for spring rain, and once he spoke no one argued. The meaning of verse 24 is uncertain: it may say people could hardly believe he smiled at them, or that his smile cheered those who had lost hope.

Key verse: Job 29:2

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether Job's account of his own goodness here is a fair and honest defense, since God later says Job spoke rightly, or whether it shows a pride that the rest of the book gently corrects.

Something to think about

When life takes a turn for the worse, does remembering better days tend to help you, or make the present harder to bear?