(Job 29:1-25) Job pauses for a reply. None being made, he proceeds to illustrate the mysteriousness of God's dealings, as set forth (Job 28:1-28) by his own case.
2¡Quién me volviese como en los meses pasados, Como en los días en que Dios me guardaba,
3Cuando hacía resplandecer sobre mi cabeza su lámpara, A cuya luz yo caminaba en la oscuridad;
4Como fui en los días de mi juventud, Cuando el favor de Dios velaba sobre mi tienda;
5Cuando aún estaba conmigo el Omnipotente, Y mis hijos alrededor de mí;
6Cuando lavaba yo mis pasos con leche, Y la piedra me derramaba ríos de aceite!
7Cuando yo salía a la puerta a juicio, Y en la plaza hacía preparar mi asiento,
8Los jóvenes me veían, y se escondían; Y los ancianos se levantaban, y estaban de pie.
9Los príncipes detenían sus palabras; Ponían la mano sobre su boca.
10La voz de los principales se apagaba, Y su lengua se pegaba a su paladar.
11Los oídos que me oían me llamaban bienaventurado, Y los ojos que me veían me daban testimonio,
12Porque yo libraba al pobre que clamaba, Y al huérfano que carecía de ayudador.
13La bendición del que se iba a perder venía sobre mí, Y al corazón de la viuda yo daba alegría.
14Me vestía de justicia, y ella me cubría; Como manto y diadema era mi rectitud.
15Yo era ojos al ciego, Y pies al cojo.
16A los menesterosos era padre, Y de la causa que no entendía, me informaba con diligencia;
17Y quebrantaba los colmillos del inicuo, Y de sus dientes hacía soltar la presa.
18Decía yo: En mi nido moriré, Y como arena multiplicaré mis días.
19Mi raíz estaba abierta junto a las aguas, Y en mis ramas permanecía el rocío.
20Mi honra se renovaba en mí, Y mi arco se fortalecía en mi mano.
21Me oían, y esperaban, Y callaban a mi consejo.
22Tras mi palabra no replicaban, Y mi razón destilaba sobre ellos.
23Me esperaban como a la lluvia, Y abrían su boca como a la lluvia tardía.
24Si me reía con ellos, no lo creían; Y no abatían la luz de mi rostro.
25Calificaba yo el camino de ellos, y me sentaba entre ellos como el jefe; Y moraba como rey en el ejército, Como el que consuela a los que lloran.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 2
I. preserved me--from calamity.
preserved me--from calamity.
II
Versículo 3
II. candle--when His favor shone on me (see on Job 18:6 and Psa 18:28).
candle--when His favor shone on me (see on Job 18:6 and Psa 18:28).
darkness--By His safeguard I passed secure through dangers. Perhaps alluding to the lights carried before caravans in nightly travels through deserts [NOYES].
III
Versículo 4
III. youth--literally, "autumn"; the time of the ripe fruits of my prosperity. Applied to youth, as th…
youth--literally, "autumn"; the time of the ripe fruits of my prosperity. Applied to youth, as the Orientalists began their year with autumn, the most temperate season in the East.
secret--when the intimate friendship of God rested on my tent (Pro 3:32; Psa 31:20; Gen 18:17; Joh 15:15). The Hebrew often means a divan for deliberation.
IV
Versículo 6
IV. butter--rather, "cream," literally, "thick milk." Wherever I turned my steps, the richest milk an…
butter--rather, "cream," literally, "thick milk." Wherever I turned my steps, the richest milk and oil flowed in to me abundantly. Image from pastoral life.
When I washed my steps--Literal washing of the feet in milk is not meant, as the second clause shows; Margin, "with me," that is, "near" my path, wherever I walked (Deu 32:13). Olives amidst rocks yield the best oil. Oil in the East is used for food, light, anointing, and medicine.
V
Versículo 7
V. The great influence Job had over young and old, and noblemen.
The great influence Job had over young and old, and noblemen.
through . . . street!--rather, When I went out of my house, in the country (see Job 1:1, prologue) to the gate (ascending), up to the city (which was on elevated ground), and when I prepared my (judicial) seat in the market place. The market place was the place of judgment, at the gate or propylÃ&brvbra of the city, such as is found in the remains of Nineveh and Persepolis (Isa 59:14; Psa 55:11; Psa 127:5).
VI
Versículo 8
VI. hid--not literally; rather, "stepped backwards," reverentially. The aged, who were already seated…
hid--not literally; rather, "stepped backwards," reverentially. The aged, who were already seated, arose and remained standing (Hebrew) until Job seated himself. Oriental manners.
VII
Versículo 9
VII. (Job 4:2; see on Job 21:5).
(Job 4:2; see on Job 21:5).
Refrained talking--stopped in the middle of their speech.
VIII
Versículo 10
VIII. Margin, "voice--hid," that is, "hushed" (Eze 3:26).
Margin, "voice--hid," that is, "hushed" (Eze 3:26).
Tongue cleaved, &c.--that is, awed by my presence, the emirs or sheiks were silent.
IX
Versículo 11
IX. blessed--extolled my virtues (Pro 31:28). Omit "me" after "heard"; whoever heard of me (in genera…
blessed--extolled my virtues (Pro 31:28). Omit "me" after "heard"; whoever heard of me (in general, not in the market place, Job 29:7-10) praised me.
gave witness--to my honorable character. Image from a court of justice (Luk 4:22).
the eye--that is, "face to face"; antithesis to
ear--that is, report of me.
X
Versículo 12
X. The grounds on which Job was praised (Job 29:11), his helping the afflicted (Psa 72:12) who cried…
The grounds on which Job was praised (Job 29:11), his helping the afflicted (Psa 72:12) who cried to him for help, as a judge, or as one possessed of means of charity. Translate: "The fatherless who had none to help him."
XI
Versículo 13
XI. So far was I from sending "widows" away empty (Job 22:9).
So far was I from sending "widows" away empty (Job 22:9).
ready to perish-- (Pro 31:6).
XII
Versículo 14
XII. (Isa 61:10; Ch1 12:18).
(Isa 61:10; Ch1 12:18).
judgment--justice.
diadem--tiara. Rather, "turban," "head-dress." It and the full flowing outer mantle or "robe," are the prominent characteristics of an Oriental grandee's or high priest's dress (Zac 3:5). So Job's righteousness especially characterized him.
XIII
Versículo 15
XIII. Literally, "the blind" (Deu 27:18); "lame" (Sa2 9:13); figuratively, also the spiritual support w…
Literally, "the blind" (Deu 27:18); "lame" (Sa2 9:13); figuratively, also the spiritual support which the more enlightened gives to those less so (Job 4:3; Heb 12:13; Num 10:31).
XIV
Versículo 16
XIV. So far was I from "breaking the arms of the fatherless," as Eliphaz asserts (Job 22:9), I was a "…
So far was I from "breaking the arms of the fatherless," as Eliphaz asserts (Job 22:9), I was a "father" to such.
the cause which I knew not--rather, "of him whom I knew not," the stranger (Pro 29:7 [UMBREIT]; contrast Luk 18:1, &c.). Applicable to almsgiving (Psa 41:1); but here primarily, judicial conscientiousness (Job 31:13).
XV
Versículo 17
XV. Image from combating with wild beasts (Job 4:11; Psa 3:7). So compassionate was Job to the oppres…
Image from combating with wild beasts (Job 4:11; Psa 3:7). So compassionate was Job to the oppressed, so terrible to the oppressor!
jaws--Job broke his power, so that he could do no more hurt, and tore from him the spoil, which he had torn from others.
16
Versículo 18
16. I said--in my heart (Psa 30:6).
I said--in my heart (Psa 30:6).
in--rather, "with my nest"; as the second clause refers to long life. Instead of my family dying before me, as now, I shall live so long as to die with them: proverbial for long life. Job did realize his hope (Job 42:16). However, in the bosom of my family, gives a good sense (Num 24:21; Oba 1:4). Use "nest" for a secure dwelling.
sand-- (Gen 22:17; Hab 1:9). But the Septuagint and Vulgate, and Jewish interpreters, favor the translation, "the phœnix bird." "Nest" in the parallel clause supports the reference to a bird. "Sand" for multitude, applies to men, rather than to years. The myth was, that the phœnix sprang from a nest of myrrh, made by his father before death, and that he then came from Arabia (Job's country) to Heliopolis (the city of the Sun) in Egypt, once in every five hundred years, and there burnt his father [HERODOTUS, 2:73]. Modern research has shown that this was the Egyptian mode of representing hieroglyphically a particular chronological era or cycle. The death and revival every five hundred years, and the reference to the sun, implies such a grand cycle commencing afresh from the same point in relation to the sun from which the previous one started. Job probably refers to this.
17
Versículo 19
17. Literally, "opened to the waters." Opposed to Job 18:16. Vigorous health.
Literally, "opened to the waters." Opposed to Job 18:16. Vigorous health.
18
Versículo 20
18. My renown, like my bodily health, was continually fresh.
My renown, like my bodily health, was continually fresh.
bow--Metaphor from war, for, my strength, which gains me "renown," was ever renewed (Jer 49:35).
19
Versículo 21
19. Job reverts with peculiar pleasure to his former dignity in assemblies (Job 29:7-10).
Job reverts with peculiar pleasure to his former dignity in assemblies (Job 29:7-10).
20
Versículo 22
20. not again--did not contradict me.
not again--did not contradict me.
dropped--affected their minds, as the genial rain does the soil on which it gently drops (Amo 7:16; Deu 32:2; Sol 4:11).
21
Versículo 23
21. Image of Job 29:22 continued. They waited for my salutary counsel, as the dry soil does for the r…
Image of Job 29:22 continued. They waited for my salutary counsel, as the dry soil does for the refreshing rain.
opened . . . mouth--panted for; Oriental image (Psa 119:131). The "early rain" is in autumn and onwards, while the seed is being sown. The "latter rain" is in March, and brings forward the harvest, which ripens in May or June. Between the early and latter rains, some rain falls, but not in such quantities as those rains. Between March and October no rain falls (Deu 11:14; Jam 5:7).
22
Versículo 24
22. When I relaxed from my wonted gravity (a virtue much esteemed in the East) and smiled, they could…
When I relaxed from my wonted gravity (a virtue much esteemed in the East) and smiled, they could hardly credit it; and yet, notwithstanding my condescension, they did not cast aside reverence for my gravity. But the parallelism is better in UMBREIT'S translation, "I smiled kindly on those who trusted not," that is, in times of danger I cheered those in despondency. And they could not cast down (by their despondency) my serenity of countenance (flowing from trust in God) (Pro 16:15; Psa 104:15). The opposite phrase (Gen 4:5-6). "Gravity" cannot well be meant by "light of countenance."
23
Versículo 25
23. I chose out their way--that is, I willingly went up to their assembly (from my country residence,…
I chose out their way--that is, I willingly went up to their assembly (from my country residence, Job 29:7).
in the army--as a king supreme in the midst of his army.
comforteth the mourners--Here again Job unconsciously foreshadows Jesus Christ (Isa 61:2-3). Job's afflictions, as those of Jesus Christ, were fitting him for the office hereafter (Isa 50:4; Heb 2:18).
Next: Job Chapter 30
Antiguo Testamento
Job — Capítulo 29
(Job 29:1-25) Job pauses for a reply. None being made, he proceeds to illustrate the mysteriousness of God's dealings, as set forth (Job 28:1-28) by his own case.
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Volvió Job a reanudar su discurso, y dijo:
2¡Quién me volviese como en los meses pasados, Como en los días en que Dios me guardaba,
3Cuando hacía resplandecer sobre mi cabeza su lámpara, A cuya luz yo caminaba en la oscuridad;
4Como fui en los días de mi juventud, Cuando el favor de Dios velaba sobre mi tienda;
5Cuando aún estaba conmigo el Omnipotente, Y mis hijos alrededor de mí;
6Cuando lavaba yo mis pasos con leche, Y la piedra me derramaba ríos de aceite!
7Cuando yo salía a la puerta a juicio, Y en la plaza hacía preparar mi asiento,
8Los jóvenes me veían, y se escondían; Y los ancianos se levantaban, y estaban de pie.
9Los príncipes detenían sus palabras; Ponían la mano sobre su boca.
10La voz de los principales se apagaba, Y su lengua se pegaba a su paladar.
11Los oídos que me oían me llamaban bienaventurado, Y los ojos que me veían me daban testimonio,
12Porque yo libraba al pobre que clamaba, Y al huérfano que carecía de ayudador.
13La bendición del que se iba a perder venía sobre mí, Y al corazón de la viuda yo daba alegría.
14Me vestía de justicia, y ella me cubría; Como manto y diadema era mi rectitud.
15Yo era ojos al ciego, Y pies al cojo.
16A los menesterosos era padre, Y de la causa que no entendía, me informaba con diligencia;
17Y quebrantaba los colmillos del inicuo, Y de sus dientes hacía soltar la presa.
18Decía yo: En mi nido moriré, Y como arena multiplicaré mis días.
19Mi raíz estaba abierta junto a las aguas, Y en mis ramas permanecía el rocío.
20Mi honra se renovaba en mí, Y mi arco se fortalecía en mi mano.
21Me oían, y esperaban, Y callaban a mi consejo.
22Tras mi palabra no replicaban, Y mi razón destilaba sobre ellos.
23Me esperaban como a la lluvia, Y abrían su boca como a la lluvia tardía.
24Si me reía con ellos, no lo creían; Y no abatían la luz de mi rostro.
25Calificaba yo el camino de ellos, y me sentaba entre ellos como el jefe; Y moraba como rey en el ejército, Como el que consuela a los que lloran.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 2
I. preserved me--from calamity.
Versículo 3
II. candle--when His favor shone on me (see on Job 18:6 and Psa 18:28).
Versículo 4
III. youth--literally, "autumn"; the time of the ripe fruits of my prosperity. Applied to youth, as th…
Versículo 6
IV. butter--rather, "cream," literally, "thick milk." Wherever I turned my steps, the richest milk an…
Versículo 7
V. The great influence Job had over young and old, and noblemen.
Versículo 8
VI. hid--not literally; rather, "stepped backwards," reverentially. The aged, who were already seated…
Versículo 9
VII. (Job 4:2; see on Job 21:5).
Versículo 10
VIII. Margin, "voice--hid," that is, "hushed" (Eze 3:26).
Versículo 11
IX. blessed--extolled my virtues (Pro 31:28). Omit "me" after "heard"; whoever heard of me (in genera…
Versículo 12
X. The grounds on which Job was praised (Job 29:11), his helping the afflicted (Psa 72:12) who cried…
Versículo 13
XI. So far was I from sending "widows" away empty (Job 22:9).
Versículo 14
XII. (Isa 61:10; Ch1 12:18).
Versículo 15
XIII. Literally, "the blind" (Deu 27:18); "lame" (Sa2 9:13); figuratively, also the spiritual support w…
Versículo 16
XIV. So far was I from "breaking the arms of the fatherless," as Eliphaz asserts (Job 22:9), I was a "…
Versículo 17
XV. Image from combating with wild beasts (Job 4:11; Psa 3:7). So compassionate was Job to the oppres…
Versículo 18
16. I said--in my heart (Psa 30:6).
Versículo 19
17. Literally, "opened to the waters." Opposed to Job 18:16. Vigorous health.
Versículo 20
18. My renown, like my bodily health, was continually fresh.
Versículo 21
19. Job reverts with peculiar pleasure to his former dignity in assemblies (Job 29:7-10).
Versículo 22
20. not again--did not contradict me.
Versículo 23
21. Image of Job 29:22 continued. They waited for my salutary counsel, as the dry soil does for the r…
Versículo 24
22. When I relaxed from my wonted gravity (a virtue much esteemed in the East) and smiled, they could…
Versículo 25
23. I chose out their way--that is, I willingly went up to their assembly (from my country residence,…