Job 23 Study Notes

23:1-2 Job answered Eliphaz with an attempt to justify his attitude. He felt that God was oppressing him (Ps 32:4).

23:3-4 Job lamented his inability to have an audience with God (9:32-35; 13:20-24) where he would expect to find justice (Ps 97:2).

23:5 Whatever God decided, Job would at least have the satisfaction of renewed contact with God.

23:6-7 Job had expressed fear about a hearing before God (9:34-35; 13:21-22). Now he felt his case for innocence would be established, and he would be acquitted of any wrongdoing (14:14-17).

23:8-9 Job experienced God as highly elusive. He sought God east . . . west . . . north, and south but could not perceive him. At the same time, God was so close Job felt his relentless attacks.

23:10 As dross is removed from gold in the crucible, leaving a shining surface, so when God finished dealing with him, Job would appear as a shining example of righteousness (Pr 17:3).

23:11-12 The word translated daily food (Hb choq) means “portion” (Ex 29:28). A related word (Hb chuqqah) means “statute” (Ex 29:9), suggesting that Job had prized God’s precepts more than his own natural inclinations (Rm 7:23). The reading found in the Septuagint (LXX) and the Latin Vulgate adds the phrase “in my bosom” after treasured. This pictures something close to Job’s heart (Ps 119:11).

23:13-14 Job acknowledged God’s unchangeableness (lit “in/as one”; cp. Mal 3:6). God does what he desires, and his will is irresistible (Rm 9:19). God would yet finish what he had decided to do in testing Job.

23:15-17 Job was terrified (7:19; 9:34; 13:25) by God’s omnipotence and presence. He lived in constant fear of the darkness of death that seemed near (16:16; 17:11-16).