Job 29:13

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

The blessing {H1293} of him that was ready to perish {H6} came {H935} upon me: and I caused the widow's {H490} heart {H3820} to sing for joy {H7442}.

Those who had been about to die would bless me, and I made widows sing in their hearts for joy.

The dying man blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart sing for joy.

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me; And I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.

Job 29:13 is part of Job’s lament in his final monologue, where he fondly recalls his former days of prosperity, honor, and deep respect within his community. This particular verse highlights his active righteousness and benevolent character, contrasting his past influence and charitable acts with his current state of suffering and isolation.

Context

In Job 29, Job is defending his integrity and character against the accusations of his friends, who believe his suffering is a direct result of hidden sin. He recounts a time when he was a pillar of society, sought after for wisdom and counsel, and revered by all. This verse serves as a powerful testament to his practical compassion and justice, demonstrating that his righteousness was not merely internal but manifested in tangible help for the most vulnerable. He describes how his actions brought blessings upon him, not in a transactional sense, but as the natural fruit of a life dedicated to serving others.

Key Themes

  • Active Compassion and Justice: Job was not passively righteous; he actively sought out and intervened on behalf of those in desperate circumstances. The phrase "him that was ready to perish" vividly portrays individuals on the brink of ruin, whom Job rescued. His actions brought "the blessing" of these rescued individuals upon him, signifying their deep gratitude and the positive impact of his intervention. This illustrates a profound commitment to social justice and mercy.
  • Care for the Vulnerable: The specific mention of the "widow" is highly significant. Widows in ancient Near Eastern society were often among the most vulnerable, lacking male protection and economic support. Job's claim that he "caused the widow's heart to sing for joy" goes beyond mere provision; it speaks to a deep, uplifting impact on their emotional and spiritual well-being. This aligns with broader biblical commands to care for the fatherless and widows and to protect the marginalized.
  • Righteousness in Action: This verse beautifully portrays righteousness not as a set of rules, but as a dynamic, compassionate engagement with the needs of others. Job's actions demonstrate a heart that mirrored God's own concern for the oppressed, showing that true godliness is reflected in how one treats the least of these.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "blessing" here is berakah (בְּרָכָה), which often signifies divine favor or prosperity, but in this context, it carries the strong connotation of the goodwill, gratitude, and good wishes from those Job helped. The phrase "ready to perish" comes from the verb 'abad (אָבַד), meaning to be lost, destroyed, or ruined, emphasizing the dire and hopeless state of those Job assisted. "Caused... to sing for joy" (יָרֹן yaron) highlights the profound emotional uplift and relief Job brought to the widow, indicating a complete transformation from sorrow to gladness.

Practical Application

Job's example in this verse remains a powerful model for believers today. It challenges us to move beyond passive piety to active, compassionate engagement with those suffering around us. True faith is often demonstrated through tangible acts of love and service, particularly towards the vulnerable and marginalized. Just as Job sought to bring joy to the widow, we are called to seek out opportunities to alleviate suffering and bring hope to the distressed. This verse underscores the timeless biblical principle that our acts of mercy, especially towards the needy, are seen and valued by God, and can bring profound blessing and joy, both to those we help and to ourselves. It reminds us that whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 1:16

    The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

  • 2 Timothy 1:18

    The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

  • Job 22:9

    Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

  • Isaiah 27:13

    And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.

  • Philemon 1:7

    For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

  • Job 31:19

    If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering;

  • Job 31:20

    If his loins have not blessed me, and [if] he were [not] warmed with the fleece of my sheep;

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