Job 29:23

And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide [as] for the latter rain.

And they waited {H3176} for me as for the rain {H4306}; and they opened {H6473} their mouth {H6310} wide as for the latter rain {H4456}.

They waited for me as if for rain, as if for spring rain, with their mouths open wide.

They waited for me as for rain and drank in my words like spring showers.

And they waited for me as for the rain; And they opened their mouth wideasfor the latter rain.

Commentary

Job 29:23 captures a poignant aspect of Job's former life, illustrating the immense respect and eager anticipation with which people regarded him. In this verse, Job likens the people's waiting for his counsel and presence to the desperate longing for life-giving rain in an arid land, especially the crucial "latter rain."

Context of Job 29:23

This verse is part of Job's heartfelt lament and recollection of his past glory before his severe trials began. In Job chapter 29, Job vividly describes his former position of influence, wisdom, and honor in the community. He recalls how he sat as a chief among men, arbitrating disputes, caring for the needy, and being a source of comfort and guidance. The reverence he received was profound, with both young and old deferring to his judgment. This verse specifically highlights the deep reliance people placed on his wisdom and decisions, seeing him as a vital source of blessing.

Key Themes

  • Profound Esteem and Influence: Job's words reveal the high regard and deep respect he commanded. People didn't just listen to him; they eagerly awaited his words, viewing him as a significant authority figure and benevolent leader.
  • Vital Anticipation: The comparison to rain, particularly the "latter rain," emphasizes the critical and essential nature of Job's presence and counsel. Just as rain sustains life and brings forth harvest, Job's wisdom was seen as indispensable for the community's well-being and justice.
  • Benevolent Leadership: Job's past role was not merely one of power, but of compassionate and wise leadership, providing solace and resolution, much like the refreshing effect of rain on parched land.
  • Nostalgia and Loss: Underlying this description is Job's profound sense of loss, contrasting his past honor with his current state of suffering and isolation, where he is now scorned.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "rain" is matar (ืžึธื˜ึธืจ), a general term for precipitation, which was absolutely vital for survival in the ancient Near East. The phrase "latter rain" translates the Hebrew word malkosh (ืžึทืœึฐืงื•ึนืฉื). This refers to the spring rains (typically in March or April) that were crucial for the final ripening of grain crops before harvest. Without the malkosh, the harvest would fail, leading to famine. Its mention here intensifies the metaphor: people did not just desire Job's presence; they desperately needed it, recognizing its life-sustaining importance, much like the farmer yearns for the former and latter rains for a bountiful harvest.

Practical Application

Job 29:23 offers several timeless applications for us today:

  • The Impact of Righteous Influence: Our lives, when lived righteously and wisely, can become a source of profound blessing and guidance for others. People may look to us for wisdom, comfort, or justice, much like they looked to Job.
  • Valuing Wisdom and Counsel: The verse highlights the importance of seeking and valuing sound counsel, whether from respected elders, mentors, or spiritual leaders. Just as the ancients awaited rain, we should eagerly seek out wisdom that nourishes and guides our lives.
  • Being a Source of Refreshment: We are called to be people who bring refreshment, hope, and justice to those around us, reflecting God's own character as the ultimate provider of life-giving rain and blessing. This involves serving others and using our gifts to meet their needs.
  • God as the Ultimate Provider: While Job was a source of blessing, the ultimate source of all wisdom and provision is God. As Jeremiah 5:24 reminds us, it is the Lord who gives "the rain, both the former and the latter, in his season." Our ability to be a blessing stems from His grace.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hosea 6:3

    Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter [and] former rain unto the earth.

  • Zechariah 10:1

    ยถ Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; [so] the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

  • Psalms 72:6

    He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.
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