Job 29:25

KJV

I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one [that] comforteth the mourners.

KJV (with Strong's)

I chose {H977} out their way {H1870}, and sat {H3427} chief {H7218}, and dwelt {H7931} as a king {H4428} in the army {H1416}, as one that comforteth {H5162} the mourners {H57}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I chose their way [for them], sitting as chief; I lived like a king in the army, like one who comforts mourners.

Berean Standard Bible

I chose their course and presided as chief. So I dwelt as a king among his troops, as a comforter of the mourners.

American Standard Version

I chose out their way, and sataschief, And dwelt as a king in the army, As one that comforteth the mourners.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 29:25 serves as a poignant and powerful recollection by Job of his former life, vividly portraying his past role as a highly respected, influential, and compassionate leader within his community. It encapsulates his profound wisdom in guiding others, his preeminent authority akin to a monarch commanding an army, and his deep-seated empathy as a source of comfort for the sorrowful. This verse starkly contrasts his previous state of honor and benevolent influence with his current profound suffering, underscoring the devastating loss of his public standing and cherished role.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 29 marks the culmination of Job's final and most extensive monologue (chapters 29-31), serving as a powerful lament that starkly contrasts his past glory and prosperity with his present desolation. Following his intricate dialogues and spirited defenses against his three friends, Job here recounts the days when God's favor was evident upon him, and he enjoyed immense public respect and material blessings. This chapter meticulously details his righteous conduct, his unwavering commitment to justice, and his active, benevolent role in the community's welfare. It sets a profound stage for God's subsequent intervention in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - The Lord Answers Job") and Job's ultimate vindication, providing the reader with a full picture of the immense loss Job has endured. Verse 25 specifically highlights the apex of his public authority and compassionate leadership, painting a vivid picture of what he has been stripped of.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is generally set within the patriarchal period of the ancient Near East, a societal structure characterized by tribal or clan-based communities where elders and wise men held significant sway. Public life, including legal disputes, social gatherings, and communal decision-making, often centered around the city gate. Job's description of "sat chief" points to his prominent position in such assemblies, where his counsel was sought, and his judgments were respected and final, much like the elders at the city gate described in [Ruth 4:1-11](/ruth/4-1-11 "Ruth 4:1-11 - Boaz at the City Gate"). The imagery of a "king in the army" reflects not necessarily a literal monarchy, but the supreme authority, organizational skill, and commanding presence of a revered leader who could bring order and direction to his people, much like a general or a highly esteemed patriarch. The emphasis on comforting mourners and caring for the vulnerable aligns with the societal expectation for righteous leaders to uphold justice and provide for the disadvantaged, reflecting a deep sense of communal responsibility.
* **Key Themes:** Job 29:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Job. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Lost Honor and Status**, emphasizing that Job's suffering extended beyond material possessions to the profound loss of his public standing, the respect he once commanded, and his influential role in society. Secondly, it highlights the qualities of **Righteous Leadership**, portraying Job as a model of wisdom, justice, and benevolent authority. His active role in "choosing out their way" and providing guidance aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on leaders as shepherds who care for their flock, as seen in passages like [Psalm 78:72](/psalms/78-72 "Psalm 78:72 - David's Righteous Leadership") or [Proverbs 8:15](/proverbs/8-15 "Proverbs 8:15 - Kings Reign by Wisdom"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **Compassion and Empathy**, as Job's role as "one that comforteth the mourners" reveals a leader who balanced power with profound care for the afflicted, mirroring God's own character as a comforter, as described in [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chose out (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** This verb (H977), meaning "to try" or "to select," implies active discernment and deliberate decision-making. In this context, it signifies Job's role as a wise and discerning guide who not only set the direction for his community but also made judicious choices on their behalf, leading them in the right path. It speaks to his foresight, his moral integrity, and the deep trust placed in his counsel by the people.
* **Chief (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** This noun (H7218), literally meaning "head," denotes preeminence, leadership, and the principal position. When Job states he "sat chief," it conveys his undisputed authority and the fact that he was the foremost figure in public assemblies and decision-making, whose word carried ultimate weight and whose presence commanded universal respect and attention.
* **Comforteth (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** This verb (H5162), meaning "to sigh," "to pity," or "to console," highlights Job's tender and empathetic side. It demonstrates that his leadership was not merely about power or judgment, but also about pastoral care, extending solace and support to those who were grieving or in distress. This aspect beautifully balances his authority with profound humanity and compassion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I chose out their way":** This clause describes Job's proactive and authoritative role as a guide and decision-maker for his community. He was not a passive figure but an active participant in shaping the direction and welfare of his people, providing wise counsel, setting a clear course, and making discerning judgments for their collective good, much like a shepherd guiding his flock.
* **"and sat chief":** This phrase vividly depicts Job's preeminent position in public life, likely in the city gate where legal and social matters were deliberated. His "sitting" implies a settled, authoritative posture, indicating that he was the principal figure whose judgment was sought, whose wisdom was respected, and whose presence commanded the highest regard in all communal affairs.
* **"and dwelt as a king in the army":** This powerful simile illustrates the extraordinary extent of Job's authority and influence. He was not necessarily a literal monarch, but his presence and leadership were as commanding, organized, and effective as a king leading his troops. This conveys a sense of supreme control, ability to maintain order, and undisputed leadership within his sphere of influence, implying both military prowess and civic governance.
* **"as one [that] comforteth the mourners":** This final clause provides a crucial and profound balance to the preceding descriptions of power and authority. It reveals Job's deep compassion and benevolent nature. Despite his high status and immense power, he was approachable and dedicated to caring for the vulnerable and sorrowful, actively providing solace and support to those in distress, demonstrating a truly righteous, humane, and pastoral leadership.

#### Literary Devices
Job 29:25 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the full scope of Job's former stature and character. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the phrases "as a king in the army" and "as one that comforteth the mourners." These comparisons vividly illustrate Job's commanding authority and his profound compassionate nature, respectively, making abstract qualities tangible and relatable for the reader. The entire chapter, including this verse, relies heavily on **Juxtaposition**, starkly contrasting Job's past glory, influence, and comfort with his current state of abject suffering, dishonor, and isolation. This stark contrast amplifies the pathos of Job's lament, evoking deep sympathy for his plight and highlighting the magnitude of his loss. Furthermore, the description of Job as "chief" and "king" could be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary degree of his influence and the universal respect he commanded, even if he wasn't a literal monarch, thereby underscoring the immense value of what he has lost.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 29:25 offers profound theological insights into the nature of righteous leadership and the qualities that God values in those who hold positions of influence. It portrays a leader whose authority was not tyrannical but tempered with wisdom, justice, and deep compassion for the vulnerable. The verse implicitly raises questions about the relationship between divine favor and human prosperity, as Job's experience challenges the conventional understanding that righteousness always guarantees earthly blessings. However, it unequivocally affirms that true leadership, in God's eyes, involves actively guiding others in righteousness, upholding justice, and extending comfort to the afflicted. This aligns with the biblical mandate for leaders to be shepherds of their people, reflecting God's own character as a compassionate ruler and comforter, who delights in justice and mercy.

* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - When the Righteous Rule, the People Rejoice")
* [Isaiah 61:2-3](/isaiah/61-2-3 "Isaiah 61:2-3 - Comfort for All Who Mourn")
* [Psalm 72:12-14](/psalms/72-12-14 "Psalm 72:12-14 - The Righteous King's Compassion for the Needy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 29:25 provides a powerful mirror for self-reflection on the nature of influence and service, regardless of one's specific role or position. Job's poignant remembrance of his past leadership—marked by wisdom, authority, and profound compassion—challenges us to critically examine how we exercise our own spheres of influence, no matter how large or small. Are we actively "choosing out the way" for those we lead, guiding them with integrity, discernment, and a clear moral compass? Do we "sit chief" in our respective roles—whether as parents, mentors, managers, or community members—not merely for personal prestige, but as a source of stability, wisdom, and just decision-making for the benefit of others? Crucially, do we emulate Job's compassionate heart, actively seeking to "comfort the mourners" and extend genuine care, empathy, and support to those who are struggling, hurting, or in distress around us? This verse reminds us that true leadership, whether in family, workplace, community, or church, is defined not just by power or position, but by the benevolent, empathetic, and responsible use of that influence for the good of others, especially the vulnerable. It calls us to cultivate a heart that seeks to uplift and console, reflecting the very character of God, who is the ultimate Comforter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you "sit chief" or have influence, and how do you exercise that authority with wisdom and integrity?**
* **How can you more intentionally "choose out the way" for others, offering wise guidance and direction that leads to their well-being?**
* **In what practical ways can you become "one that comforteth the mourners" in your daily interactions, extending genuine compassion and support?**
* **How does Job's lost status challenge your own understanding of success, influence, and true fulfillment in life?**

### FAQ
**Was Job literally a king or military general?**

Answer: No, Job 29:25 uses the phrase "as a king in the army" as a **simile** to describe the extraordinary extent of Job's authority and influence, not his literal political or military title. In ancient Near Eastern patriarchal societies, a highly respected elder or patriarch could wield immense power and command, akin to that of a monarch or a general leading his troops. This imagery emphasizes his commanding presence, his ability to bring order, and the universal respect he garnered, rather than indicating he held a formal royal office. Job's authority was likely derived from his wisdom, wealth, and righteous character within his community, making him a de facto leader whose word was law, much like a king's.

**What does "I chose out their way" signify about Job's leadership?**

Answer: This phrase highlights Job's role as a wise, proactive, and discerning guide for his community. It means he was the one who carefully discerned, selected, and directed the course of action for the people, providing counsel and making decisions that shaped their path. It speaks to his foresight, his judiciousness, and the deep trust placed in his ability to lead them rightly, whether in legal matters, social conduct, or communal endeavors. He was a proactive leader who took personal responsibility for the well-being and moral direction of those under his influence, much as a shepherd might guide his flock to [green pastures](/psalms/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - The Lord as Shepherd") and still waters.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 29:25, while describing Job's past glory and ideal leadership, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the true and eternal King who perfectly "chose out our way," not merely guiding us with wisdom, but Himself being "the way, the truth, and the life" (as declared in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), leading humanity to salvation through His redemptive work. He truly "sat chief," for He is the undisputed Head of the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church and Fullness of God")) and the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). Unlike Job, whose authority was temporal and eventually lost, Christ's dominion is everlasting, and He "dwells as a king in the army" of God, commanding all heavenly hosts and exercising supreme authority over all creation ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Christ's Supremacy in Creation")). Most profoundly, Jesus is the ultimate "one that comforteth the mourners." He came to "bind up the brokenhearted" and to "comfort all who mourn" ([Isaiah 61:1-2](/isaiah/61-1-2 "The Spirit of the Lord on Jesus")), offering not just temporary solace but eternal hope, peace, and the promise of a future where "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). His compassion extends to all who are weary and heavy-laden, inviting them to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Thus, Job's ideal leadership, wisdom, authority, and compassion are perfectly embodied and infinitely surpassed in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our eternal King and Comforter.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

2 Corinthians 1:4

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

1 Thessalonians 3:2

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

1 Thessalonians 3:3

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

Isaiah 35:3

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

Genesis 41:40

Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.