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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Job 29:1–6. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Losers may have leave to speak, and there is nothing they speak of more feelingly than of the comforts they are stripped of. Their former prosperity is one of the most pleasing subjects of their thoughts and talk. It was so to Job, who begins here with a wish (Job 29:2): O that I were as in months past! so he brings in this account of his prosperity. His wish is, 1. "O that I were in as good a state as I was in then, that I had as much wealth, honour, and pleasure, as I had then!" This he wishes, from a concern he had, not so much for his ease, as for his reputation and the glory of his God, which he thought were eclipsed by his present sufferings. "O that I might be restored to my prosperity, and then the censures and reproaches of my friends would be effectually silenced, even upon their own principles, and for ever rolled away!" If this be our end in desiring life, health, and prosperity, that God may be glorified, and the credit of our holy profession rescued, preserved, and advanced, the desire is not only natural, but spiritual. 2. "O that I were in as good a frame of spirit as I was in then!" That which Job complained most of now was a load upon his spirits, through God's withdrawing from him; and therefore he wishes he now had his spirit as much enlarged and encouraged in the service of God as he had then and that he had as much freedom and fellowship with him as then thought himself happy in. This was in the days of his youth (Job 29:4), when he was in the prime of his time for the enjoyment of those things and could relish them with the highest gust. Note, Those that prosper in the days of their youth know not what black and cloudy days they are yet reserved for. Two things made the months past pleasant to Job: -
I.That he had comfort in his God.
This was the chief thing he rejoiced in, in his prosperity, as the spring of it and the sweetness of it, that he had the favour of God and the tokens of that favour. He did not attribute his prosperity to a happy turn of fortune, nor to his own might, nor to the power of his own hand, but makes the same acknowledgment that David does. Psa 30:7, Thou, by thy favour, hast made my mountain stand strong. A gracious soul delights in God's smiles, not in the smiles of this world. Four things were then very pleasant to holy Job: - 1. The confidence he had in the divine protection. They were the days when God preserved me, Job 29:2. Even then he saw himself exposed, and did not make his wealth his strong city nor trust in the abundance of his riches, but the name of the Lord was his strong tower; in that only he thought himself safe, and to that he ascribed it that he was then safe and that his comforts were preserved to him. The devil saw a hedge about him of God's making (Job 1:10), and Job saw it himself, and owned it was God's visitation that preserved his spirit, Job 10:12. Those only whom God protects are safe and may be easy; and therefore those who have ever so much of this world must not think themselves safe unless God preserve them. 2. The complacency he had in the divine favour (Job 29:3): God's candle shone upon his head, that is, God lifted up the light of his countenance upon him, gave him the assurances and sweet relishes of his love. The best of the communications of the divine favour to the saints in this world is but the candle-light, compared with what is reserved for them in the future state. But such abundant satisfaction did Job take in the divine favour that, by the light of that, he walked through darkness; that guided him in his doubts, comforted him in his griefs, bore him up under his burdens, and helped him through all his difficulties. Those that have the brightest sun-shine of outward prosperity must yet expect some moments of darkness. They are sometimes crossed, sometimes at a loss, sometimes melancholy. But those that are interested in the favour of God, and know how to value it, can, by the light of that, walk cheerfully and comfortably through all the darkness of this vale of tears. That puts gladness into the heart enough to counterbalance all the grievances of this present time. 3. The communion he had with the divine word (Job 29:4): The secret of God was upon my tabernacle, that is, God conversed freely with him, as one bosom-friend with another. He knew God's mind, and was not in the dark about it, as, of late, he had been. The secret of the Lord is said to be with those that fear him, for he shows them that in his covenant which others see not, Psa 25:14. God communicates his favour and grace to his people, and receives the return of their devotion in a way secret to the world. Some read it, When the society of God was in my tabernacle, which Rabbi Solomon understands of an assembly of God's people that used to meet at Job's house for religious worship, in which he presided; this he took a great deal of pleasure in, and the scattering of it was a trouble to him. Or it may be understood of the angels of God pitching their tents about his habitation. 4. The assurance he had of the divine presence (Job 29:5): The Almighty was yet with me. Now he thought God had departed from him, but in those days he was with him, and that was all in all to him. God's presence with a man in his house, though it be but a cottage, makes it both a castle and a palace.
II.That he had comfort in his family.
Every thing was agreeable there: he had both mouths for his meat and meat for his mouths; the want of either is a great affliction.
1.He had a numerous offspring to enjoy his estate: My children were about me. He had many children, enough to compass him round, and they were observant of him and obsequious to him; they were about him, to know what he would have and wherein they might serve him. It is a comfort to tender parents to see their children about them. Job speaks very feelingly of this comfort now that he was deprived of it. He thought it an instance of God's being with him that his children were about him; and yet reckon amiss if, when we have lost our children, we cannot comfort ourselves with this, that we have not lost our God.
2.He had a plentiful estate for the support of this numerous family, Job 29:6. His dairy abounded to such a degree that he might, if he pleased, wash his steps with butter; and his olive-yards were so fruitful, beyond expectation, that it seemed as if the rock poured him out rivers of oil. He reckons his wealth, not by his silver and gold, which were for hoarding, but by his butter and oil, which were for use; for what is an estate good for unless we take the good of it ourselves and do good with it to others?
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
If he actually searched for his former happiness, that was in order to show the providence of God; this is clear when he says, “In the days when God watched over me.” Then he gives evidence of this godly watch. “When his lamp,” he says, “shone over my head.” This means, you will make the light of my lamp shine, because a lamp is really necessary, if the present darkness is deep, if the difficulties of my situation are serious, as well as the assaults of physical suffering, and the plots of the wicked and the fights and attacks of cruel demons. All this shows that “by his light I walked through darkness.” You see that darkness invades everything and that “light shines through darkness.” But, as natural darkness is useful to have rest, it is not useful because of its own nature but thanks to the wisdom of God, who has created everything.
21. Now all that stand in awe of the divine precepts become God’s ‘tabernacle.’ Hence as we have already said above, ‘Truth’ saith by Himself of the man that keeps His commandments, I and My Father will come and make Our abode with him. [John 14, 23] Contrariwise the wicked severally, whereas they do not aim at the things within, pour themselves forth without in the thoughts of their hearts. Whence it is said to them by the Prophet, Turn back to the heart within, O ye transgressors. [Is. 46, 8] And again, Woe to you that devise a vain thing. [Mic. 2, 1] Since in their actions they are afraid of men, whom they see with bodily sight, and God, Whom they do not see, they do not account to be present to them. Contrary whereunto it is said in commendation of a righteous person, seeing that he disregarded the king of Egypt, and obeyed the commandments of God, For he endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible. [Heb. 11, 27] For the wicked ruler of the earth he as it were saw not, in that he banished him from the eyes of the heart. But the King Invisible ‘as seeing,’ ‘he endured,’ because from the regarding of His fear he turned not aside the eye of the soul. So Holy Church being taken then in great tribulations, when she sees many by evil imagining depart from God, surely she sees the tabernacle of their mind on God’s departing to remain empty, and justly lamenting, she says, When God was secretly in my tabernacle. By which words, and not inappropriately, the feigning of religion is likewise bewailed, because there are those even now that aim not to be, but to seem Christians. These without question have God in public, not ‘in secret.’ But Holy Church desires to have God ‘in secret,’ because He regards those really faithful ones, whom He knows to be holding on to the life of faith with complete affection. Which same, as well also with reference to the external uprightness of her activity, saith, When the Almighty was yet with me: when my servants were about me. ‘Servants’ surely those are called, who do the bidding of the heavenly precepts. Whence the Lord saith by the Prophet, Behold I, and my servants which the Lord hath given me. [Is. 8, 18] And again in the Gospel, Servants [Pueri Vulg. The Greek diminutive hardly bears this.], have ye any meat? [John 21, 5] And so now ‘the servants are round about her,’ because in all nations almost there are found those that keep the commandments of heaven, and obey the rules of spiritual discipline. Which servants, too truly, shall then be lacking to do her service, when the wicked doers, that shall be found, despise her spiritual precepts.
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Summary
Job 29:5 serves as a poignant and deeply personal recollection by Job, contrasting his former life of profound divine favor and the comforting, vibrant presence of his children with his current state of utter desolation. This verse, part of Job's final and most extensive monologue, encapsulates the two foundational pillars of his past happiness: an intimate, tangible relationship with the Almighty God and the joyous blessing of a thriving family, thereby highlighting the immense depth of his loss and his yearning for the blessings he once enjoyed.
Context
Literary Context
Job 29 inaugurates Job's climactic and most extended monologue, encompassing chapters 29-31. This section functions as Job's concluding defense and lament, delivered after the exhaustive dialogues with his three friends and immediately preceding God's direct intervention. In chapter 29, Job meticulously constructs a stark contrast between his former life—characterized by honor, prosperity, and undeniable divine blessing—and his present reality of humiliation, suffering, and isolation. Verse 5 specifically harks back to the zenith of his past joy, establishing a powerful emotional and thematic foundation for his subsequent appeals and complaints. By painting such a vivid picture of the blessed life he lost, this nostalgic reflection amplifies the tragedy of his current circumstances, making his profound questions about God's justice and his own blamelessness all the more acute. It prepares the reader for the escalating intensity of Job's arguments and his ultimate, transformative encounter with the Divine.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East (ANE), the concept of divine favor was inextricably linked with visible markers of prosperity, robust health, and, most significantly, a large and thriving family. Children were universally esteemed as a supreme blessing, a heritage directly from the Lord, guaranteeing the continuity of the family line, providing essential labor, and offering crucial security in old age. The catastrophic loss of children, especially all of them, as Job experienced (recounted in Job 1:19), was an event of unparalleled devastation. It signified not only profound personal grief but also a perceived withdrawal of divine blessing and an existential threat to one's legacy and future. The divine appellation "Almighty" (Hebrew: Shaddai) was a prevalent designation for God, particularly prominent in the patriarchal narratives and throughout the book of Job, emphasizing His omnipotence, self-sufficiency, and His role as the ultimate provider and sustainer. Job's recollection of Shaddai being "with me" speaks to a deeply personal, culturally understood relationship of divine protection, intimate provision, and unwavering presence.
Key Themes
Job 29:5 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Job. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Presence and Favor, vividly portraying a time when Job experienced God's intimate fellowship and tangible blessing, a stark and painful contrast to his current profound sense of abandonment. Secondly, it highlights the Value and Blessing of Family, particularly children, which were central to Job's identity, status, and perceived prosperity. The evocative phrase "my children were about me" conjures an image of a vibrant, full household, emphasizing the devastating impact of their loss, a tragedy initially detailed in Job 1:2. Finally, the verse encapsulates the poignant theme of Nostalgia for Lost Blessings and the profound Mystery of Suffering. Job's deep longing for a past characterized by peace, prosperity, and the palpable presence of God and family amplifies the agony of his present suffering and intensifies the perplexing question of why such blessings were seemingly withdrawn from a man described as blameless and upright in Job 1:1.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This divine title, H7706, frequently employed in the book of Job, derives from a root suggesting power or might, emphasizing God's omnipotence, self-sufficiency, and His boundless capacity to provide and sustain. In Job's poignant recollection, Shadday' is not merely a distant deity but a powerful, intimate presence, signifying a period of profound security, abundant provision, and unwavering protection under God's sovereign hand. Job's use of this specific name here highlights his former understanding of God as his all-sufficient protector and provider, contrasting sharply with his current feelings of vulnerability and being forsaken.
This term, H5288, refers to Job's offspring, encompassing both sons and daughters, from infancy to adolescence. In the ancient Near East, children were a primary source of joy, a tangible sign of divine blessing, and absolutely crucial for the continuation of the family line and legacy. The phrase "my children were about me" evokes a scene of a bustling, joyful household, full of life, activity, and promise. The devastating loss of all ten of his children (as described in Job 1:2 and Job 1:19) underscores the profound depth of this particular aspect of his suffering.
This word, H5439, functions as an adverb here, meaning "around" or "on every side." It denotes proximity and encirclement, conveying a sense of fullness, presence, and perhaps even protection. For Job, it paints a vivid picture of his children constantly surrounding him, filling his home with life and activity, and providing a sense of comfort and security. This spatial imagery underscores the completeness of his family blessing and the profound void left by their absence.
Verse Breakdown
"When the Almighty [was] yet with me"
This opening clause establishes the foundational blessing of Job's former life: an intimate, palpable presence of God, the "Almighty." It speaks of a time when Job experienced divine favor, protection, and abundant provision in a tangible, personal way. The temporal "When" emphasizes a specific, glorious past that is now tragically absent, highlighting a period of spiritual flourishing and profound security where Job perceived God as actively involved in and blessing every aspect of his existence.
"[when] my children [were] about me;"
This second clause describes the other indispensable pillar of Job's past happiness: the joyous and abundant presence of his children. The phrase "about me" powerfully conveys a sense of a full, vibrant, and bustling household, where children were a constant source of life, activity, and comfort. It speaks to the deep fulfillment of family life, the continuity of his lineage, and the cultural ideal of prosperity and divine blessing. The juxtaposition with the first clause suggests that both divine presence and family blessing were intricately intertwined aspects of his former blessed state, making their simultaneous loss all the more devastating.
Literary Devices
Job 29:5 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey Job's profound sense of loss and yearning. The most prominent is Juxtaposition, as Job starkly contrasts his glorious, blessed past with his desolate, suffering present. This verse, by painting a vivid and detailed picture of former blessings, intensely amplifies the tragedy and pain of his current predicament, making his lament resonate deeply. There is also a strong element of Nostalgia and Lament, as Job recalls a time of happiness with deep yearning and sorrow, a recurring feature throughout the book as he grapples with his inexplicable suffering. The phrasing "When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me" also exhibits a clear form of Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, linking the two primary sources of his past joy—divine presence and family presence—as twin, interconnected pillars of his blessed existence. This subtle parallelism underscores the completeness of his former happiness and, by extension, the totality and profound impact of his current loss. Finally, the verse powerfully evokes Pathos, drawing the reader deeply into Job's emotional state and eliciting profound sympathy for his overwhelming grief over what he has lost.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Job 29:5 offers a profound theological reflection on the nature of blessing, the reality of loss, and the enduring mystery of divine providence. It serves as a stark reminder that even those who walk intimately with God and are deemed righteous can experience profound seasons of suffering and a perceived, if not actual, withdrawal of tangible divine favor. The verse highlights that true blessing, from a human perspective, often encompasses both a vibrant, felt relationship with God and the deep joys of human relationships, particularly family. Job's lament, while deeply personal and rooted in his unique circumstances, resonates powerfully with the universal human experience of longing for a lost past and grappling with the painful disparity between what was and what is. It implicitly raises fundamental questions about God's sovereignty over both blessing and adversity, and challenges simplistic, often superficial, notions that equate piety directly and solely with material prosperity or an absence of suffering. Ultimately, while expressing Job's profound grief, the verse points to the deeper truth that God's ultimate presence, even when unseen or unfelt, remains the foundational source of true comfort and enduring hope, even amidst the most profound desolation.
Reflection and Application
Job's poignant reflection in Job 29:5 serves as a powerful and sobering reminder for believers to cherish the blessings we currently possess, recognizing their often transient nature in this fallen world. It profoundly encourages us to cultivate a deep and abiding appreciation for both the tangible, felt presence of God in our lives and the precious, irreplaceable gift of family and community, for circumstances can change with startling rapidity and unexpectedness. Furthermore, Job's honest lament, even in his moments of questioning and profound grief, provides a vital biblical model for bringing our deepest pains, most agonizing griefs, and most perplexing uncertainties transparently before God. Even when God's presence feels distant or His hand seems heavy, recalling past experiences of His unwavering faithfulness, abundant provision, and intimate fellowship can serve as a foundational anchor for our hope and trust. This verse invites us to acknowledge the validity of grief over lost blessings, while simultaneously trusting that God, in His sovereign wisdom and unfathomable love, is profoundly at work even in our most intense suffering, ultimately bringing about His redemptive purposes and, as dramatically seen in Job's eventual restoration and double blessing in Job 42:10, new beginnings and profound spiritual growth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "Almighty" (Shaddai) signify in this context, and why is it important for Job's lament?
In Job 29:5, "Almighty" translates the Hebrew divine name Shaddai (H7706). This name fundamentally emphasizes God's omnipotence, His self-sufficiency, and His role as the powerful, all-sufficient provider and sustainer of life. For Job, recalling Shaddai being "yet with me" highlights a past era of profound security, abundant provision, and intimate fellowship under God's all-encompassing care. It is critically important for Job's lament because it underscores the stark and agonizing contrast with his current vulnerability, desolation, and his feeling of being utterly forsaken by the very God who once blessed him so abundantly. This recollection speaks to a deep, personal relationship and an unwavering reliance on God's power and provision in his prosperous past, which he now struggles profoundly to reconcile with his present, inexplicable reality of suffering.
Why is the mention of "my children" so profoundly significant for Job in this verse, and what does "about me" imply?
The mention of "my children" (Hebrew: naʻar, H5288) is profoundly significant because, in ancient Near Eastern culture, children were considered the quintessential blessing from God, symbolizing prosperity, continuity of the family line, and immense joy. A large family was a primary indicator of divine favor and a crucial source of security and legacy. Job had ten children (Job 1:2), and their sudden, catastrophic death (Job 1:19) was a central and utterly devastating component of his suffering. His recollection of them being "about me" (Hebrew: çâbîyb, H5439, meaning "around" or "on every side") evokes a vibrant, bustling, and full household, emphasizing the immense personal, emotional, and cultural loss he endured. This phrase underscores the constant, comforting presence of his children, highlighting the profound void and desolation that now characterize his life.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Job's poignant longing for the "Almighty" to be "yet with me" and for the comforting, vibrant presence of his "children about me" finds its ultimate, enduring, and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job's experience was a fleeting season of profound divine favor and family blessing, ultimately interrupted by catastrophic loss and inexplicable suffering. In stark contrast, Christ is the very embodiment of God's eternal and enduring presence among humanity—He is truly Immanuel, God with us. Through His miraculous incarnation, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Jesus permanently bridges the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, ensuring that all who believe are never truly alone or ultimately forsaken. The New Testament assures us that God, through Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, will never leave us nor forsake us, and that He does not leave us as orphans in a desolate world. Furthermore, in Christ, believers are graciously adopted into God's eternal, spiritual family, becoming true children of God and co-heirs with Christ, forming a spiritual household that transcends earthly loss, pain, and death, providing an eternal, unbreakable bond of kinship. The blessings Job experienced, though real and profound, were temporal and subject to loss; the blessings found in Christ—including an eternal, intimate divine presence, an unbreakable spiritual family, and ultimate, everlasting restoration—are everlasting, ensuring that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the boundless love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.