Job 42:10

¶ And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

And the LORD {H3068} turned {H7725} the captivity {H7622}{H7622} of Job {H347}, when he prayed {H6419} for his friends {H7453}: also the LORD {H3068} gave {H3254} Job {H347} twice as much {H4932} as he had before.

When Iyov prayed for his friends, ADONAI restored his fortunes; ADONAI gave Iyov twice as much as he had had before.

After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity and doubled his former possessions.

And Jehovah turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: and Jehovah gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Job 42:10 from the King James Version marks a pivotal moment in the book of Job, signifying the end of his severe trials and the beginning of divine restoration. This verse highlights the turning point where God intervenes directly in Job's circumstances.

Context

Following chapters detailing Job's immense suffering, his lengthy and often contentious debates with his friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar), Elihu's contribution, and ultimately, God's powerful speeches (starting in Job 38), Job humbles himself and repents before God (Job 42:6). Just before this verse, God addresses the friends and instructs them to offer sacrifices, with Job praying for them. Job 42:10 shows the immediate consequence of Job's obedience, humility, and intercessory prayer for those who had wrongly accused him.

Key Themes

  • Divine Restoration: The central theme is God's power and willingness to restore what was lost, and even multiply it.
  • Intercessory Prayer: Job's act of praying for his friends is presented as the catalyst for God turning his situation around. This emphasizes the power and importance of praying for others, even those who have wronged us.
  • God's Sovereignty: Despite the trials and human arguments, God remains in control and ultimately dictates the outcome.
  • Blessings After Trials: The verse illustrates that faithfulness during suffering can lead to significant blessings from God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "turned the captivity of Job" (Hebrew: shav shevut - שָׁב שְׁבוּת) is an idiomatic expression used elsewhere in the Old Testament. While it can refer to literal captivity, in contexts like this, it signifies a restoration of fortune, prosperity, or well-being from a state of ruin or distress. It doesn't necessarily mean Job was physically imprisoned, but rather that God reversed his calamitous state. The phrase "twice as much" (Hebrew: mishneh - מִשְׁנֶה) plainly indicates a double portion of his former possessions and wealth.

Reflection

Job 42:10 offers profound lessons for believers. It teaches the value of perseverance through suffering, the need for humility and repentance before God, and the surprising power of intercessory prayer, especially for those who have wronged us. God's timing and method of restoration are sovereign. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even after the deepest trials, God is able to restore what was lost, often abundantly, when we align ourselves with His will and purposes.

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.

  • Deuteronomy 30:3

    That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.

  • Job 8:6

    If thou [wert] pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.

  • Job 8:7

    Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.

  • Isaiah 40:2

    Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

  • Proverbs 22:4

    ¶ By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [are] riches, and honour, and life.

  • Isaiah 61:7

    For your shame [ye shall have] double; and [for] confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.

  • Psalms 14:7

    Oh that the salvation of Israel [were come] out of Zion! when the LORD bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, [and] Israel shall be glad.

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