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Commentary on Job 42 verses 10–17
You have heard of the patience of Job (says the apostle, Jam 5:11) and have seen the end of the Lord, that is, what end the Lord, at length, put to his troubles. In the beginning of this book we had Job's patience under his troubles, for an example; here, in the close, for our encouragement to follow that example, we have the happy issue of his troubles and the prosperous condition to which he was restored after them, which confirms us in counting those happy which endure. Perhaps, too, the extraordinary prosperity which Job was crowned with after his afflictions was intended to be to us Christians a type and figure of the glory and happiness of heaven, which the afflictions of this present time are working for us, and in which they will issue at last; this will be more than double to all the delights and satisfactions we now enjoy, as Job's after-prosperity was to his former, though then he was the greatest of all the men of the east. He that rightly endures temptation, when he is tried, shall receive a crown of life (Jam 1:12), as Job, when he was tried, received all the wealth, and honour, and comfort, which here we have an account of.
I. God returned in ways of mercy to him; and his thoughts concerning him were thoughts of good and not of evil, to give the expected (nay, the unexpected) end, Jer 29:11. His troubles began in Satan's malice, which God restrained; his restoration began in God's mercy, which Satan could not oppose. Job's sorest complaint, and indeed the sorrowful accent of all his complaints, on which he laid the greatest emphasis, was that God appeared against him. But now God plainly appeared for him, and watched over him to build and to plant, like as he had (at least in his apprehension) watched over him to pluck up and to throw down, Jer 31:28. This put a new face upon his affairs immediately, and every thing now looked as pleasing and promising as before it had looked gloomy and frightful. 1. God turned his captivity, that is, he redressed his grievances and took away all the causes of his complaints; he loosed him from the bond with which Satan had now, for a great while, bound him, and delivered him out of those cruel hands into which he had delivered him. We may suppose that now all his bodily pains and distempers were healed so suddenly and so thoroughly that the cure was next to miraculous: His flesh became fresher than a child's, and he returned to the days of his youth; and, what was more, he felt a very great alteration in his mind; it was calm and easy, and the tumult was all over, his disquieting thoughts had all vanished, his fears were silenced, and the consolations of God were now as much the delight of his soul as his terrors had been its burden. The tide thus turned, his troubles began to ebb as fast as they had flowed, just then when he was praying for his friends, praying over his sacrifice which he offered for them. Mercy did not return when he was disputing with his friends, no, not though he had right on his side, but when he was praying for them; for God is better served and pleased with our warm devotions than with our warm disputations. When Job completed his repentance by this instance of his forgiving men their trespasses, then God completed his remission by turning his captivity. Note, We are really doing our business when we are praying for our friends, if we pray in a right manner, for in those prayers there is not only faith, but love. Christ has taught us to pray with and for others in teaching us to say, Our Father; and, in seeking mercy for others, we may find mercy ourselves. Our Lord Jesus has his exaltation and dominion there, where he ever lives making intercession. Some, by the turning of Job's captivity, understand the restitution which the Sabeans and Chaldeans made of the cattle which they had taken from him, God wonderfully inclining them to do it; and with these he began the world again. Probably it was so; those spoilers had swallowed down his riches, but they were forced to vomit them up again, Job 20:15. But I rather understand this more generally of the turn now given. 2. God doubled his possessions: Also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. It is probable that he did at first, in some way or other, intimate to him that it was his gracious purpose, by degrees, in due time to bring him to such a height of prosperity that he should have twice as much as ever he had, for the encouraging of his hope and the quickening of his industry, and that it might appear that this wonderful increase was a special token of God's favour. And it may be considered as intended, (1.) To balance his losses. He suffered for the glory of God, and therefore God made it up to him with advantage, and allowed him more than interest upon interest. God will take care that none shall lose by him. (2.) To recompense his patience and his confidence in God, which (notwithstanding the workings of corruption) he did not cast away, but still held fast, and that is it which has a great recompence of reward, Heb 10:35. Job's friends had often put their severe censure of Job upon this issue, If thou wert pure and upright, surely now he would awake for thee, Job 8:6. But he does not awake for thee; therefore thou art not upright. "Well," says God, "though your argument be not conclusive, I will even by that demonstrate the integrity of my servant Job; his latter end shall greatly increase, and by that it shall appear, since you will have it so, that it was not for any injustice in his hands that he suffered the loss of all things." Now it appeared that Job had reason to bless God for taking away (as he did, Job 1:21), since it made so good a return.
II. His old acquaintance, neighbours, and relations, were very kind to him, Job 42:11. They had been estranged from him, and this was not the least of the grievances of his afflicted state; he bitterly complained of their unkindness, Job 19:13, etc. But now they visited him with all possible expressions of affection and respect. 1. They put honour upon him, in coming to dine with him as formerly, but (we may suppose) privately bringing their entertainment along with them, so that he had the reputation of feasting them without the expense. 2. They sympathized with him, and showed a tender concern for him, such as becomes brethren. They bemoaned him when they talked over all the calamities of his afflicted state, and comforted him when they took notice of God's gracious returns to him. They wept for his griefs, and rejoiced in his joys, and proved not such miserable comforters as his three friends, that, at first, were so forward and officious to attend him. These were not such great men nor such learned and eloquent men as those, but they proved much more skilful and kind in comforting Job. God sometimes chooses the foolish and weak things of the world, as for conviction, so for comfort. 3. They made a collection among them for the repair of his losses and the setting of him up again. They did not think it enough to say, Be warmed, Be filled, but gave him such things as would be of use to him, Jam 2:16. Every one gave him a piece of money (some more, it is likely, and some less, according to their ability) and every one an ear-ring of gold (an ornament much used by the children of the east), which would be as good as money to him: this was a superfluity which they could well spare, and the rule is, That our abundance must be a supply to our brethren's necessity. But why did Job's relations now, at length, show this kindness to him? (1.) God put it in their hearts to do so; and every creature is that to us which he makes it to be. Job had acknowledged God in their estrangement from him, for which he now rewarded him in turning them to him again. (2.) Perhaps some of them withdrew from him because they thought him a hypocrite, but, now that his integrity was made manifest, they returned to him and to communion with him again. When God was friendly to him they were all willing to be friendly too, Psa 119:74, Psa 119:79. Others of them, it may be, withdrew because he was poor, and sore, and a rueful spectacle, but now that he began to recover they were willing to renew their acquaintance with him. Swallow-friends, that are gone in winter, will return in the spring, though their friendship is of little value. (3.) Perhaps the rebuke which God had given to Eliphaz and the other two for their unkindness to Job awakened the rest of his friends to return to their duty. Reproofs to others we should thus take as admonitions and instructions to us. 4. Job prayed for his friends, and then they flocked about him, overcome by his kindness, and every one desiring an interest in his prayers. The more we pray for our friends and relations the more comfort we may expect in them.
III. His estate strangely increased, by the blessing of God upon the little that his friends gave him. He thankfully received their courtesy, and did not think it below him to have his estate repaired by contributions. He did not, on the one hand, urge his friends to raise money for him; he acquits himself from that (Job 6:22), Did I say, Bring unto me or give me a reward of your substance? Yet what they brought he thankfully accepted, and did not upbraid them with their former unkindnesses, nor ask them why they did not do this sooner. He was neither so covetous and griping as to ask their charity, nor so proud and ill-natured as to refuse it when they offered it; and, being in so good a temper, God gave him that which was far better than their money and ear-rings, and that was his blessing, Job 42:12. The Lord comforted him now according to the days wherein he had afflicted him, and blessed his latter end more than his beginning. Observe, 1. The blessing of the Lord makes rich; it is he that gives us power to get wealth and gives success in honest endeavours. Those therefore that would thrive must have an eye to God's blessing, and never to out of it, no, not into the warm sun; and those that have thriven must not sacrifice to their own net, but acknowledge their obligations to God for his blessing. 2. That blessing can make very rich and sometimes makes good people so. Those that become rich by getting think they can easily make themselves very rich by saving; but, as those that have little must depend upon God to make it much, so those that have much must depend upon God to make it more and to double it; else you have sown much and bring in little, Hag 1:6. 3. The last days of a good man sometimes prove his best days, his last works his best works, his last comforts his best comforts; for his path, like that of the morning-light, shines more and more to the perfect day. Of a wicked man it is said, His last state is worse than his first (Luk 11:26), but of the upright man, His end is peace; and sometimes the nearer it is the clearer are the views of it. In respect of outward prosperity God is pleased sometimes to make the latter end of a good man's life more comfortable than the former part of it has been, and strangely to outdo the expectations of his afflicted people, who thought they should never live to see better days, that we may not despair even in the depths of adversity. We know not what good times we may yet be reserved for in our latter end. Non, si male nunc, et olim sic erit - It may yet be well with us, though now it is otherwise. Job, in his affliction, had wished to be as in months past, as rich as he had been before, and quite despaired of that; but God is often better to us than our own fears, nay, than our own wishes, for Job's possessions were doubled to him; the number of his cattle, his sheep and camels, his oxen and she-asses, is just double here to what it was, Job 1:3. This is a remarkable instance of the extent of the divine providence to things that seem minute, as this of the exact number of a man's cattle, as also of the harmony of providence, and the reference of one event to another; for known unto God are all his works, from the beginning to the end. Job's other possessions, no doubt, were increased in proportion to his cattle, lands, money, servants, etc. So that if, before, he was the greatest of all the men of the east, what was he now?
IV. His family was built up again, and he had great comfort in his children, Job 42:13-15. The last of his afflictions that are recorded (ch. 1), and the most grievous, was the death of all his children at once. His friends upbraided him with it (Job 8:4), but God repaired even that breach in process of time, either by the same wife, or, she being dead, by another. 1. The number of his children was the same as before, seven sons and three daughters. Some give this reason why they were not doubled as his cattle were, because his children that were dead were not lost, but gone before to a better world; and therefore, if he have but the same number of them, they may be reckoned doubled, for he has two fleeces of children (as I may say) mahanaim - two hosts, one in heaven, the other on earth, and in both he is rich. 2. The names of his daughters are here registered (Job 42:14), because, in the significations of them, they seemed designed to perpetuate the remembrance of God's great goodness to him in the surprising change of his condition. He called the first Jemima - The day (whence perhaps Diana had her name), because of the shining forth of his prosperity after a dark night of affliction. The next Kezia, a spice of a very fragrant smell, because (says bishop Patrick) God had healed his ulcers, the smell of which was offensive. The third Keren-happuch (that is Plenty restored, or A horn of paint), because (says he) God had wiped away the tears which fouled his face, Job 16:16. Concerning these daughters we are here told, (1.) That God adorned them with great beauty, no women so fair as the daughters of Job, Job 42:15. In the Old Testament we often find women praised for their beauty, as Sarah, Rebekah, and many others; but we never find any women in the New Testament whose beauty is in the least taken notice of, no, not the virgin Mary herself, because the beauty of holiness is that which is brought to a much clearer light by the gospel. (2.) That their father (God enabling him to do it) supplied them with great fortunes: He gave them inheritance among their brethren, and did not turn them off with small portions, as most did. It is probable that they had some extraordinary personal merit, which Job had an eye to in the extraordinary favour he showed them. Perhaps they excelled their brethren in wisdom and piety; and therefore, that they might continue in his family, to be a stay and blessing to it, he made them co-heirs with their brethren.
V. His life was long. What age he was when his troubles came we are nowhere told, but here we are told he lived 140 years, whence some conjecture that he was 70 when he was in his troubles, and that so his age was doubled, as his other possessions. 1. He lived to have much of the comfort of this life, for he saw his posterity to the fourth generation, Job 42:16. Though his children were not doubled to him, yet in his children's children (and those are the crown of old men) they were more than doubled. As God appointed to Adam another seed instead of that which was slain (Gen 4:25), so he did to Job with advantage. God has ways to repair the losses and balance the griefs of those who are written childless, as Job was when he had buried all his children. 2. He lived till he was satisfied, for he died full of days, satisfied with living in this world, and willing to leave it; not peevishly so, as in the days of his affliction, but piously so, and thus, as Eliphaz had encouraged him to hope, he came to his grave like a shock of corn in his season.
21. For he is before shown to have been heard in behalf of his friends, when the circumstance, which we before mentioned, is stated; They did according as the Lord had spoken, and the Lord accepted the face of Job. But when it is immediately observed, The Lord also was turned at the penitence of Job, when he prayed for his friends; it is plainly shown, that a penitent has deserved to be heard the more quickly in his own behalf, the more devoutly he has interceded for his friends. For he makes his prayers more powerful in his own behalf, who offers them also in behalf of others. For that sacrifice of prayer is more willingly received, which, in the sight of the merciful Judge, is flavoured with love for one’s neighbour. And a person then truly adds to its amount, if he offers it even for his enemies. For hence is that, which the Truth Who is our Teacher says; Pray for them that persecute and calumniate you. [Luke 6, 28] Hence again He says, When ye shall stand to pray, forgive if ye have ought against any, that your Father also Who is in heaven may forgive you your sins. [Mark 11, 25] But how much he obtained for himself, who interceded for others, is immediately pointed out, when it is subjoined,
The Lord added all that had been to Job, twofold.
22. He received twofold all that he had lost, because through the tenderness of the merciful Judge the assistance of consolations far surpasses the loss of our temptation. But the temptation tries us less than the reward consoles us; in order that he, who used from the weight of the blow to consider that he had suffered some heavy trial, may learn from the recompense he has earned [‘retributionis merito’], that what he endured was but light. Whence it is said also to afflicted Judæa; For a small moment have I forsaken thee, and in great mercies will I gather thee. [Is. 54, 7] But sometimes the measure of consolation is dispensed in proportion to the weight of affliction. Whence it is written elsewhere, According to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart, Thy comforts have rejoiced my soul. [Ps. 94, 12] For he, who exclaims that he had been made joyful according to the multitude of his sorrows, points out that he was consoled in the same measure as he had been afflicted. But the reader is not slightly instructed, if he considers the very order of the remuneration. For correction follows excess, penitence correction, pardon penitence, gifts pardon. But because he who had been smitten by permission of Divine Providence, was afflicted also by the words of his friends, when he is consoled by the gifts of the Divine mercy, he deserves to be cherished also with human love; in order that to him, whom the sorrows and adversities of pains wounded on every side, the joys of consolation may on every side correspond.
But when the text immediately adds, “And the Lord turned to the penitence of Job, when he had prayed for his friends,” it clearly shows that through penitence he deserved to have his prayers fulfilled promptly, because he had interceded for others. He held that his prayers were effective for him, as he had offered them for others. The merciful Judge more favorably receives the sacrifice of prayer when it is accompanied by the love of neighbor, and one enriches it even more truthfully when he offers it for his enemies as well.
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SUMMARY
Job 42:10 serves as the climactic turning point in the Book of Job, marking the dramatic reversal of Job's profound suffering and the commencement of divine restoration. This pivotal verse highlights God's sovereign intervention, not only in reversing Job's calamitous circumstances but also in supernaturally multiplying his former possessions and well-being. Crucially, this comprehensive restoration is directly linked to Job's humble obedience and his selfless act of intercessory prayer for his friends, underscoring the transformative power of forgiveness and redemptive love in the face of injustice.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Job 42:10 provides the long-awaited resolution to the intense theological and personal drama that has unfolded throughout the Book of Job. The preceding chapters meticulously detail Job's inexplicable suffering, his lengthy and often contentious debates with his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar), and Elihu's subsequent contributions. The narrative culminates in God's powerful speeches from the whirlwind, beginning in Job 38:1, which profoundly humble Job and lead him to a confession of his limited understanding and a repentant submission to God's incomprehensible wisdom in Job 42:1-6. Immediately prior to verse 10, God directly addresses Job's friends, rebuking their erroneous theological counsel and commanding them to offer sacrifices, with Job himself acting as their intercessor (Job 42:7-9). Thus, Job 42:10 is presented as the immediate, direct, and divinely orchestrated consequence of Job's humility, repentance, and selfless intercessory prayer, powerfully demonstrating God's vindication of His faithful servant.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Book of Job is a profound work of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, though its precise historical setting remains a subject of scholarly debate. It fundamentally challenges the simplistic retribution theology prevalent in some ancient cultures, which posited a direct, one-to-one correlation between sin and suffering, or righteousness and prosperity. Job's suffering, despite his blamelessness, directly refutes this notion. The concept of "turning the captivity" (Hebrew: shav shevut) is a significant idiomatic expression found elsewhere in the Old Testament, often referring to a reversal of fortune or restoration from a state of ruin, rather than literal imprisonment (e.g., Deuteronomy 30:3 or Psalm 126:1). The idea of a "double portion" (Hebrew: mishneh) carried immense cultural weight, signifying not merely recovery but abundant blessing, honor, and superabundant favor, often associated with inheritance, divine vindication, or a position of elevated status. Job's act of intercession for his friends, despite their misguided accusations, also reflects the high value placed on communal solidarity and the power of prayer within ancient Israelite society.
Key Themes: Job 42:10 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes of the book. Foremost is Divine Sovereignty, as God, who initiated the trial, ultimately dictates its end and the terms of restoration, demonstrating His ultimate control over all circumstances, even suffering. Restoration is a central theme, highlighting God's power and willingness to reverse misfortune and bring about new beginnings, often exceeding the original state. The verse profoundly emphasizes the theme of Intercessory Prayer, presenting Job's prayer for his friends as the catalyst for his own restoration, underscoring its power and significance, especially when offered for those who have wronged us, echoing later New Testament teachings found in Matthew 5:44. Furthermore, the narrative showcases Humility and Repentance, as Job's journey from questioning God to humbly submitting to His wisdom precedes the divine blessing. Finally, the verse illustrates God's Justice and Grace, as He not only vindicates Job but also extends mercy to the friends through Job's intercession, demonstrating a complex divine economy that transcends simplistic human understanding of cause and effect.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Job 42:10 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. It serves as the Climax of Job's personal narrative, providing the long-awaited resolution to his suffering and the culmination of his spiritual journey. The verse also features powerful Divine Intervention, clearly attributing the turning of Job's fortunes directly to "the LORD," underscoring God's active and sovereign role in human affairs. There is a strong element of Irony in the fact that Job, the unjustly suffering protagonist, is commanded by God to intercede for his friends, who had offered him flawed and often cruel counsel; his act of forgiveness becomes the very trigger for his own restoration. Furthermore, the "twice as much" can be seen as Symbolism for God's superabundant grace and blessing, demonstrating that His ultimate restoration often exceeds the initial loss, signifying complete vindication and overflowing favor.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 42:10 stands as a powerful testament to God's character, revealing His ultimate sovereignty, His capacity for profound restoration, and the transformative power of humble obedience and intercessory prayer. Theologically, it challenges simplistic retribution theology by demonstrating that suffering is not always punitive and that God's ways of justice and grace are far more complex and merciful than human understanding. Job's restoration, contingent on his prayer for his friends, underscores the biblical principle that selfless love and forgiveness are pathways to divine blessing. It teaches that even in the deepest valleys of despair, faithfulness to God and compassion for others can lead to unexpected and abundant vindication. This verse beautifully illustrates God's compassion and His desire to bring about flourishing, even after severe trials, solidifying the book's message about trusting God's wisdom beyond our comprehension and participating in His redemptive purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 42:10 offers profound encouragement and challenging lessons for believers navigating their own trials. It reminds us that even when our suffering seems inexplicable, our prayers unheard, and our friends' counsel unhelpful, God remains sovereign and capable of bringing about unexpected reversals. Job's journey to humility, his repentance before God, and his willingness to intercede for those who had wronged him serve as a powerful model for our own lives, urging us to embrace forgiveness and selfless prayer even in the face of injustice. This verse teaches us to persevere in faith, to repent where necessary, and to trust in God's perfect timing for restoration, which may not always look like we expect but is often far more abundant than we could imagine. It shifts our focus from understanding why we suffer to trusting who God is in the midst of suffering, and to participating in His redemptive work through acts of love and intercession, knowing that true flourishing comes from alignment with His will.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Was Job's suffering a punishment for sin?
Answer: No, the Book of Job explicitly refutes the idea that Job's suffering was a direct punishment for his sin. The opening chapters (Job 1:1-12) establish Job as "blameless and upright," and his suffering is presented as a test of his faith and a challenge to the simplistic retribution theology espoused by his friends. While suffering can sometimes be a consequence of sin, Job's story demonstrates that it is not always so, and God's purposes in allowing suffering are often far deeper and more complex than human understanding, serving to refine faith or display God's glory.
Why did God give Job "twice as much"?
Answer: The "twice as much" signifies a complete and abundant restoration, far exceeding Job's original possessions and well-being. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's superabundant grace, His vindication of Job's faithfulness, and His overflowing generosity. It demonstrates that God's restoration is not merely a return to the status quo but often involves a greater blessing, signifying honor, favor, and a new level of flourishing that testifies to His power and goodness, validating Job's integrity before the divine court.
Does this mean all suffering will end in material restoration?
Answer: Not necessarily. While Job's story includes significant material restoration, it is crucial to understand that the primary restoration for Job was spiritual and relational—his renewed, deeper relationship with God and his intercession for his friends. The material blessings serve as a visible sign of this deeper spiritual vindication. The Bible teaches that while God often blesses His faithful, not every instance of suffering will conclude with a "twice as much" material return. The ultimate restoration for believers is found in Christ, offering spiritual blessings, eternal life, and a future hope that transcends earthly circumstances (Ephesians 1:3). Our ultimate hope is not in earthly prosperity but in the eternal glory promised in Christ.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 42:10, in its depiction of an innocent sufferer's vindication and abundant restoration, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Jesus Christ. Job, though righteous, suffered unjustly, becoming an intercessor for those who had wronged him—a striking parallel to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Christ, the truly innocent One, endured ultimate suffering, bearing the sins of humanity, and in His death and resurrection, He became the supreme intercessor for all believers (Hebrews 7:25). Just as Job's "captivity" was turned, so too is humanity's spiritual captivity to sin and death turned through Christ's redemptive work. The "twice as much" restoration Job received finds its ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual blessings and new life offered in Christ, far exceeding any earthly loss or former state. Through Christ, believers are not merely restored but are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), inheriting eternal life and every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). His suffering led to our glory, and His continuous intercession brings about our abundant restoration and flourishing in God's presence, securing for us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:3-4).