Job 1:21
Verse
Context
Sermons
E.V. Hill
Keith Daniel
Leonard Ravenhill
Zac Poonen
T. Austin-Sparks
Alden GannettKeith DanielSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Naked came I out of my mother's womb - I had no earthly possessions when I came into the world; I cannot have less going out of it. What I have the Lord gave: as it was his free gift, he has a right to resume it when he pleases; and I owe him gratitude for the time he has permitted me to enjoy this gift. Naked shall I return thither - Whither? Not to his mother's womb surely; nor does he call the earth his mother in this place. In the first clause of the verse he speaks without a metaphor, and in the latter he speaks in reference to the ground on which he was about to fall. As I came out of my mother's womb destitute of the earthly possessions, so shall I return שמה shammah, There; i.e., to the earth on which he was now falling. That mother earth was a common expression in different nations, I allow; but I believe no such metaphor was now in the mind of Job. The Lord gave - The Chaldee has, "The Word of the Lord, מימרא דיי meymera dayai, gave; and the Word of the Lord and the house of his judgment, have taken away!" Word is used here personally, as in many other places of all the Targums. Blessed be the name of the Lord - The following is a fine paraphrase on the sentiment in this verse: - "Good when he gives, supremely good;Nor less when he denies; Afflictions from his sovereign hand,Are blessings in disguise." Seeing I have lost my temporal goods, and all my domestic comforts, may God alone be all my portion! The Vulgate, Septuagint, and Coverdale, add, The Lord hath done as he pleased.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Naked-- (Ti1 6:7). "Mother's womb" is poetically the earth, the universal mother (Ecc 5:15; Ecc 12:7; Psa 139:15). Job herein realizes God's assertion (Job 1:8) against Satan's (Job 1:11). Instead of cursing, he blesses the name of JEHOVAH (Hebrew). The name of Jehovah, is Jehovah Himself, as manifested to us in His attributes (Isa 9:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And said, naked came I out of my mother's womb,.... Either literally, where he was conceived and lay, and from whence he came into the world, though he afterwards wishes he never had, or had died as soon as he did, Job 3:10, and so it is expressive of his birth, and the circumstance of it; or figuratively, his mother earth, from whence the first man sprang, and so all his posterity with him, being as he of the earth, earthly, see Ecc 12:7, which sense is mentioned by Jarchi and Aben Ezra; but the first sense seems best: the nakedness referred to is not of the mind or soul, being destitute of righteousness and holiness, with which the following clause will by no means agree, but nakedness of body; and therefore as soon as a child is born, one of the first things done to it is to wrap it in clothes provided for it, see Eze 16:4 and also a being without the things of this life; the apostle's words are a proper comment on these, and explain them, and perhaps these are referred to by him, "we brought nothing into this world", Ti1 6:7, this shows the necessity of the early care of Providence over us, and what reason we have to be thankful for unknown mercies at the time of birth, and in the state of infancy, Psa 22:9 and what obligations children lie under to parents, and what benefits they receive from them at their first entrance into the world, and which they should religiously requite when through old age they stand in need of their assistance, Ti1 5:4, and this may also serve to abate the pride of man, who will have no reason to boast of his riches, nor of his fine clothes, when he considers his original nakedness; and more especially the use of it may be, and which seems to be the use Job made of it, to make the mind easy under the greatest losses. Job considered he did not bring his substance, his servants, and his children into the world with him; and now they were taken from him, he was but as he was when he came into the world, and not at all the worse; he knew how to be abased, and to abound, and in both was content: and naked shall I return thither; not into his mother's womb in a literal sense, which was impossible, Joh 3:4, but to the earth, and to the dust of it, Gen 3:19, pointing to it with his finger, on which he now lay; meaning that he should go to the place appointed for him, the grave, the house of all living, Job 30:23, and so the Targum here has it, to the house of the grave, where he should lie unseen, as in his mother's womb, till the resurrection morn; which would be a kind of a regeneration of him, when he should be delivered up from thence, and enjoy a state of happiness and glory: he should descend into the grave as naked as he was born, respecting not so much the nakedness of his body, as being stripped of all worldly enjoyments, see Ecc 5:15 and he says this in his present view of things; he thought once he should have died in his nest, Job 29:18, in the midst of all his prosperity, and left a large substance to his children; but now all was taken away, and for the present had no hope or expectation of a restoration, as afterwards was; but whereas he was now naked and bare of all, he expected he should continue and die so: or this is said with respect to the common case of men, who it is certain cannot carry anything out of the world with them, either riches or honour, but must leave all behind them, Ti1 6:7 which may serve to loosen the minds of men from worldly things, not to set their eyes and hearts upon them, nor to put their trust and confidence in them; and good men may part with them, especially at death with pleasure, since they will have no further use of them, and will have a better and a more enduring substance in their stead: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; all outward enjoyments, all the good things of this world, are the Lord's, and at his dispose; the earth, and the fulness of it; kingdoms, nations, countries, houses and lands, the beasts of the field, and cattle on a thousand hills; the gold and silver, and all the riches of the earth: and these are the gifts of his providence to the sons of men; nor have they anything but in a way of giving and receiving; and even what they enjoy, through diligence and industry, is owing to the blessing of God; and who gives not in such sort as that he loses his property in what is given; this he still retains, these are talents which he puts into the hands of men to use for themselves and others, and for which they are accountable to him; and they are but stewards, with whom he will hereafter reckon, and therefore has a right to take away when he pleases; and both Job ascribes to God, not only the giving, but the taking away: he does not attribute his losses to second causes, to the Sabeans and Chaldeans, to the fire from heaven, and the wind from the desert, but to God, whose sovereign will and overruling hand were in all; these were but the instruments of Satan, and he had no power but what was given from God; and therefore to the counsel of his will, who suffered it, Job refers it, and for that reason sits down satisfied and quiet. This is all to be understood of temporal things only; for of spiritual things it cannot be said that God gives and takes away; such gifts are without repentance, and are irreversible, Rom 11:29, the Targum is, "the Word of the Lord hath given, and the Word of the Lord and the house of his judgment hath taken away; the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions add, as it pleased the Lord, so it is done:'' blessed be the name of the Lord; for all his blessings and mercies; for all the gifts of nature and providence that had been bestowed, which could not be claimed, and of which he knew himself unworthy; and for the continuance of them so long with goodness and mercy had followed him all the days or his life hitherto, and still he had mercies to bless God for; his wife was still with him, he had some servants left, his own life was spared; he continued as yet in health of body, and therefore could sing of mercy as well as judgment; nor is there any state on earth a man can be in, but there is something to bless God for; wherefore the apostle's exhortation will always hold good, "in everything give thanks": Th1 5:18; besides the name, the nature, the perfections, of God are always the same, and therefore always to be celebrated, and blessing, honour, and glory, are to be ascribed to him continually, in every state and condition of life; wherefore the Arabic version adds, "from henceforth, and for ever"; which agrees with Psa 72:19; and thus Job, instead of cursing God, blesses him, and proves the devil to be a liar, as he was from the beginning; and shows his superiority over him through the power of divine grace; this evil one could not touch him, he was overcome by him, and his designs defeated.
Job 1:21
Job Loses His Children and Possessions
20Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, 21saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Lord Giveth
By E.V. Hill19K43:24FuneralDEU 31:6JOB 1:21PSA 23:1ISA 40:31JHN 10:101CO 2:9REV 21:4In this sermon transcript, Dr. Evie Hill delivers a heartfelt message at his wife's funeral. He reflects on the 32 years they spent together and the love and support she gave him. Through his words, Dr. Hill emphasizes the peace and love that comes from God, which the world cannot understand. He praises his wife for her simplicity, contentment, and unwavering support for her family. Dr. Hill acknowledges that he is emotionally moved as he delivers this message and encourages the listeners to open their hearts and let the Lord speak to them.
Bearing Fruit - Part 3
By Keith Daniel3.3K09:37JOB 1:21PSA 34:19JHN 16:33ROM 5:32CO 4:17PHP 1:29HEB 12:11JAS 1:21PE 4:121PE 5:10
This sermon emphasizes the reality of trials, tribulations, and persecution that believers may face, contrary to the false teachings of prosperity and guaranteed healing. It highlights the refining process through suffering, the necessity of enduring hardships for spiritual growth, and the misconception that coming to Jesus guarantees a life free of struggles. The speaker shares personal experiences of intense trials and the need to trust God's sovereignty even in the midst of overwhelming challenges.
How Much Could You Lose
By Leonard Ravenhill2.7K55:35FaithJDG 18:24JOB 1:21MAT 6:33ROM 8:28PHP 4:11In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the fragility of life and the blessings we often take for granted. He mentions an Englishman arriving in America on the 4th of July and the significance of the tide's depth being known through scientific knowledge. The preacher also references Job and his scientific inquiries, highlighting the reward of seeing God's face. The sermon concludes with a thought-provoking question about how much we could lose without losing our faith in God, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings we have.
Winning God's Approval - Part 2
By Zac Poonen2.5K49:25ApprovalJOB 1:21JOB 29:15JOB 31:1MAT 5:28MAT 6:24MAT 25:35GAL 3:24In this sermon, the preacher discusses two types of preachers: those who focus on visions and dreams, and those who cling to traditions. He emphasizes the importance of not changing what our forefathers believed and challenges the listener to see if God will accept that challenge. The preacher then shifts to discussing the book of Job and how Job's response was not always perfect, but God still blessed him. He highlights the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, stating that in the Old Covenant, God treated people like children, but in the New Covenant, God treats us like adult sons. The preacher concludes by discussing the three-fold hedge of protection that God puts around believers and how it brings comfort in times of trouble.
The Cross and the Dynamic of Victory
By T. Austin-Sparks2.5K46:51The CrossJOB 1:21MAT 6:33ROM 8:18PHP 1:29PHP 2:5PHP 4:13JAS 1:2In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the theme of triumph in the history of the church in Philippi. He highlights how the church faced adversity and suffering but emerged victorious. The speaker emphasizes the importance of applying the principle of surrendering to God and being willing to suffer for His sake. He uses the example of a jealous wife who learns to let go and surrender her desires to God. The speaker also references the apostle Paul and how he was able to count all things as loss for the sake of Christ. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to trust in God's sovereignty and to be willing to surrender and suffer for His glory.
Prayer 03 Praying in the Name
By Alden Gannett2.2K43:13Name Of JesusJOB 1:21MRK 12:30JHN 13:34ACT 3:4GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about the death of his seven-year-old daughter and how he prayed for her life to be spared. Despite his prayers, God took her home. However, the speaker rejoices in the fact that God answered his prayers in a different way by protecting his other children from a dangerous incident involving a fire. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of loving God and others as summarized in the commandments.
My Godly Father In-Law - Part 2
By Keith Daniel1.7K50:55FatherJOB 1:21PSA 37:4PRO 3:5MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of his father-in-law teaching him a valuable lesson about facing tests and exams in the school of God. The speaker recalls a moment when he failed to open the car door for the women in his family, but his father-in-law corrected him and taught him the importance of chivalry. The speaker also shares a story about his father-in-law selling a farm house that had faced devastation, but a wealthy American man wanted to buy it. Through these stories, the speaker emphasizes the idea that in life, we will face various tests and challenges, but it is important to persevere and pass these exams in order to grow spiritually.
(Revelation) the Sounding of the 5th Trumpet
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:27:11TrumpetsJOB 1:21JOB 2:1MAT 6:33REV 9:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the fifth angel sounding the season in the book of Revelation. The sermon begins by discussing the outline of the paragraph, highlighting the revelation given to John and the commission given to the mighty beings. The speaker then delves into the controversial expression in verse six, which describes a time when men will seek death but not find it. The sermon also touches on the description of the events that will occur during this time, as outlined in verses seven to eleven. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the movements of demons and the power of God in defeating the devil.
Job - Part 2
By John Piper1.4K01:40JOB 1:21JOB 2:10JOB 13:15JOB 19:25JOB 23:10JOB 42:2PHP 3:8In this sermon, Job is depicted as a faithful servant of God who endures great suffering and loss. Job responds to his trials by tearing his clothes and falling face down on the ground, expressing his deep grief and surrender to God. He acknowledges that he came into the world with nothing and will leave with nothing, but recognizes that God is the one who gives and takes away. The sermon encourages listeners to learn from Job's example and find solace in the fact that even in the midst of loss, God is still sovereign and can satisfy the deepest longings of our souls.
Job #2: The Soul's Searching
By Stephen Kaung1.0K48:56JOB 1:21JOB 2:10PSA 22:6In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and his friends in the Bible. He suggests that the conversations between Job and his friends can be seen as an allegory or parable representing the inner struggles of the human soul before God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a naked soul before God, stripped of all external factors, in order to truly understand oneself. He also highlights the conflict between the will of Job and the will of his friends, representing the internal battle within a person. The sermon concludes with Job expressing his deep anguish and questioning the purpose of his suffering.
The Revolution of the Love / Die Revolution Der Liebe - Part 4
By George Verwer1.0K28:43JOB 1:21PRO 1:7PRO 3:5PRO 5:18PRO 6:16PRO 30:5ACT 13:2In this sermon, the speaker shares two stories from their ministry experiences. The first story is about two women who found it difficult to receive encouragement because the speaker reminded them of Adolf Hitler. The second story is about an older man who was impatient during a long sermon and started waving his watch. The speaker used this moment to emphasize the importance of giving for world missions. The sermon also touches on topics such as the ministry of encouragement, the need for prayer and giving, the example of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13, and the importance of developing biblical wisdom and faith. The speaker also shares their personal struggles with discouragement and the need to rely on God's grace and the Word of God. The sermon concludes with a call to make a commitment to live in the highway of grace, develop biblical relationships, and have a biblical theology of suffering.
Npg Radio 1980 #7 - Radio Interview
By Norman Grubb9761:07:27Radio InterviewGEN 50:20EXO 9:16EXO 14:21JOB 1:21MAT 6:33ROM 8:28EPH 2:10In this sermon, Norman Grubb discusses the concept of faith and how it operates in our daily lives. He explains that faith is the inner understanding and relationship we have with things, which then leads to outward actions. Grubb emphasizes that as believers, we have the privilege of belonging to the nature of the Spirit, rather than the fragmented nature of material things. He also addresses the question of where God is in the midst of suffering and evil, highlighting that understanding our identity in Christ allows us to be vessels through which God can love and reach out to the world.
Worship - Expression of Love Toward God
By Lou Sutera7611:03:20WorshipJOB 1:21PSA 37:4PSA 96:3ISA 12:1MAT 2:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking and praising God. He encourages the congregation to declare God's doings among the people and exalt His name through worship. The speaker shares a personal story of delivering a message to a couple who had lost their children, and how their response was to bless the name of the Lord. He also discusses the nature of true worship, highlighting the need for genuine devotion to God. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God longs for our worship and calls on the congregation to worship Him for what He has done and where He has brought them.
The Foundation for God's Purpose
By Zac Poonen5241:03:29JOB 1:21LUK 14:26LUK 14:331CO 10:26
This sermon emphasizes the importance of laying a strong foundation in our Christian walk, focusing on loving Jesus above all, dying to self daily, and surrendering possessions to God. It highlights the need to prioritize Christ over family, self-will, and material possessions to build a solid spiritual foundation.
Lookout mtn.conference 1973-07 the Apostle Paul
By Stan Ford39138:04JOB 1:21MAT 6:33PHP 2:17PHP 4:41TH 5:23JAS 1:27REV 3:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. He uses the story of Job, who lost everything, to illustrate this point. Despite his losses, Job was able to find joy in his relationship with God. The preacher also emphasizes the need to focus on positive and virtuous thoughts, as outlined in Philippians 4:8. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to find joy and peace in their faith, even in the face of adversity.
Because He Sat!
By Thaddeus Barnum36428:07Christian LifeEXO 17:8JOB 1:21PSA 110:1HAB 3:17MAT 26:64In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the tragic shooting that took place at a church in Charleston, emphasizing the church's response of forgiveness. The speaker highlights the belief that Jesus is the true king, and that no matter what happens, he is in control. The sermon encourages listeners to rely on Jesus in the face of challenges and to not isolate themselves, but rather to engage in prayer, reading the Bible, helping the poor, and forgiving others. The speaker concludes by reminding listeners that although the world may promise instability, the Lord reigns and offers a stable foundation that cannot be shaken.
All Things Work Together for Good
By Leonard Ravenhill12145:29Purpose Of GodFaith in TrialsGod's SovereigntyJOB 1:21PSA 34:18ISA 41:10ROM 8:282CO 4:172CO 12:9PHP 4:7HEB 12:27JAS 1:21PE 5:10Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound truth that 'all things work together for good' as he reflects on the trials and tribulations faced by believers. He shares a poignant story of a pastor who, after experiencing personal tragedy, realizes the depth of this truth and the importance of faith amidst suffering. Ravenhill challenges the congregation to consider their own lives and the external circumstances that may shake their faith, urging them to find strength in God's unchanging nature. He illustrates that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the eternal security of one's soul and relationship with God. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of faith and a deeper understanding of God's purpose in the midst of life's chaos.
Union With Jesus
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Surrender to God's WillUnion with ChristJOB 1:21PSA 27:1PSA 40:8JHN 10:30JHN 15:5JHN 17:21GAL 2:20EPH 1:22EPH 4:15HEB 2:11Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the profound spiritual union between believers and Jesus, likening it to the intimate connections found in nature, such as the vine and branches or the body and its head. This union encompasses a shared will, faith, suffering, and purpose, urging believers to surrender their will to God and trust Him unconditionally, even in adversity. Brengle illustrates that true union with Christ leads to a life of self-sacrifice and a deep commitment to God's mission, encouraging believers to fully identify with Jesus and His purpose. He concludes by inviting listeners to enter into this union through faith, obedience, and a willingness to make sacrifices for Christ. The sermon calls for a heartfelt commitment to live in accordance with God's will, reflecting the love and unity that Jesus desires for His followers.
Lxv. to Lady Boyd, on the Loss of Several Friends
By Samuel Rutherford0JOB 1:21PSA 34:18PSA 46:10ISA 55:8ROM 11:332CO 12:9EPH 2:8HEB 13:81PE 5:7Samuel Rutherford delivers a sermon of comfort and encouragement to a grieving Ladyship, reminding her of the unfathomable ways of the Lord in the midst of sudden loss. He emphasizes the sovereignty of God over life and death, urging her to trust in His wisdom and not question His judgments. Rutherford encourages her to find peace in submitting to God's will, believing in His mercy even in the midst of trials, and holding fast to faith in Christ who is mighty to save.
Of Contentment of Mind.
By John Gill0Trust in God's ProvisionContentmentJOB 1:21MAT 6:25PHP 4:111TI 6:6HEB 13:5John Gill emphasizes the significance of contentment of mind as a natural outcome of joy and peace, which are found only in godly individuals. He contrasts contentment with envy, avarice, pride, and anxiety, illustrating that true contentment is rooted in a deep acceptance of one's circumstances, whether prosperous or adverse. Gill argues that contentment is learned through experiences and is essential for a fulfilling Christian life, as it aligns with God's will and promises. He encourages believers to recognize their blessings and the sufficiency of God's grace, which fosters a spirit of thankfulness and peace.
Epistle 249
By George Fox0DEU 30:12JOB 1:21ISA 26:3JHN 1:3ROM 16:20PHP 4:111TI 6:17HEB 2:141JN 2:16REV 19:13George Fox preaches about the importance of keeping our minds stayed upon the Lord to experience perfect peace that comes from God. He emphasizes that imperfect peace comes from focusing on worldly things rather than on the Creator. Using examples from Job's life, Fox illustrates the significance of retaining peace by keeping our minds on the Lord even in times of trials and loss. He urges people to learn from Christ, the light and truth, to find contentment in all circumstances and not to trust in temporary riches but in the living God for an everlasting inheritance.
Bible Survey - Job
By Peter Hammond0JOB 1:21Peter Hammond preaches on the spiritual warfare dynamics revealed in the Book of Job, showcasing Job's unwavering faith and trust in God despite facing immense trials and suffering. The narrative unfolds with Job, a blameless and upright man, being tested by satan after God permits it, leading to the loss of his property, family, health, and reputation. Job's loyalty and steadfastness in the face of adversity demonstrate his faith in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when his friends misunderstand his suffering. The book concludes with Job's vindication and restoration, emphasizing God's ultimate reward for faithfulness and the importance of trusting in His providence.
The Rainbow in the Clouds (31 Day Devotional)
By John MacDuff0GEN 9:16EXO 3:7EXO 33:14DEU 23:25JOB 1:21PSA 35:27PSA 93:1ISA 32:2ISA 57:1JER 31:3HOS 13:14MAL 3:6JHN 13:7ROM 8:32TIT 2:13HEB 12:61PE 1:6John MacDuff preaches about the unchanging and everlasting love of God, assuring believers that all trials and tribulations are part of God's eternal plan of love and redemption. He emphasizes the sovereignty of God, His loving purpose in prosperity and adversity, the safe refuge found in Christ during life's storms, the reason for divine chastisement as a sign of God's love, and the immutability of God's character and promises. MacDuff encourages believers to trust in God's divine sympathy, gracious conditions, and the blessed hope of Christ's return, reminding them of the ultimate victory over death and the eternal rest and deliverance promised to those who love God.
Of Well-Using Abundance
By William Gouge0JOB 1:21PSA 62:10PRO 3:9LUK 16:91CO 7:311TI 6:17William Gouge emphasizes the importance of using worldly abundance wisely, drawing from the examples of patriarchs like Job, David, and Solomon. He provides both negative and affirmative rules for handling riches, cautioning against placing too much value on earthly possessions and encouraging the use of wealth for good works and charity. Gouge reminds his audience to honor the Lord with their substance, be ready to let go of possessions if needed, and ultimately trust in the living Lord rather than in uncertain riches.
Homily on the Paralytic Let Down Through the Roof
By St. John Chrysostom0JOB 1:21MAT 9:1LUK 7:9JHN 5:141CO 10:131TH 4:13John Chrysostom preaches about finding spiritual treasures in the heart rather than material wealth, using the story of the paralytic by the pool to highlight endurance, patience, and hope towards God as invaluable riches. He emphasizes the importance of enduring trials with patience, surrendering to God's will, and trusting in His timing for deliverance and healing. Chrysostom encourages imitating the paralytic's patience and faith, showcasing how enduring trials can lead to purification and spiritual growth. He delves into the significance of forgiveness of sins, the power of faith, and the compassion of Christ in healing both the body and soul, demonstrating His authority and equality with God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Naked came I out of my mother's womb - I had no earthly possessions when I came into the world; I cannot have less going out of it. What I have the Lord gave: as it was his free gift, he has a right to resume it when he pleases; and I owe him gratitude for the time he has permitted me to enjoy this gift. Naked shall I return thither - Whither? Not to his mother's womb surely; nor does he call the earth his mother in this place. In the first clause of the verse he speaks without a metaphor, and in the latter he speaks in reference to the ground on which he was about to fall. As I came out of my mother's womb destitute of the earthly possessions, so shall I return שמה shammah, There; i.e., to the earth on which he was now falling. That mother earth was a common expression in different nations, I allow; but I believe no such metaphor was now in the mind of Job. The Lord gave - The Chaldee has, "The Word of the Lord, מימרא דיי meymera dayai, gave; and the Word of the Lord and the house of his judgment, have taken away!" Word is used here personally, as in many other places of all the Targums. Blessed be the name of the Lord - The following is a fine paraphrase on the sentiment in this verse: - "Good when he gives, supremely good;Nor less when he denies; Afflictions from his sovereign hand,Are blessings in disguise." Seeing I have lost my temporal goods, and all my domestic comforts, may God alone be all my portion! The Vulgate, Septuagint, and Coverdale, add, The Lord hath done as he pleased.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Naked-- (Ti1 6:7). "Mother's womb" is poetically the earth, the universal mother (Ecc 5:15; Ecc 12:7; Psa 139:15). Job herein realizes God's assertion (Job 1:8) against Satan's (Job 1:11). Instead of cursing, he blesses the name of JEHOVAH (Hebrew). The name of Jehovah, is Jehovah Himself, as manifested to us in His attributes (Isa 9:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And said, naked came I out of my mother's womb,.... Either literally, where he was conceived and lay, and from whence he came into the world, though he afterwards wishes he never had, or had died as soon as he did, Job 3:10, and so it is expressive of his birth, and the circumstance of it; or figuratively, his mother earth, from whence the first man sprang, and so all his posterity with him, being as he of the earth, earthly, see Ecc 12:7, which sense is mentioned by Jarchi and Aben Ezra; but the first sense seems best: the nakedness referred to is not of the mind or soul, being destitute of righteousness and holiness, with which the following clause will by no means agree, but nakedness of body; and therefore as soon as a child is born, one of the first things done to it is to wrap it in clothes provided for it, see Eze 16:4 and also a being without the things of this life; the apostle's words are a proper comment on these, and explain them, and perhaps these are referred to by him, "we brought nothing into this world", Ti1 6:7, this shows the necessity of the early care of Providence over us, and what reason we have to be thankful for unknown mercies at the time of birth, and in the state of infancy, Psa 22:9 and what obligations children lie under to parents, and what benefits they receive from them at their first entrance into the world, and which they should religiously requite when through old age they stand in need of their assistance, Ti1 5:4, and this may also serve to abate the pride of man, who will have no reason to boast of his riches, nor of his fine clothes, when he considers his original nakedness; and more especially the use of it may be, and which seems to be the use Job made of it, to make the mind easy under the greatest losses. Job considered he did not bring his substance, his servants, and his children into the world with him; and now they were taken from him, he was but as he was when he came into the world, and not at all the worse; he knew how to be abased, and to abound, and in both was content: and naked shall I return thither; not into his mother's womb in a literal sense, which was impossible, Joh 3:4, but to the earth, and to the dust of it, Gen 3:19, pointing to it with his finger, on which he now lay; meaning that he should go to the place appointed for him, the grave, the house of all living, Job 30:23, and so the Targum here has it, to the house of the grave, where he should lie unseen, as in his mother's womb, till the resurrection morn; which would be a kind of a regeneration of him, when he should be delivered up from thence, and enjoy a state of happiness and glory: he should descend into the grave as naked as he was born, respecting not so much the nakedness of his body, as being stripped of all worldly enjoyments, see Ecc 5:15 and he says this in his present view of things; he thought once he should have died in his nest, Job 29:18, in the midst of all his prosperity, and left a large substance to his children; but now all was taken away, and for the present had no hope or expectation of a restoration, as afterwards was; but whereas he was now naked and bare of all, he expected he should continue and die so: or this is said with respect to the common case of men, who it is certain cannot carry anything out of the world with them, either riches or honour, but must leave all behind them, Ti1 6:7 which may serve to loosen the minds of men from worldly things, not to set their eyes and hearts upon them, nor to put their trust and confidence in them; and good men may part with them, especially at death with pleasure, since they will have no further use of them, and will have a better and a more enduring substance in their stead: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; all outward enjoyments, all the good things of this world, are the Lord's, and at his dispose; the earth, and the fulness of it; kingdoms, nations, countries, houses and lands, the beasts of the field, and cattle on a thousand hills; the gold and silver, and all the riches of the earth: and these are the gifts of his providence to the sons of men; nor have they anything but in a way of giving and receiving; and even what they enjoy, through diligence and industry, is owing to the blessing of God; and who gives not in such sort as that he loses his property in what is given; this he still retains, these are talents which he puts into the hands of men to use for themselves and others, and for which they are accountable to him; and they are but stewards, with whom he will hereafter reckon, and therefore has a right to take away when he pleases; and both Job ascribes to God, not only the giving, but the taking away: he does not attribute his losses to second causes, to the Sabeans and Chaldeans, to the fire from heaven, and the wind from the desert, but to God, whose sovereign will and overruling hand were in all; these were but the instruments of Satan, and he had no power but what was given from God; and therefore to the counsel of his will, who suffered it, Job refers it, and for that reason sits down satisfied and quiet. This is all to be understood of temporal things only; for of spiritual things it cannot be said that God gives and takes away; such gifts are without repentance, and are irreversible, Rom 11:29, the Targum is, "the Word of the Lord hath given, and the Word of the Lord and the house of his judgment hath taken away; the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions add, as it pleased the Lord, so it is done:'' blessed be the name of the Lord; for all his blessings and mercies; for all the gifts of nature and providence that had been bestowed, which could not be claimed, and of which he knew himself unworthy; and for the continuance of them so long with goodness and mercy had followed him all the days or his life hitherto, and still he had mercies to bless God for; his wife was still with him, he had some servants left, his own life was spared; he continued as yet in health of body, and therefore could sing of mercy as well as judgment; nor is there any state on earth a man can be in, but there is something to bless God for; wherefore the apostle's exhortation will always hold good, "in everything give thanks": Th1 5:18; besides the name, the nature, the perfections, of God are always the same, and therefore always to be celebrated, and blessing, honour, and glory, are to be ascribed to him continually, in every state and condition of life; wherefore the Arabic version adds, "from henceforth, and for ever"; which agrees with Psa 72:19; and thus Job, instead of cursing God, blesses him, and proves the devil to be a liar, as he was from the beginning; and shows his superiority over him through the power of divine grace; this evil one could not touch him, he was overcome by him, and his designs defeated.