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Job 23:3
Verse
Context
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
O that I knew where I might find him! - This and the following verse may be read thus: "Who will give me the knowledge of God, that I may find him out? I would come to his establishment; (the place or way in which he has promised to communicate himself); I would exhibit, in detail, my judgment (the cause I wish to be tried) before his face; and my mouth would I fill with convincing or decisive arguments;" arguments drawn from his common method of saving sinners, which I should prove applied fully to my case. Hence the confidence with which he speaks, Job 23:6.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The same wish as in Job 13:3 (compare Heb 10:19-22). Seat--The idea in the Hebrew is a well-prepared throne (Psa 9:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I would order my cause before him,.... Either, as a praying person, direct his prayer to him, and set it in order before him, see Psa 5:3; or else as pleading in his own defence, and in justification of himself; not of his person before God, setting his works of righteousness in order before him, and pleading his justification on the foot of them; for, by these no flesh living can be justified before God; but of his cause, for, as a man may vindicate his cause before men, and clear himself from aspersions cast upon him, as Samuel did, Sa1 12:5; so he may before God, with respect to the charges he is falsely loaded with, and may appeal to him for justice, and desire he would stir up himself, and awake to his judgment, even to his cause, and plead it against those that strive with him, as David did, Psa 35:1; and fill my mouth with arguments; either in prayer, as a good man may; not with such as are taken from his goodness and righteousness, but from the person, office, grace, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, and from the declarations of God's grace, and the promises of his word; or else as in a court of judicature, bringing forth his strong reasons, and giving proofs of his innocence, such as would be demonstrative, even convincing to all that should hear, and be not only proofs for him, and in his favour, but reproofs also, as the word (c) signifies, to those that contended with him. (c) "increpationibus", V. L. and so Montanus, Beza, Mercerus, Drusius, Schultens.
Job 23:3
Job Longs for God
2“Even today my complaint is bitter. His hand is heavy despite my groaning. 3If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. 4I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Why Doesn't God Do Something?
By Vance Havner2.3K32:42Sovereignty Of GodSufferingTrust in God's PlanJOB 23:3Vance Havner addresses the profound question of why God seems silent in the face of suffering and tragedy, drawing parallels to the cries of Job and the psalmists. He reflects on personal experiences of despair and the mystery of life’s inequities, emphasizing that while we may not understand God's ways, we can trust in His ultimate purpose. Havner points to the crucifixion of Christ as the ultimate answer to our suffering, where God Himself experienced abandonment, providing hope and reconciliation for humanity. He encourages believers to hold onto faith amidst unanswered questions, reminding them that God is present and working even when we cannot see it. Ultimately, he reassures that all things will be made right in God's timing.
The Canaanite Woman - Great Faith
By Joel Beeke1.1K1:14:10JOB 23:3In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a beggar who comes to his family's door asking for a sandwich. Initially, the speaker's grandmother tells him to tell the beggar that they are just as poor as he is. However, when the beggar persists, the speaker's grandmother realizes that he is a genuine beggar and gives him a whole sandwich. The speaker then relates this story to how God tests the authenticity of spiritual beggars. He emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance and belief in the gospel, rather than being consumed by worldly possessions. The sermon concludes with a reminder that we all have one soul to gain or lose in eternity.
The Secret of the Vision
By A.B. Simpson0Seeking GodDivine PresenceJOB 23:3A.B. Simpson emphasizes the deep longing of the soul to find God, as expressed in Job's cry for divine presence. He outlines several ways to encounter God: through nature, His Word, providences, His people, the ordinances of the church, and the secret place of the heart. Each method reveals God's character and love, encouraging believers to seek Him actively and recognize His presence in all aspects of life. Simpson concludes that God desires to meet us personally and that we must be open and responsive to His call.
O That I Knew Where I Might Find Him, That I
By F.B. Meyer0PrayerGod's PresenceJOB 23:3PSA 46:1PSA 139:7ISA 41:10MAT 28:20JHN 14:23ACT 17:27ROM 10:6HEB 4:16JAS 4:8F.B. Meyer emphasizes the intimate and ever-present nature of God, reminding us that we do not need to search far and wide to find Him, as He is closer than we often realize. He encourages believers to approach God directly, recognizing that His mercy is accessible in every moment and place, whether in times of trouble or peace. Meyer reassures us that God's presence is constant, and we can communicate with Him freely, even amidst our struggles. The sermon calls for a deeper awareness of God's nearness and invites us to engage with Him in prayer and reflection. Ultimately, it is a reminder that we can find God right where we are, without needing to ascend to heaven or descend into the depths.
Our Daily Homily - Job Part 2
By F.B. Meyer0Divine JusticeHumility before GodJOB 20:29JOB 21:22JOB 22:23JOB 23:3JOB 24:24JOB 25:4JOB 27:6JOB 28:14JOB 30:20JOB 42:5F.B. Meyer explores the profound themes of justice and divine knowledge in the Book of Job, emphasizing the connection between wrongdoing and its consequences. He highlights that while the wicked may seem to prosper temporarily, their ultimate fate is destruction, contrasting this with the eternal security of the righteous. Meyer encourages believers to trust in God's omniscience and to seek a deeper relationship with Him, recognizing that true wisdom and understanding come from God alone. He concludes by reflecting on Job's journey from self-righteousness to humility before God, illustrating the transformative power of divine revelation.
Feed God First
By Allan Halton0JOB 23:3Allan Halton emphasizes the importance of considering God's interests first in all situations, highlighting the beauty of prioritizing fellowship with God above seeking solutions to our problems. Just like Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, when we make God's needs our own, He meets our needs in miraculous ways. The sermon encourages seeking God in the midst of trials, aiming to know Him deeply and become like Him, rather than just seeking His help. Through patience and enduring trials, God's ultimate desire is for us to find Him and experience His deep love and wisdom.
To Prove Thee in the Wilderness - Part 3
By Walter Beuttler0DEU 8:15DEU 29:29JOB 23:3JER 9:23ROM 8:28PHP 3:101PE 5:6Walter Beuttler preaches about the importance of knowing and understanding the ways of the Lord, emphasizing that true glory comes from understanding and knowing God's character of loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness. He explains that while God is infinite and some things remain a mystery, God desires to be known and understood within the revealed truths in the Bible. Beuttler shares personal stories and biblical examples to illustrate how God leads His people through wilderness experiences to humble them, prove them, and ultimately do them good at their latter end, even when facing perils like unbelief, rebellion, and murmuring.
In the Secret of His Presence
By F.B. Meyer0Spiritual AwarenessGod's PresenceJOB 23:3F.B. Meyer emphasizes the ever-present nature of God, illustrating how His presence permeates all aspects of life, yet often goes unrecognized by us. He contrasts the experiences of those who feel God's nearness, like Brother Lawrence and John Howe, with the common struggle to perceive Him in our daily lives. Meyer encourages believers to cultivate a constant awareness of God's presence through prayer, purity, and obedience, asserting that true communion with God is only possible through Jesus Christ. He highlights that in the secret of His presence, there is peace, purity, and power, urging us to seek this divine closeness in our everyday lives. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper commitment to recognizing and dwelling in God's presence, which transforms our spiritual experience.
Job 23:3
By Chuck Smith0Jesus as the Revelation of GodFinding GodJOB 23:3PSA 139:7ISA 41:10MAT 6:26MAT 11:28LUK 19:10JHN 14:6JHN 14:9ROM 1:20HEB 4:16Chuck Smith emphasizes Job's earnest search for God amidst his suffering, illustrating how trials can make God feel distant. Job's desire to find God and plead his case reflects a deep longing for strength and peace, even as he struggles to perceive God's presence. Smith draws parallels to Philip's experiences with Jesus, highlighting that seeing Jesus is akin to seeing the Father, as He embodies God's love, concern, and willingness to serve humanity. The sermon encourages those seeking God to look to Jesus, who invites us to come to Him as the Way and the Truth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
O that I knew where I might find him! - This and the following verse may be read thus: "Who will give me the knowledge of God, that I may find him out? I would come to his establishment; (the place or way in which he has promised to communicate himself); I would exhibit, in detail, my judgment (the cause I wish to be tried) before his face; and my mouth would I fill with convincing or decisive arguments;" arguments drawn from his common method of saving sinners, which I should prove applied fully to my case. Hence the confidence with which he speaks, Job 23:6.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The same wish as in Job 13:3 (compare Heb 10:19-22). Seat--The idea in the Hebrew is a well-prepared throne (Psa 9:7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I would order my cause before him,.... Either, as a praying person, direct his prayer to him, and set it in order before him, see Psa 5:3; or else as pleading in his own defence, and in justification of himself; not of his person before God, setting his works of righteousness in order before him, and pleading his justification on the foot of them; for, by these no flesh living can be justified before God; but of his cause, for, as a man may vindicate his cause before men, and clear himself from aspersions cast upon him, as Samuel did, Sa1 12:5; so he may before God, with respect to the charges he is falsely loaded with, and may appeal to him for justice, and desire he would stir up himself, and awake to his judgment, even to his cause, and plead it against those that strive with him, as David did, Psa 35:1; and fill my mouth with arguments; either in prayer, as a good man may; not with such as are taken from his goodness and righteousness, but from the person, office, grace, blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, and from the declarations of God's grace, and the promises of his word; or else as in a court of judicature, bringing forth his strong reasons, and giving proofs of his innocence, such as would be demonstrative, even convincing to all that should hear, and be not only proofs for him, and in his favour, but reproofs also, as the word (c) signifies, to those that contended with him. (c) "increpationibus", V. L. and so Montanus, Beza, Mercerus, Drusius, Schultens.