Job 23

Job 23:2

MY stroke] Heb. my hand.

my stroke is heavier then my greaning] I do not complain so much as I have cause.

Job 23:3

O that I knew where I might finde him] Chap. 13. 3. and 31. 35. I would clear my cause before God, but he will not be found to reason with me.

Job 23:6

with his great power] He would not deal with me with his absolute power, as with an enemy: but with fatherly affection, as with a childe, Isai. 27. 4, 8. Jere. 10. 24.

but he would put strength in me] Of his mercy he would give me power to answer him.

Job 23:7

There the righteous might dispute with him] When he of his mercy hath given them strength to maintain their cause.

from my judge] Or, by my judge: That is, by Gods sentence

Job 23:8

Behold, I go forward, but he is not there] Why do I desire that which cannot be had. God will not reason with us when we will, but when he will.

Job 23:10

the way that I take] Heb. the way that is with me.

I shall come forth as gold] God tries me for my profit. As gold comes pure out of the fire, so shall I appear loyall before God, when I come out of affliction, Psalms 66:10. Isaiah 48:10. Malachi 3:3.

Job 23:11

My foot hath held his steps] Psal. 44. 17, 18. and 18. 21. He denies Eliphaz his bitter charge, chap. 22. 5.

Job 23:12

I have esteemed] Heb. I have hid, or, laid up.

I have esteemed the words of his mouth] His word is more precious unto me, then the meat appointed daily to feed my body, John 4:34.

my necessary food] Or, my appointed portion.

Job 23:13

But he is in one minde] Though I be innocent, and know God will clear me in the end, yet if he will afflict me in the mean while, I cannot avoid it.

in one] Or, against one: That is, me.

who can turn him?] Chap. 9. 12, 13.

his soul desireth] Psalms 115:3.

Job 23:14

many such things are with him] In many things man is not able to attain to the cause of Gods judgements: and he deals so with others, as well as with me.

Job 23:15

Therefore am I troubled at his presence] I am troubled with my present calamities, and afraid of future.

Job 23:16

God maketh my heart soft] Fearfull, and unable to bear these calamities.

Job 23:17

Because I was not cut off before the darknesse] If God had cut me off before these afflictions, I had not been so fearfull.