USB ~ Job 23

Job’s Seventh Reply.

1 Then Job answered and said:

2 Today especially my complaint is bitter, his hand is heavy upon me in my groanings.

3 Would that I knew how to find him, that I might come to his dwelling!

4 I would set out my case before him, fill my mouth with arguments;

5 I would learn the words he would answer me, understand what he would say to me.

6 Would he contend against me with his great power? No, he himself would heed me!

7 There an upright man might argue with him, and I would once and for all be delivered from my judge.

8 But if I go east, he is not there;† or west, I cannot perceive him;

9 The north enfolds him, and I cannot catch sight of him; The south hides him, and I cannot see him.

10 Yet he knows my way; if he tested me, I should come forth like gold. a

11 My foot has always walked in his steps; I have kept his way and not turned aside.

12 From the commands of his lips I have not departed; the words of his mouth I have treasured in my heart.

13 But once he decides, who can contradict him? What he desires, that he does. b

14 For he will carry out what is appointed for me, and many such things he has in store.

15 Therefore I am terrified before him; when I take thought, I dread him.

16 For it is God who has made my heart faint, the Almighty who has terrified me.

17 Yes, would that I had vanished in darkness, hidden by the thick gloom before me.

Footnotes

†. 23:8 Job’s confident desire to confront God (vv. 2-7, contrary to his fears in 9:14-20 and 13:21-27) gives way to his dark night: God’s absence (vv. 8-9), which also terrifies (vv. 13-17).

23:10 Ps 66:10; Prv 17:3; Mal 3:3; 1 Pt 1:7.
23:13 Jb 42:2; Ps 115:3; 135:6.