Job 23 ASV
Summary: Job largely ignores Eliphaz's accusations and instead expresses his intense longing to find God and present his case directly before him, confident that if he could reach God's dwelling he would be heard fairly and vindicated, since an upright man could reason with God there. But Job laments that God is elusive, hidden whichever direction he searches, forward, backward, left, or right, though he affirms that God nonetheless "knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (v. 10). Job closes acknowledging his fear and dismay at God's power and at the terrifying unpredictability of his own circumstances, feeling that darkness covers his face.
1Then Job answered and said,
2Even to-day is my complaint rebellious: My stroke is heavier than my groaning.
3Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!
4I would set my cause in order before him, And fill my mouth with arguments.
5I would know the words which he would answer me, And understand what he would say unto me.
6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me.
7There the upright might reason with him; So should I be delivered for ever from my judge.
8Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; And backward, but I cannot perceive him;
9On the left hand, when he doth work, but I cannot behold him; He hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him.
10But he knoweth the way that I take; When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11My foot hath held fast to his steps; His way have I kept, and turned not aside.
12I have not gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
13But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
14For he performeth that which is appointed for me: And many such things are with him.
15Therefore am I terrified at his presence; When I consider, I am afraid of him.
16For God hath made my heart faint, And the Almighty hath terrified me;
17Because I was not cut off before the darkness, Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.
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