Job 23 WEB
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,
2“Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of 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 tell me.
6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.
7There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.
8“If I go east, he is not there; if west, I can’t find him;
9He works to the north, but I can’t see him. He turns south, but I can’t catch a glimpse of him.
10But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I will come out like gold.
11My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned away.
12I haven’t gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
13But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.
14For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.
15Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.
16For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has 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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