View Job 23 in the note window.
Here seems to be a struggle throughout this chapter between nature
and grace, Job complains of his condition, yet with an assurance
of God's clemency, ver. 1 - 7.
He cannot understand God's dealings, nor hope for relief, yet holds
fast his integrity, ver. 8 - 14.
He is in deep trouble, ver. 15 - 17
2: To - day - Even at this time, notwithstanding all your pretended
consolations. Stroke - The hand or stroke of God upon me.
Groaning - Doth exceed my complaints.
3: O - I desire nothing more than his acquaintance and presence; but
alas, he hides his face from me. Seat - To his throne or judgment - seat
to plead my cause before him.
5: Know - If he should discover to me any secret sins, for which he
contendeth with me, I would humble myself before him, and accept of the
punishment of mine iniquity.
6: No - He would not use his power against me, but for me; by
enabling me to plead my cause, and giving sentence according to
that clemency, which he uses towards his children.
7: There - At that throne of grace, where God lays aside his majesty,
and judges according to his wonted clemency. Dispute - Humbly propounding
the grounds of their confidence. So - Upon such a fair and equal hearing.
Delivered - From the damnatory sentence of God. This and some such
expressions of Job cannot be excused from irreverence towards God,
for which God afterwards reproves him, and Job abhorreth himself.
8: Is not - As a judge to hear and determine my causes, otherwise
he knew God was essentially present in all places.
10: Gold - Which comes out of the furnace pure from all dross.
11: Steps - The steps or paths which God hath appointed men
to walk in.
14: Performeth - Those calamities which he hath allotted to me.
And - There are many such examples of God's proceeding with men.
16: Soft - He hath bruised, and broken, or melted it, so that I have
no spirit in me.
17: Because - God did not cut me off by death. Before - These
miseries came upon me. Covered - By hiding me in the grave.
