Old Testament Commentary - Job 23

by Don R. Hender


Scriptural Text [& Editorial]
Commentary & Explanation
Footnotes ~ References ~ JST
                  CHAPTER 23                 

Job seeks the Lord and asserts his own righteousness—He says: When the Lord has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

  1 THEN Job answered and said,
  2 Even to day is my acomplaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaninga.
  3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!
 2a my stroke is heavier than my groaning While Job's friends may have become a bit tired of Job's complaints, not any of them nor I would think that the greater majority of all humanity just cannot appreciate Job's levels of suffering. Here he says that he is controling his reactions as best he can in relationship the the greater level of that which they truly really are. Add to the physical levels of suffering the added burden of the mental and spiritual weight of what Job was carrying and perhaps the list is cut to a very few, which of course would have to include Jesus Christ and his degree of suffering for the sins of the world. Jesus' suffering would top that list and perhaps Job, if not next, would likely be in the top ten.  2a Alma 34:41

  4 I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.
  5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.
  6 Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put astrength in me.
  7 There the righteous might adispute with him; so should I be bdelivered for ever from my judge.
 6a 1 Ne. 17:3
 7a TG Disputations
   b 2 Ne. 9:19 (18-19); D&C 108:8

  8 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
  9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him:
  10 But he aknoweth the way that I take: when he hath btried me, I shall come forth as gold.
  11 My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.
 10a TG God, Omniscience of
   b TG Test, Try, Prove

  12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
  13 But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
  14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.
  15 Therefore am I atroubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
  16 For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:
  17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
 15a Gen. 45:3