Job - Chapter 19

Job 19.1 Then Job answered and said, Job 19.2 How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? Job 19.3 These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me. Job 19.4 And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself. Job 19.5 If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach: Job 19.6 Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net. Job 19.7 Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment. Job 19.8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths. Job 19.9 He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head. Job 19.10 He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree. Job 19.11 He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies. Job 19.12 His troops come together, and raise up their way against me, and encamp round about my tabernacle. Job 19.13 He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. Job 19.14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. Job 19.15 They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. Job 19.16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. Job 19.17 My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children’s sake of mine own body. Job 19.18 Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. Job 19.19 All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. Job 19.20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. Job 19.21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me. Job 19.22 Why do ye persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh? Job 19.23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! Job 19.24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! Job 19.25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job 19.26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Job 19.27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. Job 19.28 But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me? Job 19.29 Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment.

Job : Chapter 19

Reflections on Job Chapter 19

Job chapter 19 presents a passionate response from the man of God in the face of trial. How does Job express his faith in the midst of despair? This powerful text combines both a profound lament and a surprising declaration of hope. It addresses essential themes such as social isolation, the perception of divine persecution, and confidence in a future Redeemer.

A Famous Declaration of Faith

Job 19 contains one of the most famous declarations of faith in the entire book. By meditating on this chapter, we can delve into the complex mix of emotions it expresses. Let's explore together five biblical passages that shed light on this emotional richness.

Illuminating Bible Passages

Psalm 69:8: "I am a stranger to my brothers, a foreigner to my mother's children." This verse reflects Job's sense of alienation, as he expresses it in Job 19:13-19.

Lamentations 3:18-20: "Therefore I say, 'My splendor and all my hope of the Lord are gone. I remember my affliction and my madness, my bitterness and my pain. I remember all this well, and my soul is discouraged within me.'" These words of Jeremiah echo Job's lamentations in Job 19:8-12 about the affliction God has inflicted on him.

Romans 8:38-39: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Paul's conviction in God's steadfast love contrasts with Job's sense of abandonment, but echoes his declaration of faith in Job 19:25-27.

1 Corinthians 15:52-53: "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. For the corruptible must put on incorruption, and the mortal must put on immortality." This passage about the resurrection resonates with Job's hope expressed in Job 19:25-27.

Revelation 19:11-13: "I saw heaven opened, and before me a white horse, whose rider was called Faithful and True. With righteousness he judges and wages war. His eyes are like flames of fire, and on his head are many crowns and a name known only to him, and no one else. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is The Word of God." This vision of the victorious Christ is intimately linked to Job's declaration of faith in his Redeemer in Job 19:25-27.

Conclusion

In Job chapter 19, we discover a profound spiritual struggle, but also a light of hope. Drawing inspiration from these verses, may we strengthen our faith, even in times of despair, and keep our eyes fixed on our Redeemer.