Job 19:28 But you should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me? I. WHAT THE PATRIARCH INTENDED BY THE ROOT THAT WAS IN HIM. A root may be employed for any principle from which effects proceed. Sometimes the metaphor is employed for a good principle, as in the parable of the sower, where they who withered because they "had not root," lacked the good principle from which spiritual life proceeds. We may find several points of analogy between the principle of faith in the soul, and the root of any plant or tree which vegetates upon our earth. 1. The root is the menus of stability. So is faith. As the root balances every plant, from the gigantic oak and the towering cedar, to the hyssop that grows upon the wall, so faith balances and sustains the soul and character of the Christian. 2. The root — and faith — are the channels of nourishment. As the fibrous harts of the root of any plant absorb the moisture which the earth supplies, so faith receives the Spirit which the Saviour imparts. Thus the idea of vitality is intimately connected with faith in the rooting of the Divine Word. 3. Faith is the source of spiritual production. Botanists tell us that the root performs the part of a tender parent, by preserving the embryo plant in its bosom; and thus all the stems, and leaves, and petals, and fruit, are found in the root. Here the analogy is very complete; because as the root is the source of production to the plant, so faith is the source of every other grace in the soul. II. HOW THE PATRIARCH MANIFESTED THAT THIS BOOT WAS IN HIM. 1. By the confession which he uttered. Faith has ever been the parent of a good confession. Job could say, "I know that my Redeemer liveth." 2. By the satisfaction he avows. Faith in the Son of God satisfied his mind under all the desolations. 3. By the disposition he displayed. What was his patience but the result of faith? III. WHAT THE PATRIARCH EXPECTED. Forbearance and sympathy from his fellow believers. Many of us greatly err in entertaining uncharitable thoughts, and in using unguarded words, in reference to them who have "the root of the matter in them." (J. Blackburn.) Parallel Verses KJV: But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?WEB: If you say, 'How we will persecute him!' because the root of the matter is found in me, |
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