Job 23:3 Study Bible: Oh that I knew where I might find him. That I might come even to his seat.

◄ Job 23:3 ►

If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat.

If only I knew
This phrase captures Job's deep yearning and desperation. The Hebrew root here is "yada," which means to know, perceive, or understand. Job's lament is not just about intellectual knowledge but a profound, intimate understanding of God's presence and will. In the conservative Christian perspective, this reflects the believer's desire for a personal relationship with God, echoing the New Testament call to "know" Christ deeply (Philippians 3:10).

where to find Him
The longing to "find" God suggests a search for divine presence and justice. The Hebrew word "matsa" implies discovery or encountering. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern context where deities were often associated with specific locations or temples. Job's struggle is universal, representing humanity's quest to encounter God amidst suffering. For Christians, this search is fulfilled in Christ, who promises His presence to those who seek Him (Matthew 7:7).

so that I could go
The action of going signifies movement towards God, an intentional pursuit. The Hebrew verb "bo" means to come or enter. This reflects the biblical theme of pilgrimage, a journey towards holiness and divine encounter. In the conservative Christian view, this is akin to the believer's spiritual journey, moving towards God through faith and obedience, as seen in Hebrews 11:6, which emphasizes that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

to His seat
The "seat" here refers to God's throne or place of judgment. The Hebrew word "kisse" denotes a seat of authority and power. In the ancient world, a king's seat was a symbol of his rule and justice. Job's desire to approach God's seat underscores his quest for vindication and understanding of his suffering. From a Christian perspective, this foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Christ as the righteous judge, who invites believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and seeking understanding of God's ways.

2. God
The Almighty, whom Job is earnestly seeking to find and present his case before. Job's desire to find God reflects his deep yearning for divine justice and understanding.

3. Job's Friends
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they play a significant role in the surrounding chapters, offering explanations for Job's suffering that he finds unsatisfactory.

4. The Heavenly Court
Implicit in Job's desire to go to God's "seat" is the imagery of a divine courtroom where justice is administered.

5. The Land of Uz
The setting of Job's account, a place of ancient wisdom and prosperity, now a backdrop to Job's trials and dialogues.

Teaching Points

The Deep Yearning for God
Job's cry reveals a profound desire to connect with God, reminding us of the innate human longing for divine presence and understanding.

The Mystery of God's Ways
Job's struggle highlights the mystery of God's ways, encouraging believers to trust in God's wisdom even when His plans are not clear.

The Importance of Seeking God
Job's determination to find God underscores the importance of diligently seeking the Lord, especially in times of trial.

Approaching God with Honesty
Job's candid expression of his feelings teaches us to approach God honestly, bringing our doubts and questions before Him.

Faith in the Midst of Suffering
Despite his suffering, Job's faith drives him to seek God, serving as an example of perseverance and trust in God's ultimate justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's desire to find God in Job 23:3 reflect the human condition and our own spiritual journeys?

2. In what ways can we relate Job's longing for God's presence to our personal experiences of seeking God during difficult times?

3. How do the additional scriptures (Psalm 42:1-2, Isaiah 55:6, Hebrews 4:16, Jeremiah 29:13) enhance our understanding of Job's quest to find God?

4. What practical steps can we take to seek God earnestly in our daily lives, especially when we feel distant from Him?

5. How can Job's example of faith and perseverance in suffering inspire us to trust in God's justice and timing, even when His ways are beyond our understanding?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 42:1-2
This passage echoes Job's longing for God, depicting a deep thirst for the presence of the Lord.

Isaiah 55:6
Encourages seeking the Lord while He may be found, resonating with Job's desire to find God.

Hebrews 4:16
Invites believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, a New Testament parallel to Job's wish to present his case before God.

Jeremiah 29:13
Promises that those who seek God with all their heart will find Him, offering hope to Job's quest.

Sermons

Order and Argument in Prayer	Charles Haddon Spurgeon	Job 23:3
The Search for God	W.F. Adeney	Job 23:3
Craving for God	T. M. Herbert, M. A.	Job 23:1-6
How to Find God	Canon J. P. Norris, B. D.	Job 23:1-6
Job Looking Round for God	Joseph Parker, D. D.	Job 23:1-6
Job's Appeal to God	Justin E. Twitchell.	Job 23:1-6
Job's Appeal to God	D. J. Burrell, D. D.	Job 23:1-6
Job's Spiritual Sentiments	J. Love, D. D.	Job 23:1-6
Job's Thoughts Concerning an Absent God	William Jay.	Job 23:1-6
Man Desiring God	Joseph Parker, D. D.	Job 23:1-6
Man's Cry for Fellowship with God	Homilist	Job 23:1-6
Oh that I Knew Where I Might Find Him	J. Summerfield, A. M.	Job 23:1-6
Pleading with God	J. Cross, D. D.	Job 23:1-6
The Believer Under Affliction	Stephen Bridge, A. M.	Job 23:1-6
The Cry for Restored Relations with God	Charles O. Stewart.	Job 23:1-6
The Great Problem of Life	H. Black, M. A.	Job 23:1-6
The Soul's Inquiry After a Personal God	T. Hughes.	Job 23:1-6
The Universal Cry	David Merson, B. D.	Job 23:1-6
Where God is Found	J. Cranbrook.	Job 23:1-6
Longing for the Appearance of the Delivering and Justifying God	E. Johnson	Job 23:1-17
The True Support Under Deferred Judgment	R. Green	Job 23:3-13

People

Job

Places

Topics

Dwelling, O, Oh, Seat

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Job 23:3

4824 famine, spiritual

Job 23:3-9

1441 revelation, necessity

Library

April 4 Evening
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.--PSA. 61:2. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path.--He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.--Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.--Thou …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 16 Evening
I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel.--PSA. 16:7. His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor.--Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding, I have strength.--Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.--Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.--Thine …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 30 Morning
He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.--JOB 23:10. He knoweth our frame.--He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 24 Evening
What doest thou here, Elijah?--I KGS. 19:9. He knoweth the way that I take.--O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting, and mine uprising; thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path, and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 21 Morning
Stand fast in the Lord.--PHI. 4:1. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. The Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever.--The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back into perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.--If they had been of us, they would no doubt …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 20 Morning
I delight in the law of God after the inward man.--ROM. 7:22. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.--Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.--I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.--I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.--My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 25 Evening
Oh that I knew where I might find him!--JOB 23:3. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.--Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Truly our …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Order and Argument in Prayer
It is further observable that though a good man hastens to God in his trouble, and runs with all the more speed because of the unkindness of his fellow men, yet sometimes the gracious soul is left without the comfortable presence of God. This is the worst of all griefs; the text is one of Job's deep groans, far deeper than any which came from him on account of the loss of his children and his property: "Oh that I knew where I might find HIM!" The worst of all losses is to lose the smile of my God. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 12: 1866

The Question of Fear and the Answer of Faith
It is one of the sure marks of a lost and ruined state when we are careless and indifferent concerning God. One of the peculiar marks of those who are dead in sin is this: they are the wicked who forget God. God is not in all their thoughts; "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God." The sinful man is ever anxious to keep out of his mind the very thought of the being, the existence, or the character of God; and so long as man is unregenerate, there will be nothing more abhorrent to his taste, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Whither Goest Thou?
Job could not understand the way of God with him; he was greatly perplexed. He could not find the Lord, with whom aforetime he constantly abode. He cries, "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: 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." But if Job knew not the way of the Lord, the Lord knew Job's way. It is a great comfort that when we cannot see the Lord, He sees us, and …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

The Infallibility of God's Purpose
The text will be considered by us this morning--first, as enunciating a great general truth; and, secondly, out of that general truth, we shall fetch another upon which we shall enlarge, I trust, to our comfort. I. The text may be regarded as TEACHING A GENERAL TRUTH. We will take the first clause of the sentence, "He is in one mind." Now, the fact taught here is, that in all the acts of God in Providence, he has a fixed and a settled purpose. "He is in one mind." It is eminently consolatory to us …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Of the Decrees of God.
Eph. i. 11.--"Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."--Job xxiii. 13. "He is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." Having spoken something before of God, in his nature and being and properties, we come, in the next place, to consider his glorious majesty, as he stands in some nearer relation to his creatures, the work of his hands. For we must conceive the first rise of all things in the world to be in this self-being, the first conception …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Some Scriptures for Daily Practise.
If we seek God earnestly in the prayer of faith to help us in our daily practise of the following Scriptural texts and then put forth our best efforts, we shall find life daily growing more holy and beautiful. The beauty and enjoyment of a holy life is that it can always be improved upon. We can live in all the light that shines upon us from these texts today, but tomorrow we find them shining a little brighter and fuller light, so that we shall have to live a little more holy than we are living …
C. E. Orr—How to Live a Holy Life

Job --Groping
"Lord, teach us to pray."--Luke xi. 1. "Oh that I knew where I might find Him! that I might come even to His seat."--Job xxiii. 3. THE Book of Job is a most marvellous composition. Who composed it, when it was composed, or where--nobody knows. Dante has told us that the composition of the Divine Comedy had made him lean for many a year. And the author of the Book of Job must have been Dante's fellow both in labour and in sorrow and in sin, and in all else that always goes to the conception, and the …
Alexander Whyte—Lord Teach Us To Pray

The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face.
1. The phrase scriptural.--2. It signifies the withdrawing the tokens of the divine favor.--3 chiefly as to spiritual considerations.--4. This may become the case of any Christian.--5. and will be found a very sorrowful one.--6. The following directions, therefore, are given to those who suppose it to be their own: To inquire whether it be indeed a case of spiritual distress, or whether a disconsolate frame may not proceed from indisposition of body,--7. or difficulties as to worldly circumstances.--8, …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

Prayer.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRAYER. WHAT is prayer? A sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Spirit, for such things as God hath promised. The best prayers have often more groans than words. Alas, how few there be in the world whose heart and mouth in prayer shall go together. Dost thou, when thou askest for the Spirit, or faith, or love to God, to holiness, to saints, to the word, and the like, ask for them with love to them, …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
WE shall consider, first, what things work for good to the godly; and here we shall show that both the best things and the worst things work for their good. We begin with the best things. 1. God's attributes work for good to the godly. (1). God's power works for good. It is a glorious power (Col. i. 11), and it is engaged for the good of the elect. God's power works for good, in supporting us in trouble. "Underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. xxxiii. 27). What upheld Daniel in the lion's den? …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Sovereignty of God in Administration
"The LORD hath prepared His Throne In the heavens; and His Kingdom ruleth over all" (Psa. 103:19). First, a word concerning the need for God to govern the material world. Suppose the opposite for a moment. For the sake of argument, let us say that God created the world, designed and fixed certain laws (which men term "the laws of Nature"), and that He then withdrew, leaving the world to its fortune and the out-working of these laws. In such a case, we should have a world over which there was no intelligent, …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Letter ix. Meditation.
"Meditate upon these things."--1 TIM. 4:15. MY DEAR SISTER: The subject of this letter is intimately connected with that of the last; and in proportion to your faithfulness in the duty now under consideration, will be your interest in the word and worship of God. Religious meditation is a serious, devout and practical thinking of divine things; a duty enjoined in Scripture, both by precept and example; and concerning which, let us observe, 1. Its importance. That God has required it, ought to …
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

"Let any Man Come. "
[7] "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."--John 7:37-38. THE text which heads this paper contains one of those mighty sayings of Christ which deserve to be printed in letters of gold. All the stars in heaven are bright and beautiful; yet even a child can see that "one star differeth from another in glory" …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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