If I smiled at them, they did not believe it; the light of my countenance was precious. If I smiled at themThe Hebrew word for "smiled" here is "שָׂחַק" (sachaq), which can also mean to laugh or play. In the context of Job's discourse, this smile is not one of mockery but of genuine warmth and approval. Job is reflecting on a time when his presence and demeanor brought comfort and assurance to those around him. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a leader's smile or favor was a sign of blessing and approval, often seen as a reflection of divine favor. Job's smile was a source of encouragement, suggesting that his approval was both sought after and valued. they did not believe it
The phrase "did not believe it" indicates a sense of awe or disbelief at the favor Job showed. The Hebrew root "אָמַן" (aman) means to confirm or support, often used in the context of faith or trust. Here, it suggests that Job's kindness and favor were so profound that they were almost beyond belief. This disbelief is not due to skepticism but rather a recognition of the extraordinary nature of Job's character and the grace he extended to others. the light of my countenance
The "light" in this phrase is "אוֹר" (or), which signifies illumination, both literal and metaphorical. The "countenance" or "פָּנִים" (panim) refers to one's face or presence. In biblical literature, the light of one's countenance often symbolizes favor, joy, and divine blessing. Job's face, shining with light, represents the joy and hope he brought to others. This imagery is reminiscent of the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24-26, where God's face shining upon someone is a sign of peace and grace. was not cast down
The phrase "was not cast down" uses the Hebrew "נָפַל" (naphal), meaning to fall or be cast down. In this context, it suggests that Job's demeanor remained uplifting and positive, even in the face of adversity. His countenance was steady and unwavering, a testament to his inner strength and faith. Historically, maintaining a positive and hopeful demeanor was seen as a sign of righteousness and divine favor, reflecting an unshakeable trust in God's providence. Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith. 2. Job's FriendsAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Job's friends play a significant role in the account, often misunderstanding Job's situation and offering misguided counsel. 3. UzThe land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, though its exact location is uncertain. 4. GodThe ultimate authority and sovereign being in the Book of Job, who allows Job's trials and later restores him. 5. Job's CommunityThe people who respected and revered Job, as indicated by their reaction to his smile and presence. Teaching Points The Power of PresenceJob's presence and smile had a profound impact on those around him, highlighting the importance of our demeanor and how we interact with others. Our presence can be a source of encouragement and strength. Value of Genuine RelationshipsThe disbelief at Job's smile suggests a deep respect and value for his genuine interactions. In our lives, building authentic relationships can lead to mutual respect and understanding. Reflecting God's LightJust as Job's countenance was precious, we are called to reflect God's light in our lives, bringing hope and encouragement to those around us. The Influence of CharacterJob's character was such that his very smile was significant to others. This challenges us to cultivate a character that positively influences and uplifts those we encounter. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Job's influence on his community challenge us to consider the impact of our own presence and demeanor on others? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our interactions with others are genuine and reflect the love of Christ? 3. How can we cultivate a character that reflects the light of God, similar to how Job's countenance was precious to those around him? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to build authentic and respectful relationships within our communities? 5. How do the additional scriptures connected to Job 29:24 enhance our understanding of the importance of reflecting God's light in our lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 16:15This verse speaks of the favor and life-giving nature of a king's countenance, similar to how Job's presence and smile were valued by those around him. Psalm 4:6This verse mentions the light of God's face shining upon His people, paralleling the idea of the light of Job's countenance being precious. Numbers 6:24-26The Aaronic blessing includes the Lord making His face shine upon His people, which can be related to the impact of Job's countenance on others. People JobPlaces UzTopics Believe, Believed, Cast, Cause, Clouded, Confidence, Countenance, Credence, Didn't, Face, Fall, Fear, Hope, Laugh, Laughed, Laughing, Precious, Reject, Scarcely, Serenity, Smiled, TroubledDictionary of Bible Themes Job 29:24 5150 face Job 29:21-25 4836 light, and people of God Library Comfort for the Desponding
At once to the subject. A complaint; its cause and cure; and then close up with an exhortation to stir up your pure minds, if you are in such a position. I. First, there is a COMPLAINT. How many a Christian looks on the past with pleasure, on the future with dread, and on the present with sorrow! There are many who look back upon the days that they have passed in the fear of the Lord as being the sweetest and the best they have ever had, but as to the present, it is clad in a sable garb of gloom …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855Job's Regret and Our Own
I. Let us begin by saying, that regrets such as those expressed in the text are and ought to be very BITTER. If it be the loss of spiritual things that we regret, then may we say from the bottom of our hearts, "Oh that I were as in months past." It is a great thing for a man to be near to God; it is a very choice privilege to be admitted into the inner circle of communion, and to become God's familiar friend. Great as the privilege is, so great is the loss of it. No darkness is so dark as that which …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 The Case of Spiritual Decay and Languor in Religion
1. Declension in religion, and relapses into sin, with their sorrowful consequences, are in the general too probable.--2. The ease of declension and langour in religion described, negatively.--3. And positively.--4. As discovering itself by a failure in the duties of the closet.--5. By a neglect of social worship.--6. By want of love to our fellow Christians.--7. By an undue attachment to sensual pleasures or secular cares.--8. By prejudices against some important principles in religion.--9,10. A …
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul 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 The Blessedness of Giving
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase, so shalt thy barns be filled with plenty." "There is that scattereth and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it lendeth to poverty." "The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself." "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that …
Various—The Wonders of Prayer Oh that I were as in Months Past! Job 29:02:00
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John Newton—Olney Hymns Field Hymns.
Hymns of the hortatory and persuasive tone are sufficiently numerous to make an "embarrassment of riches" in a compiler's hands. Not a few songs of invitation and awakening are either quoted or mentioned in the chapter on "Old Revival Hymns," and many appear among those in the last chapter, (on the Hymns of Wales;) but the working songs of Christian hymnology deserve a special space as such. "COME HITHER ALL YE WEARY SOULS," Sung to "Federal St.," is one of the older soul-winning calls from …
Theron Brown—The Story of the Hymns and Tunes How a Desolate Man Ought to Commit Himself into the Hands of God
O Lord, Holy Father, be Thou blessed now and evermore; because as Thou wilt so it is done, and what Thou doest is good. Let Thy servant rejoice in Thee, not in himself, nor in any other; because Thou alone art the true joy, Thou art my hope and my crown, Thou art my joy and my honour, O Lord. What hath Thy servant, which he received not from Thee, even without merit of his own? Thine are all things which Thou hast given, and which Thou hast made. I am poor and in misery even from my youth up,(1) …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ The Fifth Commandment
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.' Exod 20: 12. Having done with the first table, I am next to speak of the duties of the second table. The commandments may be likened to Jacob's ladder: the first table respects God, and is the top of the ladder that reaches to heaven; the second respects superiors and inferiors, and is the foot of the ladder that rests on the earth. By the first table, we walk religiously towards God; by …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments The Properties of Sanctifying Grace
By a property (proprium, {GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA WITH PSILI AND OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON}{GREEK SMALL LETTER NU}) we understand a quality which, though not part of the essence of a thing, necessarily flows from that essence by some sort of causation and is consequently found in all individuals of the same species.(1155) A property, as such, is opposed to an accident (accidens, {GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER UPSILON}{GREEK …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual May one Lose the Blessing?
The question trembles from many a lip--If I get the blessing, may I lose it? Most certainly. But, glory be to God! He has made ample provision for failure. There is no reason why we should fail; God has made ample provision against failure; we must not expect to fail; but in case we do fail, provision has been made. The most prolific cause of loss is disobedience--disobedience either to one of God's written commands, or to the inward promptings of His Holy Spirit. "The Holy Ghost whom God hath …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 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 Links Job 29:24 NIVJob 29:24 NLTJob 29:24 ESVJob 29:24 NASBJob 29:24 KJV
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