A. The Way It Was (29:1-25)

Reflecting on his former happiness when he was in his prime (v.4), Job recalls his family relationships (vv.5b-6), his community relationships (vv.7-16, 21-25), but most of all his relationship with God (vv.2-5). It was God’s protective care and friendship that accounted for his former condition. As already noted, his present sufferings were seen as proof that God was not with him now. Not being privy to the divine council meetings in the prologue, Job is unable to account for his sufferings any other way than by the absence of God. This shows the fallacy of measuring God’s nearness by observing existing circumstances.

During his prosperous days Job was loved and respected by residents of his town (vv.7-11, 12-25). The reason is apparent. Job was active in the administration of justice (vv.7, 12). He was benevolent, extending his assistance to the exploited (vv.12-13, 16), to the handicapped (v.15), and to the stranger (v.16). His faith found practical expression, qualifying for what James called pure and faultless religion (James 1:27).

Job had anticipated that given his compassion and service for others, his favorable circumstances would have continued (vv.18-20). Here Job is guilty of linking prosperity with goodness even as his friends were guilty of associating suffering with wickedness. He found it difficult to break away from the religious convictions of a lifetime.