Asbury Bible Commentary – VII. The Epilogue (42:7-17)
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VII. The Epilogue (42:7-17)

VII. The Epilogue (42:7-17)

The trial is now concluded. Job’s sufferings have served their purpose, and there is no reason to continue them. Job’s wealth and health are restored, not because of his personal merit, but to acknowledge that the trial is ended and to discredit Satan.

As the divine adjudicator, the Lord now indicates that Job’s position is right while that of the comforters is wrong (42:7). This statement should not be read as a blanket endorsement of all that Job said or a blanket condemnation of all that the comforters said. Job acknowledges that he has said things that were wrong (v.3), but his claim to innocence is sustained by the Lord. Ironically Job serves as priest and intercessor for the comforters (vv.8-9).

It was after Job prayed for others that his situation changed (42:10). Throughout the exchanges Job had been understandably preoccupied with himself. Now freed of that self-engrossment, he returns to serving as a priest for others as he had done in the prologue. This undoubtedly contributed to his healing.