Cycles in Job Table

29:1 took up his discourse As in 27:1, this heading may indicate that Job waited for his friends to respond before continuing. See note on 27:1.

29:2 God watched over me Job longs for the time before God afflicted him. His description of God watching over him is similar to Satan’s description of God putting a protective fence around Job (1:10–11).

29:3 by his light I walked through darkness Contrasts Job’s description of his current state in 19:8; compare 3:4 and note.

29:5 my children were all around me Job’s seven sons and three daughters (1:2) had all died (1:18–19).

29:6 streams of oil Indicates the abundance of Job’s wealth (Deut 32:13). See Job 24:11 and note.

29:7 the gate to the city An important social hub. It was the commercial center (2 Kgs 7:1), assembly place (1 Kgs 22:10), and place where legal rulings were made by either the city’s elders or king (Deut 21:19; Ruth 4:1–12; 2 Sam 15:2).

I secured my seat Job likely had a seat of privilege at the city gate—which would fit with the description of his great reputation in Job 1:3.

29:9 they laid their hand on their mouth An outward expression of silence (see 21:5).

29:10 tongue stuck to their palate Indicates an inability to speak (Psa 137:6; Ezek 3:26). Here, it emphasizes the nobles’ high esteem of Job.

29:14 a robe and a headband In the ancient Near East, clothing symbolized character (Psa 109:29; Zech 3:4–5). Job’s life was characterized by righteousness and justice (Job 1:1).

29:18 I shall multiply my days Before his affliction, Job expected to live a long and prosperous life and die a peaceful death.

29:19 My roots were open to water The image of a tree expresses prosperity and stability (Pss 1:3; 92:12–14; Jer 17:7–8).

29:20 My glory was new with me Job expected to retain his glory until his death. He now complains that God has stripped him of his glory (Job 19:9).

I was revitalized regularly A symbol of strength (Gen 49:24). Job expected to retain his strength through his old age.

29:21 they kept silent for my counsel Job longs for the former days when people respected him and listened to his advice (see Job 29:7–10). Even Eliphaz has pointed out his earlier reputation for wisdom (4:3–4).

29:22 they did not speak again Contrasts his current situation, where his friends respond by rebuking him. Job previously wished that his friends would remain silent (13:5; 21:5).

29:23 they waited for me as for the rain People eagerly anticipated Job’s insight, which would nourish and refresh them (Deut 32:2).

29:24 the light of my face An expression indicating someone’s favor (Pss 4:6; 89:15). Like a powerful king (Prov 16:15), Job’s favor was sought after.