(25) For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: (26) And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: (27) Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
Every word in those verses is of vast moment, and deserves our closest regard. First, observe Job's open and professed knowledge in a Redeemer: and that Redeemer his own. I know that my Redeemer liveth. Secondly, let us recollect what the scriptures in Job's days, (even if we trace him back as far as the time of Moses), had taught of a Redeemer. In the Levitical dispensation, the right a redemption was vested in a kinsman, the next of kin. See Leviticus 25:25. And by comparing this law, with what was observed in the days of the Judges, we learn moreover that both the right of inheritance, and the marriage of the next of kin, by way of raising up the name of the dead upon that inheritance, were parts of the same service in redemption. Both these therefore were performed by JESUS, as the kinsman Redeemer of his people, in whom Job professed knowledge. See Ruth 4:5-6, with the commentary on these passages. Thirdly. This Redeemer in whom Job professed knowledge and faith, was GOD as well as man; for what is here called goel-Redeemer, in another scripture is called the same, and joined to the LORD of hosts. Isaiah 54:6. Fourthly. Job's conviction of his kinsman Redeemer's living, is a most precious part in Job's creed. None but a living Saviour can save a dead sinner. But Job's faith led him to this precious conclusion, and which JESUS hath since most fully realized; if JESUS lives his people must live also. John 14:19. Fifthly. There is another very precious article in this faith of the man of Uz; namely, his own personal interest in all this. It was not enough with Job, (neither, Reader, let it be with you or me), to know that there is a Redeemer which liveth; but the sweetest part with him was that it was his Redeemer: I know, said he, that my Redeemer liveth. Sixthly. It was no small evidence of the strength of Job's faith, and shows that the faith of the poor afflicted mourner, was true gospel faith, that he was looking forward with a certain assurance, that this his kinsman Redeemer should stand at the latter day upon the earth. Here are clearly included all the grand parts of the gospel. It points to JESUS in his human nature; in his incarnation. It points to JESUS in his crucifixion, that he who once did stand upon the earth in substance of our flesh; and was crucified, dead, and buried, is the very one who shall stand again at the latter day upon the earth. It points to the resurrection, in that it implies the grave was not able to retain him. It points to his ascension, and return at the right hand of power; because without this his redemption, power, and complete work had not been manifested. And it as fully points to his universal judgment, because this forms a grand part in the work of redemption. So vast therefore a subject of faith and hope, was included in this part of Job's knowledge of his kinsman-Redeemer. Seventhly. Job's confidence in the resurrection of the body, by virtue of his interest in this goel-Redeemer. Nothing can be more strongly asserted, than the Patriarch expresseth it. 'Though after my skin worms destroy this body.' And what body so miserable as Job's with sore boils, which made him loathsome to himself and all that saw him? Yet, saith Job, in this very body shall I see him, and mine eyes shall see him for myself and not another for me. Sweet thought also, Reader! The raised bodies of believers will not only see JESUS for themselves, but they will see JESUS in their flesh. GOD in flesh, in their own nature. Oh! the glorious, inexpressibly glorious consideration!