I chose out their way, &c.— But if, with them, I sought after serious things, I sat in the chief place: as a king when he cometh to comfort the mourners, so did I dwell in the midst of the company. Houb.; who makes this and the foregoing verse correspond to each other. Heath translates it very differently. If I chose to travel with them, I had the most honourable place: I pitched in tent also as a king among the troop; when he leadeth them to the plains.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, Reflections upon Job's former prosperous state, contrasted with his present wretchedness, draw forth the deep sigh from his bosom, and, though no prospect of a change appears, he cannot but wish the return of happier days. Oh, that I were as in months past, enjoying such outward blessings, or rather such communion with God, as even then was his greatest joy. Note; (1.) God does not forbid us to pray for the restoration of health, ease, and worldly good, while we in submission resign ourselves to his will. (2.) A godly man longs more for the light of God's countenance, than for any blessing that this world can afford.
Job mentions two things especially, which made him wish for the months that were past: the comfort that he had in God and in his family.
1. In God; when he preserved me from all evil, when his candle shined upon my head, the bright communications of his favour were my delight and glory; and when by his light I walked through darkness, and every trouble was made easy by the presence, light, and love of God: As I was in the days of my youth, when he enjoyed a lively sense of the divine regard, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle, and he manifested himself to me, as he doth not to the world; when the Almighty was yet with me, showering down mercies spiritual and temporal upon me. Note; (1.) They are safe whom God preserves, and they only. (2.) The light of God's love will refresh the soul amid the darkest dispensations. (3.) It is a blessed thing, when in our youthful days we are acquainted with the secret of God.
2. In his family. When my children, those dearest and most valuable earthly blessings, were about me, my comfort and joy: when I washed my steps with butter, so plentifully did the kine supply him, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil; his olive yards so fruitful, that the streams of oil gushed out, as springs of water from beneath the rock. Note; Children are God's gifts: while we thankfully enjoy them, let us not by idolatrous affection tempt God to take them away.
2nd, Job's friends had treated him with insolence, and accused him of being an oppressive magistrate, as well as, in general, a bad man. But how differently had he used to be regarded, and what testimonies could he not produce of his integrity! He here declares,
1. What high respect had formerly been paid him from the least to the greatest. When, as a magistrate, he went to the place of judgment, which was usually held in the gate, or where the greatest concourse of people was, that all might hear and have free access, the young men with veneration gave way, and the aged rose up with deep respect, and stood till he was seated. The princes and nobles, the chief magistrates who were on the bench with him, conscious of his superior abilities, heard him as their oracle: they sealed up their lips before him, and waited for his opinion of the case, fully assured, from the depth of his penetration, and the integrity of his heart, that his decisions would be the voice of truth and justice. Every hearer applauded his sentence, and every beholder testified to the gravity, wisdom, and uprightness of his conduct. Note; (1.) Modesty in youth, and respect for the aged, are most amiable and becoming. (2.) A wise and upright judge is worthy to be had in honour, as one of the most useful members of the community. (3.) It is a mark of true wisdom to know when to be silent.
2. What did he do to deserve this respect? He was the friend of the poor and fatherless, espousing their cause, and redressing their complaints. Those who were ready to perish, through want or oppression, experienced his generous support; and the widow's hearts were made to exult in the kind care that he shewed for them and their interests. Blessings were showered down upon his head, the voice of gratitude; and daily prayers went up to God for him; the best recompence that the poor can make to their benevolent friends, and which Job esteemed the most valuable return. Clothed with righteousness, no respect of persons ever biassed his determinations; and the ornament that he valued more than the purple robe, or the diadem, which as a magistrate, perhaps, he wore, was that judgment, that principle of equity and uprightness, which ever influenced him. The ignorant, who could not plead for themselves, and the helpless, who had neither friends nor money to prosecute their just rights, he freely and effectually assisted; and the poor found in him a father, ever ready to vindicate their wrongs. If difficulties occurred in any cause with close application he set himself to unravel the truth, which cunning, fraud, or falsehood had perplexed; and the wicked, convicted by his wisdom, and condemned by his righteous sentence, unable, as when the jaw-bone is broken, to hold their prey, were compelled by shame and grief, or by compulsion, to restore the fruits of their oppression. Note; (1.) They are truly great, whose will to do good is equal to their ability. (2.) Gratitude and prayer are returns which the poorest can make; these then should never be forgotten. (3.) A heart filled with the love of justice, seasoned with mercy, a head blessed with sound understanding, an ear patiently attentive to the longest evidence, and a hand firm in the execution of proper punishment on the wicked—these constitute a righteous judge.
3rdly. From all appearances, and according to human foresight, no man's prosperity appeared of surer continuance than Job's; no wonder therefore,
1. That he promised himself good days. Then I said, when every thing without was so fair, and I felt within conscious integrity, I shall die in my nest. He knew that he must die; and never in his greatest prosperity forgot to prepare for his departure hence; but he hoped that it would be in peace, amid his kind friends surrounding his bed, and his children, the heirs of his virtue as well as affluence, with filial piety closing his dying eyes. I shall multiply my days as the sand, and late return unto the tomb, full of years, riches, and honours. Note; (1.) When things go smoothly we are too apt to count upon their continuance; but how often do we see a quick transition, and our hopes disappointed! (2.) A long life is a desirable blessing, when employed for the glory of God, and the good of mankind.
2. He thought that he had great grounds for his hope. Rooted as a tree, his worldly prosperity seemed fixed on a durable basis, and his vital stamina sound and vigorous. Watered continually by providential care, he grew and increased; the dew of heavenly influences rested upon him, and all his concerns, spiritual and temporal, flourished. His glory was fresh, never withering, ever blooming; while each day added new lustre to his estate, and his bow was renewed in his hand; so that he appeared to have nothing to apprehend from any adversary. When he spoke, attention sat mute; and on his lips the audience hung: the ear, delighted, was never weary; and his discourse, as gentle showers descending to refresh the parched ground, sunk deep into the heart. All heard with silent wonder his words, as the voice of wisdom; and with submission received his counsels, as oracular. If he smiled graciously, so great they esteemed the honour, that they scarcely could believe themselves the objects of his regard; and, far from presuming on his familiar condescension, were awed by his Majesty, and paid him no less respect and reverence. As a counsellor, all who consulted him acquiesced in his advice. As a teacher of divine truth, he pointed out their way, and they followed him. In public assemblies he had the seat of honour; in the congregation of the faithful he presided, and led their devotions. As a king in his army, he was honoured and obeyed, and as one that comforteth the mourners, ready to fly to the relief of the afflicted, and to pour the balm of consolation into the wounded spirit. Note; (1.) If we prosper in body or soul, be it ever remembered who it is that watereth us every moment; whose influences being withheld, we wither, droop, and die. (2.) Superiors should be condescending, and yet in their freedoms maintain their dignity. (3.) They who have comforted others, find themselves often unable to receive in their afflictions the consolations which they have administered.