So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job.
The limitation of Job’s blessings to this life
Is there not something incongruous in the large award of temporal good, and even something unnecessary in the renewed honour among men? To us it seems that a good man will be satisfied with the favour and fellowship of a loving God. Yet, assuming that the conclusion is a part of the history on which the poem was founded, we can justify the blaze of splendour that bursts on Job after sorrow, instruction, and reconciliation. Life only can reward life. That great principle was rudely shadowed forth in the old belief that God protects His servants even to a green old age. Job had lived strongly, alike in mundane and moral region. How is he to find continued life? The author’s power could not pass the limits of the natural to promise a reward. Net yet was it possible, even for a great thinker, to affirm that continued fellowship with Eloah, that continued intellectual and spiritual energy that we call eternal life. A vision of it had come to him; he had seen the day of the Lord afar off, but dimly, by moments. To carry a life into it was beyond his power. Sheol made nothing perfect; and beyond Sheol no prophet eye had ever travelled. There was nothing for it then, but to use the history as it stood, adding symbolic touches, and show the restored life in development on earth, more powerful than ever, more esteemed, more richly endowed for good action. Priestly office and power are given to Job. Wider opportunities for service, more cordial esteem and affection, the highest office that man can bear, these are the reward of Job. And with the terms of the symbolism we shall not quarrel who have heard the Lord say, “Well done, thou good servant; because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” (R. A. Watson.)
Light at eventide
Have not some of us had experience in the glorious Alps, when, on nearly reaching the top, we have been surrounded by clouds, mist filled the air, the tempest hurtled around us, and we sat down utterly disappointed in our hope of a glorious view, and ready to wail with despair at a lost day, a lost prospect, a lost joy? But by and by a strong wind swept the heavens and revealed the beauty of the skies! There stood the white throne of the Monta Rosa and yonder the magnificent Matterhorn, and as the evening sun bathed it in rosy glory we have stood lost in admiration. “At evening time it was light.” Have not you and I had experiences in the past like that? Ah! we have, and realised the blessed hope. We cannot give up in despair, even in times of trial. Many are the experiences of this kind in the history of God’s people. Look at poor old Jacob, bewailing the fate of his dead: “All these things are against me; I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning.” Wait a minute! The caravan is coming! Glorious news! His sons returning, bringing full sacks of corn to Jacob and his family. At evening time to the old man it is light--it is light! (T. L. Cuyler, D. D.)
“All’s well that ends well”
The Book of Job is sometimes called a “key to the Bible.” Certain it is that it explains one of the deep moral problems that has vexed mankind, as well as it did the patriarch and his friends.
1. Job discerns the nature of afflictions, and repents of his sin and folly.
2. His character is vindicated before his friends.
3. His former dignity and honour are restored.
4. His former prosperity is doubled.
(1) It is generally believed that he lived, after these afflictions, twice his former age.
(2) His property was doubled.
(3) His offspring became as numerous as before.
We have here an indication of immortality. His former children were not lost, though dead. He was doubly enriched; for he had not now as many on earth as in heaven. Reflections--
1. All earthly troubles must, sooner or later, have an end, even as cycles of time.
2. The success of a life is to be judged from its ending--e.g., Solon and Croesus.
3. The afflictions of the righteous are not penal, but corrective and sanctifying.
4. If this year ends well morally for us each--no matter how it may be otherwise--we should be devoutly thankful, and press onward till we reach that final ending which shall sum up a whole lifetime. (Lewis O. Thompson.)