Job 29 - Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Preserved — From all those miseries which now I feel.

Darkness — I passed safely through many difficulties, and dangers, and common calamities.

Seat — When I caused the seat of justice to be set for me. By this, and several other expressions, it appears that Job was a magistrate. Street — In that open place, near the gate, where the people assembled for the administration of justice.

Cleaved — It lay as still as if he had done so.

Witness — Gave testimony to my pious, and just, and blameless conversation.

Put on, &c. — Perhaps he did not wear these: but his steady justice was to him instead of all those ornaments.

Multiply — See how apt even good men are, to set death at a distance from them!

Glory — My reputation was growing every day. Bow — My strength which is signified by a bow, Genesis 49:24; 1 Samuel 2:4, because in ancient times the bow and arrows were the principal instruments of war.

Dropped — As the rain, which when it comes down gently upon the earth, is most acceptable and beneficial to it.

Laughed — Carried myself so familiarly with them, that they could scarce believe their eyes and ears. Cast not down — They were cautious not to give me any occasion to change my countenance towards them.

I chose — They sought to me for advice in all difficult cases, and I directed them what methods they should take. Sat — As a prince or judge, while they stood waiting for my counsel. A king — Whose presence puts life, and courage, into the whole army. As one — As I was ready to comfort any afflicted persons, so my consolations were always welcome to them.