Job 23

This chapter belongs to the third cycle of dialogue in the book of Job. In the preceding chapter, Job 22, Eliphaz pressed Job with the charge that he harbored hidden sin, and in this chapter Job begins his reply. Job's answer continues through Job 24.

Outline

• Verses 1–7 Job says that his affliction is heavier than his groaning. If he knew where God was, he would come before His seat and present his case. There an upright man could reason with God, and Job expects that God would hear him.
• Verses 8–12 Job laments that whether he goes forward or backward, to the left or to the right, he cannot find God. Yet he declares that God knows the way he takes, and that when God has tried him, he will come forth as gold. He affirms that he has kept God's way and has esteemed the words of His mouth more than his necessary food.
• Verses 13–17 Job says that no one can turn back God's will and that God performs what He has appointed. Job confesses that he trembles and is afraid before Him.

Key Verses

• Job 23:3 "Oh that I knew where I might find him!" — This verse expresses Job's longing to meet God directly and plead his case.
• Job 23:10 "When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" — This is one of the best-known verses in the book of Job.

People and Places

• Job: A man of the land of Uz who, in the midst of great suffering, disputes with his friends.
• Eliphaz: One of Job's three friends. He does not appear directly in this chapter, but Job is answering what Eliphaz said in the previous chapter.

Points to Consider

• Verse 10 is commonly read as a confession that faith is purified through suffering. Some interpreters, however, read it in context as Job's expression of confidence in his own innocence.
• The Hebrew text of verse 17 is difficult, and translations render its meaning in different ways.
• Job's wish to come before God and argue his case connects with Job 9:32–33, where he longs for a mediator. Christian interpretation sometimes reads this wish in connection with Hebrews 4:14–16, which calls believers to come boldly to the throne of grace. 1 Peter 1:7, which likens the trial of faith to gold tried with fire, is also read alongside it.

In the Korean Church

Job 23:10 is frequently quoted in sermons on keeping faith in the midst of suffering. It is also widely used as a memory verse.