Tyndale Open Study NotesJob 19

The number ten symbolized a large, non-definite quantity rather than a specific count (for example, Genesis 31:7; Leviticus 26:26; Numbers 14:22; Daniel 1:20).

• Job believed justice delayed and that God was unfair it how he had treated him (19:7; 19:8–12). Later, Elihu and God disagreed (34:12; 40:2).

• drawn His net around me: Job might have been replying to Bildad’s accusation (18:8–10).

• Violence!: Compare Jeremiah 20:8; Habakkuk 1:2–3.

• no response: See Psalm 22:2; Lamentations 3:8; Habakkuk 1:2–3.

has blocked my way: See 3:23; 13:27; Psalm 88:8; Lamentations 3:7, 9.

has stripped me of my honor: See 12:17–19; 29:7–14, 20.

my own family: Job might have meant his tribe, his parents, his children, or his siblings.

those I love have turned against me: See 2:11; also 6:14–15, 21–23, 27; compare Psalms 41:9; 55:12–14, 20.

escaped by the skin of my teeth: This figure of speech means a narrow escape. In Hebrew, it might also suggest that Job became as thin as a skeleton with a skull full of teeth.

the hand of God has struck me: God allowed Satan to harm Job (1:11; 2:5).

persecute (literally pursue): Job said that God followed him like a someone hunting or a warrior (10:16; 16:13).

Job wanted his words inscribed (carved) on a monument, not in a book. He wanted a record of his innocence that would last in response to Bildad's claim that he would become forgotten (18:17).

Job's faith in a Redeemer (one who saves) could only become fulfilled in Christ. This was also true for his wish for an advocate and a witness in heaven (9:33; 16:19). The term Redeemer (Hebrew go’el) comes from both criminal and civil law. A person could redeem or take revenge because of the wrong shedding of blood or redeem lost property. This included buying back a slave or marrying the widow who inherited the property (Numbers 35:12–18; Leviticus 25:25, 47–49; 27:11–13; Ruth 3:13).

The Old Testament recognized the Lord as Redeemer (Exodus 6:6; Psalms 19:14; 103:4; Proverbs 23:10–11; Isaiah 43:1; Isaiah 54:5). New Testament Christians know the Redeemer as the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7, 14; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:18). Job wanted his Redeemer to declare his innocence (see Job 1:1 and corresponding study note).

Job believed God would prove him right, even if he died first.

I will see Him for myself: This thought is like the psalmist's in "when I awake" (Psalm 17:15). For Job, this hope could only come true by seeing God at the end of time when his body transformed (Matthew 5:8; 1 Corinthians 13:12; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:43–53; Philippians 3:21).

According to biblical principles against lying, Job warned his friends to fear God's judgment (13:7–11; see Matthew 7:1–2; James 4:11–12). They eventually encountered his judgment, but they also received mercy (Job 42:7–8).