Tyndale Open Study NotesJob 29

Job compares his past happiness, honor, and wealth with his current loss of social dignity and divine friendship (chapters 29 and 30). He ends his speech with broad vows of innocence (chapter 31).

In other parts of the text, Job uses the Hebrew word shamar to describe what he sees as God's severe surveillance (10:14; 13:27; 14:16). However, here it refers to God's kind care, meaning watched over (Psalm 121:3–8).

The city gate served as the town's administrative center (see Ruth 4:1–2, 11).

Job described his righteousness using royal imagery. In the Bible, a robe often symbolizes righteousness (Psalm 132:9; Isaiah 59:17; Isaiah 61:10; Romans 13:14; Revelation 19:8).

Job was active in searching out and helping strangers in need.

and multiply my days as the sand (literally after I have counted my days like sand): Job believed the length of his years showed God's blessing. This was similar to the numerous people descended from Abraham or the abundance of supplies Joseph had in Egypt (Genesis 15:5; 32:12; Genesis 41:49).

In the past, Job was a comforter of the mourners (4:3–4). This verse is a prophetic command closely linked to the work of the Christ (Isaiah 40:1; 61:1–3; Luke 4:18–19; see also 2 Corinthians 1:3–4).