Job replies, and his complaint becomes a search. 'Oh that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his seat! I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments' (23:3-4). Certain that God would give heed and not merely overwhelm him with power. Then the search fails in every direction: 'I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him.' Out of that blindness comes one of Scripture's great confessions of faith in the dark: 'he knoweth the way that I take; when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold' (23:10).

Drawn from Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory, Matthew Henry, Complete Commentary and John Wesley, Notes on the Old Testament.

Context

Poetry · Unknown — Job overview

A. 1–9 Job: Oh That I Knew Where I Might Find Him!
B. 10–17 Job: He Knoweth the Way That I Take

Top cross-references8 chapters ▾

Job 134 verses
- Job 13:3Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God.
- Job 13:18Behold, now that I have prepared my case, I know that I will be vindicated.
- Job 13:21Withdraw Your hand from me, and do not let Your terror frighten me.
- Job 13:22Then call me, and I will answer, or let me speak, and You can reply.
- Read Job 13 →
Psalms 1193 verses
- Psalms 119:11I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
- Psalms 119:103How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth!
- Psalms 119:120My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments.
- Read Psalms 119 →
Job 102 verses
- Job 10:1“I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul.
- Job 10:2I will say to God: Do not condemn me! Let me know why You prosecute me.
- Read Job 10 →
Job 92 verses
- Job 9:11Were He to pass by me, I would not see Him; were He to move, I would not recognize Him.
- Job 9:33Nor is there a mediator between us, to lay his hand upon us both.
- Read Job 9 →

4 more chapters this one speaks with

James 12 verses
- James 1:2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
- James 1:12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
- Read James 1 →
Psalms 321 verse
- Psalms 32:4For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat. Selah
- Read Psalms 32 →
Job 71 verse
- Job 7:11Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
- Read Job 7 →
Job 161 verse
- Job 16:21Oh, that a man might plead with God as he pleads with his neighbor!
- Read Job 16 →

Cross-references from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and OpenBible.info.