Job 29 and 30 are a pair. On the surface level these chapters engage in contrast: Job before and Job after. On one hand, we would say that this is Job commemorating his suffering and anguish. That is true, but there are two things beyond that. First, it is the presentation of an enigma. Job is not just suffering, although he is that, he is also presenting a puzzle. How could a man look like Job according to the divine retribution principle and turn out like chapter 30? The question underneath that is: Has Job begun to go over the line in his concluding comments? You start to have questions about Job and his questions. That paves the way for Elihu to come.

Job 29

This chapter is easy to understand, it is very clear what Job is talking about.

Job 29:2-6

Wishing for the good ole days. Job is talking about all the things he wishes for in the good ole days. He wants to overcome darkness by walking in God’s light. Having a great relationship with God, his family, and having his kids around. He would have an abundance of life.

Job 29:7-10

Job would sit at the gates with the most respected individuals. Men would hide in fear from Job because of how great he is. That is a good way to understand the fear of the Lord. Older people would salute Job with respect.

Job 29:11-16

Nobles would be in awe of him because they heard and saw him. Everyone would always respond positively to Job’s wisdom. He would be the mediator. Job always wished for a mediator, but this is him saying that at one point he was that. He was the upholder of justice as he is the father to the fatherless.

Job 29:22

No one talked back to him after he spoke, there were no questions. Job would say that when he talked that he was so smart that no one needed to talk back. Job is not totally serious at this moment, but on the other hand, this is self-righteousness and pride coming out. Job is saying that he is the mediator, savior, and ultimate head. This is close but not quite right.