Job 23

Job Replies: Where Is God?

1 Then Job answered and said:

2 "Today also my r complaint is bitter; 1
my s hand is heavy on account of my groaning.
 3 Oh, t that I knew where I might find him,
that I might come even to his u seat!
 4 I would v lay my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
 5 I would know what he would answer me
and understand what he would say to me.
 6 Would he w contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No; he would pay attention to me.
 7 There an upright man could argue with him,
and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.

8 "Behold, x I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive him;
 9 on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;
he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.
 10 But he y knows z the way that I a take;
when he has b tried me, I shall come out as gold.
 11 My foot c has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have d not turned aside.
 12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have e treasured the words of his mouth more than my f portion of food.
 13 But he is unchangeable, 2 and g who can turn him back?
What he h desires, that he does.
 14 For he will complete what he i appoints for me,
and many such things are j in his mind.
 15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence;
when I consider, I am in dread of him.
 16 God has made my k heart faint;
the Almighty has terrified me;
 17 yet I am not silenced because of the darkness,
nor because thick darkness covers my face.

  1. Cross References
    Job 10:1
    I loathe my life; I will give free utterance to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
    Job 21:4
    As for me, is my complaint against man? Why should I not be impatient?
  2. Cross References
    Psalms 32:4
    For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
  3. Cross References
    Job 13:3
    But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God.
    Job 16:21
    That he would argue the case of a man with God, as a son of man does with his neighbor.
  4. Cross References
    Psalms 9:7 - 8
    But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice.
    Isaiah 57:15 - 16
    For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.
  5. Cross References
    Job 33:5
    Answer me, if you can; set your words in order before me; take your stand.
  6. Cross References
    Job 9:34
    Let him take his rod away from me, and let not dread of him terrify me.
    Job 13:21
    Withdraw your hand far from me, and let not dread of you terrify me.
  7. Cross References
    Job 9:11
    Behold, he passes by me, and I see him not; he moves on, but I do not perceive him.
    Job 35:14
    How much less when you say that you do not see him, that the case is before him, and you are waiting for him!
  8. Cross References
    Psalms 139:1 - 3
    O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
  9. Cross References
    Psalms 139:24
    And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
  10. Cross References
    Job 9:35
    Then I would speak without fear of him, for I am not so in myself.
  11. Cross References
    Psalms 17:3
    You have tried my heart, you have visited me by...
    Psalms 26:2
    Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and...
    Psalms 66:10
    For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried ...
    Psalms 139:23
    Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and...
    Zechariah 13:9
    And I will put this third into the fire, and re...
    Malachi 3:3
    He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver...
    1 Peter 1:7
    So that the tested genuineness of your faith - ...
    Revelation 3:18
    I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fi...
    James 1:12
    Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under ...
  12. Cross References
    Psalms 17:5
    My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.
    Psalms 44:18
    Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way.
  13. Cross References
    Psalms 125:5
    But those who turn aside to their crooked ways the Lord will lead away with evildoers! Peace be upon Israel!
  14. Cross References
    Psalms 119:11
    I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
  15. Cross References
    Psalms 119:103
    How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
    John 4:32
    But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about.
    John 4:34
    Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.
  16. Cross References
    Job 9:12
    Behold, he snatches away; who can turn him back? Who will say to him, 'What are you doing?
    Job 12:14
    If he tears down, none can rebuild; if he shuts a man in, none can open.
  17. Cross References
    Psalms 115:3
    Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.
  18. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 3:3
    That no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.
  19. Cross References
    Job 10:13
    Yet these things you hid in your heart; I know that this was your purpose.
    Job 27:11
    I will teach you concerning the hand of God; what is with the Almighty I will not conceal.
  20. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 20:3
    And shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them.
    Psalms 22:14
    I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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