> [[job-22|← Previous]] | [[job-00|TOC]] | [[job-24|Next →]] --- # Job, Chapter 23 ## Chapter 23 **Job’s Seventh Reply.** 1 Then Job answered and said: ^job-23-1 2 Today especially my complaint is bitter, ^job-23-2 his hand is heavy upon me in my groanings. 3 Would that I knew how to find him, ^job-23-3 that I might come to his dwelling! 4 I would set out my case before him, ^job-23-4 fill my mouth with arguments; 5 I would learn the words he would answer me, ^job-23-5 understand what he would say to me. 6 Would he contend against me with his great power? ^job-23-6 No, he himself would heed me! 7 There an upright man might argue with him, ^job-23-7 and I would once and for all be delivered from my judge. 8 But if I go east, he is not there; ^job-23-8 or west, I cannot perceive him; 9 The north enfolds him, and I cannot catch sight of him; ^job-23-9 The south hides him, and I cannot see him. 10 Yet he knows my way; ^job-23-10 if he tested me, I should come forth like gold. 11 My foot has always walked in his steps; ^job-23-11 I have kept his way and not turned aside. 12 From the commands of his lips I have not departed; ^job-23-12 the words of his mouth I have treasured in my heart. 13 But once he decides, who can contradict him? ^job-23-13 What he desires, that he does. 14 For he will carry out what is appointed for me, ^job-23-14 and many such things he has in store. 15 Therefore I am terrified before him; ^job-23-15 when I take thought, I dread him. 16 For it is God who has made my heart faint, ^job-23-16 the Almighty who has terrified me. 17 Yes, would that I had vanished in darkness, ^job-23-17 hidden by the thick gloom before me. --- \* (23:8) Job’s confident desire to confront God (vv. [2] – [7], contrary to his fears in [9:14] – [20] and [13:21] – [27]) gives way to his dark night: God’s absence (vv. [8] – [9]), which also terrifies (vv. [13] – [17]). --- a. (23:10) [Ps 66:10]; [Prv 17:3]; [Mal 3:3]; [1 Pt 1:7]. b. (23:13) [Jb 42:2]; [Ps 115:3]; [135:6]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[job-22|← Previous]] | [[job-00|TOC]] | [[job-24|Next →]]