Job 29
Job Speaks of His Former Blessings
or
Those Were the Days
based on Job 29
I long for the past
Job 29:2
Job 29:2
Job continued speaking:
How I long for my life before all of this strife,
and the days when God watched over me.
When his lamp lit my way just as brightly as day;
when I walked through the dark and could see.
I remember a time, long ago in my prime,
when the friendship of God filled my tent.
That's when God was still near and my children were here —
for those days do I grieve and lament.
When my path was a dream, drenched in butter and cream,
and the rocks would gush oil in the air.
When the elders would meet and reserve me a seat
and would honor my voice in the square.
When young men disappeared as they saw that I neared,
and the old men would rise up and stand.
When the prince would refrain from his speech and remain
with his mouth covered up with his hand.
When the nobles would seek my respect and not speak
but were silent because of my name.
Those who knew me had praise and spoke well of my ways
whether seen or they heard — 'twas the same.
I've provided my aid to the poor and afraid,
took the fatherless under my wing.
I was blessed by all those in their final death throes;
I'm the reason the widows’ hearts sing.
And the robes that I'd wear were both Righteous and Fair,
and my turban was Justice and Wise.
Now the crippled and blind and myself are entwined,
as I've served as their feet and their eyes.
Like a father, for sure, to the needy and poor;
I've examined the foreigner's grief.
And I've shattered the jaws of those breaking the laws,
snatching victims from their broken teeth.
I thought, Surely I'll die with my family nearby;
like the sand — my days cannot be few.
For my roots will spread out to the water, no doubt;
and my branches, all night, will hold dew.
Still, more honors are made so my glory won't fade,
and my bow is renewed in my hand.
People listened to me and then waited to see —
waiting quietly for my command.
Once I spoke my last word, only silence was heard;
like the dewdrops that morning would bring.
They were longing to hear my next word in their ear
like they longed for the raindrops of spring.
They, with mouths open wide — joy they never could hide,
drank my words as the latter rains fell.
It would brighten their day if I smiled their way;
for the look on my face said, All's well.
I was chief of their groups, like a king among troops,
and they followed the guidance I gave.
While they mourned those who died, I would soothe those who cried,
and console them en route to the grave.
and the days when God watched over me.
When his lamp lit my way just as brightly as day;
when I walked through the dark and could see.
I remember a time, long ago in my prime,
when the friendship of God filled my tent.
That's when God was still near and my children were here —
for those days do I grieve and lament.
When my path was a dream, drenched in butter and cream,
and the rocks would gush oil in the air.
When the elders would meet and reserve me a seat
and would honor my voice in the square.
When young men disappeared as they saw that I neared,
and the old men would rise up and stand.
When the prince would refrain from his speech and remain
with his mouth covered up with his hand.
When the nobles would seek my respect and not speak
but were silent because of my name.
Those who knew me had praise and spoke well of my ways
whether seen or they heard — 'twas the same.
I've provided my aid to the poor and afraid,
took the fatherless under my wing.
I was blessed by all those in their final death throes;
I'm the reason the widows’ hearts sing.
And the robes that I'd wear were both Righteous and Fair,
and my turban was Justice and Wise.
Now the crippled and blind and myself are entwined,
as I've served as their feet and their eyes.
Like a father, for sure, to the needy and poor;
I've examined the foreigner's grief.
And I've shattered the jaws of those breaking the laws,
snatching victims from their broken teeth.
I thought, Surely I'll die with my family nearby;
like the sand — my days cannot be few.
For my roots will spread out to the water, no doubt;
and my branches, all night, will hold dew.
Still, more honors are made so my glory won't fade,
and my bow is renewed in my hand.
People listened to me and then waited to see —
waiting quietly for my command.
Once I spoke my last word, only silence was heard;
like the dewdrops that morning would bring.
They were longing to hear my next word in their ear
like they longed for the raindrops of spring.
They, with mouths open wide — joy they never could hide,
drank my words as the latter rains fell.
It would brighten their day if I smiled their way;
for the look on my face said, All's well.
I was chief of their groups, like a king among troops,
and they followed the guidance I gave.
While they mourned those who died, I would soothe those who cried,
and console them en route to the grave.
|
|
|
|
|