shall perish, either with him or after him. Those who consult the true honour of their family, and
its welfare, will be afraid of withering all by sin. The judgments of God follow the wicked man
after death in this world, as a proof of the misery his soul is in after death, and as an earnest of that
everlasting shame and contempt to which he shall rise in the great day. The memory of the just is
blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot, Pr 10:7. It would be well if this report of wicked men
would cause any to flee from the wrath to come, from which their power, policy, and riches cannot
deliver them. But Jesus ever liveth to deliver all who trust in him. Bear up then, suffering believers.
Ye shall for a little time have sorrow, but your Beloved, your Saviour, will see you again; your
hearts shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh away.
Chapter 19
Chapter Outline
Job complains of unkind usage. (1–7)
God was the Author of his afflictions. (8–22)
Job's belief in the resurrection. (23–29)Verses 1–7
Job's friends blamed him as a wicked man, because he was so afflicted; here he describes their
unkindness, showing that what they condemned was capable of excuse. Harsh language from
friends, greatly adds to the weight of afflictions: yet it is best not to lay it to heart, lest we harbour
resentment. Rather let us look to Him who endured the contradiction of sinners against himself,
and was treated with far more cruelty than Job was, or we can be. (Job 19:8-22)
Verses 8–22
How doleful are Job's complaints! What is the fire of hell but the wrath of God! Seared
consciences will feel it hereafter, but do not fear it now: enlightened consciences fear it now, but
shall not feel it hereafter. It is a very common mistake to think that those whom God afflicts he
treats as his enemies. Every creature is that to us which God makes it to be; yet this does not excuse
Job's relations and friends. How uncertain is the friendship of men! but if God be our Friend, he
will not fail us in time of need. What little reason we have to indulge the body, which, after all our
care, is consumed by diseases it has in itself. Job recommends himself to the compassion of his
friends, and justly blames their harshness. It is very distressing to one who loves God, to be bereaved
at once of outward comfort and of inward consolation; yet if this, and more, come upon a believer,
it does not weaken the proof of his being a child of God and heir of glory.
Verses 23–29