Job 19:2

HOW LONG?: In reply to the question of Job 18:2: “When?” or “How long?” (AV).

Job 19:3

TEN TIMES: That is, constantly: Gen 31:7,41; Lev 26:26; Num 14:22; Neh 4:12.

Job 19:6

You must realize that GOD has done this to me, and not my own sins.

Job 19:9

CROWN: A “crown” of righteousness.

Job 19:12

HIS TROOPS… MY TENT: A great army encamped against, and besieging, a single slender “tent”.

Job 19:20

THE SKIN OF MY TEETH: Empty gums (teeth fallen out).

Job 19:25

MY REDEEMER: Yahweh is the redeemer (Heb “goel”) of His people: Exo 6:6; Psa 19:14; 78:35; Isa 41:14; 59:20. “Goel” is translated “avenger” (Num 35:12), “revenger” (Num 35:19,27), “near-kinsman” (Rth 2:20; 3:9); “deliver” (Psa 119:154); “ransomed” (Isa 51:10); “kinfolk” (1Ki 16:11); “kinsman” (Num 5:8). The “near-kinsman” should redeem his brethren if they have fallen into slavery or servitude (Lev 25:47-55; cp Rom 6:17,18). He may also function as: (1) an avenger of blood: Josh 20:3-6; Num 35:15-28; Deu 19:6-12: cp Rom 12:19; Rev 6:10; (2) an avenger of violated rights: Rth 4:1,6,8; (3) a redeemer of the fatherless (Pro 23:10); (4) a redeemer from: (a) death, grave (Hos 13:14), (b) evil (Gen 48:16), (c) deceit and violence (Psa 72:14), and (d) enemies (Psa 106:10; 107:2).

See Phan 87 (the necessity for God to dwell in a man, so as to become a ‘kinsman’).

MY: What good is a Redeemer who does not redeem ME? What benefit is an Avenger who does not stand up for ME? The difference is absolute: it is the difference between gold ore buried in the mine, and gold coins in my pocket!

STAND: To rise up, come forward — as a witness: Deu 19:15; Psa 37:12; to interpose, as a judge: Psa 12:5.

UPON THE EARTH: “Upon the dust” (RV mg). “Dust” suggests the grave (see NIV mg): Job 17:16; 20:11; 21:26.

Job 19:26

IN (APART FROM): Or, “from” (RV) — ie “out of”… my flesh.

Job 19:27

WITH MY OWN EYES: “On my side” (RV mg; RSV) — ie as my “goel”, avenger.

AND NOT ANOTHER: “And not a stranger” (AV mg). God will not be a stranger to me any longer.

HOW MY HEART YEARNS WITHIN ME: “Though my reins be consumed within me” (AV). Or “my heart faints” (RV, RSV) at the joyous prospect: Psa 73:26; 84:2; 119:81,125.

Job 19:28

Vv 28,29: Job warns friends, “Someday the tables will be turned.”