Job 29: Group Study Handout

Overview

In Job chapter 29, Job reminisces about his past when he experienced God's favor and enjoyed a life of respect and prosperity. He recalls the time when God's lamp shone upon his head, and God's friendship was upon his tent. Job describes the honor and esteem he held in his community as he sat in the gate and had the attention of both young and old.

Key verse

“Oh that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me; when his lamp shone on my head, and by his light I walked through darkness,”

Job 29:2-3 (WEB)

Outline

1. Job 29:1–2 Job's Lament for the Past
2. Job 29:3–5 Experiencing Divine Favor
3. Job 29:6–10 Respect and Honor in Society
4. Job 29:11–14 Acts of Justice and Righteousness
5. Job 29:15–19 Personal Integrity and Strength
6. Job 29:20–24 Wisdom and Influence
7. Job 29:25 Living as a King

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what does Job mean by 'the months of old'?
2. What does Job describe in v15 when he says he was 'eyes to the blind'?
3. Job's longing for past blessings in vv. 2-3: how does this shape his current despair?
4. The phrase 'I chose out their way' in v25: what does this suggest about Job's role in his community?
5. When has your experience of loss made you long for 'the ripeness of my days' (v4)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Job 29: Psalm 119, Psalm 27, Job 22.

Before next time: read Job 30.