Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Job 19:25

Job 19:25

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

a. NLT: “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.

b. NIV: I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

c. Amplified Bible: For I know that my Redeemer and Vindicator lives, and at last He [the Last One] will stand upon the earth.

d. Septuagint: For I know that he is eternal who is about to deliver me

1. “For I know that my redeemer liveth…”

a. redeemer [1350 * ga’al][Strong: a primitive root, to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship), i.e. to be the next of kin (and as such to buy back a relative's property, marry his widow, etc.):--X in any wise, X at all, avenger, deliver, (do, perform the part of near, next) kinsfolk(-man), purchase, ransom, redeem(-er), revenger.][AMG, Complete Old Testament Word Study Dictionary: A verb meaning to redeem or act as a kinsman-redeemer. The word means to act as a redeemer for a deceased kinsman; to redeem or buy back from bondage; to redeem or buy back a kinsman’s possessions; to avenge a kinsman’s murder; to redeem any object through a payment. Theologically, this word is used to convey God’s redemption of individuals from spiritual death and His redemption of the nation of Israel from Egyptian bondage and also from exile.]

b. liveth [2416 * chay][Strong: alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively:--+ age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, + merry, multitude, + (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop.]

c. It is clear who Job is referring to for this Hebrew word translated “redeemer” is used many times in referring to God.

1). Isaiah 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

2). Isaiah 48:17 Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.

3). Jeremiah 50:34 Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

d. When Job was speaking this it was over a thousand years before the incarnation of Christ. Some scholars believe that Job is the oldest book in the Bible and if that is the case these words could have been spoken over 1500 years before Christ.

e. Commentary

1). Adam Clarke Commentary: For I know that my Redeemer liveth - Any attempt to establish the true meaning of this passage is almost hopeless. By learned men and eminent critics the words have been understood very differently; some vehemently contending that they refer to the resurrection of the body, and the redemption of the human race by Jesus Christ; while others, with equal vehemence and show of argument, have contended that they refer only to Job's restoration to health, family comforts, and general prosperity, after the present trial should be ended. In defense of these two opinions larger treatises have been written than the whole book of Job would amount to, if written even in capitals. To discuss the arguments on either side the nature of this work forbids; but my own view of the subject will be reasonably expected by the reader. I shall therefore lay down one principle, without which no mode of interpretation hitherto offered can have any weight. The principle is this: Job was now under the especial inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and spoke prophetically. Now, whether we allow that the passage refers to the general resurrection and the redemption by Christ, or to Job's restoration to health, happiness, and prosperity, this principle is equally necessary.

2. “…and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”

a. stand [6965 * quwm][Strong: a primitive root; to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative):--abide, accomplish, X be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, X be dim, endure, X enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, X but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-)rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-)stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, - rising).]

b. latter [314 * ‘acharown][Strong: from 309; hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western:--after (-ward), to come, following, hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward, ut(ter)most.]

1). Albert Barnes Commentary: At the latter day - The word "day" here is supplied by the translators. The Hebrew is, יאחרין ye'achăryôn - and after, afterward, hereafter, at length. The word literally means, hinder, hinder part - opposite to foremost, former. It is applied to the Mediterranean sea, as being behind when the eye of the geographer was supposed to be turned to the East; (see the notes at Job 18:20;) then it means after, later, applied to a generation or age. Psa 48:14, to a day - to future times - (אחרין יום yôm 'achăryôn), Pro 31:25Isa 30:8. All that this word necessarily expresses here is, that at some future period this would occur. It does not determine when it would be. The language would apply to any future time, and might refer to file coming of the Redeemer, to the resurrection, or to some subsequent period in the life of Job. The meaning is, that however long he was to suffer, however protracted his calamities were, and were likely to be, be had the utmost confidence that God would at length, or at some future time, come forth to vindicate him. The phrase, "the latter day," has now acquired a kind of technical meaning, by which we naturally refer it to the day of judgment. But there is no evidence that it has any such reference here. 

c. earth [6083 * ‘aphar][Strong: from 6080; dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud:--ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish.]

d. I had no idea how many varied opinions there were concerning this verse. I had always felt it to be one of the most uplifting in the Scripture and still do. I believe Job was prophesying of his redemption and resurrection and the Messiah being on this earth in the latter times.

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