Job 29:4
As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;
Original Language Analysis
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הָ֭יִיתִי
H1961
הָ֭יִיתִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בִּימֵ֣י
As I was in the days
H3117
בִּימֵ֣י
As I was in the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 8
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
חָרְפִּ֑י
of my youth
H2779
חָרְפִּ֑י
of my youth
Strong's:
H2779
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, the crop gathered, i.e., (by implication) the autumn (and winter) season; figuratively, ripeness of age
בְּס֥וֹד
when the secret
H5475
בְּס֥וֹד
when the secret
Strong's:
H5475
Word #:
5 of 8
a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret
Cross References
Psalms 25:14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.Proverbs 3:32For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.Psalms 27:5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.Job 15:8Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?Job 1:10Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern 'secrets' referred to intimate counsel shared among friends. Job's memory of divine friendship makes present estrangement more painful.
Questions for Reflection
- How does memory of past intimacy with God affect present suffering?
- What does it mean to have 'the secret of God' upon your dwelling?
Analysis & Commentary
Job reminisces: 'As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle.' This recalls intimacy with God ('the secret') and blessing ('upon my tabernacle'). Nostalgia for lost fellowship intensifies present alienation.